Queenstown · MILFORD SOUND DAY TRIPS FROM QUEENSTOWN

The 15 Best Milford Sound Day Trips from Queenstown

31 tours  ·  from $144

Milford is four hours away by road and the cruise itself is only two, so the choice is really about the travelling. These 15 compare coach, plane and the combinations of both on price, total hours and what happens if the weather turns.

Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip - Rainforest, waterfalls, and the Milford Road
1-Day Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Milford Sound Day Trips from Queenstown, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

1.Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,592 reviews · from $144Our pick

Spend about 12 hours traveling from Queenstown to Milford Sound with a local driver-guide, scenic stops, lunch, and a cruise through Fiordland. Expect a long but rewarding road journey, three viewing decks, free tea, waterfalls, rainforest, and possible seals, dolphins, or penguins.

“it was great overall. from the tour guide and all the new things you learn about the heritage of the lands and how things have changed over the many years.”

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Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise - Leaving Queenstown with a local guide
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Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

2.Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,416 reviews · from $235Top rated

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a Mercedes van with up to 15 people, stopping at Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and the Homer Tunnel. Your local guide, such as Chelsea, James, Katy, or Thomas, leads the day, with lunch, WiFi, hot drinks, and a nature cruise included.

“Great day taking in the NZ scenery! Milford Sound was stunning even on an overcast day…the long drive was worth it!”

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Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown - Leaving Queenstown over the Southern Alps
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Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

3.Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,792 reviews · from $462

True South Flights takes you from Queenstown over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, where you board a roughly two-hour cruise before flying back by another route. Expect window seats, pilot commentary, hotel pickup from selected central hotels, and pilots such as Luke, Andrew, Michael, and Tanmay.

“Amazing scenic flight and cruise with True South to Milford Sound - so impressed with the friendly and professional staff and our pilot Jason who ensured we were well informed with key commentary on the flight over to Milford Sound. The aerial view of flying over Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and the first glimpses of Milford Sound is a memory we will hold for a lifetime - just breathtaking! The cruise on Southern Discoveries was great with lots of information shared on the local area, history and moved at a pace that allowed us to take photos and enjoy the amazing ambience and beautiful sights. Thank you and highly recommend…”

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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat - Queenstown pickup and the airport start
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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat

4.Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,558 reviews · 5 hours · from $447

Fly from Queenstown over Fiordland National Park, land near Milford Sound, and cruise for two hours beneath Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls. Every passenger gets a window seat. Pilots such as Jared, Andy, and Kirk are known for clear commentary, but weather can delay or cancel flights.

“Absolutely incredible adventure! I am so glad I chose the flight over the bus tour. Some of the most amazing views from above and in the water! Our pilot Mike was exceptional even through some turbulent conditions. Well worth it!”

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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip - From Queenstown to Te Anau beside Lake Whakatipu
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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

5.Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,417 reviews · from $152

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof, air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking guide, photo stops, and a two-hour cruise. Expect a full 12-hour day, dramatic waterfalls, possible seals and dolphins, and helpful guides such as Danny, Dean, or Paulie.

“Grand the tour guide was so friendly and kind all the moment. It was a pleasure this trip with him.”

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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Day Trip on Premium Coach - Te Anau gives you a useful first break
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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Day Trip on Premium Coach

6.Milford Sound Day Trip on Premium Coach

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 976 reviews · 750 minutes - 14 hours · from $170

Ride from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a comfortable glass-roof coach with live commentary from guides such as Stan, Keith, Shale, and Junior. Stop at Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, and Monkey Creek, then cruise beneath waterfalls and look for seals, dolphins, and penguins.

“Our guide Yoda was phenomenal and was a walking encyclopedia. Definitely recommend this amazing experience !!!”

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Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown - Te Anau gives you a needed pause
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Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

7.Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 789 reviews · from $152

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound by air-conditioned coach with driver commentary, photo stops, lunch, and refreshments. Cruise the full length of the fiord toward the Tasman Sea, with chances to see seals and dolphins. Guides may include Carl, Hamish, Sebastian, Brian, Graeme, or Ian.

“Amazing views the best day of our entire Queenstown Trip. Milford sound is breathtaking and the Tour was a good oportunity to See it Even if you are in Queenstown”

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Milford Sound Day Tour from Queenstown - Te Anau, the practical halfway point
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Milford Sound Day Tour from Queenstown

8.Milford Sound Day Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 678 reviews · from $160

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound by glass-roofed coach with guides such as Adrian, Ivan, Matt, or Nick. Stop at Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, Monkey Creek, and the Chasm, then cruise beneath Mitre Peak and waterfalls. It is a scenic, full-day outing with a long road journey.

