Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Join talented and knowledgeable guides on a journey along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. All guides have unique and insightful stories to share, and spill the secrets of their beautiful backyard as you travel through lush rainforest, glacier carved valleys, alpine lookouts and much more. Enjoy spectacular short walks and incredible photo stops before arriving at the main event, magical Milford Sound.
On arrival at Milford Sound, board a modern and spacious catamaran exploration of the region’s most famous fiord. As the boat travels the length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea, the welcoming crew will share what they know about their place, its wildlife, waterfalls, and fascinating history.
Enjoy complimentary lunch before joining the crew for a dance in the spray of pure glacial melt as the boat noses close Stirling Falls for a refreshing finale!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please ensure that a car seat or suitable restraint is brought for all passengers 4 years and under travelling on our coach to ensure their safety and safety of others.
Piopiotahi Milford Sound is a place of exceptional natural beauty, carved by glaciers and surrounded by towering peaks and lush rainforest. As part of Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s most remote and rugged region, this incredible environment also brings with it a range of natural hazards. While our team takes every measure to operate safely and keep you informed, it’s important that you are aware of potential risks so you can be prepared and confident during your visit. More information can be found on https://puremilford.co.nz/natural-hazard-and-risk
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Milford Sound Cruise
Coffee and/or Tea
What To Expect
Southland Region
Departing Queenstown and hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the highway brings you along the rugged but beautiful Devil's Staircase and passed stunning mountain ranges to southern rural heartland. After passing through deer, cattle and sheep farming landscape, you come to the beautiful town of Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland, for a refreshment break.
Te Anau
The coach makes a scheduled stop at Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland for an important rest break before journeying into the National Park. You can use this time to get your caffeine fix, stretch your legs, take a stroll to the lake or stock up on the last of connectivity as phone signal and WiFi is blissfully lost as you enter Fiordland.
Options
Coach&Cruise Tour Queenstown
Coach and Cruise Day Tour: Join an epic coach & catamaran exploration of the Fiordland National Park. Return coach transport, cruise and lunch included
Duration: 12 hours
Lunch: Lunch options include chicken, vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free. Lunch is served on board the cruise
Touring Coach: Air conditioned touring coach
Pickup included
Early Coach & Cruise from QTN
Coach & Cruise Day Tour: Beat the crowds and join the first coach departing Queenstown for Milford Sound! Transport, cruise and lunch included.
Duration: 12 hours
Lunch: Lunch options include chicken, vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free. Lunch is served on board the cruise
Air Conditioned Touring Coach
Pickup included
Later Coach & Cruise from QTN
Coach and Cruise Day Tour: Allow the crowds to rush ahead on this later departure coach & cruise exploration of Piopiotahi/Milford Sound. Lunch included
Duration: 12 hours
Lunch: Picnic lunch options include chicken, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. Lunch is served on board the cruise
Air Conditioned Tour Coach
Pickup included
Reviews
664 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Road closures due to weather
Janelle I,
Sep 22, 2025
- Viator
1.00This would have been awesome, but unfortunately it was cancelled due to weather and road closures, by avalanches. Never mind
Best day I've had in years. Milford Sound Magic
Dane O,
Sep 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00From start to finish, this was truly the best day I’ve had in years. Our driver, Carl, was absolutely fantastic—professional, friendly, and full of knowledge. He made the long journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound fly by, keeping us entertained with fascinating insights about the region, its history, and the incredible local wildlife. Along the way, he stopped at several stunning lookout points so we could stretch our legs and soak up some of the most picturesque scenery imaginable. Each stop felt like its own little adventure, with countless photo opportunities and moments that took my breath away. When we arrived at Milford Sound, we boarded the cruise, and it was nothing short of magical. Gliding through the fjord, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, felt surreal. Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any dolphins that day, but we were lucky enough to see a few seals lounging on the rocks. The boat also paused for photos at some incredible vantage points—and at one point, the captain steered us right under a waterfall, completely drenching the front of the boat. It was such a fun and unforgettable highlight! The combination of a scenic road trip with a guide like Carl and the breathtaking cruise itself made this day absolutely perfect. It’s a long day, but worth every single moment. I cannot recommend this tour enough—it’s an experience I’ll remember forever.
Amazing Experience
Sue T,
Sep 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our tour driver was awesome. He also narrated while he was driving, took every one’s lunch orders, gave out cruise tickets, makes sure everyone gets on the bus with every stop, and most importantly drives safely. He did like 3 people jobs all by himself without any problems. The drive to the Milford sound was long but beautiful scenery. Once you get there, it was all worth it with breathtaking views on the Sound.
Milford Sound is a Must See!
Carolyn R,
Sep 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00This trip was spectacular! The weather was perfect and we couldn’t get over how beautiful Milford Sound is! The lunch on the cruise was decent but the views made up for it! Highly recommend!
it was amazing journey...
Justine D,
Sep 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00it was amazing journey and good job 5star to the sir driver. thank you so much for the service. appreciated.
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Operated by Pure Milford