Milford Sound Tours
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With its soaring cliffs, dramatic glacial valleys, and thundering waterfalls, it’s easy to see why Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most visited sights. This natural wonder is the star attraction of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and wildlife haven for dolphins, seals, and penguins.
The Basics
Whether you cruise around the fjord, fly overhead in a helicopter, or explore Fiordland National Park by coach, Milford Sound is unforgettable from all angles. Most tours of the fjord run from Queenstown or Te Anau, and also visit highlights such as Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The weather in Milford Sound can be unpredictable, so prepare for wind and rain even in summer.
- If hiking, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as places to purchase supplies are limited.
- Cell phone coverage is limited, but free Wi-Fi is available at the Milford Sound Information Center.
- Most Milford Sound cruises are wheelchair accessible, but not all activities within Fiordland National Park are accessible to those with limited mobility, so it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
Milford Sound is located on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island, about 178 miles (287 kilometers) or 3.5 hours by road from Queenstown, and two hours by road from Te Anau. The quickest way to get to Milford Sound is by taking a plane tour from Queenstown, where the nearest international airport is located.
When to Get There
Summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit Milford Sound, so if you want to avoid crowds, opt for spring or autumn. Winter visitors will be at the weather’s mercy, but tours and accommodation can be cheaper during this time and the area’s snow-covered peaks are a sight to see.
Natural Wonders of Fiordland National Park
The journey to Milford Sound is just as impressive as the fjord itself, and photo opportunities abound along the Milford Road. Stop at Pop’s Lookout, Mirror Lakes, and Eglinton Valley; marvel at the views as you pass the Chasm and Homer Tunnel; and look out over Lake Wakatipu, Lake Te Anau, and the Remarkables mountain range.
Address: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Admission: Free
19 Tours & Activities to Experience
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$32.28 USD
Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise including Optional Lunch
- Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a Milford Sound cruise while visiting UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Departing from Milford Wharf, this boat cruise glides past snow-capped Mitre Peak and waterfalls cascading down steep-walled mountains that rise straight up from the water. See Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls and Seal Point while searching the deep fiord for marine life including bottlenose dolphins and New Zealand fur seals.
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$396.48 USD
Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Nature Cruise
- See Milford Sound by air and water, flying round-trip from Queenstown for a small-craft boat cruise through the famous fiord. Save time on this half-day tour as you soar over the World Heritage–listed landscape of Fiordland National Park. Landing at Milford Sound, trade your wings for watercraft and a sightseeing journey with experienced naturalists. You’ll learn about the wildlife and geology of the scenic waterways at one of New Zealand’s top natural wonders. Includes round-trip hotel transfers and a boxed lunch.
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$31.58 USD
Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Bus Tour
- Enjoy uninterrupted views of glacier-carved cliffs on a Milford Sound cruise aboard the Maiden of Milford, a three-deck vessel. The 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise through one of the South Island’s most stunning natural wonders take you past vivid waterfalls to frolicking dolphins and New Zealand fur seals. Meet at the pier or opt for a round-trip coach tour of UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park from Queenstown, and stop for photographs and some short nature walks en route to Milford Sound.
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$66.66 USD
Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise
- Escape the crowds on a Milford Sound cruise aboard a spacious boat with a limited number of passengers. Get up-close views of New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and Fiordland-crested penguins from the luxury lounge in the upper cabin, where you can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits as you listen to the skipper’s narration. This boutique vessel provides a superior experience with unforgettable memories of highlights like Mitre Peak.
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$56.14 USD
Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
- The UNESCO-listed Milford Sound is the postcard icon of New Zealand’s South Island – a dramatic fjord, ringed by jagged cliffs and cascading waterfalls. This 2-hour cruise checks off all the highlights, affording spectacular views of Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, and Mount Pembroke; passing the mighty Mitre Peak; and gliding out along the Tasman Sea coast.
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$51.93 USD
Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Kayak Tour
- This 2.5-hour Milford Sound cruise in UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park stops at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory, accessible only by boat. Your midday cruise on a smaller boat travels outside of peak hours, offering prime viewing and more time on the water than other tours. Hear informative commentary from naturalist guides on board, and enjoy a provided picnic lunch. Upgrade to include a 1-hour kayak excursion and paddle Harrison Cove in a small-group limited to 12 people.
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$59.65 USD
Milford Sound Nature Cruise from Queenstown, Te Anau or Milford Sound
- Travel to the Tasman Sea on a 2-hour Milford Sound cruise aboard the ‘Milford Mariner’ or ‘Milford Wanderer.’ Pass by the world-renowned Mitre Peak and drift alongside rushing waterfalls as you search for wildlife including New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and Fiordland-crested penguins. An onboard nature specialist provides expert commentary. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from Milford Sound, Queenstown and Te Anau by luxury coach.
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$305.25 USD
Milford Sound to Queenstown Return Scenic Flight
- Get sweeping views of the South Island of New Zealand during a 40-minute scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown. The one-way flight offers an aerial perspective on the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, Sutherland Falls, and Milford Track. When your pilot gently lands at Queenstown airport, a driver transfers you to your hotel.
