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
Murihiku Southland
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
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
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
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
792 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely amazing well...
Lorraine B,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing well organised in a very modern comfortable coach with an exceptional safe driver Sebastian who was so knowledgeable and friendly Lovely .Lunch was provided along with adequate toilet stops and snack stops and many opportunities to photograph spectacular scenery. A long day but one to remember forever Thankyou
Milford Sound trip from Queenstown
Tolgy K,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful well organised trip. There was a confusion about the bus operator but nothing to worry about. Perfectly timed.
Amazing excursion with Hamish ( our guide)
allegria07,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hamish ( our driver & guide) was the BEST! He was so funny that he had us laughing throughout our excursion. His knowledge of the area really helped us understand the region & make this full day excursion so enjoyable. The inclusions are really good as well. I highly recommend this excursion.
I had heard that the...
Georsadd G,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00I had heard that the weather in Milford Sound can be unpredictable, and the days leading up to my tour were pouring rain. Even on the way there and at the stops we made, it was still raining, so I was relieved when it finally cleared up for the boat tour. The driver wasn’t very friendly (the reason why im rating this a 3); I arrived on time but second to last, and his mood seemed affected by this, he was selective in how he interacted with people. Milford Sound and the boat were busy that day, and it was cold and windy, but at least it was sunny. The boat tour provided a lot of interesting information, which I appreciated.
Piopiotahi/ Milford Sound Bus & Cruise
Katrinaweynberg,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Ian for our Pure Milford bus and cruise experience. He was wonderful to lead us. I learnt lots of facts and felt very safe in the bus on those windy roads! I highly recommend Pure Milford for your Piopiotahi/ Milford Sound experience!
Excellent Service and well-worth the journey
L1278ZMdavea,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a really good deal. Price is not much more than a single ticket (we got 2) if purchased in town. Ian (or IIn?) was the tour bus driver. He was great. Responsible and kept the herd managed. Bus ride was comfortable and safe, a couple of rest stops to "expel effluent" as well as a nice stop in TeAnu for coffee/snacks. Boat ride was top notch with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. All boat staff really friendly and helpful. Lunch consisting of a chicken pie, chips, cookies, and energy bar was more than adequate and also included multiple trips to the coffee/cappuccino machine. This was a long trip from Queenstown to Milford sound but all-in-all very much worth it. Note: you might consider a bus-there-plane-back option to cut out the 4-hr return trip. Otherwise, highly rated !
A long day but scenery is fantastic
O7505HDbarryn,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A very long day. 12.5 hours total on bus, cruise then return bus to Queenstown through RealNZ. Bus was very comfortable, drive was smooth and experienced and safe driver kept us informed. Milford Sound (MS) is stunning. 4 tips- take insect repellant ( Sand flies at MS), pack sun tan cream as on top of boat for start of trip, pack food as boat offerings were limited and check weather forecast. MS at its best when raining or had rained as waterfalls in full flow. We went when 5 days no rain and only a few waterfalls evident. Suggest look at bus, cruise then flight back as quicker and see more sights.
Amazing Milford Sound Day Trip
Roman K,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was amazing, and our driver-guide Sebastian was very professional and friendly. It was cloudy with occasional rain on the way to Milford Sound, but the views were still beautiful. By the time we arrived, the weather cleared and was perfect. The cruise was excellent — even with a large group, the boat felt spacious and it was easy to find a good spot for photos. The included lunch and complimentary drinks on the boat were also good (pie, apple, cookies, and other snacks). Overall, it was a very satisfying trip, and I would definitely recommend it. Even in cloudy weather, the fjord and the scenery along the way would still be impressive.
Amazing, not many...
Megan Z,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing, not many waterfalls because of summer dry spell but we got to see dolphins and seals which was incredible!
A really good day trip
A2666HQmaxines,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole day went very smoothly. Our coach driver was very good and very entertaining. The cruise was a lot of fun and the crew were really great.
From NZ$245.00
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