From Queenstown: Milford Sound Tour and Cruise With Lunch

Exploring the stunning natural beauty of Milford Sound from Queenstown is an unforgettable experience. This comprehensive tour takes adventurers on a journey through Fiordland National Park, offering breathtaking vistas and a chance to witness the majestic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife that make this region so captivating. With a comfortable coach, a scenic boat cruise, and a delicious picnic lunch, the tour promises an immersive and memorable day. But there’s more to discover about the unique features and insider tips that make this Milford Sound adventure truly remarkable.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Lunch Experiences In Queenstown.

Key Points

• This 12.5-hour Milford Sound tour departs from Queenstown and includes a scenic journey, 1-hour 45-minute boat cruise, and picnic lunch.
• The tour explores Fiordland National Park, with stops at highlights like Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley, and Homer Tunnel.
• Travelers can enjoy the trip in a luxury air-conditioned coach with free WiFi and regular breaks for comfort.
• The Milford Sound boat cruise provides stunning views of the fjord’s towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and marine wildlife.
• The tour is weather-dependent, and flexibility is required as the itinerary may adjust based on conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Milford Sound Tour and Cruise offers a comprehensive 12.5-hour experience, starting at a price of £140.58 per person, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour departs from the InterCity Bus Stop in Queenstown and includes a scenic journey through Fiordland National Park, a 1-hour 45-minute boat cruise on the stunning Milford Sound, and a picnic lunch.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.

With a luxury air-conditioned coach, free WiFi, and regular stops, this tour provides a comfortable and enjoyable way to explore one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from the InterCity Bus Stop in Queenstown, the tour takes travelers on a scenic journey through Fiordland National Park, passing by the serene Lake Wakatipu before stopping for a 30-minute break in the town of Te Anau.

The itinerary also includes:

• A photo stop at the picturesque Mirror Lakes

• Exploring the Eglinton Valley and its breathtaking views

• Driving through the iconic Homer Tunnel

• A photo opportunity at Monkey Creek

• The highlight of the tour, a 1-hour 45-minute boat cruise through the magnificent Milford Sound, providing stunning vistas of the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

The journey concludes with a return to the InterCity Bus Stop in Queenstown.

Experience and Comfort

Travelers can look forward to a comfortable and immersive experience on this Milford Sound tour. They’ll travel through Fiordland National Park in a luxury air-conditioned glass-roof coach, allowing them to take in the stunning scenery. The boutique small boat cruise also provides informative commentary from the skipper, enhancing the journey. Passengers will enjoy a picnic lunch and can stay connected with the free onboard WiFi. The coaches are equipped with toilets and regular breaks are scheduled, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Whether it’s the breathtaking vistas or the thoughtful amenities, this tour is designed to maximize comfort and enjoyment throughout the day.

Onboard Experience	Amenities
Luxury glass-roof coach	Picnic lunch provided
Boutique small boat cruise	Free onboard WiFi
Informative commentary	Coaches with onboard toilets
Breathtaking vistas	Regular scheduled breaks
Comfortable and immersive	Hassle-free experience

Important Information

While the tour is largely weather-dependent, visitors can expect to witness the scenic beauty of Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, and Monkey Creek as long as conditions permit.

Guests should advise any dietary requirements when booking the tour, as a picnic lunch is included. Plus, it’s advisable to come prepared for the cool, wet weather of Fiordland National Park by bringing appropriate clothing and footwear to ensure a comfortable experience.

The tour’s success depends on a few key factors:

• Weather conditions at the various photo stops

• Informing the tour provider of any dietary needs

• Packing the right gear to stay warm and dry

• Being flexible as the itinerary may adjust based on weather

• Checking the forecast and packing layers for the changeable climate

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Customer Reviews

Customers have generally offered positive feedback on the Milford Sound Tour and Cruise, with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews. Many highlighted the well-organized nature of the trip, the comfortable coach, and the knowledgeable and humorous tour guide. Travelers were in awe of the breathtaking views and found the experience to be truly memorable. Some also provided recommendations for further exploring Milford Sound and the surrounding sights.

Key Highlights	Positive Feedback
Well-organized	Comfortable coach
Knowledgeable guide	Breathtaking views
Memorable experience	Helpful recommendations

Scenic Stops Along the Way

Passing by the serene Lake Wakatipu, the tour makes its first stop in the town of Te Anau, where travelers enjoy a 30-minute break to stretch their legs and take in the breathtaking surrounding landscapes.

The journey then continues through the magnificent Fiordland National Park, with several scenic photo stops along the way:

• At the Mirror Lakes, visitors capture stunning reflections of the mountains in the still waters.

• The Eglinton Valley impresses with its rugged, glacier-carved terrain.

• Passing through the Homer Tunnel, the coach emerges into the dramatic Monkey Creek area, where waterfalls cascade down the cliffs.

These natural wonders provide ample opportunities to appreciate the grandeur of the Milford Sound region before reaching the final destination.

Cruise Through Milford Sound

The 1-hour 45-minute boat cruise through Milford Sound offers visitors a chance to enjoy the dramatic natural scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the boat glides through the pristine fiord, guests are treated to a mesmerizing display of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the occasional sighting of marine wildlife like seals and dolphins. The knowledgeable skipper provides insightful commentary, highlighting the area’s rich history and unique ecology. Onboard, guests can enjoy a delicious picnic lunch while taking in the breathtaking vistas. It’s an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to fully appreciate the sheer majesty of Milford Sound.

Cruise Features	Details
Duration	1 hour 45 minutes
Scenery	Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, marine wildlife
Commentary	Knowledgeable skipper provides insights

Getting to and From Queenstown

After enjoying the serene 1-hour 45-minute cruise through Milford Sound, the tour takes visitors back to Queenstown. Travelers depart from the Milford Sound pier and embark on the return journey, passing through the dramatic Fiordland landscape once more.

Along the way, the tour makes several scenic stops, allowing passengers to stretch their legs and capture breathtaking photos:

• Te Anau – A 30-minute break in this picturesque lakeside town

• Mirror Lakes – A photo stop to admire the stunning reflections

• Eglinton Valley – Soak in the grandeur of this glacial valley

• Monkey Creek – Another opportunity to snap photos of the natural wonder

• Homer Tunnel – Marvel at the engineering feat as the coach passes through this iconic landmark

The tour then concludes at the InterCity Bus Stop in Queenstown, leaving travelers with lasting memories of their Milford Sound adventure.

Recap

The Milford Sound tour from Queenstown offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the natural beauty of Fiordland National Park.

With a luxury coach, scenic stops, and a spectacular cruise showcasing the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, this tour provides an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re seeking breathtaking landscapes or a delightful picnic lunch, this Milford Sound adventure promises to create lasting memories.

You can check if your dates are available here: