Getting there

How to get from Queenstown to Milford Sound

One road leads to Milford Sound, and it starts in Te Anau. You can drive it yourself, let a coach driver do it, or fly over the mountains in 40 minutes.

Last updated October 2026

The short answer

By road it is about 290 km from Queenstown to Milford Sound, south to Te Anau and then along the Milford Road, and the drive takes about four and a half hours each way without stops. A coach + cruise day trip takes you there and back in 12 to 14 hours; a flight takes about 40 minutes each way but only leaves when the weather allows. If you drive yourself, the Department of Conservation advises against the full round trip in one day and suggests a night in Te Anau.

Top picks

Coach Small group By plane

Coach

Pure Milford · ~12 hours door to door Coach & Cruise Full-Day

★ 4.7 (4,253) from NZ$ 265

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RealNZ · ~12 hours door to door Coach + Cruise Day Tour

★ 4.7 (1,960) from NZ$ 295

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Milford Sound Select · ~12 hours door to door Premium Coach + Nature Cruise

★ 4.7 (240) from NZ$ 279

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Small group

Cheeky Kiwi Travel · 11 to 13 hours Small-group day with cruise and lunch

★ 4.9 (689) from NZ$ 369

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Altitude Tours · Up to 13 hours Premium small-group tour, up to 15 guests

★ 4.8 (490) from NZ$ 419

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Luxe Tours · About 12.5 hours Small-group day from Queenstown, up to 13 guests

★ 5.0 (180) from NZ$ 397

On Viator

By plane

Milford Sound Scenic Flights · ~5 hours door to door Fly-Cruise-Fly

★ 4.9 (1,875) from NZ$ 835

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True South Flights · 4 hours Fly + cruise, window seat guaranteed

★ 4.9 (132) from NZ$ 795

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Glenorchy Air · 4 h 30 Fly + Cruise

★ 5.0 (338) from NZ$ 789

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Compare all 16 options

See which Milford Sound tours still have places on your dates

Four ways from Queenstown

	Time each way	Whole day	Good for
Coach + cruise	5 to 6 hours with photo stops	About 12 hours	Queenstown as your only base, no driver in your group
Small group in a van	5 to 6 hours, more stops	About 12 hours	Hotel pickup, a guide and fewer people at each stop
Drive yourself	About 4.5 hours without stops	12 to 14 hours with the cruise	Three or more people, or a night in Te Anau on the way
Fly + cruise	About 40 minutes	4.5 to 5 hours	Short on time; the mountains and glaciers from the air

Driving times per RealNZ and the Department of Conservation, flight time per Glenorchy Air. The tour durations are on each card below.

A good alternative for slower trips: drive the two hours to Te Anau the day before and start from there. That halves the Milford day, and it is what the Te Anau guide covers.

Coach + cruise from Queenstown

Pickup in central Queenstown early in the morning, the cruise around midday, back in the evening. The coaches are timed to reach the fiord just before their boat leaves.

Pure Milford

Coach & Cruise Full-Day

Glass-roof coach, pickup in Queenstown or Te Anau, lunch included. 12-hour day.

Duration: ~12 hours door to door
Language: English (driver + skipper commentary)
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 265 ★ 4.7 (4,253 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Pickup in central Queenstown or Te Anau
Glass-roof coach with photo stops along the Milford Road
Nature commentary from the driver and skipper
Cruise with Pure Milford on a boat with three viewing decks
Lunch included (not for infants)

About this tour

A 12-hour day from Queenstown with pickup in the centre of town; pickup in Te Anau is also possible. The coach has a glass roof and stops for photos along the Milford Road. GetYourGuide gives about 5 to 6 hours from Queenstown to Milford Sound, stops included.

The cruise is with Pure Milford, on a boat with three viewing decks. Pure Milford's fleet is the Maiden of Milford (open top deck) and the Gem of the Sound (glass roof); the listing does not say which boat a departure uses, so ask if the glass roof matters to you.

