Getting a meal while exploring Fiordland’s stunning fjords comes down to two main cruise options. The Milford Sound Coach and Cruise delivers with its freshly made buffet lunch, served as you glide past towering peaks and waterfalls. The Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise gives you choices – pack a picnic or opt for their onboard buffet.
I love these tours because they combine two essentials of good travel: filling food and world-class scenery. While buffet quality varies, nothing beats eating lunch while spotting seals and dolphins in a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Let’s explore the best cruise and dining combinations in Milford Sound…
Key Points
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The Milford Sound Coach and Cruise offers a freshly prepared buffet lunch during the 1-hour 45-minute cruise, providing a scenic dining experience.
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The Sightseeing Cruise in Fiordland National Park also provides an optional picnic or buffet lunch, allowing for flexibility in dining choices.
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While the buffet options have received mixed reviews, the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings consistently remain the highlights of these cruises.
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Dining on board the cruises adds to the overall experience, with complimentary tea and coffee offered and the option to purchase alcoholic drinks.
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Advance booking is recommended for these popular cruises, which can accommodate a maximum of 150-200 travelers and are accessible for strollers.
Milford Sound Coach and Cruise From Te Anau With Buffet Lunch
For those seeking a comprehensive day tour of the stunning Fiordland region, the Milford Sound Coach and Cruise from Te Anau with Buffet Lunch offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of this New Zealand destination.
Rated 4.7 out of 5 with a 93% traveler recommendation, this tour provides round-trip transportation from Te Anau, informative commentary from local drivers, and a Milford Sound nature cruise with a freshly prepared lunch.
Passengers can enjoy free tea and coffee on board, as well as the option to purchase alcoholic drinks. The tour is accessible to strollers but not wheelchairs, with a maximum capacity of 150 travelers.
While some reviews note concerns about the boat’s suitability for viewing and the bus’s seating comfort, the overall experience is praised for its stunning scenery, including dolphin sightings and impressive waterfalls.
Guests are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and bring necessary items like sunscreen and insect repellent.
Read our full review: Milford Sound Coach and Cruise From Te Anau With Buffet Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise With Optional Picnic or Buffet
Exploring the stunning Fiordland National Park, the Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Picnic or Buffet offers travelers a chance to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of this UNESCO-listed wonder.
Departing from Milford Wharf, the 1-hour 45-minute cruise takes guests past iconic landmarks like Mitre Peak and cascading waterfalls, with the possibility of spotting marine life such as bottlenose dolphins and New Zealand fur seals.
The cruise provides complimentary tea and coffee, and travelers can choose to add a picnic or buffet lunch to their experience.
While the buffet option has received mixed reviews, the scenic highlights, including Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, are consistently praised.
Guests should note the cruise’s maximum capacity of 200 travelers and prepare for potentially wet conditions.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise is an accessible way to explore one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Read our full review: Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise With Optional Picnic or Buffet Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Specific Seating Arrangement at the Buffet?
You can usually request a specific seating arrangement at the buffet, though it may depend on the venue’s policies. Many buffets accommodate special requests if possible, so it’s worth asking the staff about their seating options.
Is There a Dress Code for the Buffet Dining Experience?
There’s usually no strict dress code for buffet dining. Casual, comfortable attire is generally acceptable. However, some higher-end establishments may have guidelines, so it’s best to check with the venue beforehand to ensure you meet their dress expectations.
Are Dietary Restrictions Accommodated at the Buffet?
Buffet restaurants typically accommodate common dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Guests should inquire about specific offerings when making a reservation or upon arrival to ensure their needs can be met.
Can I Take Food From the Buffet Back to My Hotel?
Most buffet restaurants don’t allow guests to take food away. It’s generally frowned upon and may not be permitted. However, it’s always best to check with the staff about their policy on taking food from the buffet back to your hotel.
What Are the Payment Options for the Buffet Meal?
Most buffet restaurants offer various payment options, including cash, credit/debit cards, and sometimes mobile payments. Diners should check with the hotel beforehand to understand the accepted forms of payment for their buffet meal.
Recap
Milford Sound offers exceptional buffet experiences for visitors. The Milford Sound Coach and Cruise from Te Anau provides a buffet lunch, while the Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise offers an optional buffet. These experiences allow travelers to savor the stunning natural beauty of Fiordland while indulging in a delicious meal. Whether you choose the coach tour or the cruise, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable buffet experience in this breathtaking region.