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Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown

246 Reviews 4.82 out of 5 stars Based on 246 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 97% of reviewers
97% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Queenstown, New Zealand
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from $180.61 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown Image 1
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Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
10 to 12 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 7 more
French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified
Instant confirmation

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

What's Included

  • Scenic Photo Stops
  • 1hr 40 min or 2 Hour Nature Cruise
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Lunch (Cabinet food available to purchase)
See 3 moreSee 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

88 Beach Street
Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Queenstown (pass by)

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.
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Lake Wakatipu (pass by)

Travel alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, enjoying spectacular views across the water to the towering Remarkables mountain range and the surrounding alpine landscape.
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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.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Homer Tunnel (pass by)

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.
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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
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Mitre Peak (pass by)

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.
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Bowen Falls (pass by)

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.
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Stirling Falls (pass by)

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.
Read more

Queenstown (pass by)

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.
Read more
Show 11 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 180 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Q: Will I get seasick on Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-2264P23

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.82
246 reviews

Average 4.82 out of 5 stars based on 246 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
211
4 stars
27
3 stars
6
2 stars
2
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: Will I get seasick on Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Scenic Photo Stops.
  • 1hr 40 min or 2 Hour Nature Cruise.
  • All Fees and Taxes.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Milford App - Audio & Written guides in multiple languages. Downloadable before travel.
  • Live Commentary from Local Nature Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase).
  • Lunch (Cabinet food available to purchase).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown is as follows:

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Scenic Photo Stops
  • 1hr 40 min or 2 Hour Nature Cruise
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Milford App - Audio & Written guides in multiple languages. Downloadable before travel
  • Live Commentary from Local Nature Guide
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Lunch (Cabinet food available to purchase)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 180 travelers

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Activity name