Lunch and tea or hot water are included (lunch not for infants); breakfast is not. Bring layers, a rain jacket and a camera.

What's included

Round-trip transport from central Queenstown
Glass-roof, air-conditioned coach
Driver commentary and scenic photo stops
Scenic Milford Sound cruise
Complimentary tea and hot water on board
Access to 3 viewing decks on the boat
Lunch (not for infants)

Not included

Breakfast
Additional drinks (available for purchase on board)

Meeting point

Central Queenstown pickup: the exact location and time are confirmed after booking. The tour departure time in your voucher is NOT the pickup time; pickup can be up to 45 minutes earlier depending on where you stay.

What to bring

Warm layered clothing
Waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Sunscreen
Insect repellent (sandflies at photo stops)

Know before you go

The tour departure time is not the pickup time. Check your confirmation for the pickup slot.
From Queenstown to Milford Sound takes about 5 to 6 hours with stops. Expect a long day.
The section near the Tasman Sea can be choppy in bad weather. See our seasickness guide if you are prone.
Milford has very little phone reception; save your voucher offline.
The listing does not say which boat (Maiden or Gem) a departure uses. Ask if the glass roof matters to you.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

RealNZ

Coach + Cruise Day Tour

Glass-roof coach, 2-hour cruise on a RealNZ catamaran. Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award 2024.

Duration: ~12 hours door to door
Language: English (driver + skipper commentary)
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 295 ★ 4.7 (1,960 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award winner (2024)
Glass-roof coach with photo stops and short walks along the Milford Road
Classic cruise (1 h 40) or Signature cruise with a nature guide (2 h)
Food and drinks for sale at the bar on board
Run by RealNZ, in business since 1954

About this tour

RealNZ goes back to 1954 and won the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award in 2024. Its Queenstown coach + cruise starts at 88 Beach Street and uses a glass-roof coach with photo stops and short walks along the Milford Road, plus a 20 to 30-minute stop in Te Anau.

At Milford you choose the Classic cruise (1 h 40, commentary through a multilingual app) or the Signature cruise (2 h, with a live nature guide). RealNZ's Milford Haven carries up to 180 guests.

Food is not included; you can buy it at the bar on board or bring your own. The day ends back at 88 Beach Street in Queenstown.

What's included

Round-trip coach from central Queenstown
Glass-roof, air-conditioned coach
Scenic photo stops and short walks along Milford Road
Live English commentary from local nature guides
Milford Sound cruise: Classic (1 h 40) or Signature (2 h), chosen at booking
Access to on-board licensed bar for food and drink purchase

Not included

Lunch (available for purchase on board)
Alcoholic drinks

Meeting point

The RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown. Check in 30 minutes before departure to collect your boarding pass.

What to bring

Warm layered clothing
Waterproof jacket
Sunglasses
Camera
Insect repellent (sandflies at photo stops)

Know before you go

Check in 30 minutes before departure. You cannot board without your boarding pass.
Bring rain gear even if the forecast is dry. Fiordland weather turns fast.
Alternative vessels or coaches may be used during survey periods.
For dietary requirements, contact RealNZ directly ahead of departure.
The 15-minute Tasman Sea section is usually calm on RealNZ Classic (largest boat, most stable).

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Milford Sound Select

Premium Coach + Nature Cruise

Premium glass-roof coach with reclining seats. Cruise with Southern Discoveries.

Duration: ~12 hours door to door
Language: English (driver + skipper commentary)
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 279 ★ 4.7 (240 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Premium glass-roof coach with extra legroom and reclining seats
1.75-hour cruise on a purpose-built boat with viewing areas and a bar
Photo stops along the Milford Road
Live commentary in English from the driver-guide
Tea and coffee included; bring your own food

About this tour

Milford Sound Select's day trip is sold as a premium alternative to the standard Queenstown coach + cruise. The coach is a modern glass-roof vehicle with reclining seats, extra legroom and a PA system.

The day starts at 110 Beach Street in Queenstown, with a 30-minute break in Te Anau, then the Milford Road with photo stops. Driver commentary in English throughout.

