Milford Sound
Coach & Cruise

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound

Leave the car behind and jump aboard a premium coach for a Milford Sound tour from Queenstown or Te Anau. A spectacular journey featuring fascinating commentary and plenty of photo stops and short walks along the way.

Departing daily from Queenstown and Te Anau, Milford Sound day trip is the spectacularly stress-free way to witness New Zealand’s natural beauty. Southern Discoveries low-emission coaches are the environmentally-conscious travel option and will reduce your carbon footprint by around 75% compared to driving a private vehicle. Even better, when you travel by coach, you’ll save yourself the car park fees.

Upcoming Departures

All upcoming departures

Fri 26 Jul

6:45 am

13h 30m

Milford Sound Coach & Discover More ex Queenstown

from $283.50

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Fri 26 Jul

6:45 am

10h

Milford Sound Coach & Discover More ex Queenstown with return Heli

from $1410.00

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Fri 26 Jul

6:45 am

10h

Milford Sound Coach & Discover More ex Queenstown with return Glenorchy Air flight

from $754.00

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Fri 26 Jul

6:45 am

10h

Milford Sound Coach & Discover More ex Queenstown with return Air Milford flight

from $785.00

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Fri 26 Jul

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise with Air Milford Flight

from $695.00

Book

Fri 26 Jul

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise + return Heli

from $1320.00

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Fri 26 Jul

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise with Glenorchy Air Flight

from $664.00

Book

Fri 26 Jul

7:00 am

12h 30m

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown

from $238.50

Book

Fri 26 Jul

9:45 am

8h 30m

Milford Sound Coach & Discover More ex Te Anau

from $229.50

Book

Fri 26 Jul

10:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Te Anau

from $193.50

Book

Fri 26 Jul

6:45 am

Milford Sound Coach & Discover More ex Queenstown

from $283.50

13h 30m

Upgrades available

Book

Fri 26 Jul

6:45 am

Milford Sound Coach & Discover More ex Queenstown with return Heli

from $1410.00

10h

Upgrades available

Book

Fri 26 Jul

6:45 am

Milford Sound Coach & Discover More ex Queenstown with return Glenorchy Air flight

from $754.00

10h

Upgrades available

Book

Fri 26 Jul

6:45 am

Milford Sound Coach & Discover More ex Queenstown with return Air Milford flight

from $785.00

10h

Upgrades available

Book

Fri 26 Jul

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise with Air Milford Flight

from $695.00

Upgrades available

Book

Fri 26 Jul

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise + return Heli

from $1320.00

Upgrades available

Book

Fri 26 Jul

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise with Glenorchy Air Flight

from $664.00

Upgrades available

Book

Fri 26 Jul

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown

from $238.50

12h 30m

Upgrades available

Book

Fri 26 Jul

9:45 am

Milford Sound Coach & Discover More ex Te Anau

from $229.50

8h 30m

Upgrades available

Book

Fri 26 Jul

10:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Te Anau

from $193.50

Upgrades available

Book

Coach & Cruise

Milford Sound Coach, Nature Cruise & Milford Track

Departing from Te Anau, you’ll be transferred to Milford Sound for an unforgettable land and sea adventure. Begin with a scenic Milford Sound Nature Cruise, then walk a stunning section of the famous Milford Track to Giant Gates Falls—two unique perspectives of this natural wonder with seamless, hassle-free transport.

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Coach & Nature Cruise

from $193.50

Along the Milford road, enjoy short walks, photo stops and entertaining commentary from your driver before arriving at Milford Sound relaxed, refreshed and ready to meet your incredible Nature Cruise.

Book Now Find out more

Coach & Discover More

from $229.50

Take your time with our longest Milford Sound experience—perfect for those who love unhurried exploration. Includes a longer cruise, nature guide with you throughout, and return premium coach transfer from Queenstown or Te Anau.

Book Now Find out more

Coach, Farm Tour & Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Let us handle the drive while you meet friendly local farmers, watch sheep shearing, experience working dogs in action, and journey to iconic Milford Sound. An unforgettable Fiordland experience with return coach transfers included (from Queenstown or Te Anau).

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Specials & Combos

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COMBO & SAVE

There is so much to see and do in Queenstown and Milford Sound. We don't want you to miss a thing so we've combined our Queenstown and Milford Sound experiences so it makes it easy to book and even better, saves you money! Check out our COMBO PAGE for some great combo deals.

Book Now More info

FAQ

Are there sandflies?

There are sandflies in Milford Sound. To avoid being bitten, bring mosquito spray with you and wear long-sleeve clothing and trousers. Mosquito spray is available for purchase from Discover Milford Sound Cafe & Information Centre in Milford Sound.

