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Queenstown to Milford Sound Tours
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Milford Sound
- Round-trip transfers from Queenstown
- Stops with short walks
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Lunch (as per option selected)
- Complimentary tea and coffee on-board
- Small-group experience (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Other food and beverages (available to purchase onboard)
- Tip: Head to the bow when near Stirling Falls on the boat to experience a refreshing spray from glacial meltwater!
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
Inclusions
- Full-day or half-day tour of Milford Sound from Queenstown (based on option selected)
- Small-group experience
- Round-trip flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)
- One-way coach to Milford Sound (if option selected)
- Return flight transfer to Queenstown (if option selected)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Live commentary
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Complimentary tea, coffee, & water on cruise
Exclusions
- Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)
- Tip: Look out for playful dolphins and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin.
- The flyover from Queenstown over Milford Sound and back to Queenstown is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Passengers weighing 140kg (308lb) or more should make a note during booking. For helicopter activities, there is a weight limit of 116kg (255lb).
- A discrepancy exceeding 15kg (33lb) from the declared weight at check-in may lead to rescheduling, depending on availability.
- This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Best for guests looking for a more intimate setting and nature and history enthusiasts looking to catch scenic views with animal encounters and culture.
- Book this if you want a cost-effective way to enjoy mountain views, history, culture, and up-close encounters with native animals.
- What's unique: See local wildlife at Lake Te Anau, Kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot at Darren Mountains and New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks of Milford Sound.
- Sights seen: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Devils Staircase, Lake Te Anau, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River & Falls Creek, Darran Mountains, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Pop's View Lookout.
- Best for guests looking for a more intimate setting and nature and history enthusiasts looking to catch scenic views with animal encounters and culture.
- Book this if you want a cost-effective way to enjoy mountain views, history, culture, and up-close encounters with native animals.
- What's unique: See local wildlife at Lake Te Anau, Kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot at Darren Mountains and New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks of Milford Sound.
- Sights seen: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Devils Staircase, Lake Te Anau, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River & Falls Creek, Darran Mountains, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Pop's View Lookout.
Inclusions
- Small group guided tour
- Tour guide
- Round-trip transfers
- Milford sound cruise
- Cruise entry
- Minibus
- Start from Queenstown.
- The following stops will be included on the way to and back from Milford Sound.
Minibus
- Queenstown
- Lake Wakatipu
- Devils Staircase
- Lake Te Anau
- Eglington Valley
- Mirror Lakes
- Lake Gunn
- Hollyford River & Falls Creek
- Darran Mountains
- Homer Tunnel
Cruise
These are the sights you can look out for during the cruise:
- Milford Sound
- Mitre Peak
- Pop's View Lookout
- Return to Queenstown
- Tip: Keep an eye out for white-headed woodpeckers and martens when you take a short stroll around Mirror Lakes.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Milford Sound
Top things to do in Queenstown
Your Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour Options
From Queenstown: Scenic Flyover & Milford Sound Cruise
- Take a scenic flight from and to Queenstown with a guaranteed window seat and live commentary from your pilot. See rare Milford gems like jade deposits, Earnslaw Burn Glacier, and more.
- Choose to return by coach and visit Mirror Lakes and Homer Tunnel, or opt for a return flight on a new route to see Sutherland Falls and Lake Quill.
- You can also choose to include a Milford Sound Cruise on your adventure.
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours (based on option selected)
Timings: 9 AM, 1:45 PM
From Queenstown: Milford Cruise, Lunch & Return Transfers
- Get hassle-free round-trip guided AC coach tours with hotel pick-ups and drop-offs. Enjoy nature walks and mountain views along the way.
- Opt for a guided Milford Sound Cruise with lunch and complimentary beverages on board. Vegetarian options are also available.
- Upgrade to a scenic flight back. Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, Remarkables mountain range — experience it all from a bird's eye view.
Duration: 12 hours (based on option selected)
Timings: 6:10 AM, 7:40 AM, 8:40 AM
Why Take a Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour?
