Inclusions
Exclusions
Inclusions
Queenstown
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Wye Creek Track
Lake Te Anau Lion Lookout Point
1
Te Anau
Free Admission
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Stretch your legs and explore as the coach stops here for a midway break.
Lake Mistletoe Walking Track
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Lake Gunn
Hollyford Lookout
Lake Marian Track
Homer Tunnel
The Chasm
2
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
The gateway to Milford Sound, where you can embark on a cruise to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
12
Queenstown
Inclusions
Exclusions
Te Anau
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Hollyford Lookout
Homer Tunnel
1
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
The gateway to Milford Sound, where you can embark on a cruise to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
5
Te Anau
Inclusions
Queenstown
Start your flight from Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, known for its stunning lake and mountain views.
Central Otago
Lake Wakatipu
Mt Aspiring National Park
Fiordland National Park
5
Queenstown
Inclusions
Exclusions
Queenstown or Te Anau
If you've opted for round-trip transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau, sit back and relax on the scenic route on the comfortable coach to Milford Sound.
1
Milford Sound
10 attractions
Cruise the full length of Milford Sound on the MV Sinbad. With breathtaking scenery and expert nature guides, experience waterfalls, wildlife, and fascinating local history—all with fresh canapés.
Nearby things to do
2
Queenstown or Te Anau
Inclusions
Queenstown
Start your journey in the stunning city of Queenstown on a comfortable AC minibus where your guide will guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
1
Lake Wakatipu
Free Admission
Devils Staircase
2
Lake Te Anau
Free Admission
The largest lake in the South Island, Lake Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Meet some of the local animals or wildlife and then stop at Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track, to hear the stories and admire the views.
3
Eglinton Valley
Free Admission
Eglinton Valley is a stunning flat-floored valley surrounded by towering peaks. Its vibrant grasslands make it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or a photo stop.
4
Mirror Lakes
Free Admission
A short walk from the highway, Mirror Lakes offers reflective views of the surrounding mountains. On calm days, the reflections are almost perfect, creating an optical illusion.
5
Lake Gunn
Free Admission
Hollyford River
6
Darran Mountains
Free Admission
The Darran Mountains are a rugged mountain range within Fiordland National Park, offering jaw-dropping vistas and a chance to click photos of some large, cheeky, and colourful birds.
Homer Tunnel
7
Milford Sound
Tickets included
Embark on a 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound, a breathtaking fjord known for the towering Mitre Peak rising sharply from its waters and the famous Pop's View Lookout that offers panoramic views of the Hollyford Valley and beyond.
Boat
11
Queenstown
Inclusions
Minibus
Cruise
These are the sights you can look out for during the cruise:
You have three locations from where you can take a Milford Sound tour: Queenstown, Te Anau, and Milford Sound. We've compared all three options to help you pick the perfect tour.
Distance from Milford Sound: 118km (1.4 hours)
Why start from here?
The most compelling reason to start from Te Anau is the proximity to the fjord. The drive is picturesque, with gems like Eglinton Valley, Knobs Flat, Lake Gunn, and more for you to explore along the way.
Distance from Milford Sound: 287km (3.4 hours)
Why start from here?
Queenstown is one of the bigger cities closest to Milford Sound, and is near enough to make a day trip out of it. You will even pass by Te Anau on your way! The drive may take you longer if you account for stops, so if you plan to self explore Milford Sound, plan to stay over at Te Anau for the night.
Distance from Milford Sound: 0km (you're here!)
Why start from here?
Since you've done most of the work by getting to Milford Sound, the only thing left is to explore the fjord! Hop on a cruise and hike through the Milford Track with a tour guide to make the most of your day trip.
Duration: 12-13 hours (depending on the selection)
Inclusions: boat tour of Milford Sound, tour guide, return transfers, lunch/snacks
Price: from NZ$195
Enjoy a comfortable commute from Te Anau and Queenstown along with a tour of Milford Sound, with a dedicated tour guide, and access to attractions like Homer Tunnel, Lake Gunn, the Tasman Sea & more.
Recommended experiences:
Duration: 2-7 hours (depending on the selection)
Inclusions: boat tour of Milford Sound, live commentary by captain, snacks onboard
Price: from NZ$125.
Cruise along Milford Sound and view landmarks such as Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and Seal Point from the deck while enjoying live commentary from the captain, and onboard refreshments.
Recommended experiences:
Duration: 5-13 hours (depending on the selection)
Inclusions: flights to and from Te Anau/Queenstown and Milford Sound, boat tour of Milford Sound, snacks onboard, tour guide
Price: NZ$645
Hop on a flight from the city, straight to Milford Sound, where you can enjoy a serene cruise and spot attractions like Mitre Peak, Seal Rock, and more, while you enjoy live commentary from your captain. Don't forget to catch the flight back to the city!
Recommended experience:
Milford Sound is located in the Fiordland National Park, and is accessible via road and flights.
Address: Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound Highway 94, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand | Find on maps
Milford Sound guided tours offer city transfers from Te Anau and Queenstown. Choose between two types depending on your budget and time:
Milford Sound has one main stay option, Milford Sound Lodge, which has both luxury chalets and sites to park your caravan. You can find a lot more stay options at Te Anau, covering high end, mid-range, and budget stays.
Milford Sound is sparsely populated, so you won't find many dining options in the small town. Here are your options for a bite to eat at Milford Sound:
If you need extra sustenance for the road, it's best to make a pit stop at Te Anau and do a quick grocery run.
Milford Sound tour prices start at NZ$125 and can go up to NZ$1,364, depending on the inclusions and type of tour you choose.
There are three types of Milford Sound tours you can choose from. Day trips are the most convenient way to explore the fjord, if you are starting from the city. It includes return transfers to and from the city, a tour guide, and a boat cruise of Milford Sound; prices start at NZ$245. Boat cruises are the most affordable option for folks who plan to drive to Milford Sound. You get a 2-hour cruise on a luxury boat and lunch onboard, starting at NZ$125. Flight cruises are a unique way to explore Milford Sound, with one-way or round trip flights to the fjord, boat cruise, and a tour guide. These tours are more expensive, with prices starting at NZ$645.
In most cases, you can cancel your tour up to 24 hours before your experience begins and get a full refund issued. Some tours require you to cancel up to 48 hours before the experience to get a refund.
A Milford Sound tour is the best way to experience the beauty of the 8th wonder of the world, without having to worry about commutes or missing out on special landmarks along the way. Most tours come with options for return transfer to Te Anau or Queenstown, a tour guide, and the opportunity to explore attractions like Homer Tunnel, Lake Gunn, Milford Track, Mitre Peak & more. Choose between day trips, boat cruises, and flight cruises depending on your budget, and get ready for a hassle-free exploration of New Zealand.
The duration of your tour depends on the tour type and inclusions. Day trips take an average of 12 hours, including returns. A flight cruise will take close to 5 hours, including returns. A boat cruise will take you 2 hours.
Yes, all Milford Sound tours are kid-friendly. Tours with hikes may not be the best idea for children under the age of 8, as they require mild to moderate physical activity for an extended period.
Flight tours and boat cruises are wheelchair friendly. However, Milford Track hikes that are part of some day tours are not recommended for folks with reduced mobility.
You will pass by several landmarks on your way from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound. Explore the Homer Tunnel, Lake Gunn, Mt. Aspiring National Park, and more on your Milford Sound tour.