At Milford you take a 1.75-hour cruise on a purpose-built boat with tables, viewing areas and a bar. Tea and coffee are included, snacks are not, so bring food. Child seats are not provided: bring your own for young children.

What's included

Air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, extra legroom and PA/sound system
Cruise on a purpose-built vessel with tables, viewing areas and a bar
Complimentary tea and coffee on board
Live tour commentary in English on the coach
Photo stops on the way to Milford Sound

Not included

Lunch
Alcoholic drinks

Meeting point

110 Beach Street, Queenstown; the tour also ends there. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.

What to bring

Warm layered clothing
Waterproof jacket
Camera
Snacks (or buy on coach)
Sunglasses

Know before you go

Child restraints are NOT provided. Bring your own for children under 7 or you may be refused boarding.
The tour departure time is NOT the pickup time. Confirmed after booking.
Round trip from Queenstown is a full day; expect ~5 hours on the coach each way.
Bring rain gear even in summer.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Southern Discoveries

Premium coach + 2-hour nature cruise

Glass-roof coach from Queenstown with commentary in eight languages by app, a 2-hour nature cruise and lunch as an option.

Duration: 12.5 hours
Language: English (live), App commentary in 8 languages
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 279 ★ 4.6 (1,116 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Glass-roof coach with USB charging
Commentary by app in eight languages, headphones provided on the coach
2-hour Nature Cruise out to the Tasman Sea
Tea and coffee on board, picnic or buffet lunch as an option

About this tour

Southern Discoveries' own coach day from Queenstown. Pickup is at many points in town and the day finishes at 110 Beach Street. The coach stops for 30 minutes in Te Anau in both directions and makes short stops in the Eglinton Valley, at Mirror Lakes and at Monkey Creek. The driver commentates in English; the free Southern Discoveries app covers the route in 30 sections and eight languages.

At Milford Sound you join the 2-hour Nature Cruise on a purpose-built catamaran, past Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls and out to the Tasman Sea. Tea and coffee are free. A picnic lunch or the To Kai buffet (on selected departures) can be added when you book.

What's included

Glass-roof coach (may be replaced for operational reasons)
Live commentary and app commentary
2-hour Milford Sound cruise
Tea and coffee
Lunch, if you choose that option

Not included

Child seats (bring your own, otherwise children cannot travel)
Food for infants

Meeting point

Pickup at a point in Queenstown chosen when you book. The tour finishes at 110 Beach Street.

Know before you go

A scenic flight back can be requested, weather permitting.
The bar on board sells drinks and snacks.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

GreatSights New Zealand

Glass-roof coach + cruise

Glass-roof coach from the InterCity stop in Queenstown, a 1 h 45 cruise on Pride of Milford, lunch as an option.

Duration: 12.5 hours
Language: English (driver-guide), Audio guide in Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, English and German
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 288 ★ 4.6 (989 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Glass-roof coach with commentary from the driver-guide
Photo stops at Mirror Lakes, the Eglinton Valley and Monkey Creek
1 h 45 cruise on the catamaran Pride of Milford
Picnic or hot buffet lunch on board as a paid option

About this tour

The day starts and ends at the InterCity bus stop in Queenstown and takes about 12.5 hours. The coach follows Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, where there is a 30-minute break (morning tea at your own cost), then runs up the Milford Road with stops at Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and Monkey Creek, where kea often turn up, before the 1.2 km Homer Tunnel.

At Milford Sound you board Pride of Milford, a catamaran with several decks, open outdoor areas and full-height windows inside. The cruise lasts 1 hour 45 minutes and the captain gives the commentary. A picnic or hot buffet lunch can be added when you book; otherwise bring food or buy it on board.

On the way back the coach stops again in Te Anau for 15 minutes. Wi-Fi on the coach is free.

What's included

Driver-guide with commentary
Glass-roof coach with free Wi-Fi
1 h 45 cruise on Milford Sound
Lunch, if you choose that option

Not included

Other food and drinks
Tips

Meeting point

InterCity bus stop in Queenstown. The tour ends at the same stop.

