Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau Discount Tickets

Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau  photo
Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau  photo
Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau  photo
Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau  photo
Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau  photo

Get your discount tickets for the Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown, save up to 9% !

Overview

Sit back, relax and let us host your full day Southland adventure from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular drives in a modern glass‑roof coach, travelling along the shores of Lake Whakatipu through countryside to Te Anau. After a refreshing café stop, continue along the dramatic alpine Milford Road, with photo stops and short walks along the way. Step aboard our unique, character-rich vessels for a 1 hr 40 or 2‑hour Milford Sound cruise to the Tasman Sea and admire waterfalls, wildlife and towering mountains. Experienced skippers tailor each cruise to the day’s conditions and wildlife sightings, while specialist nature guides provide live commentary. Spacious vessels feature large windows and open viewing decks for uninterrupted views, and you feel the spray of waterfalls. Bring your own lunch or purchase locally curated food and drinks, including wine, craft beer and barista coffee, on board. After the cruise, return by coach to Queenstown

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

RealNZ Queenstown, Please arrive 30 minutes before scheduled departure time. Please contact our customer service team if you wish to organise a pick-up from a bus stop close to your hotel/accommodation.

Language Offered

German-AUDIO

German-WRITTEN

Chinese-TW

Chinese-TW

Korean-AUDIO

Korean-WRITTEN

Japanese-AUDIO

Japanese-WRITTEN

English-AUDIO

English-GUIDE

English-WRITTEN

Chinese-CN

Chinese-CN

French-AUDIO

French-WRITTEN

Spanish-AUDIO

Spanish-WRITTEN

Itinerary

1. Queenstown
Depart from Queenstown aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. Along the way, enjoy commentary from your knowledgeable guide, who will share fascinating insights into the history, geology, and unique wildlife of Fiordland.
2. Lake Wakatipu
Travel alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, enjoying spectacular views across the water to the towering Remarkables mountain range and the surrounding alpine landscape.
3. Te Anau
Arrive in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and home to New Zealand's second-largest lake. Take a short break in this picturesque lakeside town, stretch your legs, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before continuing your journey.
Duration: 20 mins
4. Eglinton Valley
Entering Fiordland National Park, stop in the remarkable Eglinton Valley. Carved by ancient glaciers, this broad valley is surrounded by mountains and offers some of the region's most breathtaking scenery
Duration: 10 mins
5. Mirror Lakes Walk
Enjoy a brief walk to the famous Mirror Lakes, renowned for their stunning reflections of the Earl Mountains on calm days. These small lakes provide one of Fiordland's most photographed natural scenes
Duration: 10 mins
6. Monkey Creek
Hop off the coach to admire the crystal clear waters of Monkey Creek. Keep an eye out for the local Kea (world's only alpine parrot) who are known to come and say hello to visitors.
Duration: 10 mins
7. Homer Tunnel
Pass through the impressive Homer Tunnel, a remarkable engineering achievement carved through solid rock. Your guide will share the tunnel's fascinating history before you emerge into the spectacular Milford Sound valley.
8. Milford Sound
Relax as you explore the fiord, surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness in one of New Zealand's most celebrated natural destinations. Classic Cruise Package: • 1-hour 40 min cruise, full length of fiord on one of our comfortable and spacious boats • Multilingual commentary: Access expert commentary in your language using the RealNZ Milford Sound app. Signature Cruise Package: • 2-hour cruise, full length of fiord, on one of our unique, character-rich boats • Insightful commentary by our friendly nature guides
Duration: 120 mins
9. Mitre Peak
Take in Piopiotahi’s most famous view. Mitre Peak rises 1692m straight from the water, all sharp ridgelines and sheer faces, an unforgettable first sight and a dream for photographers.
10. Bowen Falls
One of Milford Sound’s stunning two permanent waterfalls, Bowen Falls plunges 162 meters into the fiord. On clear days the spray catches the light; on rainy days it roars - either way, it is pure Milford magic.
11. Stirling Falls
Stirling Falls cascades 146 meters from a glacier-fed, U-shaped hanging valley between Elephant and Lion Mountains, making it Milford Sound’s second-largest permanent waterfall. Named after Captain Stirling, who navigated the HMS Cleo here in the 1870s, it’s a breathtaking sight. Step onto the deck to feel its refreshing mist.
12. Queenstown
Reboard your RealNZ coach and return to Queenstown by road through Fiordland. Enjoy some quiet time to relax, reflect and soak in the memories of your day in Milford Sound.

Inclusion

Scenic Photo Stops

1hr 40 min or 2 Hour Nature Cruise

Live Commentary from Local Nature Guide

All Fees and Taxes

In-vehicle air conditioning

Milford App - Audio & Written guides in multiple languages. Downloadable before travel

Exclusion

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Lunch (Cabinet food available to purchase)

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Piopiotahi Milford Sound is in an area with inherent natural risk, including potential earthquakes and landslide-induced tsunami. Know before you go: realnz.com/en/plan/natural-hazard

Supplied by RealNZ

Reviews

4.7

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 254 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
211
4 stars
27
3 stars
8
2 stars
3
1 stars
5

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