Available languages
12 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
The best way to experience Milford Sound from Queenstown. We take care of the driving while you sit back and enjoy the stunning views from our premium coaches with panoramic windows, glass roofs, and USB charging ports. Your friendly driver shares stories about the area's history and unique ecology, with well-timed stops to snap photos of the amazing views. Our free multi-lingual commentary app is available on both the Coach and Cruise in eight languages.
Arrive in Milford Sound feeling refreshed and ready to cruise the fiord. Get ready for unobstructed views of thundering waterfalls and the towering cliff faces. Our premium Nature Cruise comes with options to pre-order a picnic lunch or choose the To Kai buffet on selected departures.
This trip takes care of all the transportation, including round-trip travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound and a seamless connection to your cruise. All you have to do is enjoy the experience.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Sunscreen and insect repellent advisable
Appropriate child restraints are NOT provided by the operator. These must be provided by the parent or caregiver - without this you may be turned away and unable to travel - please be prepared.
Please make sure you arrive at least 15mins before your departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
6.30am Coach pick-up from Southern Discoveries Visitor Centre (if you selected the 6.30am tour option) 7.00am Coach pick-up from Southern Discoveries Visitor Centre (if you selected the 7.00am tour option) • Travel on a premium glass-roof coach, equipped with reclining seats, extra legroom, air-conditioning •USB charging ports and onboard toilet • Experienced, local coach drivers provide engaging and informative commentary, and show you the best short walks and photo stops along the Milford Road • Coach connects with our Milford Sound Cruise • FREE tea and coffee
Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand, sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu. It's from here you will set off on a day trip with Milford Sound's original Cruise operator, Southern Discoveries, from Queenstown into Milford Sound to enjoy a beautiful experience of Milford Sound on a premium, low-emission coach with a delicious & freshly cooked international style buffet onboard your cruise. Discover the native wildlife, towering waterfalls and majestic mountains of the fiords in Milford Sound.
Multi-lingual app for commentary available: App Store and Google Play search Southern Discoveries
Informative commentary provided by local coach driver
Return transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound on premium glass-roof coach
USB charging ports on board coach
Milford Sound Nature Cruise of up to 2 hours
FREE tea and coffee onboard the cruise
Spot diverse wildlife while on the cruise
Freshly prepared Lunch
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Appropriate child restraints are not provided by the operator and must be supplied by yourselves.
7:00am Departure with Buffet
6:30am Departure with Picnic
8:30am Departure with Picnic
586 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cameron P,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
The views on the drive into Milford Sound were incredible and the cruise was great. Our coach driver, Vaughn, was great.
Holly T,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
What a fantastic day! It is long but so worth it - the scenery is stunning and the coach was very comfortable. I have to specifically mention our driver and guide Vaughn - he was so friendly and so knowledgable, his commentary really made the day go so much quicker. He also stopped along the way for some excellent photo spots taking us to quieter viewing points so we could get our pictures with less crowds! Fantastic guide and day out, highly recommend.
Greg T,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
Southern Discoveries did an amazing job and our driver (Nick) and our guide (Ellie) were outstanding. Highly recommend them.
Anita D,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
What a wonderful day! Highly recommended this trip- full of awesome scenery and a great crew, Nick and Ellie are amazing and knowledgeable and funny - thank you for a lifetime memory.
David L,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
Vaughn was our driver and your guide and his knowledge was fantastic, he was a joy to travel with, the boat ride & trip itself was amazing, fantastic views and a lovely lunch to go with it.
Rhada T,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
We had a wonderful time on this tour. The van was very comfortable, and our driver was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing great insights along the way. The bus was cool with glass roof, you can see these high mountains along the way! The landscapes were stunning, the walks were beautiful and well planned, and everything was perfectly organised. Lunch was also provided on the boat and absolutely delicious. Milford Sound was just stunning and we were lucky to have the perfect weather for it! Highly recommend this tour for a relaxing day with amazing scenery and a great guide!
Tomas V,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
Do not be sad when the weather is bad in the morning in Queenstown. When wr arrived to Milford Sound it was like different world, sunny, warm and one of my best travel experience. Huge Thanks to Coppy who drove us 600km there and back and big Thanks to Peter for guiding our group and many interesting information he told us. Guys, go to Milford Sound, you will not regret💪
Joanne N,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
Wonderful experience. Greg, our driver, was very friendly, funny and knowledgeable. Was great to relax and enjoy the day rather than drive ourselves. Buffet lunch was lovely, very well organised. Highly recommend.
Anonymous,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
It was wonderful, the whole trip. It was very informative as, all thanks to our guide. Thanks to Keith and Peter 🙌🏻
Sohel A,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
Our tour guide Vaughan was the best, he was so informative about the origins of each location regarding the settlers and Māori heritage involved. Made really funny jokes and kept the the long 8 hour journey as entertaining as it could possibly be. Would highly recommend especially with him
Operated by Southern Discoveries