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
Cruise, Tour & Lunch 7.40am
Tour, Cruise & Lunch 7.20am
Milford Sound Cruise
Picnic Lunch
Glass Roof Coach
Reviews
554 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
An excellent day on Milford Sound and on the coach from Queenstown!
nigelr2008,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant scenery at the sound itself and on the way to and fro, and a very interesting bus ride with excellent commentary and a great playlist too!
Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise
Alejandro O,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An absolutely unforgettable experience from start to finish. The journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound was just as breathtaking as the destination itself, with stunning scenery at every turn. The scenic cruise was incredible — peaceful, majestic, and truly humbling. A special mention to our bus driver, who was fantastic. He was caring, attentive, and made everyone feel safe and comfortable throughout the long day. His knowledge, kindness, and genuine care for passengers really stood out and made the experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Queenstown — a must-do experience in New Zealand.
Beautiful,breathtaking views
suzannemK6919SJ,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous but long day out from Queenstown leaving early morning. Out driver Ryan (not Brian) was excellent. It was a long dive broken by stops at Te Anau for a toilet break and a couple of stops for photos. Trip on the boat on Milford Sound was breathtaking with the views. Shortly followed by return journey. Boat was two hours. Trip left at 7am and got back roughly 12 hours later, so like I have said a long day
Good experience
Cecilia E,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Well arranged with a very good guide and driver. What pulls down the grade a little is the lunch, which was not very good. Triangle sandwich, chips etc, which I do not call food.
Driver Matt 10/10 absolute legend
Zebrina W,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our driver Matt was absolutely incredible. He was fun and cheeky while educating us with his broad knowledge of Queenstown and Milford Sound. Definitely recommend this tour. We had a wonderful day.
It was a great overall...
Janet Z,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great overall experience. I enjoyed how knowledgeable was our driver, she knew so much New Zealand history.
From NZ$318.00
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Operated by awesomeNZ Milford Sound Day Tour