Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
An extended and leisurely cruise of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea on a cruise designed for the free, independent traveler. Nature cruises have a relaxed and flexible itinerary designed to allow guests to see and experience what makes Milford Sound world renowned. Spend around two hours nudging into waterfalls, spotting wildlife and listening to the informative commentary from our specialist Nature Guide who mingles with guests. Keep a look out for wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins.
If you wish to pre-purchase a picnic lunch, please contact the supplier directly after making your booking.
In total, the coach travel from Queenstown to Milford is around 5 hours. This includes with some viewing spot breaks along the way and a 20-30 minutes stop in Te Anau. For those travelling from Te Anau the journey is around 2.5 hours to Milford (one way). The cruise is 2 hours long.
Please note, the cruise will take place on board a wide selection of purpose built RealNZ boats.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions
Please dress appropriately
Infant and Child rates are the same for this product
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Lunch (but available at extra cost)
What To Expect
Milford Sound
RealNZ brings you closer to Piopiotahi Milford Sound's magic amidst colossal landscapes and cascading waterfalls on a 2-hour cruise. Travel out to the Tasman Sea and pass by the world-renowned Mitre Peak. An onboard nature specialist will provide insightful commentary about the Fiord and be on the lookout for dolphins, penguins and fur seals. • Glass-roofed coach transport from Queenstown or Te Anau • 2-hour cruise of the UNESCO-listed fiord • Cabinet food and barista coffee available to purchase onboard • Unparalleled views from our outdoor decks and indoor lounge • Discover Milford’s towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest
Options
From Te Anau
Te Anau Departure
Starting point:
RealNZ Te Anau Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9640, New Zealand
From Queenstown
A leisurely cruise of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea on the Milford Mariner.
Starting point:
88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Reviews
217 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good tour
emilycE1044ML,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Most of the time was on the bus getting to/from Milford Sound. We made a few quick stops along the way to Milford Sound for bathroom/food break and sightseeing. Bus was new and comfortable with wide windows and clear roof for viewing outside. The cruise was nice with great views of the sound. The bus driver, Paulie, was awesome! He gave live commentary during the whole drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound. He provided a wide range of info of the places we were passing by, from history to science on how the valleys were formed.
Wonderful day trip even in the rain!
446charmainem,
Sep 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience! Comfortable bus offering local pick up with a driver who kept up a fun and informative commentary the entire trip. Even in the rain this was a day out to remember, with breathtaking views, rainbows and oh so many incredible waterfalls! I would definitely take this tour again if I could .
it was very good, first...
Benjamin R,
Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00it was very good, first time in south island and milford sound, the coach Ross so professional and educative highly recommend
RealNZ Milford Sound: Incredible
r2thebizel,
Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did the coach and boat tour to Milford Sound. It’s very professionally done with a glass roof coach, great driver who is also your guide and then equally great crew once you’re onboard. There are a few short stops along the way which I felt were superbly spaced and timed. Great information along the way and once on board, great food and drinks. The road was easy to travel in July but can get bad in August - September. The landscape and area are off the scale…
It was a great experience...
MinhN,
Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience which I’d highly recommend. Milford Sound is amazing, and the scenic road trip there is all worth it.
Great!
myakos,
Jun 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After browsing so many options to do Milford Sound tour, I ended up choosing RealNZ, and not disappointed of my decision at all. Blake, our driver was knowledgeable to share few numbers of information throughout the journey. Had few stops before Milford Sound for resting your leg, coffee, and toilet break. The boat was nice, though they can clean up the upper part of glass roof so we could see it clearly the whole surroundings, other than that it was a good rainy day! Yes you would want to expect rainy day for this specific tour! 😆
Milford experience
D1876RSshaunm,
May 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Picking the right day is key, we moved the trip 1 day to a day just after heavy rain, so the waterfalls were magnificent in full flow, the bus ride in was longer than expected @ 4 hours but the driver was great with the history and information about key areas and point, add we had some comical banter along the way, would like to have stopped along some of the heavy flowing rivers to get a few picture as the water was so clean Great in a group to get pictures, don't be shy ask other to take group photos, would great to have a boat camera to take photos if solo like they have at the Skyline inn Queenstown.
Excellent trip
jamesmB3808AL,
Apr 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip. The driver/guide Blake was exceptional: his speech was clear and well-paced. The views were just as expected.
Most inconsiderate and...
Reesalat A,
Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Most inconsiderate and overall the worst tour company I have dealt with. They left without us for arriving two minutes late. Offered NO refunds nor any rescheduling options that was possible during our stay. Ruined our trip to the south island.
Amazing service from Paulie
Michael T,
Apr 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The whole experience from start to finish was absolutely amazing! Loved the service from our driver Paulie, he is very passionate about his job and about the preservation of the beautiful nature! Absolutely loved the commentary on the coach. 100% recommend this activity when in Queenstown
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