Embarking on a Milford Sound adventure from Queenstown is a must-do for many visitors to New Zealand’s South Island. This full-day tour promises an unforgettable journey, blending a scenic coach ride with a boat cruise that showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty. From the towering peaks to the cascading waterfalls, the tour offers an immersive experience that immerses travelers in the awe-inspiring landscape. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an exceptional day out, this Milford Sound tour is sure to leave a lasting impression. But what exactly can you expect from this highly-rated experience? Let’s dive in and explore the details.
This experience made our list of the 15 Best Lunch Experiences In Queenstown.
Key Points
- Comprehensive full-day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound, including a scenic coach ride, boat cruise, and lunch.
- Luxury glass-roof coaches and catamaran provide unobstructed views of the stunning natural landscapes.
- Multiple photo stops along the journey, showcasing the region’s renowned natural wonders.
- Informative live commentary from the driver/guide and audio guides in multiple languages.
- Highly rated tour with an overall score of 4.7/5, indicating a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Queenstown offers an immersive experience, with prices starting from $181.62 per person.
This 12.5-hour tour departs from Queenstown and includes a scenic coach ride along Lake Wakatipu, photo stops at picturesque locations, and a 2.25-hour catamaran cruise through the stunning Milford Sound.
The tour features glass-roofed luxury coaches and a glass-roof catamaran, providing unobstructed views of the natural wonders.
While the tour is likely to sell out, travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
With a high overall rating of 4.7/5, this tour promises an unforgettable journey.
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Itinerary and Experience
The tour starts at the InterCity Bus Stop in Queenstown, located at 12 Athol Street, before embarking on a scenic 2.08-hour coach ride along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, with a 30-minute break en route. Along the way, the coach makes several photo stops, including the Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley, Homer Tunnel, and Monkey Creek.
The highlight of the tour is the 2.25-hour Milford Sound boat cruise, offering breathtaking views of Mitre Peak and the chance to spot marine wildlife. The return journey includes a 15-minute break in Te Anau and a 2.25-hour bus ride back to Queenstown.
Stop | Duration |
---|---|
Queenstown to Te Anau | 2.08 hours |
Photo stops | 30 minutes |
Milford Sound cruise | 2.25 hours |
Te Anau to Queenstown | 2.25 hours |
Total duration | 12.5 hours |
Tour Features
Travelers on this Milford Sound tour from Queenstown can expect a range of convenient features, including glass-roofed luxury coaches and a glass-roof catamaran for the cruise. This allows passengers to enjoy the stunning scenery of the region, with panoramic views from every angle.
The coaches are equipped with WiFi, enabling travelers to stay connected during the journey. The tour also features live English commentary from the driver/guide, as well as audio guides in Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish, ensuring an informative experience for all.
Plus, a picnic lunch and drinks are included, providing a convenient and refreshing mid-tour break.
Important Information
Limited phone service and internet connectivity are available in the Milford Sound region.
Cash is recommended for any extra purchases, as options may be limited.
Travelers should note that electric wheelchairs aren’t permitted on this tour.
While efforts are made to use glass-roof coaches, their availability may vary depending on supply.
This comprehensive Milford Sound tour from Queenstown offers an immersive experience, with a scenic coach ride, photo stops, and a boat cruise on the iconic fiord.
Guests can enjoy the stunning natural landscapes, diverse marine life, and a delicious picnic lunch.
With a highly rated guide, luxury transportation, and convenient booking options, this tour is sure to create lasting memories for visitors to New Zealand’s stunning Fiordland region.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Feedback
Based on the 248 reviews of this Milford Sound tour from Queenstown, the overall experience garners a strong 4.7 out of 5 rating. Customers praise the high quality of the tour guide, awarding them an impressive 4.9 out of 5 score, while the transportation aspect is rated 4.7 out of 5. However, the service rating is slightly lower at 3.7 out of 5, with some guests citing booking issues and timing discrepancies. Yet, the organization of the tour remains top-notch, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 rating.
Metric | Score |
---|---|
Overall | 4.7/5 |
Guide | 4.9/5 |
Transportation | 4.7/5 |
Service | 3.7/5 |
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Scenic Coach Ride
The scenic coach ride from Queenstown to Milford Sound takes travelers on a captivating 2.08-hour journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, offering a chance to admire the region’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
Along the way, the coach makes a 30-minute stop, allowing passengers to stretch their legs and snap photos at key viewpoints like the Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley, Homer Tunnel, and Monkey Creek.
The glass-roofed luxury coach provides panoramic views, ensuring travelers can fully enjoy the stunning scenery.
With live commentary from the driver/guide and audio guides available in multiple languages, the scenic coach ride sets the stage for an unforgettable Milford Sound experience.
Milford Sound Boat Cruise
After the scenic coach ride, the highlight of the Milford Sound tour is the 2.25-hour boat cruise that offers unparalleled views of the region’s dramatic landscapes, including the iconic Mitre Peak and local marine wildlife.
The glass-roof catamaran provides excellent visibility, allowing passengers to take in the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and diverse array of seabirds and dolphins that call Milford Sound home.
The cruise offers a unique opportunity to take in the stunning natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the boat glides through the tranquil waters surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps.
Meeting Point
Departing from the middle of the carpark at Queenstown’s Athol Street bus station, the Milford Sound tour starts its picturesque journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This central meeting point ensures a seamless start to the day’s adventure.
From here, guests board the glass-roofed luxury coach and embark on the scenic drive along Lake Wakatipu. The tour’s meeting location is easily accessible, providing a convenient departure point for travelers.
With clear directions and ample parking, getting to the starting point is a straightforward process. The centralized meeting spot sets the stage for an exceptional Milford Sound experience, setting the tour up for a day filled with stunning natural wonders.
Recap
The ‘From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Tour With Lunch’ offers an unforgettable experience in New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes.
The journey features a scenic coach ride, a breathtaking Milford Sound boat cruise, and a delightful picnic lunch, all while providing panoramic views and the chance to spot marine wildlife.
With a high rating and a comprehensive itinerary, this tour promises a memorable adventure amidst the country’s renowned natural beauty.
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