Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Join talented and knowledgeable guides on a journey along one of New Zealand's most scenic drives. All guides have unique and insightful stories to share, and spill the secrets of their beautiful backyard as you travel through lush rainforest, glacier carved valleys, alpine lookouts and much more. Enjoy spectacular short walks and incredible photo stops before arriving at the main event, magical Milford Sound.
On arrival at Milford Sound, board a modern and spacious catamaran exploration of the region’s most famous fiord. As the boat travels the length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea, the welcoming crew will share what they know about their place, its wildlife, waterfalls, and fascinating history.
Enjoy complimentary lunch before joining the crew for a dance in the spray of pure glacial melt as the boat noses close Stirling Falls for a refreshing finale!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please ensure that a car seat or suitable restraint is brought for all passengers 4 years and under travelling on our coach to ensure their safety and safety of others.
Piopiotahi Milford Sound is a place of exceptional natural beauty, carved by glaciers and surrounded by towering peaks and lush rainforest. As part of Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s most remote and rugged region, this incredible environment also brings with it a range of natural hazards. While our team takes every measure to operate safely and keep you informed, it’s important that you are aware of potential risks so you can be prepared and confident during your visit. More information can be found on https://puremilford.co.nz/natural-hazard-and-risk
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Murihiku Southland
Departing Queenstown and hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the highway brings you along the rugged but beautiful Devil's Staircase and passed stunning mountain ranges to southern rural heartland. After passing through deer, cattle and sheep farming landscape, you come to the beautiful town of Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland, for a refreshment break.
Te Anau
The coach makes a scheduled stop at Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland for an important rest break before journeying into the National Park. You can use this time to get your caffeine fix, stretch your legs, take a stroll to the lake or stock up on the last of connectivity as phone signal and WiFi is blissfully lost as you enter Fiordland.
What‘s Included
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
Milford Sound Cruise
Coffee and/or Tea
Options
Later Coach & Cruise from QTN
Coach and Cruise Day Tour: Allow the crowds to rush ahead on this later departure coach & cruise exploration of Piopiotahi/Milford Sound. Lunch included
Duration: 12 hours
Lunch: Picnic lunch options include chicken, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. Lunch is served on board the cruise
Air Conditioned Tour Coach
Pickup included
Early Coach & Cruise from QTN
Coach & Cruise Day Tour: Beat the crowds and join the first coach departing Queenstown for Milford Sound! Transport, cruise and lunch included.
Duration: 12 hours
Lunch: Lunch options include chicken, vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free. Lunch is served on board the cruise
Air Conditioned Touring Coach
Pickup included
Coach&Cruise Tour Queenstown
Coach and Cruise Day Tour: Join an epic coach & catamaran exploration of the Fiordland National Park. Return coach transport, cruise and lunch included
Duration: 12 hours
Lunch: Lunch options include chicken, vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free. Lunch is served on board the cruise
Touring Coach: Air conditioned touring coach
Pickup included
Reviews
791 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Coach tour from Queenstown
Fearless64692069767,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The Milford Sound bus tour from Queenstown is a long day but ultimately a worthwhile experience. We were picked up at 8:30am and didn’t return to Queenstown until around 9pm, so be prepared for a full day on the coach. There were regular bathroom stops and scenic breaks along the way, which helped break up the journey and gave plenty of photo opportunities. One downside was that the air conditioning on the bus didn’t work very well, which made parts of the drive a bit uncomfortable. Lunch was included on the Milford Sound cruise and consisted of a pie, crisps, an apple, cookies, and a drink—simple but fine for the day. We had no rainfall for the seven days leading up to our tour, so there were very few waterfalls flowing, which was a little disappointing. That said, the scenery was still absolutely beautiful, and Milford Sound is impressive even in dry conditions. Overall, it’s a long and tiring day, but the views and experience make it worth doing at least once. If we were to do it again, we would probably self-drive.
Brian 100%
Dave A,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fore the pure enjoyment of it a heavy rain day is a must. Still beautiful scenery but the rain adds the pop factor to this trip
Enjoyable Experience
XiufenK,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This magical place is a perfect escape from the city life. The tour includes several scenic stops from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Note that the bus only stops for a toilet break at Te Anau on our return to Queenstown - could be a dread for some. The lunch provided is like a surprise lunch pack which includes a fruit and some treats, not forgetting the free flow beverages! Our coach captain cum tour guide is very professional, always wearing a smile - the long drive and introducing the area at the same time is no easy feat. The cruise captain is somewhat entertaining with some sense of humor while sharing information about the Milford sound.
This is a long bus ride...
GeeGee V,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a long bus ride with several stops for a "Kodak" moment. Restroom stops are approximately 2 hours apart, so be aware. There is a toilet on the bus. Overall this was an enjoyable and memorable trip. Kudos to the driver, Brian, for getting there and back safely.
Great bus trip
Ellen G,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a great trip with 2 teenagers in tow. It was well organised and all ran very smoothly. Our experienced bus driver Graeme was fabulous and made the long trips really enjoyable with his local knowledge and jokes. There were lots of quick stops to take photos and have a toilet break (there was also a toilet on board) and a 30 minute stop 2 hours in to get a coffee and some food. It is a long day, so take plenty of your own snacks too. As long as you expect it to be a big but enjoyable day, you will have a great time !
Milford sound
Gillian B,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It’s a long coach journey but with amazing scenery . Need to travel there by coach so you experience Homer tunnel. Could fly back or wld advise to stay in Te Anua.
Awesome
currencyp2026,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hi,I would definitely recommend the Milford sound coach and cruise.It was a amazing experience,with beautiful scenery along the way.Our coach guide was friendly and gave us plenty of time to stop along the way and take pictures.
We did many stops, to...
Eirini C,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We did many stops, to rest and take photos on the way, the experience with the ferry was exceptional!
Highly recommend
dongsill,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our bus driver should get two thumbs up. Friendly and safer driver. Good on him. Beautiful sunny weather was extra.
It was wonderful to enjoy...
Sunyoung K,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was wonderful to enjoy truly picture-perfect scenery along the way. Although it wasn’t easy for the children to spend such a long time in the car, the driver kept the journey engaging with detailed explanations and a great sense of humor, which made the trip very pleasant. Milford Sound was refreshing, and the weather was clear and beautiful. It was a little disappointing that we didn’t get to see many wild animals.
From NZ$245.00
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Operated by Pure Milford