Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau
Overview
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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 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
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Lunch (but available at extra cost)
Options
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
From Te Anau
Te Anau Departure
Starting point:
RealNZ Te Anau Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9640, New Zealand
Reviews
229 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
5 star RealNZ Coach Driver, Paulie.
670xingw,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Milford Sound tour and cruise were breathtaking, but what truly made the trip special was our coach driver, Paulie. He was full of energy and talked us through the entire journey, providing great introductions to the scenery and local history. Thank you, Paulie, for making the long drive so fun and informative! 5 stars.
Long day, but can’t miss.
Lucy V,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a very long day. I would highly recommend spending the night there or at Te Anau. But if that’s not an option, bring a book and headphones. Whatever you do, don’t miss it.
Levi really knows his...
Gopinath P,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Levi really knows his stuff. He is very friendly, helpful, and will answer questions. We had a really nice experience.
Overall, it was a great...
Hannah L,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Overall, it was a great experience. The scenery was beautiful on the way by coach. Our driver Gordon (Gordy - as he likes being called) was very informative. The cruise would have been great had it not been for the rain. The waterfalls were beautiful and we even saw some seals on the rocks and playing in the water. The only real downside of this trip was that they didn’t have enough food for passengers to purchase on the cruise boat. More than half of the passengers went without food on the cruise as they only had a few items of cabinet food left. Had we known this earlier, we would’ve bought some lunch at the rest stop.
long and tired excursion
Eric P,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The views are spectacular. The guide is experienced in controlling crowd activities and tume management. The cruise is an average one compared to others. If there is extra time and weather is nice and don’t mind the long ride on a crowded bus it is a good choice. The bus seats are too small for big and tall folks in a 12 hours + trip.
Long day, nice views, great driver
Q2176ATruthg,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It's a very long day, especially when weather cancels your anticipated flight back to Queenstown, adding 3+ hours to the trip! Lots of lovely scenery both on the bus and boat trips. Thanks to our wonderful bus driver Brian. I was amazed that someone could so skillfully navigate windy, narrow, mountainous roads while offering a very informative travel narrative. Really nice, friendly guy. Nice clean bus (but no bathrooms!)
From bus to cruise and back:Milford Sound
worldviewprof,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Always nice to give five stars to company. From Deanna the bus driver and guide on the bus, to the workers on the Haven, trip was excellent. Milford sound is amazing, and trip is made better by good logistics with this company.
Great tour exeperience
Voyage06886142599,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour. Our bus driver, Ferg, was fantastic. He kept us entertained and educated on the trip and got us safely there and back.
Thanks to Driver / Guide Brian!
Guide47132257532,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I want to give a big shout out to our driver and guide Brian! He made the trip perfect and even went out of the way to get back my lost phone. Brian made the journey feel special—his commentary was insightful, engaging, and full of local knowledge that brought every stop to life. Brian also took fantastic photos for us throughout the day on stops along the way.
Incredible experience and a must see!
IOANNA S,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Worth it in every sense. Great guide who knew his stuff. Spacious bus. Incredible unforgettable experience.
From NZ$235.00
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