Milford Sound Coach and Scenic Lunch Cruise from Queenstown

based on 309 reviews

Duration:12 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Location: Fiordland & Milford Sound, South Island

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Journey in comfort on one of our low-emission coaches and take in incredible, panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. The overland journey is a spectacular showcase of sheer mountains and towering cliffs, rugged valleys and the native rain forest surrounded by spectacular waterfalls and glacial lakes. Experienced local drivers provide engaging and informative commentary, and show you the best short walks and photo stops along the Milford Road.

On arrival in Milford Sound cruise in comfort and style on our Milford Sound Nature Cruise while you enjoy some of New Zealand's most iconic and beautiful scenery. Cruise the length of this famous fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, stopping at waterfalls and points of interest along the way. Enjoy a freshly prepared Lunch with FREE tea and coffee onboard your cruise.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
7.00am Coach pick-up from Southern Discoveries Visitor Centre • Travel on a premium glass-roof coach, equipped with reclining seats, extra legroom, air-conditioning •USB charging ports and onboard toilet • Experienced, local coach drivers provide engaging and informative commentary, and show you the best short walks and photo stops along the Milford Road • Coach connects with our Milford Sound Cruise • FREE tea and coffee
2. Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand, sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu. It's from here you will set off on a day trip with Milford Sound's original Cruise operator, Southern Discoveries, from Queenstown into Milford Sound to enjoy a beautiful experience of Milford Sound on a premium, low-emission coach with a delicious & freshly cooked international style buffet onboard your cruise. Discover the native wildlife, towering waterfalls and majestic mountains of the fiords in Milford Sound.
3. Te Anau
Te Anau is a beautiful town on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s known as a gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. The region is home to endangered, flightless takahē birds and abundant trout in Lake Te Anau. Enjoy a short break here on your way to Milford Sound, in order to break up the journey, grab a coffee, and stretch your legs.
4. Eglinton Valley
This beautiful valley is glaciated with steep sides and a flat floor. It's between half a kilometre to two kilometres wide and has a shingle riverbed floor, which is constantly being changed by the Eglinton River. This is an incredible stop you will make as apart of your journey to Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries.
5. Lake Gunn
Lake Gunn is a strikingly beautiful lake in the South Island of New Zealand.
6. Mirror Lakes Walk
Enjoy a stroll among small lakes with stunning reflections of the Earl Mountains, should weather be permissive on the day. This is an easy, short walk off the Milford Road.
7.
The Cleddau River is a beautiful river of New Zealand. It flows into the head of Milford Sound. You'll see many parts of this river as you journey along the Milford Sound road.
8. Monkey Creek
Take in great views of the upper Hollyford Valley while you fill up your water bottle from this glacier fed spring. Friendly Keas (a New Zealand alpine parrot) love this area so it's a great stop for some kea spotting.
9. Homer Tunnel
At an altitude of 945 metres above sea level and 1.2 kilometres in length, the unlined road tunnel allows access through sheer rock to Milford Sound with a gradient of 1 in 10. Completed in 1953, traffic lights control the traffic flow through the tunnel. An incredible part of your journey along the Milford Road.
10. The Chasm Walk
Should weather and time permit, enjoy a short walk here as a part of your Milford Sound day trip with Southern Discoveries. Dramatic views of a rock chasm and waterfalls formed by the rushing waters of the Cleddau River. This is an easy walk along a well maintained trail and is approximately 20 minutes in length.
11. Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sheer sides. The fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory offers views of rare black coral and other marine life. Southern Discoveries cruises are the best way to explore.
12. Mitre Peak
Mitre Peak is a beautifully dramatic mountain in the South Island of New Zealand, located on the shore of Milford Sound. It is one of the most photographed mountain peaks in the entire country.
13. Bowen Falls
The stunning Lady Bowen Falls is Milford’s highest waterfall. It plunges 162m from a hanging valley into the head of Milford Sound and provides electricity for the Milford Sound township by feeding a small hydroelectric scheme, as well as being the water source for the settlement.
14.
Nestled behind the world famous Mitre Peak, the Sinbad Gully is characterised by extremely steep glacially carved walls punctuated by near vertical granite cliffs. These walls slowed pest invasion into the gully and as a result a number of unique native species remain in the Sinbad. Southern Discoveries is passionate about preserving Milford Sound’s beauty for future generations which is why it’s a key partner in a major conservation project – the Sinbad Sanctuary Project. The aim is to see the valley of New Zealand’s most photographed mountain (Sinbad Gully is at the base of Mitre Peak) become a sanctuary for native species.
15. Stirling Falls
Milford’s second-highest waterfall is the Stirling Falls, a staggering 151m in height – three times the height of Niagara Falls, but the 1,300m mountain behind displaces this incredible height. This is the famous waterfall that Hugh Jackman ‘jumped off’ in the movie Wolverine. The sheer drop of the Stirling Falls allows boats to get right underneath – it’s an incredible feeling to have the power of 151m worth of glacial water falling so close to you.
16.
Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Charlene_W
It was a fun day! It rained so we missed on some of the beauty, but still plenty to enjoy! I would suggest that when leaving early in the morning to play a more calm radio station. There were a few people have a stressful time and the beat of the music didn't help - just an observation. The driver was well informed about all the areas we passed through, that was a great plus!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-23 22:16:11