Know before you go

The child fare covers ages 0 to 14; infants also need a child ticket.
Phone and internet reception at Milford Sound is limited.
Bring cash for purchases during the day.
Electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

awesomeNZ

Glass-roof coach + scenic cruise, picnic lunch

Glass-roof coach with Wi-Fi from Queenstown, a scenic cruise, a picnic lunch, and tips already included.

Duration: About 13 hours
Language: English
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 344 ★ 4.6 (572 reviews)

Book on Viator

Full tour details

Highlights

Glass-roof coach with free Wi-Fi
Stops at Mirror Lakes, Monkey Creek and the Homer Tunnel
Scenic cruise on Milford Sound
Picnic lunch and tips included

About this tour

A coach day of about 13 hours from Queenstown. The meeting point is the bus stop in the middle of the Athol Street car park (no all-day parking there); transfers from selected accommodation are possible. Groups can be up to 48 people.

The glass-roof coach stops at Mirror Lakes, Monkey Creek and the Homer Tunnel. At Milford Sound you spend about 1.5 hours, including the scenic cruise. A picnic lunch and tips are included. According to awesomeNZ, the scenic cruise lasts 1 hour 45 minutes.

What's included

Glass-roof coach with free Wi-Fi
Transfers from selected accommodation
Milford Sound scenic cruise
Picnic lunch
Tips

Meeting point

Bus stop in the Athol Street car park, Queenstown. Be there 15 minutes before departure.

Know before you go

Infants travel on an adult's lap.
Not wheelchair accessible.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Small groups in a van

The same road in a van for 13 to 16 guests. The day is just as long, but the stops are less crowded.

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Small-group day with cruise and lunch

Hotel pickup in Queenstown, a small group with a local guide, a boutique cruise on a smaller boat and a picnic lunch.

Duration: 11 to 13 hours
Language: English
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 369 ★ 4.9 (689 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Pickup and drop-off at hotels in Queenstown
Small group with a local guide
Cruise on a smaller boat, about 1.5 hours
Picnic lunch, water and snacks included

About this tour

A long day from Queenstown in a small group. The guide collects you from your hotel (the listing names more than 20 hotels and the Frankton terminus) and brings you back there in the evening.

On the way there are stops at Lake Wakatipu and the Devils Staircase, a 30-minute break in Te Anau, about half an hour at Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn and the Hollyford River, then the Homer Tunnel. At Milford Sound you cruise on a smaller boat; the listing gives 1.5 hours and the itinerary 105 minutes. A picnic lunch is included.

You can add a one-way scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown. It is run by an outside flight operator and costs extra.

What's included

Pickup and drop-off at selected hotels
Small-group tour with a guide
Boutique cruise on Milford Sound
Picnic lunch, water and snacks
Scenic stops

Not included

Picnic lunch for infants (0 to 3)
Return flight from Milford Sound, unless booked
Child safety seats

Know before you go

Give children's ages and any dietary needs when you book.
Wheelchairs that do not fold and electric wheelchairs cannot be taken.
Bring layers and a waterproof jacket.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Altitude Tours

Premium small-group tour, up to 15 guests

Mercedes van with at most 15 guests, pickup in Queenstown, a 1 h 45 nature cruise and a packed picnic lunch.

Duration: Up to 13 hours
Language: English
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 419 ★ 4.8 (490 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

At most 15 guests in a Mercedes touring van
Glass-roof van available as an upgrade
1 h 45 nature cruise
Packed picnic lunch included

About this tour

A day of up to 13 hours from Queenstown with no more than 15 guests. Pickup is at accommodation or central meeting points in Queenstown (not at Airbnbs or private addresses unless agreed), and you are dropped back where you were collected.

The van crosses Southland to Te Anau (30-minute break), then takes the Milford Road with several stops where kea are often seen. At Milford Sound you join a 1 hour 45 minute nature cruise. The packed lunch is a chicken sandwich by default; ask for a vegetarian one by 5 pm the day before.

