Tourism New Zealand© Tourism New Zealand
Tourism New Zealand

16 BEST Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau [2024]

© Tourism New Zealand

The Best Coach and Cruise Tours to Milford Sound

Hang up the car keys for the day and truly immerse in the scenery of a UNESCO World Heritage Area. There are many amazing coach and small bus tours taking travellers between the towns of Queenstown and Te Anau to Milford Sound. Most of them will feature the same famous stops along the Milford Road, with a few exceptions that we mention in the Milford Sound tour comparison below. Some key differences also include large glass panels in the roof of some coaches to maximise the view, as well as small-group tours. We’ll lay out your options in this list of the best Milford Sound tours from Queenstown and Te Anau!

While you’re here, you might also be interested in 15 Best Things to Do Milford Sound and the 10 Best Accommodations in Milford Sound in case you were considering staying overnight. Plus, if you’re just looking for a cruise and have your own transport, then take a look at the 10 Best Cruises in Milford Sound.

1. Pure Milford – The Best Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour

Offering handy hotel pick-up and an unforgettable cruise with glass roofs and comfortable sun decks, Pure Milford goes the extra mile for your Milford Sound adventure. Discover even more sights and take the hassle out of driving on their “Coach-Cruise-Coach” tour. Stop by iconic sights such as the Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and much more before you embark on an enchanting cruise of Milford Sound! The skipper and friendly local crew share insights about the glorious UNESCO World Heritage Area you’re cruising through, while the onboard cafe/bar is the cherry on top! Learn more about the coach-cruise-coach tour and book your adventure at puremilford.co.nz!

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown and Te Anau.

10 BEST Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau [2024]© Pure Milford

2. Milford Sound Select – The Best Luxury Tour to Milford Sound

Arrive in Milford Sound in style with one of the luxury coaches of Milford Sound Select. There are window seats for all passengers, including a glass roof to take in the views of the towering mountains. The tour includes plenty of refreshments and photo stops on the way between Queenstown and Milford Sound. Once at Milford Sound, you’ll hop on a 1 hr 45 mins cruise through the fiord. Then you have the scenery to enjoy from the coach all the way back to Queenstown.

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown.

Milford Sound Select© Milford Sound Select

3. RealNZ Overnight Cruise from Queenstown – The Best Overnight Tour to Milford Sound

For an alternative Milford Sound cruise experience, indulge in this overnight cruise of the Milford Mariner with RealNZ. The cruise takes you up the entire length of Milford Sound before anchoring at Harrison Cove. There, you’ll get to explore the area with the complimentary kayaks and be treated to a three-course buffet meal. Onboard commentary is provided by the nature guide as you explore the waterfalls, rainforests and wildlife on the nature cruise. You’ll also spend the night in a private ensuite cabin. Bus transport to and from Milford Sound includes all the main stops and scenic highlights on the Milford Road in a tier-seated bus for optimum views.

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown and Te Anau.

© RealNZ

4. GreatSights Milford Sound Day Tour – The Best Milford Sound Tour from Te Anau

This GreatSights/InterCity bus tour to Milford Sound adds a bit of luxury to your day in Fiordland. Soak in the scenery from the specially designed glass-roofed coach, stop by the Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes, and then enjoy a cruise on a small and luxurious catamaran through Milford Sound. The cruise also includes a gourmet lunch.

Pick-up/Departure: Te Anau.

InterCity© InterCity

5. Altitude Tours – The Best Small-Group Milford Sound Tour

A Milford Sound bus tour with a difference, the Milford Sound Experience by Altitude Tours features all the stops and short walks of a normal Milford Sound tour, but with one key difference: a Kiwi-style barbecue onboard your boat while cruising into the fiord! See waterfalls, fur seals and occasionally dolphins on board the 2-hour nature cruise. If you fancy it, a fly-back option is also available. This tour is great for people who want a more personalised and less crowded Milford experience as on the way to your cruise, you’ll travel in a small luxury vehicle. Find out more about Altitude Tours and book your Milford Sound experience on Viator or Klook.