Posted By : TINGLIN_R
First of all, the weather was sooo nice:)
And our coach Keith, knows everything and shares it, that’s how I could enjoy the whole adventure from the start, tips from Keith were valuable, we saw many breath taking sceneries , and had good views on cruise :)
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-22 05:35:24

Posted By : CarlNelson_C
The weather was not that great when we did this tour. When we arrived at Milford sound, the operator cancelled our cruise. The refund we received was not fair compared to the total amount we paid. The lunch was average. The bus was nice coz we were able to see more views.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-21 00:10:46

Posted By : Kathleen_m
This tour was awesome. We had a great bus driver, Chris, who kept us entertained while we drove to Milford Sound. We had stops in a few small towns along the way. Milford Sound is spectacular in sun or rain. We had a nice lunch while cruising and then spend the rest of the day in awe on the front deck. The scenery on the drive to and from was gorgeous. This was a great tour and worth every penny.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-20 13:48:59

Posted By : Mike_L
From the start it was fantastic. Our bus driver Stan was amazing with wealth of knowledge and information during our trip which made it more enjoyable. Scenic to Milford Sounds was nothing short of amazing. The cruise was also fantastic with buffet lunch being provided. Would highly recommend this to anyone contemplating this trip.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-19 00:38:36

Posted By : GUADALUPE_L
The best tour ever, especially with our tour guide named STAN you are amazing person we had on board. Cheers!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-17 02:49:39

Posted By : Olivia_M
An excellent day, all round. When you book this you should hope for Stan to be your guide as he was just brilliant in every way! Thank you, Stan!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-15 18:11:51

Posted By : aditya_k
we had the most horrible experience. We were told we are upgraded and we were asked to come early. It was raining heavily. They did not take us for the cruise. We only got to the boat and got meal. All the other people who came later we sent on the cruise ride as well. we came all the way from India and had the most pathetic experience. If it was raining why didnt they inform us before and shift us to later tour which was our original tour? we upgraded and thats why we had to suffer. It was my 25th wedding anniversary and I have come all the way from India just to celebrate it and it turned out to be the most horrific moment. We wasted our entire day because of this.

You have given us only partial refund . This is not acceptable. I humbly request you to initiate the full refund for the trouble we went through. Please understand I am here all the way from India
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-11 03:21:37

Posted By : Vijay_S
We got a call to upgrade our trip and called early at 6.10 am. We went all the way to Base point and given lunch and then announced not going in Cruise which was main part. We were brought back to town. We feel we should be given refund of appx 2/3rd amount. You should have defined cancellation in case can not go by cruise and just Road journey. We wasted our day
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-10 20:38:23

Posted By : Helene_G
The boat ride on the Milford Sound was fantastic with the views of glaciers and falls. We saw a few dalphins and seals but no pingouins. The coach ride is quite long (4 hours) to go and same to come back with not a lot of stops along the way.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-08 10:31:58