What's included

Guide with commentary through the day
Transport in a Mercedes van
1 h 45 nature cruise
Packed picnic lunch
Pickup at points around Queenstown

Not included

Extra snacks

Know before you go

Large bags and luggage are not allowed.
The operator contacts you after booking to confirm the pickup.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Luxe Tours

Small-group day from Queenstown, up to 13 guests

At most 13 guests, a Mercedes van from Queenstown, stops at Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek, and 3.5 hours at Milford Sound with the cruise.

Duration: About 12.5 hours
Language: English
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 397 ★ 5.0 (180 reviews)

Book on Viator

Full tour details

Highlights

At most 13 guests
Stops at Mirror Lakes, the Hollyford Track, Monkey Creek and the Homer Tunnel
3.5 hours at Milford Sound including a nature cruise
Morning snack and chilled water in a reusable bottle

About this tour

Luxe Tours' Queenstown day for no more than 13 guests. The meeting point is Family Adventures at The Station, 4 Brecon Street, by 6:55; some pickup points can also be chosen.

After 30 minutes in Te Anau the van stops in the Eglinton Valley, at Mirror Lakes, on the Hollyford Track, at Monkey Creek and at the Homer Tunnel. At Milford Sound you have about 3.5 hours for the nature cruise. Lunch is not included; it can be ordered on the boat and paid by cash or card. According to Luxe Tours, the cruise is RealNZ's two-hour cruise on the Milford Haven, with window seats and tables reserved for its guests; a hot or cold lunch can be pre-ordered.

What's included

Cruise ticket
Air-conditioned vehicle
Morning snack
Chilled water in a reusable bottle to keep
All fees and taxes

Not included

Lunch (sold on the boat)

Meeting point

Family Adventures, The Station, 4 Brecon Street, Queenstown, by 6:55. The tour ends there.

Know before you go

Some pickup points have little parking; a taxi may be easier.
Not wheelchair accessible; pushchairs can be taken.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Wild Kiwi Tours

Small group up to 16, cruise with nature guide

At most 16 guests from Queenstown, a 1 h 45 cruise with fewer passengers and a nature guide, and a picnic lunch on board.

Duration: About 13 hours
Language: English
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 415 ★ 5.0 (147 reviews)

Book on Viator

Full tour details

Highlights

At most 16 guests
Wi-Fi in the vehicle
1 h 45 cruise with fewer passengers and a nature guide
Picnic lunch on board, chicken or vegetarian

About this tour

A Queenstown day for at most 16 guests. You choose the meeting point when you book, and the day ends there. On the way there is a 30-minute stop in Te Anau, about half an hour at Mirror Lakes and short stops in the Eglinton Valley and on the Hollyford Track.

The cruise lasts 1 hour 45 minutes on a boat with fewer passengers and a nature guide. The picnic lunch is served on board; choose chicken or vegetarian when you book. Bring a reusable bottle for water.

What's included

Picnic lunch on the cruise
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi
Cruise ticket
GST

Know before you go

Not wheelchair accessible.
Infant seats are available.
Not recommended during pregnancy.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Fly one or both ways

Around 40 minutes in the air instead of four and a half hours on the road. Flights only go in suitable weather, so keep the following day free in case yours is moved.

Milford Sound Scenic Flights

Fly-Cruise-Fly

Fly both ways, 2-hour cruise in between. About 5 hours door to door, guaranteed window seats.

Duration: ~5 hours door to door
Language: English (skipper commentary)
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Full refund if the flight is cancelled due to weather.

from NZ$ 835 ★ 4.9 (1,875 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

30–40-minute scenic flights each way over the Southern Alps and Fiordland
Guaranteed window seats on both flights
2-hour cruise on Milford Sound with Mitre Peak Cruises (smaller boats with 60 or 75 places)
Pickup from hotels in Queenstown
Complimentary transfer or free hangar parking

About this tour

The classic Fly-Cruise-Fly: fly out from Queenstown over Mt Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks (30–40 min), 2-hour cruise on Milford Sound with Mitre Peak Cruises, then fly back over a different route to catch the Southern Alps from another angle. Total day: about 5 hours door to door, the fastest way to see Milford.

