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 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.
What‘s Included
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Milford Sound Cruise
Coffee and/or Tea
Options
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
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
Reviews
756 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Milford sounds
Welshboy76,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had such an amazing time travelling and doing this trip with my dad for my 50th birthday. We were going to self drive but so glad we done a trip with Pure Milford Sound from Queenstown as we both got to relax and take in the breathtaking views. Also our driver Brendan McKay made it with his knowledge of the local places. Such a must and would definitely do a trip instead of a self drive but it’s your own personal preference obviously
Lots of driving but pretty
Mischa R,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00You definitely get what you sign up for, a looot of driving (9+ hrs altogether). We had some pretty average weather so didn’t actually see much on the boat in Milford Sound. It was still very pretty, but maybe a little bit overhyped for the length of the journey. All of the staff and tour guides were great, very chatty and informative and overall lovely people.
Choose not rainy day for...
BRANDONKM T,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00CHOOSE NOT RAINY DAY FOR THE TRIP. The cruise is seriously overbooked, only half of the passengers have a place to sit.
Highly recommended full day Milford Sound tour
Benjamin S,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Despite the long bus trip there and back with a fantastic boat trip in between, we had amazing day we won't forget. Bus driver catering for the group with impressive knowledge about roads and areas travelled. Frequent stopping on the way meant good time to stretch the legs and put stops :); particularly as seats on the bus were uncomfortable after a while. I checked other buses as we drove past them, they all had the same seats. Food options provided on the boat were good enough, through the staff in the boat were a little short and bossy with some people who wanted to ask questions. There's only one free coffee /tea machine on the boat so this is a little misleading. We brought some of our own food as snacks too - which I recommend. Overall, so glad we did it with Pure Milford tour. Highly recommended.
Good but could have been better if the bus would have had glass ceiling to enjoy the beautiful route!
darshini s,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great experience as far as the cruise is concerned but the bus information was not provided specifically. I was looking for a bus with Pure Milford but eventually had to figure out on my own that ScenicNZ was the one that I had to board on! Expecting a glass ceiling bus but this one didn’t have it! Little disappointed!
Hold on to your seats!
Laura W,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Milford Sound was breathtaking - seals, crystal clear water, amazing waterfalls, excellent boat around the sound. Getting there was terrifying. It often felt like the driver was speeding. He tailgated motorists on several occasions and, at times, was required to brake hard to avoid a collision. I felt unsafe on large parts of the journey.
Overworked driver
Sam S,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Driver gave a very monotonous and zero energy tour. Seems like he’s overworked. Poor guy. Other than that the sites were good however raining. He also mentioned that he was indeed overworked and couldnt wait to go home 😂 honest of him. Wished we had a different driver so we can have a better experience.
It was a really long day...
Kevin M,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a really long day (with a fair amount of time spent on the bus) but Brian / the Pure Milford team made it an amazing journey for us. Milford Sound was absolutely incredible and we were really happy that we got to stop at multiple spots for photos as well – highly recommend!
Fantastic scenic tour
Tiarne K,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is a great way to see the sights of Milford Sound without having to drive yourself. The driver provides some great insights to the places you stop and the cruise is lovely at the end although if you are up on the sub deck people get a little pushy trying to all take photos.
A great value tour with all you need for a day at Milford Sound.
Polly S,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great tour with staff who were professional, fun, helpful, safe and knowledgeable. The lunch was good and there was plenty of comfort and photography stops. Thanks!
From NZ$245.00
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