“Enjoyable all day tour to Milford Sound, tour guides Dani and Sonny were great, beautiful sights, comfortable ride”

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Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch) - Starting at Air Milford in Frankton
Cruises & Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Milford Sound Day Trips from Queenstown, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Tour Reviews

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

9.Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 672 reviews · from $518

Trade a long road journey for a 35-minute flight with Air Milford. Your pilot, possibly Corey, Emma, Antony, or Tim, narrates the Southern Alps, glaciers, and Fiordland. At Milford Sound, take a reserved-seat nature cruise with lunch, then fly back to Queenstown by a different route.

“My husband and I really enjoyed this flight, the narration provided by the pilot, the views that we were able to see from the aircraft. We also met some very nice people in our small group from all over the world. This is a really special experience…”

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Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown - Landing at Milford Sound and reaching the cruise
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Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

10.Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 570 reviews · from $464

Fly with Glenorchy Air from Queenstown in a small fixed-wing plane with a guaranteed window seat. Your pilot, such as Joseph, Annabel, Rob, or Ben, points out mountains, lakes, glaciers, and valleys before you cruise Milford Sound for at least 1 hour 45 minutes, then fly back.

“Absolutely fabulous! We all enjoyed the scenery and the staff! The views were just breathtaking! Would do it again!”

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Queenstown: Milford Sound Small-Group Tour w Cruise & Lunch - Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes: the first major photo stops
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Queenstown: Milford Sound Small-Group Tour w Cruise & Lunch

11.Milford Sound Small-Group Tour w Cruise & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 523 reviews · 11 - 13 hours · from $208

Travel by small minivan from Queenstown to Milford Sound with a live English-speaking guide, stopping at Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River, and Homer Tunnel. Enjoy lunch, snacks, and a boutique cruise with Cruise Milford or Mitre Peak Cruises. Guides such as Jeff, Martin, Lynette, and Glen are known for lively local stories.

“One of the best tours I’ve ever been on. Amanda was the best guide and driver. So much energy and passion and knowledge of all things NZ. The van was amazing, the journey was so well planned with the perfect number of stops and the scenery was unforgettable. Highly recommended!”

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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Coach Tour - Mirror Lakes and the Eglinton Valley
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From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Coach Tour

12.Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Coach Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 446 reviews · from $169

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof coach with an English-speaking driver-guide, stopping at Mirror Lakes, the Eglinton Valley, and other viewpoints. Then cruise for 1 hour 45 minutes beneath Mitre Peak and past waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and penguins. Optional audio guides are available in Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish.

“Coach journey is a long one from Queenstown but worth it. Some nice stops along the way. Unfortunately, due to a very dry spell we didn’t see the fjord in all its waterfall glory, but still spectacular.”

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Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views - Leaving Queenstown for the long road south
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Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

13.Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown: Panoramic Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 434 reviews · from $214

Spend about 12.5 hours traveling from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a low-emission glass-roof coach, with stops at Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, and Monkey Creek. A local driver-guide such as Paul, Keith, Stan, or Chris provides commentary, followed by a nature cruise, lunch, and free tea and coffee.

“Great day trip (although a long day, well worth it). You have the opportunity (at extra cost) to fly back to Queenstown from Milford Sound by either fixed wing plane or helicopter, well worth it if a fine day. The driver, (Stan) was excellent with Read more”

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Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Tour from Queenstown - Pickup in Queenstown and the early start
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Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Tour from Queenstown

14.Premium Small Group Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 414 reviews · 13 hours - 1 day · from $226

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small Mercedes van with a local guide such as Jono, Andy, Nicole, or Ashleigh. Expect scenic stops, a packed lunch, a two-hour nature cruise, and optional glass-roof transport. The day is long, but the route is part of the show.

“Our guide Will was awesome, very informative with a few jokes thrown in as well. Kept everyone abreast of what was coming up and ensured everyone was included and had opportunity to ask questions as needed. Highly recommend.”

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Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown - The outward flight across Fiordland
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Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

15.Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 377 reviews · from $476

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 12, cruise the full fjord to the Tasman Sea, and return by a different route over the Southern Alps. Hotel pickup is available, pilots provide commentary, and lunch can be added before boarding.

“We were in an eight seater plane which was fantastic experience I was in co pilot seat and our pilot was Sean if you are lucky enough to get him as your pilot you are in for a treat!”

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New in Milford Sound Day Trips from Queenstown

★ 5.0Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic LunchFrom $23295 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy AirFrom $34089 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Scenic Flyover ex QueenstownFrom $40999 reviews
★ 4.7Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, Scenic FlightFrom $465113 reviews
★ 5.0Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & LunchFrom $511200 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex QueenstownFrom $490177 reviews
★ 5.0Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from QueenstownFrom $887173 reviews
★ 4.9Milford Sound Cruise & Helicopter Alpine TourFrom $786165 reviews
★ 4.5Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te AnauFrom $145230 reviews
★ 4.6Milford Sound Premium Day Tour and CruiseFrom $170232 reviews

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