Every seat is a window seat (guaranteed on both legs). The aerial view over the glaciers, hanging valleys and snow-capped ranges is the product; if flying isn't for you, the coach + cruise gives you the fiord itself for less money.

On the cruise, Mitre Peak Cruises runs smaller boats with 60 or 75 places, good sightlines, close-in waterfall approaches. Occasionally, if Mitre Peak is at capacity, an alternative cruise operator is used.

Weight limit: 150 kg per passenger. No food on the cruise. Bring a small bag if you get hungry.

What's included

Scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound
2-hour cruise on Milford Sound with Mitre Peak Cruises (subject to availability)
Return scenic flight on a different route over Fiordland
Guaranteed window seats on both flights
Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water on the cruise
Complimentary accommodation transfer or free hangar parking

Not included

Food (bring your own)

Meeting point

Queenstown hotel pickup at specified locations, or self-drive to the Milford Sound Scenic Flights hangar. Check in 45 minutes before departure.

What to bring

Warm layers
Sunglasses
Camera
Own food and drinks
Sunscreen

Know before you go

Flights are weather-dependent. Full refund or reschedule if cancelled.
Passenger weight limit: 150 kg (331 lbs).
Infants under 11 kg travel free but must sit on a parent's lap.
Children over 11 kg require their own seat at child rate.
Departure time is take-off time from Queenstown; check-in closes 30 minutes before.
Mitre Peak Cruises is the standard cruise partner; alternative operators used only if needed.

Not allowed

Drones
Alcohol and drugs
Intoxication

Not suitable for

Passengers over 150 kg (331 lbs)
People with mobility impairments
Wheelchair users

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

True South Flights

Fly + cruise, window seat guaranteed

Two 40-minute flights from Queenstown with a guaranteed window seat, a 1 h 45 cruise on a smaller boat, and hotel transfers.

Duration: 4 hours
Language: English
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 795 ★ 4.9 (132 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Guaranteed window seat on both flights
Two scenic flights of about 40 minutes
1 h 45 cruise on one of the smaller boats
Pickup and drop-off at central Queenstown accommodation

About this tour

About four hours from Queenstown. A shuttle collects you from central accommodation (or you park for free all day near the New World supermarket) and the flight to Milford Sound takes about 40 minutes, with a guaranteed window seat. From the Milford airstrip you take a shuttle or a 15-minute walk through the bush to the terminal.

The cruise lasts 1 hour 45 minutes on a modern catamaran, one of the smaller boats on the fiord, and goes up to the base of Mitre Peak. The pilots wait for you after the cruise and fly you back.

What's included

Pickup and drop-off in central Queenstown
Free all-day parking
Two scenic flights of about 40 minutes
1 h 45 cruise

Not included

Food and drinks

Meeting point

If you drive yourself, park at the New World supermarket car park and bring your car's registration number; the office is across the car park behind the Big Barrel Liquor Company.

Know before you go

Give everyone's full name and approximate weight when you book.
Passengers over 170 kg cannot fly.
Do not dive in the 24 hours before the flight.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Glenorchy Air

Fly + Cruise

Glaciers from the air, landing beneath Mitre Peak, then a cruise on the fiord. About 4.5 hours.

Duration: 4 h 30
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 789 ★ 5.0 (338 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Mount Aspiring National Park from the air
Glaciers such as the Olivine Ice Plateau and Mount Tutoko
Landing at Milford Sound beneath Mitre Peak
Cruise on Milford Sound with the chance of wildlife

About this tour

About 4.5 hours from Queenstown: fly to Milford Sound, land beneath Mitre Peak, cruise the fiord and fly back on a different route. Glenorchy Air flies fixed-wing aircraft; every passenger has a window seat, and the local pilot commentates in flight.

