Enjoy a more intimate Milford Sound experience from Te Anau. Depart later and explore Milford Road on a comfortable, premium bus. Discover the fiord on a small boat cruise. Visit the Underwater Observatory and savor an included picnic lunch.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 8.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English
Audio guide included: Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, English

Highlights

Encounter Milford Sound on a day trip from Te Anau
Enjoy the most in-depth Milford Sound day trip experience
Discover the scenic alpine Milford Road
Cruise beneath towering waterfalls and along the length of the fiord
Visit New Zealand's only floating underwater observatory
Savor a freshly prepared picnic lunch

Full description

Set off on a day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound and enjoy a more intimate and in-depth experience of Milford Sound. Discover the native wildlife, towering waterfalls, and majestic mountains of the fiord on an intimate cruise on a smaller boat. Journey through spectacular landscapes as your experienced, local bus driver provides engaging and informative commentary. Enjoy short walks and photo stops along Milford Road. Arrive at Milford Sound and relax on a nature cruise with a freshly prepared picnic lunch onboard. Get within touching distance of impressive rock walls and up close to Stirling Falls. Your passionate skipper will share their local knowledge with lively and informative commentary. Visit Milford Sound Underwater Observatory along the way. Descend 60 steps down a spiral staircase into a spacious viewing chamber to discover the unique and beautiful environment hidden under the surface of Milford Sound. Cruise back to the Milford Sound Visitor Centre to re-join the bus for the return journey to Te Anau.

Includes

Travel in a premium, spacious bus with comfortable seats
Charging ports on the bus
Cruise on Milford Sound on a smaller boat
English commentary from your experienced coach driver
Freshly prepared picnic lunch
Complimentary tea and coffee
Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Traveler requirements

Masks are optional for this activity
All participants who are over 12 years old must present proof of full vaccination

Meeting point

Te Anau Visitor Centre, 80 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure time.

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Important information

Know before you go

Headset commentary is available onboard the coach in Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French and German
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
Infants aged 0-4 are charged at a special rate, an appropriate child restraint must be provided by an adult caregiver in order for an infant or small child to travel on the coach. This is in accordance with New Zealand Law
In the interest of your safety, the local operator may cancel the activity at any time due to unsafe weather conditions or maintenance

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 13 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
5/5
Value for money
4.4/5
Safety
4.8/5

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Great day!

We chose the “small” bus and boat excursion with the picnic lunch and observatory. We were very happy with everything. The weather was perfect. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. Our bus driver, Roland, and boat captain were excellent, and very informative and funny. We won’t hesitate to book future excursions.

April 9, 2019

Had the best day out. Had been on our bucket list for some time but got more urgent when husband was given borrowed time. Would defiantly do again.

January 23, 2022

January 18, 2022

Te Anau: Milford Sound Bus, Cruise, Observatory, and Lunch

Te Anau: Milford Sound Bus, Cruise, Observatory, and Lunch

About this activity

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Great day!