- Guided round-trip transfers: Get unparalleled convenience with guided AC coach tours, offering hassle-free hotel pick-ups and drop-offs. Capture the views from Queenstown to Milford Sound comfortably without worrying about keeping your eyes on the road.
- Milford Sound from the sky: Take in Milford Sound from the sky. Enjoy a scenic flight with a guaranteed window seat, revealing rare gems like jade deposits and glaciers.
- Live commentary: Learn local lore and insider details from your pilot or your cruise captain as you soar past some of Milford's best views. You'll leave knowing Milford like the back of your hand.
- Milford Sound cruise with lunch: On your scenic cruise, enjoy a meal amidst sights like Fairy Falls and Mitre Peak. Encounter endangered species like Fiordland-crested penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and dolphins in these inky waters.
- Tailored adventures: Experience Milford Sound, your way. Opt for coach exploration with stops at Mirror Lakes and Homer Tunnel or indulge in a different route with Sutherland Falls and Lake Quill on a return flight.
Sights to See on a Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour
The journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound is arguably one of the most scenic drives in the world. The Milford Road winds its way through Queenstown attractions and then mountains, valleys, even rainforests, offering stunning views around every corner. But the journey isn't just about the destination; there are plenty of amazing sights to see along the way. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Southern Alps
Nature at its very best, you will see the stunning Southern Alps shortly after departing from Queenstown. Enjoy the sweeping views of waterfalls, lakes, and snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Milford Sound
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a glacial fjord nestled within the heart of Fiordland National Park. Dubbed the world's 8th natural wonder, it's renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rainforests, and waterfalls. Fun fact: It's also one of the wettest places on earth!
Mirror Lakes
Remember those paintings with still water bodies and perfect reflection of the scenery around? Formed by an oxbow in the Eglinton River, Mirror Lakes are aptly named for their ability to perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains.
Homer Tunnel
An engineering feat, this 1.2 km long tunnel carves through the rugged Darran Mountains, connecting the Hollyford Valley with the Cleddau Valley, and is a portal to the scenic Milford Sound.
Lake Wakatipu
This glacial lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, penguins, and swans.
Kawarau Gorge
A dramatic gorge, home to the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, the first bridge ever built in New Zealand.
The Remarkables
These snow-capped mountains are a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour
How much does a Queenstown to Milford Sound tour cost?
A Queenstown to Milford Sound tours start from NZ$235 depending on your choice of transport, additional experiences, and tour inclusions.
Which is the best Queenstown to Milford Sound tourr?
A Queenstown to Milford Sound Scenic Flyover with Milford Sound Cruise is the best if you wish to explore the fiord from a unique angle. The Queenstown to Milford Sound tour with Milford Cruise and lunch tour is the budget-friendly option. Both tours include comfortable, luxury round-trip transfers with hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.
Why should I opt for a Queenstown to Milford Sound tour and what does it include?
Our Queenstown to Milford Sound tours not only come with local expert guides but also offer unparalleled convenience with round-trip AC coach transfers, hassle-free hotel pick-ups, and drop-offs. You can relax and enjoy the scenic drive without worrying about navigation. And once you're at Milford Sound, you can opt to go for a cruise or a scenic flight. It's the best end-to-end curated Milford Sound experience.
How long does a Queenstown to Milford Sound tour last?
A Queenstown to Milford Sound tour lasts between 4.5 to 12 hours depending on the selected activities, chosen itinerary, and mode of transportation.
What parts of the Milford Sound can I access with a Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour?
On your way to Milford Sound you’ll see the Southern Alps, nature trails at Monkey Creek and other iconic destinations including, Knobs Flat, Mirror Lakes, and Homer Tunnel. With a cruise inclusion, you’ll have the chance to see almost all of Milford wonders, from its waterfalls, to Mitre Peak, Fiordland National Park, Coves, and rare animals up close for over 2 hours.
What is the cancellation policy for a Queenstown to Milford Sound tour?
You can cancel your tickets 24 hours before the departure time to get a full refund on your booking.
Is the Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour suitable for children?
Yes, Queenstown to Milford Sound Tours are suitable for kids. Please note that baby earmuffs and child/booster seats are available to ensure the little one’s comfort and safety.