Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

From the operator

Join talented and knowledgeable guides on a journey along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. All guides have unique and insightful stories to share, and spill the secrets of their beautiful backyard as you travel through lush rainforest, glacier carved valleys, alpine lookouts and much more. Enjoy spectacular short walks and incredible photo stops before arriving at the main event, magical Milford Sound.

On arrival at Milford Sound, board a modern and spacious catamaran exploration of the region’s most famous fiord. As the boat travels the length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea, the welcoming crew will share what they know about their place, its wildlife, waterfalls, and fascinating history.

Enjoy complimentary lunch before joining the crew for a dance in the spray of pure glacial melt as the boat noses close Stirling Falls for a refreshing finale!

From the listing by Pure Milford on Viator.

The tour, stop by stop

1. Departing Queenstown and hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the highway brings you along the rugged but beautiful Devil's Staircase and passed stunning mountain ranges to southern rural heartland. After passing through deer, cattle and sheep farming landscape, you come to the beautiful town of Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland, for a refreshment break. About 120 min.
2. The coach makes a scheduled stop at Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland for an important rest break before journeying into the National Park. You can use this time to get your caffeine fix, stretch your legs, take a stroll to the lake or stock up on the last of connectivity as phone signal and WiFi is blissfully lost as you enter Fiordland. About 30 min.
3. Embark on a stunning tour through the National Park to Milford Sound; where the journey is just as spectacular as the destination! Enjoy insightful and anecdotal storytelling from our experienced driver guides as they share the secrets of their beautiful back yard. Take advantage of the plentiful stops along the way for incredible photo ops and short nature walks through the heart of Fiordland at iconic points such as Elginton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and Monkey Creek. About 180 min.
4. Step aboard a spacious catamaran, and enjoy a scenic cruise along spectacular Milford Sound. Get up close and personal with the fiord's towering mountains, sheer cliffs and hanging valleys as the boat hugs the edges of the fiord throughout the two hour cruise. Feel the spray from the waterfalls that cascade from an ancient rainforest high in the mountains and look out for New Zealand fur seal colonies and occasionally dolphins swimming nearby. As your cruise meanders past majestic Mitre Peak and as you navigate the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, let the scenery transport you back to a time of magical wilderness! Relax in the comfortable seating, grab a local beer or wine from the bar, soak up the scenery from the sun deck or join the famously friendly crew on the bow as the boat noses close to Stirling Falls for the refreshing finale. About 120 min.
5. The coach returns to Te Anau after the cruise without stopping along the way, giving you time to edit your photos, have a quick nap or just reflect on the cruise of a lifetime! About 120 min.
6. A shorter rest break in Te Anau is made on the return journey before completing the trip back to Queenstown. About 20 min.
7. After a short break in Te Anau, the coach returns to Queenstown after a long but unforgettable day! About 120 min.

Meeting point

The Athol Street Bus Stop is the central pick up point for the coach and cruise tour departing Queenstown. Please contact the operator with your accommodation details to find the closest pick up point.

Pick ups are available from bus stops in central Queenstown and along the Frankton Road.

Please contact the operator with your accommodation details to find the closest pick up point and confirm the time.

Checking in

Pick ups are provided from specific bus stops in central Queesnstown, along Frankton Road and in Frankton.

YOUR PICK UP IS NOT FROM YOUR HOTEL.

Please note that the pick up route takes 30 minutes and so your pick up time may differ from the scheduled departure time.

Please contact the local operator with your accommodation to confirm the closest pick up time and place.

We recommend bringing cash for the onboard Cafe / Bar as stable connection for credit card transactions is not always reliable.

Where it ends

The Athol Street Bus Stop is the central pick up point for the coach and cruise tour departing Queenstown. Please contact the operator with your accommodation details to find the closest pick up point.

Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please note that due to coaching health and safety requirements, children aged 7 years and younger must be seated in the rear half of the coach. We encourage parents to bring car/booster seats for their children, for a safer journey. Please note our drivers are unable to fit or help with the seat.
• Piopiotahi Milford Sound is a place of exceptional natural beauty, carved by glaciers and surrounded by towering peaks and lush rainforest. As part of Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s most remote and rugged region, this incredible environment also brings with it a range of natural hazards. While our team takes every measure to operate safely and keep you informed, it’s important that you are aware of potential risks so you can be prepared and confident during your visit. More information can be found on https://puremilford.co.nz/natural-hazard-and-risk

Cancellation

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

How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.