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Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown
About This Tour
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
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
What's Included
✓ Included
- Scenic Photo Stops
- 1hr 40 min or 2 Hour Nature Cruise
- Live Commentary from Local Nature Guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- Milford App - Audio & Written guides in multiple languages. Downloadable before travel
✗ Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Lunch (Cabinet food available to purchase)
Itinerary
1
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
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
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.
4
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
5
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
6
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.
7
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
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
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
9
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
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 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
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.
Good to Know
- 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