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From happy customers

Loved by 42 million+
Raymond Wilgermein
AU

Raymond

Australia
Jul 2025
5/5
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There were low crowd numbers and dolphins swimming in the water. Service was pretty good as well. Will recommend this trip
Gilbert L McCrary
US

Gilbert

United States
Mar 2025
5/5
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+1 more

The sound itself. It was an unforgettable spectacle. I was stressed about the rain as we got close to the facility, but it turned out perfectly: the rain engorged the waterfalls so they were more spectacular, and the rain slacked off soon after we sailed, and ceased completly about midway. So we got good visibility and great waterfalls. The food was decent, although it was hard to find a place to eat it while we kept getting up to gawk at more wonders outside. We agreed we were in awe and it was one of the most remarkable experiences of our lives.
Ning Ren
CN

Ning

China
Jul 2025
5/5
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review-image
RealNZ arranged taxi pickup from our hotel in Frankton as we required. Milford sound is really beautiful and worth the money. We also saw dolphins and seal.
LIU, TSUI-LIEN
TW

Liu,

Taiwan
Apr 2025
5/5
review-image
1.The driver & captain introduced the views very clearl ! 2.Milford sounds very beautiful! 3.There are many places to visit during the trip!
SUMMER Wall Godman
US

Summer

United States
Aug 2025
5/5
Our pilot Jerod was great. We enjoyed flying over the beautiful mountains and sound. We signed up late but was told on the website that hotel pickup was included. When we paid we were told we had to meet at the office on shotovet. Not a long walk but not what was promised.
John Carter
AU

John

Australia
May 2025
5/5
Milford Sound Flights needed to cancel our booked morning trip, but managed to get us in on the afternoon trip. Much appreciated.
Nora

Nora

Jul 2025
5/5
Best part of our NZ trip, hands down. Our guide, Steve, was funny and super chill. He let us stop for extra pics when the road was clear. The cruise part was honestly magical—I’ve never seen water that blue. Boat wasn’t too packed, maybe cuz we went early. Bring snacks, the food sells out FAST.
Stefan

Stefan

Apr 2025
5/5
Epic day. The glass-roof bus is a WINNER. The cruise was a bit chilly, but the views are totally worth it. Would go again.

Discover Milford Sound with tours from Queenstown/Te Anau

A Milford Sound tour is an adventure before you even reach the fjord. From mirrored alpine lakes and glacier valleys to the final reveal of sheer cliffs and waterfalls, the journey is as memorable as the destination. Whether you set off on a long day from Queenstown, a shorter trip from Te Anau, or take a scenic flight, every route ends with a cruise across one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.

Things to know before you book your Milford Sound tour

Starting point:

  • Queenstown (12–13 hrs return): The most popular start point with the widest choice of tours, including standard coaches and flight combos. Best for first-time visitors who want alpine photo stops along the Milford Road.
  • Te Anau (8–9 hrs return): Shorter travel time, later departures, and easier for families with children. Starting closer means more time in Fiordland and less time in transit.

Transport mode:

  • Coach tours: Value-friendly, social, and stress-free with commentary, panoramic windows, and photo stops.
  • Small-group/premium coaches: Max. 16 pax, more space, boutique vessels, gourmet lunches.
  • Fly-cruise tours save 6–8 hrs of driving and enjoy alpine views from above. More expensive and weather-dependent, but the fastest way to Milford.

Budget & comfort: Standard tours start from NZ$245, and premium tours start from NZ$329.

Families & accessibility

  • Te Anau departures are better with toddlers (later starts, shorter rides).
  • Large premium coaches generally accommodate wheelchairs; check inclusions per tour.

Your Milford Sound tour options explained

Milford Sound tours from Te Anau

From Te Anau

Distance from Milford Sound: 118km (~2 hours without stops)

Price from: NZ$219

Best for: Families, kids, and travelers who prefer shorter days

Highlights: An 8–9 hr round trip with later departures and less time on the road. Starting closer means more time in Fiordland, fewer early starts for kids, and easier pacing for older travelers.

Top pick:

Book Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise from Te Anau

Day tours from Te Anau
Milford Sound tours from Queenstown

From Queenstown

Distance from Milford Sound: 287km (3.4 hours)

Price from: NZ$245

Best for: First-time visitors and social travelers

Highlights: Full-day adventure with alpine photo stops along the Milford Road, plus a 2-hour fjord cruise.

Top picks:

Book Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown

Book Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour with Lunch

Day tours from Queenstown
Milford Sound tours

Premium tours

Price from: NZ$399

Best for: Couples, adventurers, and travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences

Highlights: Upgrade to premium vehicles, gourmet meals, or even an overnight escape on the fjord

Top picks:

Book Overnight Milford Sound Cruise

Book Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Book flight tours

Comparing the two Milford Sound tour starting points

From Queenstown

Why choose Queenstown?
Starting from Queenstown turns Milford Sound into a full-scale adventure. The journey is long (12–13 hrs return) but packed with variety: alpine passes, mirrored lakes, and photo stops at iconic Fiordland viewpoints.

