Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
13 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience stunning scenery on an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound. The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in the south west of the South Island, and is famed for its remote atmosphere and rugged beauty. It is New Zealand’s best known fiord and the only one that can be reached by road. Maori are believed to have discovered Milford Sound more than 1,000 years ago, returning seasonally to collect the prized pounamu (greenstone). In the early 1800s John Grono was the first European settler to land in the sound, which he named after Milford Haven in Wales. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather. Cliffs rise high into the air from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards, some as high as 1000 metres.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Wakatipu
Shaped like a lightening blot, Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's third largest lake. You will be able to see views of the lake as you depart Queenstown.
Mirror Lakes Walk
Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather. Cliffs rise high into the air from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards, some as high as 1000 metres. When it rains in Milford Sound (and it often does) those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect. See the mirror lakes of Earl Mountains
What‘s Included
Picnic lunch
Glass-roof coach transport with free WiFi
Hotel transfers (selected properties)
Milford Sound scenic cruise
Gratuities
Options
Tour, Cruise & Lunch 7.20am
Milford Sound Cruise Picnic Lunch Glass Roof Coach
Cruise, Tour & Lunch 7.40am
Reviews
560 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great driver and commentary
Sarah R,May 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic tour and such a smooth drive. Matt provided informative commentary and went over and above to stop the bus when the Kea bird was sighted. Great trip and highly recommend.
A long day but well worth...
Raelene J,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A long day but well worth it! Scenery is unbelievable! Boat ride very good, lots of waterfalls, saw some seals.
Cruise experience is...
Reddy G,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Cruise experience is awful. No planning and no one to explain the activities. Cruise is dirty. Only driving was the which I like
Tour guide was amazing...
Chantal L,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Tour guide was amazing and knowledgeable. The picnic lunch was more like a school lunch (not what I expected but food wasn’t the main point). But overall very good.
Awesome!
Yvonne C,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Do it! The scenery is amazing and breathtaking. Matt our driver was friendly, informative and made it fun.
Fantastic 10/10
Ruth M,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Really great day out to Milford sound! Matt was a fantastic driver/tour guide, giving us great information throughout the journey. The boat around the fjord was great, some amazing views. Bus was comfy and well air conditioned - great music played too - thanks Matt! Defo worth the money!
Once in a lifetime opportunity ...... I now understand what this means :)
Jennifer B,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was not expecting the amazing views on journey with glazed roof of coach which enhanced the journey made the time go quickly. Loved the engaging coach guide, they were amazing, so knowledgeable, entertaining and related everything to what was around at that the time ... no time to doze off. Definitely an opportunity not to miss ....
Incredible day, Milford...
Ellie S,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible day, Milford Sound was breathtaking and it was nice to have so many stops before it to take in the beauty of this area of NZ. It was a long day but was so so worth it. Picnic lunch was nice and the coach was comfortable.
Excellent full day (13 hour) round trip to Milford Sound — good value for money
grdarkens,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I must admit I was dreading an 8 hour plus round trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound and looking forward to the 2 hour cruise more. As it turned out our round trip drive in a brand new coach with an excellent engaging driver (Matt / Shaun the Sheep) was the highlight. The breathtaking views en route with informative and comical narrative was the best. The cruise wasn’t so good — hence deduction of a star. It was 30 minutes late leaving port and we arrived back at the same time — so we effectively lost 30 minutes of cruising. The ship was packed and very difficult to get to the sides or front/back for views / photography. The onboard café had very long lines and the credit card / touchless pay system wasn’t working. Not funny when you’ve queued for 15 minutes without being able to make a purchase.
Milford Sound
Matthew S,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a long day but well worth it. Matt our driver was great and gave us lots of information along the journey. Would definitely recommend.
From NZ$318.00
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Operated by awesomeNZ Milford Sound Day Tour