Cruises from Queenstown & Te Anau, NZ

Table Of Content

• Weather
• Queenstown
• What are the best tours available for Milford Sound?
• Book this scenic cruise with transport Queenstown
• Pure Milford – The Best Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour
• BEST Cruises in Milford Sound 🏔️
• RealNZ Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise – The Best Overnight Cruise Cruise in Milford Sound

Its 16 kilometre (14 nautical miles) length is lined by sheer rock faces that soar 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) or more from the water. At 1692 metres, the iconic Mitre Peak is a spectacular sight and New Zealand’s most photographed mountain. Milford Sound, situated on the west coast of the South Island, is a world-renowned natural wonder with towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and amazing wildlife.

Weather

These options often include a visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. This shows visitors life under the waves and the opportunity to see rare black coral. The Milford Sound coach makes multiple stops along the way to Milford Sound so you can take in the incredible views and also pause for amenities like restrooms and snacks. From Queenstown, you’ll stop in Te Anau for a restroom break, snacks, and coffee, before heading into the Fiordland National Park. Here, you’ll stop at Mirror Lakes to take in the incredible reflection of the mountains in the still waters.

Queenstown

Find out more about additional experiences that Southern Discoveries offers in our 15 Best Things to Do in Milford Sound. Plus, check out the full tour details with Southern Discoveries on Viator and Klook. The boat is surveyed for 150 passengers, but we limit passenger numbers to 75 for an enhanced viewing experience. This guarantees your cruise will be uncrowded and gives our nature guides the opportunity to share their knowledge with you on a very personal level. Milford Sound is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to, so I’m so excited you will get to experience it too!

What are the best tours available for Milford Sound?

A Milford Sound boat cruise is the most popular way to experience this magnificent natural wonder. A seawater fiord surrounded by towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and abundant native wildlife, it is essential to get out on the waters of the Sound. You haven’t been to Milford Sound until you have cruised through its majestic fiord. A cruise in Milford Sound is on almost everybody’s bucket list when travelling New Zealand, but the decision fatigue from choosing a cruise is not what you need on your holiday.

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Book this scenic cruise with transport Queenstown

You can travel to Milford Sound in our custom-built glass roofed coaches so you won’t miss views of the mountains, glaciers and rainforest … yep, you’ll need the camera on the coach. Or for a different perspective of Milford Sound, take a scenic flight from Queenstown. You can book this cruise with or without a picnic lunch, or you can just pack some snacks.

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We strongly advise booking your tours, accommodations, and cruises in advance to secure your preferred dates and avoid any potential disappointment. For those with flexible travel dates, there may be some flexibility in booking closer to your desired time. Keep in mind that Milford Sound’s peak season is summer, so the sooner you book, the better. Learn about the history of the region from a specialist nature guide on a leisurely Nature Cruise. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise closer to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins.

To make sure you have the best Milford Sound experience it is best to come prepared.

BEST Cruises in Milford Sound 🏔️

During a standard 1 hour 45 minute cruise your ship will travel the full length of the fiord, at times skirting the cliffs so you can see the native forest and cascading waterfalls up close. You’ll cruise out towards the open Tasman Sea at the mouth of the fiord before returning to the wharf. The Milford Mariner has private cabins as well as shared bunk-style accommodation. This and the outdoor decks are where overnight guests can relax and take in the breathtaking views of the fiord. This Milford Sound Cruise offers a great way to enjoy the pristine natural beauty of Milford Sound from the surface of the water. It takes you closer to the wildlife and waterfalls for the best views and experiences that you are going to cherish for a lifetime.

Upon flying back, you’ll land on top of Mt Tutoko to walk on a glacier. On the helicopter flights, you’ll have commentary from your pilot and might even spot dolphins and seals in the water. We’ve been to Milford Sound so many times and have done many tours, from nature to scenic cruises and even overnight cruises. We know what we’re talking about, and unlike the tour companies, I’ll actually give you an honest opinion on which cruise to choose without a biased opinion. You can opt for a cruise with a day tour of Milford Sound where you can hop aboard a bus to enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland while your cruise vessel waits for your arrival.

You’ll also stop further along the road in the Eglington Valley to absorb the immensity of the Fiordland mountains. Later, you might stop at another restroom before travelling on to Monkey Creek, the best spot to see the mischievous Keas in action. A short stop might be made at the entrance to the Homer Tunnel while you’re waiting to enter before making your way into the centre of Milford Sound. The Milford Sound cruise is extremely child-friendly, offering an unforgettable experience for your little ones. While exploring the vessel, it's important to be cautious due to potential hazards like steps and railings.

Of course, there are lots of other amazing things to do in Milford Sound but a boat cruise is accessible to everyone, affordable, and you get the see a lot of Milford Sound. If you really want to shorten the trip and enjoy a day in the air then flying both to and from Milford Sound is a great option. The problem I have with this option is that if you have a car and have already driven yourself to Te Anau, it makes sense just to drive yourself to Milford Sound too! With the info in the next section, you’ll know all the best places to stop on the way. Bowen Falls actually provides all the power in Milford Sound and is one of the permanent waterfalls in the fiord.

The coach to Milford Sound takes between 4-5 hours from Queenstown and between 2-3 from Te Anau. These times includes stops in Te Anau, and along the Milford Road for photos, scenery, and wildlife. Sit back, relax and watch the magnificent views roll by on our coach. It seemed to be the only bus with a glass roof, which was definitely needed to appreciate the soaring views of glaciers and mountains along the way. First, select what kind of experience you want, choose from our day cruises, a premium cruise, or an overnight cruise. If you have a particular date in mind for your Milford Sound adventure, it's crucial to plan.

We love to share our passion about this very special place with all of our guests. Our ultimate guide will give you all the tips you need to plan that special holiday in the south island including Queenstown, Te Anau, Stewart Island and Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Milford Sound is actually classified as a fiord, different to a sound.

With more room for people to spread out, it was easy to find a relaxing spot to settle into and enjoy the views. And if you’re traveling with family, you’ll be happy to know that there are ample seating options for you and your loved ones. Finally, experience the same cruise but with transportation from Te Anau! This tour from Te Anau to Milford includes the cruise, transportation, and lets you enjoy the journey by stopping at lakes, scenic viewpoints, and more along the way.

There are a number of operators here that offer a variety of Milford Sound Cruise deals for you to choose. From large catamarans to small intimate boats and nature cruises to scenic cruises, you will find a wide array of choices. Discover this spectacular region of New Zealand with a Milford Sound tour. Choose from an overnight cruise, day cruise, coach and cruise or scenic flight.

Southern Discoveries offer an array of cruises for you to select including the nature cruise open-top deck. Discover more cruises that take you to the furthest points of the clear water bodies of New Zealand. It's a visual feast of spectacular waterfalls, mountain ranges, and wildlife. Due to roadworks, we are advising guests who are driving in to allow an extra half hour to make it to Milford Sound. Drive times are expected to be 2.5 from Te Anau and 4.5 from Queenstown. Experience one of the world’s finest alpine drives to Milford Sound in a small group tour, including scenic stops, walks and guided nature commentary, followed by a stunning 2-hour cruise.