Best for: First-time visitors who want the complete road trip, travelers looking for premium upgrades (small-group vans, business-class coaches), or those keen to add a scenic flight option.

Added perk: Queenstown departures offer the widest assortment of tours (standard, premium, and flight combos) so you can tailor the experience to your style and budget.

Getting to Milford Sound

From Te Anau

Why choose Te Anau?
Starting from Te Anau shortens the day to 8–9 hrs, making it more manageable for families with young kids or travelers who prefer a slower pace. Departures are later in the morning, so no dawn starts, and you spend more time inside Fiordland rather than on the road.

Best for: Families, multi-generational groups, or anyone seeking a relaxed itinerary without missing Milford’s highlights.

Added perk: Te Anau is less crowded than Queenstown, with a more local feel, so tours tend to be calmer and more focused on the Fiordland experience.

Milford Sound route maps

Things to see & do on your Milford Sound tour

Milford Track

Milford Track

Explore the world-famous Milford Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, with scenic landscapes and diverse ecosystems, attracting hikers from around the globe. You'll get to trek this track on your day trip tour.

Mitre Peak
Giant Gate Falls
Mirror Lakes
Earnslaw Burn Glacier

Comparing travel options for your Milford Sound day tour

Bus at a stop with mountains in the background, Queenstown to Te Anau transfer.

Coaches

  • Average duration: 12–13 hours (Queenstown) / 8–9 hours (Te Anau)
  • Departure points: Queenstown, Te Anau
  • Amenities: Panoramic windows, live commentary, Wi-Fi, restroom and photo stops
  • Best for: Families, first-timers, and social travelers
  • Why choose this: The coach journey is part of the experience. You’ll stop at Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley, and Homer Tunnel along the way. Stress-free transport, no need to drive, and plenty of chances to stretch and take photos.
People preparing to board a small plane for a scenic flight to Milford Sound, New Zealand.

Flights

  • Average duration: 4–5 hours round trip
  • Departure points: Queenstown Airport / Heliport
  • Amenities: Aerial views of Fiordland peaks, smooth transfers, 2-hr fjord cruise included
  • Best for: Time-pressed travelers, luxury seekers, and photographers
  • Why choose this: Save 6–8 hours of driving and see Fiordland’s scale from the air. Perfect if you want Milford in half a day, or if the road journey feels too long.
Book Milford Sound flights

Plan your Milford Sound tour

Boat Cruises, Milford sound
  • Boat cruises: 10:30am, 11am, 11:15am, 1:15pm, 1:30pm, and 3:15pm daily. Boat tours usually last 2 hours.
  • Day trips from Queenstown/Te Anau: 6:30am, 7:15am, & 8:15am daily.
  • Day trips from Te Anau: 7:45am, 10am, & 11am daily. Day trips can easily take up an average of 12 hours, including transfers.
  • Flight tours: 10am & 12:30am daily (fly cruise fly tours), 6:30am, 7am, & 7:30am (coach cruise fly tours). These tours will take up to 5 hours of your day, including transfers.
Kayaking Milford sound
  • Summer months between December and February are the busiest time of the year. The weather is mostly sunny and great for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. This is the busiest time of year at the fjord.
  • Shoulder season between September to November and March to May are the best times to visit Milford Sound. Not only is the weather pleasant enough, the crowds are lesser during this time.
  • If you want to see the waterfalls in full form, your best bet is to visit during the winter months, between June to August. However, the weather is mostly cold and wet.
Best time to book a tour

Milford Sound is located in the Fiordland National Park, and is accessible via road and flights.

Address: Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound Highway 94, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand | Find on maps

  • Flights and AC coaches are the most convenient ways to reach Milford Sound since the drive down can get tricky. In case you do wish to drive down yourself, Te Anau and Queenstown are the two best places to start from.
  • The drive from Queenstown will take you through Te Anau to reach Milford Sound; the full trip should take around 4 hours if you drive without stopping. It's best to stop at Te Anau to refuel your car and grab some snacks for the road.
Plan your visit
Flight transfers

Milford Sound guided tours offer city transfers from Te Anau and Queenstown. Choose between two types depending on your budget and time:

  • Bus transfers: Get picked up from the city in luxury coaches that will take you to and from Milford Sound. They are more budget-friendly, than flight transfers and you can stop at landmarks along the way. Tours with bus transfers are longer than flight transfers, but are a good option for folks who want a full road trip experience.
  • Flight transfers: Folks who want a shorter trip to Milford Sound, while passing by the Tasman Sea, Lake Wakatipu, & Mt Aspiring National Park, among other attractions, should consider going for a Milford Sound flight cruise. These tours are more expensive, but you can customize your commute type to fit your budget.
Sneakers, denim shorts, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for packing in Singapore in July.
  • Clothing & comfort: Layered clothing + waterproof jacket since weather shifts quickly; rain is part of the magic.**** Also, get your walking shoes for photo stops and short walks along the Milford Road.
  • Essentials: Snacks and a refillable water bottle, along with your camera/phone, a power bank, and extra memory cards.
  • Health & safety: Motion sickness tablets are recommended as the roads are winding, and the fjord can get choppy. Plus sun protection,a including sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm.
  • Optional extras: Only carry a small day bag as big luggage aren't allowed on tours. Bring your binoculars for spotting dolphins, seals, and (in winter) penguins.
Stays and hotels

Milford Sound has one main stay option, Milford Sound Lodge, which has both luxury chalets and sites to park your caravan. You can find a lot more stay options at Te Anau, covering high end, mid-range, and budget stays.

Lodging in Milford Sound
Cafes and restaurants

Milford Sound is sparsely populated, so you won't find many dining options in the small town. Here are your options for a bite to eat at Milford Sound:

  • Milford Sound Information Centre: Grab a coffee or quick bite to eat from this cafe at the visitors center at Milford Sound.
  • Pio Pio: Dig into some local dishes like Fiordland venison, Merino lamb, & Marlborough salmon, at this restaurant at Milford Sound. P.S.: they serve breakfast, lunch, & dinner, and have outdoor seating.

If you need extra sustenance for the road, it's best to make a pit stop at Te Anau and do a quick grocery run.

Prepare for rain
  • Prepare for rains: Milford Sound is known for its chilly, wet weather; you will need to wear full sleeved clothing, preferably in layers. Raincoats and umbrellas are also a good idea to carry along, in case of sudden downpours. P.S.: there is a high chance of getting splashed when the boat goes near a waterfall.
  • Carry binoculars: You can spot animals like seals, dolphins and penguins during your cruise much more easily if you bring a pair of binoculars..
  • Motion sickness: If you're prone to seasickness, motion sickness bands or medications can help ensure a more enjoyable experience on the water. Ask the onboard staff in case you need assistance.
  • Preserve the environment: Be mindful of the fact that you are visiting a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Avoid feeding wildlife, stay on designated trails during hikes, and dispose of waste responsibly.
Plan you experience

Frequently asked questions about Milford Sound tours

How much does a Milford Sound tour cost?

Milford Sound tour prices start at NZ$125 and can go up to NZ$1,364, depending on the inclusions and type of tour you choose.

What are the different types of Milford Sound tours available?

There are three types of Milford Sound tours you can choose from. Day trips are the most convenient way to explore the fjord, if you are starting from the city. It includes return transfers to and from the city, a tour guide, and a boat cruise of Milford Sound; prices start at NZ$245. Boat cruises are the most affordable option for folks who plan to drive to Milford Sound. You get a 2-hour cruise on a luxury boat and lunch onboard, starting at NZ$125. Flight cruises are a unique way to explore Milford Sound, with one-way or round trip flights to the fjord, boat cruise, and a tour guide. These tours are more expensive, with prices starting at NZ$645.

What is the cancellation policy for a Milford Sound tour?

In most cases, you can cancel your tour up to 24 hours before your experience begins and get a full refund issued. Some tours require you to cancel up to 48 hours before the experience to get a refund.

Why should I go for a Milford Sound tour?

A Milford Sound tour is the best way to experience the beauty of the 8th wonder of the world, without having to worry about commutes or missing out on special landmarks along the way. Most tours come with options for return transfer to Te Anau or Queenstown, a tour guide, and the opportunity to explore Milford Sound attractions like Homer Tunnel, Lake Gunn, Milford Track, Mitre Peak & more. Choose between day trips, boat cruises, and flight cruises depending on your budget, and get ready for a hassle-free exploration of New Zealand.

How long does a Milford Sound tour last?

The duration of your tour depends on the tour type and inclusions. Day trips take an average of 12 hours, including returns. A flight cruise will take close to 5 hours, including returns. A boat cruise will take you 2 hours.

Are Milford Sound tours suitable for children?

Yes, all Milford Sound tours are kid-friendly. Tours with hikes may not be the best idea for children under the age of 8, as they require mild to moderate physical activity for an extended period.

Are Milford Sound tours wheelchair friendly?

Flight tours and boat cruises are wheelchair friendly. However, Milford Track hikes that are part of some day tours are not recommended for folks with reduced mobility.

What attractions can I see on my Milford Sound tour?

You will pass by several landmarks on your way from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound. Explore the Homer Tunnel, Lake Gunn, Mt. Aspiring National Park, and more on your Milford Sound tour.

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Plane flying over a lake with mountains during a scenic flight to Milford Sound.

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Ship passengers viewing waterfall in Milford Sound, New Zealand.

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Milford Track

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