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown and Te Anau.

Altitude Tours© Altitude Tours

6. Trips & Tramps – The Best Hiking Tour to Milford Sound

Explore more of the Fiordland National Park on foot on your way between Te Anau and Milford Sound with Trips & Tramps. This small-group tour in a minivan allows you to choose from several guided or unguided walks, including the Key Summit Walk of the Routeburn Great Walk, Lake Marian Track and the Mirror Lakes Walk. A Milford Sound cruise and afternoon or morning tea are also provided. Learn more about these walks in 10 Milford Sound Walks You Can’t Miss.

Pick-up/Departure: Te Anau.

Trips & Tramps© Trips & Tramps

7. Cheeky Kiwi Travel – The Best Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown

Swap the large tour buses for a more intimate experience with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Their buses, departing from Queenstown and Te Anau, accept no more than 11 passengers. The tour features the main highlights that all the tours include between Queenstown and Milford Sound, with the addition of some Lord of the Rings filming locations and free time to see waterfalls on the Lake Marian walk. You’ll be treated to refreshments and snacks along the drive, as well as given plenty of opportunities to make your own purchases. Get more details on this tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel on Viator and Klook.

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown and Te Anau.

10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau© Cheeky Kiwi Travel

8. Southern Discoveries – The Best Milford Sound Packages

Take in as much scenery as possible in the glass-roof coach of Southern Discoveries. You’ll receive insightful commentary on the coach and cruise throughout the day with headset commentaries available in different languages. After a few stops in Te Anau and at popular short walks along the Milford Road, you’ll reach Milford Sound for your Nature Cruise. The cruise includes a hot buffet lunch in summer and a picnic lunch in winter. There are also options to add the underwater observatory and/or kayaking to your Milford Sound package. Learn more about Southern Discoveries on Viator and Klook.

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown and Te Anau.

Southern Discoveries© Southern Discoveries

9. awesomeNZ – The Best Milford Sound Cruise for Backpackers

Embark on an unforgettable journey with awesomeNZ‘s Milford Sound tour from Queenstown or Te Anau, delving deep into the heart of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound with a guided coach tour and a cruise through this remote fiord, led by knowledgeable local guides. Marvel at the towering Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls and the chance to spot marine life like dolphins, seals and penguins during the 2-hour scenic cruise. This tour offers the convenience of hotel pickups from selected Queenstown accommodations and the option to add on a scenic flight back to Queenstown for a truly unforgettable end to your Milford Sound adventure.

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown and Te Anau.

10 BEST Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau [2024]© awesomeNZ

10. Kiwi Experience – The Best Adults-Only Milford Sound Tour

This adults-only coach and cruise tour with Kiwi Experience (Milford Explorer) is a fantastic way to see Milford Sound on a budget. Enjoy stories from your driver as you make your way down the Milford Road, stopping at scenic highlights along the way. At Milford Sound, you’ll board a cruise with Kiwi Experience’s selected operator for a 1 hr 30 mins journey through the majestic fiord.

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown.

© THL

11. RealNZ – Milford Sound Nature Cruise from Queenstown and Te Anau

Embark on a mesmerising Milford Sound cruise aboard one of the impressive tall ships with RealNZ, journeying towards the majestic Tasman Sea. Glide past the iconic Mitre Peak and alongside cascading waterfalls, while keeping watch for native wildlife such as New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and Fiordland-crested penguins, with insightful commentary provided by an onboard nature specialist. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off from Milford Sound, Queenstown or Te Anau, travelling in luxury coach comfort. Immerse yourself in the UNESCO-listed fiord’s natural wonders, from its towering peaks to its tranquil waters, for an unforgettable Milford Sound experience.

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown and Te Anau.