The outbound flight passes Coronet Peak, Skippers Canyon and the Shotover River, follows Lake Wakatipu and the Dart River valley into Mount Aspiring National Park, and crosses the Olivine Ice Plateau, Mount Tutoko and the Tutoko Glacier before descending over the Tasman coast into Milford Sound. After landing, a short walk through beech forest leads to the boat.

The nature cruise lasts about 1 h 45 and runs the length of the fiord, past Stirling Falls; seals, penguins and dolphins are possible. Tea, coffee and water are included on the boat, food can be bought. Pickup at selected hotels and transfers to Queenstown Airport are included. Not suitable for passengers over 140 kg.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Mitre Peak Cruises

Van in, 2-hour cruise, fly back

Hotel pickup in Queenstown, a Mercedes van to Milford, a 2-hour cruise out to the Tasman Sea, a picnic lunch and a 40-minute flight back.

Duration: 9 hours
Language: English
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 945 ★ 4.9 (35 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Mercedes van with panoramic windows and stops on the Milford Road
2-hour cruise with Mitre Peak Cruises, out to the Tasman Sea
Picnic lunch, plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate on board
40-minute scenic flight back to Queenstown

About this tour

A day that saves you the drive back. Mitre Peak Cruises collects you from your hotel in Queenstown and drives the Milford Road in a Mercedes van with panoramic windows, with stops at Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and in the Eglinton Valley. The drive takes about five hours.

The 2-hour cruise goes the full 16 km of the fiord, past St Anne's Point lighthouse and out into the Tasman Sea, with stops at Stirling Falls and Fairy Falls. No food is sold on board, so the picnic lunch (chicken or vegetarian sandwich, cheese and crackers, fruit) is part of the price. You fly back to Queenstown in about 40 minutes.

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Stops on the Milford Road
2-hour cruise
40-minute flight back to Queenstown
Picnic lunch
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water on board

Know before you go

If the flight is cancelled because of the weather, you return by coach and get part of the price back.
A minimum number of guests applies; otherwise you are offered a full refund or another date.
Infants on the flight are children under 11 kg.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters

Helicopter, cruise and glacier landing

Helicopter from Queenstown to Milford Sound, a cruise on the fiord, and a glacier or mountain landing on the way back. About 4 hours.

Duration: 4 hours
Language: English
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 1590 ★ 4.9 (201 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Helicopter flight from Queenstown over Fiordland
Landing at Milford Sound and a cruise on the fiord
Glacier or mountain landing on the return flight
Pilots who have flown for film productions

About this tour

About four hours from Queenstown: a helicopter flight over Fiordland National Park, a landing at Milford Sound and a cruise on the fiord, then a flight back with a landing on a glacier or a mountain. A courtesy coach brings you from selected pickup points to the helicopter base.

The pilots fly regularly for film crews and point out filming locations on the way. Depending on the season there may be no snow at the landing site, especially in summer. The cruise partner is Southern Discoveries; a picnic lunch or buffet can be added when you book.

What's included

Coach transfer from selected pickup points
Safety briefing
Helicopter flight with glacier landing
Milford Sound cruise
Commentary in flight

Know before you go

The operator sends a final confirmation once the minimum number of passengers is reached.
If weather stops the flight, you can move to another day or an alternative, or get a full refund.
Smoking, drones and selfie sticks are not allowed.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

The Helicopter Line

Helicopter both ways + 2-hour cruise

At most 6 passengers, a 40-minute helicopter flight each way, a 2-hour boutique cruise and an alpine landing on the way back.

Duration: 4 hours
Language: English (pilot commentary)
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 1695 ★ 5.0 (34 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

At most 6 passengers
Helicopter flights of about 40 minutes each way
2-hour boutique cruise on Milford Sound
Alpine landing on the return flight

About this tour

The Helicopter Line collects you from your hotel in Queenstown and takes you to its base in Frankton for the safety briefing. The flight to Milford Sound takes about 40 minutes, over alpine lakes, waterfalls and glaciers, with commentary from the pilot.

