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Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown

Offered by RealNZ

From

$298.00 per person

4.7 (249 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: German, German, Chinese (Taiwan), Chinese (Taiwan), Korean, Korean, Japanese, Japanese, English, English, English, Chinese (China), Chinese (China), French, French, Spanish, Spanish

Travel from Queenstown or Te Anau to Piopiotahi Milford Sound by glass-roofed coach, then take a 2-hour cruise past Mitre Peak and waterfalls.

Tour Overview

Travel with RealNZ from Queenstown or Te Anau to Piopiotahi Milford Sound in a glass roofed coach, then board a purpose built vessel for a relaxed 2 hour cruise through this UNESCO listed fiord. From Queenstown, the coach journey to Milford takes around 5 hours with viewing stops along the way and a 20 to 30 minute break in Te Anau. From Te Anau, the one way journey is around 2.5 hours.

On the water, the cruise continues out toward the Tasman Sea, passing Mitre Peak and moving close to cascading waterfalls. Outdoor decks and an indoor lounge give you different ways to take in Milford’s towering peaks, lush rainforest, and changing weather. Cabinet food and barista coffee are available to purchase onboard, and picnic lunches can be pre purchased directly with the supplier after booking.

This cruise is designed for independent travellers who want time to look around rather than follow a fixed schedule. An onboard nature specialist provides commentary throughout the journey and is available to chat with guests, adding context to the fiord’s landscape and wildlife. Keep watch for fur seals, dolphins, and penguins as you travel through one of New Zealand’s most recognised natural settings.

What's Included

  • Scenic Photo Stops
  • 1hr 40 min or 2 Hour Nature Cruise
  • Live Commentary from Local Nature Guide
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Milford App - Audio & Written guides in multiple languages. Downloadable before travel

Not Included:

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Lunch (Cabinet food available to purchase)

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Queenstown

    Depart from Queenstown aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Along the way, enjoy commentary from your knowledgeable guide, who will share fascinating insights into the history, geology, and unique wildlife of Fiordland.

    Pass by without stopping

  2. 2

    Lake Wakatipu

    Travel alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, enjoying spectacular views across the water to the towering Remarkables mountain range and the surrounding alpine landscape.

    Pass by without stopping

  3. 3

    Te Anau

    Arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and home to New Zealand's second-largest lake. Take a short break in this picturesque lakeside town, stretch your legs, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before continuing your journey.

    20 minutes

  4. 4

    Eglinton Valley

    Entering Fiordland National Park, stop in the remarkable Eglinton Valley. Carved by ancient glaciers, this broad valley is surrounded by mountains and offers some of the region's most breathtaking scenery

    10 minutes

  5. 5

    Mirror Lakes Walk

    Enjoy a brief walk to the famous Mirror Lakes, renowned for their stunning reflections of the Earl Mountains on calm days. These small lakes provide one of Fiordland's most photographed natural scenes

    10 minutes

  6. 6

    Monkey Creek

    Hop off the coach to admire the crystal clear waters of Monkey Creek. Keep an eye out for the local Kea (world's only alpine parrot) who are known to come and say hello to visitors.

    10 minutes

  7. 7

    Homer Tunnel

    Pass through the impressive Homer Tunnel, a remarkable engineering achievement carved through solid rock. Your guide will share the tunnel's fascinating history before you emerge into the spectacular Milford Sound valley.

    Pass by without stopping

  8. 8

    Milford Sound

    Relax as you explore the fiord, surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness in one of New Zealand's most celebrated natural destinations. Classic Cruise Package: • 1-hour 40 min cruise, full length of fiord on one of our comfortable and spacious boats • Multilingual commentary: Access expert commentary in your language using the RealNZ Milford Sound app. Signature Cruise Package: • 2-hour cruise, full length of fiord, on one of our unique, character-rich boats • Insightful commentary by our friendly nature guides

    2 hours

  9. 9

    Mitre Peak

    Take in Piopiotahi’s most famous view. Mitre Peak rises 1692m straight from the water, all sharp ridgelines and sheer faces, an unforgettable first sight and a dream for photographers.

    Pass by without stopping

  10. 10

    Bowen Falls

    One of Milford Sound’s stunning two permanent waterfalls, Bowen Falls plunges 162 meters into the fiord. On clear days the spray catches the light; on rainy days it roars - either way, it is pure Milford magic.

    Pass by without stopping

  11. 11

    Stirling Falls

    Stirling Falls cascades 146 meters from a glacier-fed, U-shaped hanging valley between Elephant and Lion Mountains, making it Milford Sound’s second-largest permanent waterfall. Named after Captain Stirling, who navigated the HMS Cleo here in the 1870s, it’s a breathtaking sight. Step onto the deck to feel its refreshing mist.

    Pass by without stopping

  12. 12

    Queenstown

    Reboard your RealNZ coach and return to Queenstown by road through Fiordland. Enjoy some quiet time to relax, reflect and soak in the memories of your day in Milford Sound.

    Pass by without stopping

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

88 Beach Street

88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

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RealNZ Queenstown, Please arrive 30 minutes before scheduled departure time. Please contact our customer service team if you wish to organise a pick-up from a bus stop close to your hotel/accommodation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

Please double check you have booked the correct departing location and refer to the appropriate addresses for each departure check in location. Please ensure you check in 20 minutes prior to departure Warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The RealNZ App is downloadable prior to travel, with access to audio and written guides in multiple languages. Piopiotahi Milford Sound is one of the world's most spectacular environments, and it comes with natural hazard risk. A large earthquake or tsunami is extremely unlikely during your visit, especially a short one. Even so, these hazards do pose a risk to life, and once you are there, your options to stay safe are limited. What to do: If an earthquake feels LONG or STRONG, Get GONE. Move up and away from waterways (the fiord and rivers) as quickly as possible. If you see or hear a landslide, do the same. Find out more: realnz.com/en/plan/natural-hazard, civildefencesouthland.govt.nz/piopiotahi-milford-sound & af8.org.nz

Additional Info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Piopiotahi Milford Sound is in an area with inherent natural risk, including potential earthquakes and landslide-induced tsunami. Know before you go: realnz.com/en/plan/natural-hazard

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.