SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 9 h 30 min
- Group size
- Up to 16 people
- Guide
- English
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
Fiordland Tours runs a 9.5 hour day from Te Anau with 16 people at most, collecting from your accommodation. The listing includes national park fees, home-baked morning tea, hot drinks and a 2 hour cruise, and its stops include Mirror Lakes, Cascade Creek, the Hollyford Lookout, the Homer Tunnel portal for kea and the walk to The Chasm. It has more than 1,300 reviews averaging close to 5, the largest record of any Te Anau tour.
On our Milford Sound tours page it's the Te Anau equivalent of the Cheeky Kiwi pick from Queenstown, with half the driving. Two things to confirm. Lunch isn't in the listed inclusions, although reviewers describe a packed one, and the tour needs at least 4 people to run. The listing also says both that it ends at the meeting point and that it drops you back at your accommodation, so ask when they contact you to set your pickup.
Good for
- Anyone staying in Te Anau who wants the longest list of stops
- Travellers keen on kea at the Homer Tunnel and The Chasm walk
Think twice if
- You're based in Queenstown and won't stay a night in Te Anau
- You need wheelchair access
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
Discover the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park on an extended 9-hour small-group tour from Te Anau, limited to 16 guests.
Travel the famous Milford Road with an experienced local guide, enjoying scenic stops, short walks and photo opportunities through glacier-carved valleys, ancient rainforest and dramatic waterfalls.
Enjoy freshly baked morning tea along the way before arriving in Milford Sound for a 1-hour 45-minute nature cruise. Take in towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and incredible Fiordland scenery, with opportunities to spot kea, seals, dolphins and the elusive Fiordland crested penguin. After the cruise, enjoy free time to explore the Milford Sound waterfront.
For an unforgettable aerial perspective, upgrade to a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight with a mountain-top landing, departing from and returning to Milford Sound, or choose to helicopter directly back to Te Anau.
From the listing by Fiordland Tours on Viator.
The tour, stop by stop
- This is Fiordland Tours signature, award winning tour, an extended day trip to Milford Sound from Te Anau that guarantees you’ll experience all the best sights and have ample time to explore Fiordland National Park. Escape the crowds with our small group tours, and enjoy short walks, kiwi-style café baked goods, & a nature cruise on the iconic Milford Sound. Depart: 8:00 AM Return: 6:00 PM Pick-up & drop-off from your Te Anau accommodation. This fully guided tour includes informative commentary & personalised service, ensuring an enriching experience. Travel along the spectacular Milford Road, with up to 15 scenic photo stops along the way. A chance to see Keas, Seals, Dolphins, and the Fiordland Crested Penguin. Enjoy a nature cruise on Milford Sound, offering a more intimate and crowd-free experience. Plenty of toilet stops for your comfort. We operate in safe & comfortable coaches provide limited to small groups ensuring a more personalised experience. About 360 min.
- A short walk viewing the "Mirror Lakes" where the Earl mountains reflect on the small oxbow lakes. You will take photos which will look the same turned 180 deg. Whilst this can be 1 five minute walk, we allow 15 minutes for you to soak up the amazing scenery About 15 min.
- Enjoy a 2-hour nature cruise on the spectacular Milford Sound. Get up close to cascading waterfalls and have the chance to see Keas, Seals, Dolphins, and the Fiordland Crested Penguin. After the cruise, enjoy some time in Milford Sound, where we offer the opportunity to take a stunning, optional Milford foreshore walk. About 120 min.
What's included
- Local guide
- Multiple scenic stops & optional walks within Fiordland National Park
- National Park fees
- Morning tea: home-baked goods & hot drinks
- Driver/guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Te Anau
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Drinks
Meeting point
You may come to our address the morning of your tour.
We are at 60 Town Centre, Te Anau.
Departure Point: Your accommodation in Te Anau please contact supplier after booking to define your pickup location.
Dates: Daily
Return point: Your accommodation in Te Anau.
Where it ends
You may come to our address the morning of your tour.
We are at 60 Town Centre, Te Anau.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- A minimum of 4 people is required to operate the tour
- Optional extras include: Helicopter return to Te Anau or a scenic 30 minute heli during your time in Milford Sound
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.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our milford sound tours page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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