At Milford Sound you join a 2-hour boutique cruise. On the way back the helicopter lands at a remote alpine spot. Landing and conservation fees are included in the price.

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Helicopter flights with pilot commentary
2-hour Milford Sound cruise
Alpine landing
Landing and concession fees

Not included

Food and drinks

Know before you go

Children aged 4 to 14 and over 15 kg need their own seat; infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's lap.
Selfie sticks, drones and tablets are not allowed.
In poor weather you can take another date or a full refund.

Not suitable for

People with limited mobility

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Driving from Queenstown yourself

There is no direct road over the mountains. You drive south and west to Te Anau on State Highways 6 and 97, then north on State Highway 94, the Milford Road, which ends at the cruise terminal.

290 kmQueenstown to Milford Sound, one way

4.5 hDriving time each way, no stops

170 kmQueenstown to Te Anau, about 2 hours

1.2 kmHomer Tunnel, one lane with traffic lights

Te Anau is your last chance for fuel and food. There are no shops or fuel stations between Te Anau and Milford Sound, and mobile coverage is limited once you leave town. Public toilets are at Te Anau, Knobs Flat and Milford. The road is sealed all the way, so you do not need a four-wheel drive, but check that your rental agreement covers State Highway 94.

Stops on the Milford Road

Mirror Lakes, a five-minute boardwalk with the Earl Mountains reflected in still water on calm mornings.
Lake Gunn and the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain in the Eglinton Valley.
Knobs Flat, with toilets, a card phone and a sign showing current road conditions.
The Homer Tunnel, where traffic lights hold you for up to 20 minutes in summer. Kea, the endangered mountain parrots, live along this road; do not feed them.
The Chasm, a short walk through forest to a waterfall that has carved holes into the rock.

Between the Hollyford Road turn-off and The Chasm you are in an avalanche area and stopping is not allowed, even for photos.

Winter on the Milford Road

From May to September the road can be icy, especially in shaded sections, and snow chains may be required. You can rent them in Te Anau; practise fitting them before you need them. Avalanche risk can close the road for hours or days, mostly between June and October. Check the NZ Transport Agency road status for State Highway 94 before you leave Te Anau, and in winter do not set off from there before 9 am.

The return trip in one day

Queenstown to Milford and back is about 600 km. With a two-hour cruise and a few stops, that is a 12 to 14 hour day, much of it on a winding mountain road on the way home. The Department of Conservation suggests ending the day in Te Anau instead. If you cannot add a night, a coach or a flight is the safer choice.

Driving yourself also means parking at the terminal. Costs and the free alternative are on the parking page.

FAQ

How far is Milford Sound from Queenstown?

About 290 km by road each way. The only road into Milford Sound is the Milford Road from Te Anau, so the route goes south through Te Anau first.

How long is the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound?

About four and a half hours each way without stops: two hours to Te Anau and the rest on the Milford Road. With photo stops and a wait at the Homer Tunnel, plan for five to six hours.

Can I visit Milford Sound as a day trip from Queenstown?

Yes. A coach + cruise tour takes about 12 hours door to door and does all the driving. A fly + cruise package takes about 4.5 to 5 hours but depends on the weather. Driving there and back yourself in one day is possible but long.

Is there a bus from Queenstown to Milford Sound?

Yes. Coach tours leave Queenstown every morning and arrive at Milford Sound around lunchtime, timed for the cruise. InterCity also sells one-way and return bus seats without a tour, for example if you want to stay at Milford Sound or walk a track.

Where is the last petrol station before Milford Sound?

In Te Anau. There is no fuel between Te Anau and Milford Sound, so fill up there in both directions.

Do I need snow chains?

Between May and September they may be required on the Milford Road, especially if your car is not all-wheel drive and snow is forecast. You can rent chains in Te Anau. Check the road status before you leave.

Let someone else drive the Milford Road

Coach, small-group and fly + cruise days from Queenstown.

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