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$136.84 USD
Full-Day Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park Tour including Milford Sound Cruise and BBQ Lunch from Te Anau
- Take a cruise on Milford Sound, arguably the most scenic destination on New Zealand’s South Island, during this day trip from Te Anau. En route, you’ll tour the features of Fiordland National Park, home to untouched alpine forest, pristine waterways, glaciers and soaring peaks. Experience sightseeing stops and bush walks before a 1.5-hour boat excursion, including a buffet lunch and narration by a well-versed guide. Numbers are limited to 15 people for a small-group experience.
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$168.42 USD
Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Queenstown
- Upon reaching Milford Sound, board a luxurious catamaran for a 1 hour 45 minute cruise. Peer through panoramic windows of a luxury coach while you travel through the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park with a guide, before a memorable sightseeing cruise past Mitre Peak and the magnificent cliff-side waterfalls of Milford Sound.
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$48.42 USD
Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- See the Eighth Wonder of the World on a Milford Sound cruise, led by a naturalist guide. Gliding past granite walls, glacier-fed waterfalls and stunning Mitre Peak aboard a smaller-sized vessel than most Milford Sound cruises, you’ll have great photo ops of this famous South Island attraction situated within the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Stay on the water for just over 2 hours, and be on the lookout for Fiordland crested penguins and bottlenose dolphins.
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$251.92 USD
Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise
- Board the ‘Milford Mariner’ for a Milford Sound overnight cruise along this pristine waterway, situated in New Zealand’s impressive Fiordland National Park. Cruise the entire length of the fiord all the way to the Tasman Sea before your captain anchors in Harrison Cove. Then spend the night in a private single or twin-share en suite cabin, including a 3-course buffet dinner and breakfast. Listen to a nature guide on board and make use of provided kayaks to explore waterfalls and glacial-carved cliffs like Mitre Peak.
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$114.38 USD
Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Te Anau
- Cruise Milford Sound from Te Anau during a full-day tour to UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. You’ll access this crown jewel of New Zealand’s South Island by luxury coach, stopping en route at the Mirror Lakes before boarding a 1-hour 45-minute cruise on luxurious catamaran journey past waterfalls and steep-walled pinnacles such as famous Mitre Peak.
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$477.18 USD
Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Queenstown including Scenic Flight
- A Milford Sound scenic flight over the Southern Alps back to Queenstown completes this full-day tour by land, sea and sky. Before your 1-hour and 45-minute cruise, travel by coach to the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park, stopping at the Mirror Lakes. You’ll see the world-famous fiord, including Mitre Peak, and other natural glories from the water, then get a bird’s-eye view from the air that will take your breath away.
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$97.54 USD
Small-Group Milford Sound Day Trip and Cruise from Te Anau
- Escape the crowds of Milford Sound as you cruise through the popular glacier-carved fjord on a full-day excursion, round-trip from Te Anau. The 1.5-hour Milford Sound morning boat trip glides past stunning sights like Mitre Peak, situated in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. En route, stop for short walks at scenic spots like Mirror Lakes and the Chasm. Enjoy small-group transport by mini-coach, limited to 33 people, which ensures personalized attention from your guide. Includes lunch plus hotel pickup and drop-off.
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From
$305.25 USD
Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise from Te Anau
- Don’t miss the chance to take a must-do overnight cruise on Milford Sound aboard the ‘Milford Mariner,’ with round-trip transport from Te Anau by luxury coach. Cruise the entire length of the impressive fiord, passing towering cliffs like Mitre Peak en route to the Tasman Sea. Then anchor for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove, where a nature guide on board helps you make use of provided kayaks to explore. Select a private single or twin-share ensuite cabin, including a 3-course buffet dinner and breakfast.
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$148.07 USD
Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Te Anau to Queenstown
- Be mesmerized by Milford Sound on a full-day trip from Te Anau to Queenstown. Travel through World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park and go sightseeing on a Milford Sound cruise past majestic Mitre Peak. Enjoy a buffet lunch or opt for a Japanese-style bento box (if selected). Includes hotel pickup and drop-off with commentary on board the coach and cruise boat.
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$90.52 USD
Half-Day Milford Track Guided Hiking Tour
- Get up close to nature and explore one of the top spots on New Zealand's South Island on this half-day Milford Track guided walk. Take a boat ride across Milford Sound to Sandfly Point with your guide and admire soaring cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Hike along the banks of the Arthur River and Lake Ada, and enjoy panoramic views over the pristine countryside. Admire the mighty Giant's Gate waterfall from the swing-bridge over the river and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.
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$1,396.45 USD
3-Day Hollyford Track Guided Walk with Scenic Helicopter Flight
- Embark on a 3-day guided trek on the Hollyford Track, one of New Zealand’s most renowned hiking trails, located in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. An experienced guide leads you past the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps through native rainforest to the rugged west coast. You’ll backpack through the Hollyford Valley, ride a jet boat and take a helicopter flight into magnificent Milford Sound. Enjoy personalized service, world-class cuisine and comfortable lodge accommodation during this small-group tour, limited to 16 participants.
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