Day trip

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Bus & Boat

Activity provider: Southern Discoveries
Day trip

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Bus & Boat

Activity provider: Southern Discoveries
Likely to sell out

From US$ 155.62 per person

Likely to sell out

Visit Milford Sound by premium coach for a 2-hour nature cruise and picnic lunch. Enjoy the scenery, informative commentary, and photo stops before sailing close to the fiord's waterfalls.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 12.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Itinerary
4 hours
  • Queenstown

  • 2.5 hours
  • Te Anau (break)

  • 45 minutes
  • Eglinton Valley (photo stop)

  • 5 minutes
  • Mirror Lakes (photo stop)

  • 1 hour
  • Milford Sound (boat cruise)

  • 2 hours
  • Te Anau (break)

  • 2 hours
  • Queenstown

Meeting point
Main stop
Other stop
Highlights
  • Drive along the magnificent Milford Road by coach
  • Discover some of the best short walks and photo stops along the way
  • Cruise beneath the waterfalls of Milford Sound and look for native wildlife
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch, freshly prepared by the on-board chefs
Full description

Take the hassle out of driving to Milford Sound and join a guided coach tour from Queenstown. Sit back, relax and enjoy magnificent scenery and informative commentary. Your experienced local coach driver will show you the best views along the Milford Road and connect you seamlessly with a 1hr 45min nature cruise. Travel in a spacious coach with USB charging ports. Marvel at the native rainforest, spectacular waterfalls and glacial lakes. Pause briefly in Te Anau before continuing along the spectacular alpine Milford Road. Admire incredible views at Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobbs Flat or Monkey Creek and pose for photos. Be wowed by the glaciar-carved Milford Sound as you approach the visitor terminal. Seize your cruise and lunch passes from the driver who’ll help you find your cruise departure gate.  Climb aboard a purpose-built catamaran for a nature cruise along the fiord’s deep blue waters. Savor a freshly prepared picnic lunch. Marvel at the impressive natural landscape and keep a lookout for native wildlife like dolphins, seals and penguins. Be fascinated by live commentary from your skipper in the open wheelhouse.

Get within touching distance of impressive glaciar-carved rock walls and feel the full force of the powerful 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls on your face. Awed and satisfied, rejoin your driver for the scenic return journey to Queenstown. 

Includes
  • Transportation by coach
  • USB charging ports on coach
  • English commentary
  • 2-hour Milford Sound nature cruise
  • Lunch
  • Tea and coffee

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Meet at the Southern Discoveries - Queenstown Visitor Centre.

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    Important information

    What to bring

    • Warm clothing
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera
    • Sunscreen
    • Insect repellent

    Know before you go

    • Appropriate child restraints are not provided by the activity provider. Please bring your own as without this you may be turned away and unable to travel
    • Always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during your visit. The landscape is especially dramatic during wet weather as rainfall creates dozens of temporary waterfalls
    • All vessels are fully licensed with a range of beverages plus a selection of snack foods. Note that smoking is not permitted on any of the vessels
    • Reservations may be amended to another date or time, subject to space and availability
    • It is an approximate 5-hour drive each way from Queenstown. Scenic flights are available on request for the return journey, weather permitting
    • In the interest of your safety, the activity provider may cancel the activity at any time due to unsafe weather conditions or maintenance
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.7 /5

    based on 536 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.8/5
    • Transportation
      4.7/5
    • Value for money
      4.5/5
    • Safety
      4.8/5

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    Traveler type:

    Star rating:

    I was worried that I would get tired from the long ride, but thanks to the wonderful scenery and the many sightseeing spots along the way, I didn't feel like I had much time. I came back while I was there. I arrived at around 7:30 pm, but I think the fact that it was still bright was the reason why I didn't feel the time.

    March 19, 2023

    This was the best guided trip we’ve had. Brad, our guide was amazing helping us visualize the background of the iconic locations by way of his exceptional story telling. The cruise was great as well with very good vegetarian and vegan options. Can certainly say that it would have felt more tiring had we driven all the way from Queenstown.

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    February 15, 2023

    It’s a nice long trip with glass roof bus, clean and a lot to see. The guide Ben is very knowledgeable and funny, you will not get bored. Each stops had been planned well and informed beforehand, for breakfast, quick sightseeing and toilet breaks. Toilets on each stops are remarkably clean is a plus. The buffet lunch on the cruise was great. You need to bring your own water, otherwise you can purchase it on the cruise. Tea and coffee are free on the cruise. The bus is on time, so don’t be late. You can choose to fly back by paying extra, otherwise enjoy the 4 hours trip from Milford back to Queenstown.

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    January 23, 2023

    Product ID: 105404