Do you have webcams in Milford Sound and Queenstown?

Yes, you can view how the weather and day looks in both destinations. Check out our Milford Sound webcam here. Check out our Queenstown webcam here.

Is there parking in Milford Sound?

Yes, there is paid car parking at the Milford Sound public car park. This car park does fill quickly in the summer months, so we advise getting there early.

Where do Milford Sound cruises leave from?

All cruises leave from and return to the wharf at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.

Do you operate on Christmas Day?

All trips operate on different schedules. Please refer to the individual trip for dates and times. Most experiences operate on Christmas day, but are subject to schedule updates and weather.

Will I see wildlife?

Milford Sound has an abundance of wildlife and is home to New Zealand fur seals and bottlenose dolphins year-round. Rare Dusky dolphins are known to visit the fiord and the world’s rarest penguin, the Fiordland Crested Penguin/Tawaki visits Milford during breeding season (August - November) and moulting season (March/April). While there is wildlife in Milford Sound, we can’t guarantee sightings as these are wild animals in their natural habitat. A visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory offers more wildlife viewing opportunities with an abundance of sea life below the surface.

What cruise is best for wildlife viewing?

Every cruise provides the opportunity to view wildlife, but we cannot guarantee sightings. Our Nature Cruise includes plenty of stops for viewing the amazing geology and occasional wildlife, our skipper and friendly boat hosts will be sure to point out any wildlife.

Do your lunches have vegetarian options?

Yes, picnic lunches can be ordered as vegetarian or vegan. You can select this when booking online.

Are the lunch options halal?

All meat is certified Halal.

Which Milford Cruise is best for kids?

All cruises are suitable for children.

What’s the difference between the cruises?

Please check out our Cruise Comparison table, where you can see our range of cruises and the vessels. https://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/milford-sound/cruises-compare/

What should I bring on my Milford Sound cruise?

Due to the changeable nature of the weather in Milford Sound, it’s a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, warm clothing and to wear comfortable shoes. We also have ponchos available for purchase so you can enjoy a glacial facial under Stirling Falls.

Is there somewhere to get a coffee or snack in Milford?

Yes, Discover Milford Sound Information Centre & Cafe is the perfect place to grab a coffee or a hot snack before or after your cruise. It's located beside the main carpark and is a short 15-minute walk to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.

Do you have COVID-19 restrictions in place?

Southern Discoveries complies with all government guidelines for COVID-19. Currently, while there are no specific regulations in our activity, we have advanced cleaning and staff protocols in place to improve the safety of our customers and team.

What weather can I expect in Fiordland?

Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in the world with an average annual rainfall of 7 metres per year. Rainfall can reach 250 millimetres in 24 hours and creates dozens of temporary waterfalls (as well as several more permanent ones) that cascade down the cliff faces, some reaching a thousand metres in height. The high rainfall is why Milford Sound is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and rainforest. The temperature in Milford can vary depending on the season and can go from an average high of 19C (66F) in summer (Dec – Feb) to 9C (48F) in winter (Jun – Aug). All our vessels have spacious indoor areas with comfortable seating for cruising in all weather conditions.

Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?

Milford Sound is the wettest place in New Zealand and one of the wettest places in the world! Many visitors are shocked to know that this true world wonder actually measures its rainfall in metres (and not millimetres like most of the world.) In fact, in 2016 Milford Sound received over nine metres of rain! Doubtful Sound is also rainy with an average of 3-6 metres of rain per year. Both fiords are magnificent to visit in rainy weather due to the significant amount of waterfalls. The fiords come alive with water streaming down sheer cliffs - a magical sight not to be missed.

How likely are we to see wildlife in Fiordland?

Altough we cannot guarantee wildlife viewing, it is very likely that you will see the New Zealand fur seal, and likely more than just one or two! Dolphins are often sighted swimming alongside cruise vessels. Two species of penguins make Milford Sound their home at various times throughout the year. Little blue penguis and the Fiordland crested penguin - known at the Tawaki. Often hard to find and see, it is always a delight to spot them when we do.

How long does it take to travel to Milford Sound?

It takes approximately five hours to get to Milford from Queenstown depending on the time of year and road conditions. It takes approximately two hours to get to Milford Sound from Te Anau. You can drive a car or campervan or take a coach tour. We always recommend allowing plenty of time to get to Milford as the journey there is as spectacular as the cruise itself.

More FAQ's

Get in touch

in New Zealand

0800 264 536

Overseas

+64 3 441 1137

reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound

Upcoming Departures

Coach & Cruise

Specials & Combos

COMBO & SAVE

FAQ

Get in touch

Milford Sound
Coach & Cruise