10 BEST Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau [2024]© RealNZ

12. Altitude Tours – Coach Tour, Cruise and Scenic Flight Combo

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Milford Sound on this easy small-group tour from Queenstown with Altitude Tours, where luxury meets convenience. Travel in style aboard a luxurious bus with panoramic scenic windows, allowing you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking views without the hassle of driving. Experience the timeless beauty of Milford Sound in any weather, as its allure remains constant. After your cruise, return to Queenstown by air, indulging in a scenic flight that maximises your time and offers unparalleled aerial vistas of wildlife, dramatic mountains, and cascading waterfalls.

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown and Te Anau.

10 BEST Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau [2024]© Altitude Tours

13. Cheeky Kiwi Travel – Two-Day Milford Sound and Te Anau Highlights Tour

Be one of the few who doesn’t experience Milford Sound in a rush on this unique two-day tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Unlike hurried day tours, this two-day excursion allows you to immerse yourself in both Te Anau and Milford Sound, savouring the charm of both destinations. Experience the wonders of Fiordland with a relaxing Milford Sound cruise and a guided tour of Te Anau’s highlights, all included in the trip. Indulge in a delicious lunch on the first day and enjoy comfortable accommodation in Te Anau, providing a restful stay amidst your adventures. With everything from cruises to guided tours included, this tour offers an effortless way to discover the beauty of Fiordland from Queenstown.

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown.

10 BEST Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau [2024]© Cheeky Kiwi Travel

14. Fiordland Tours – Alternative Milford Sound Tour from Te Anau

Join Fiordland Tours for a mesmerising full-day Milford Sound tour from Te Anau, journeying along the awe-inspiring Milford Road. Encounter native wildlife such as the endangered kea, seals, dolphins and more and explore iconic and lesser-known attractions along the way, including Gunns Camp and scenic walks to enchanting sights like the Chasm and Marian Cascade. Of course, the tour allows you to dive into the heart of Milford Sound with a sightseeing cruise, complete with live commentary to enhance your experience. Enjoy the convenience of an included boat cruise with informative commentary, morning tea and hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable exploration of the beauty of Milford Sound.

Pick-up/Departure: Te Anau.

10 BEST Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau [2024]© Fiordland Tours

15. Envy Experiences – Private Luxury Tesla Tour to Milford Sound

Embark on an exclusive journey with Envy Experiences on a private Milford Sound guided tour. Owned and operated locally, your passionate Kiwi guide provides unique insights into the renowned wonders of Milford Sound. What’s more, your handcrafted experience is meticulously planned, prioritising your personal preferences with attention to detail. Discover the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Fiordland with abundant stops for breathtaking vistas, all in style and comfort aboard our fully-electric Tesla Model X, offering quiet travel and cutting-edge technology for an environmentally conscious and luxurious experience.

Pick-up/Departure: Te Anau.

10 BEST Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau [2024]© Envy Experiences

16. RealNZ – Doubtful Sound Cruise from Queenstown and Te Anau

Have you considered a day trip to Doubtful Sound? Embark on a captivating Doubtful Sound cruise from Queenstown with RealNZ! Journey by coach and ferry across Lake Manapouri, traversing Wilmot Pass to board your catamaran for an immersive cruise experience that lasts twice as long as a Milford Sound cruise. Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Doubtful Sound, where vivid landscapes of soaring granite peaks meet crystal-clear waters, offering ample opportunities to spot dolphins, fur seals and penguins. Enjoy live commentary from your skipper as you navigate through this dramatic wilderness, capturing unforgettable moments with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Conclude your adventure with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Queenstown accommodations.

Pick-up/Departure: Queenstown and Te Anau.

10 BEST Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau [2024]© RealNZ

More About Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown and Te Anau

That’s it for the best Milford Sound tours from Queenstown and Te Anau. For more Milford Sound wisdom, check out the following guides:

Finally, plan the rest of your South Island journey with the 51 Best Things to Do on the South Island.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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