Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown
Description
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!
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
Embark on a stunning tour through the National Park to Milford Sound; where the journey is just as spectacular as the destination! Enjoy insightful and anecdotal storytelling from our experienced driver guides as they share the secrets of their beautiful back yard. Take advantage of the plentiful stops along the way for incredible photo ops and short nature walks through the heart of Fiordland at iconic points such as Elginton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and Monkey Creek.
Step aboard a spacious catamaran, and enjoy a scenic cruise along spectacular Milford Sound. Get up close and personal with the fiord's towering mountains, sheer cliffs and hanging valleys as the boat hugs the edges of the fiord throughout the two hour cruise. Feel the spray from the waterfalls that cascade from an ancient rainforest high in the mountains and look out for New Zealand fur seal colonies and occasionally dolphins swimming nearby. As your cruise meanders past majestic Mitre Peak and as you navigate the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, let the scenery transport you back to a time of magical wilderness! Relax in the comfortable seating, grab a local beer or wine from the bar, soak up the scenery from the sun deck or join the famously friendly crew on the bow as the boat noses close to Stirling Falls for the refreshing finale.
The coach returns to Te Anau after the cruise without stopping along the way, giving you time to edit your photos, have a quick nap or just reflect on the cruise of a lifetime!
A shorter rest break in Te Anau is made on the return journey before completing the trip back to Queenstown.
After a short break in Te Anau, the coach returns to Queenstown after a long but unforgettable day!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick ups are available from bus stops in central Queenstown and along the Frankton Road. Please contact the operator with your accommodation details to find the closest pick up point and confirm the time.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(937)
Bus driver was full of information, stopped at extra stops on the way and had great sense of humour. Cruise was great and informative.
Great! Coach bus is funny and patient. We had a great experience specialy during the cruise at the milford sound
We had such a blast with the trip! Our bus driver is so friendly, informative, and careful. He drove the bus well and make sure everybody is safe and comfortable. The journey itself is really breathtaking. A complete package.
Fantastic trip, well worth the long day and price. Driver was great and Milford Sound was spectacular 👍😀
Kia ora, Thank you for a fantastic review! We are so pleased you enjoyed the day tour to Piopiotahi / Milford Sound. We hope to welcome you back in the future for another adventure. Ngā mihi, The Team at Pure Milford
Great and must do experience. Our Diver Ian was informative and to be honest, made the day. The views not only in Milford sound but throughout the whole day were awesome. We traveled with our 4 year old girl and it was a very long day for her, but definelty doable. One little note that we did not think of was a sick bag. The roads are windy and our little one has never been car sick but after watching her iPad for an hour the inevitable happened. Ian was very helpful and we managed to get through, but maybe pack a little plastic bag just in case. The day is very organised, almost to the minute, so do not be late. All in all, a must do if you come to Queenstown. The Pure Milford experience seemed to be the best bus and boat from what I could see.
Kia ora, Thank you for taking the time to leave a detailed review! We are glad you found Piopiotahi / Milford Sounds scenery awesome! Sorry to hear about your daughter, but we are happy that Ian was able to help. Thank you for your helpful tips for future travellers. Wishing you all the best with your future travels through Aotearoa and beyond. Ngā mihi, The Team at Pure Milford
Not good experience as no food n snacks provided on board
Kia ora Josephine, Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! We hope you enjoyed the beautiful Piopiotahi / Milford Sound! We do supply a picnic lunch on board the cruise :) Did you miss out? Wishing you all the best with your future travels through Aotearoa and beyond. Ngā mihi, The Team at Pure Milford
This was our second time to milford sound (first time for the kids). The bus ride is a bit tedious and there were a few episodes of sickness. The venue is as great as ever and we had an opportunity to see some dolphins as well, but the 8 hour roundtrip on coach is probably not worth the ordeal.
Kia ora! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We hope you enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Piopiotahi / Milford Sound. It's no secret that Milford Sound is a long journey, self driving is always a good option too! Safe travels on your future adventures. Ngā mihi, The Team at Pure Milford
It's unforgottable, feels like it's heaven as it was named originally. Can't explain in words, can't be captured in photoes or videos. Further to this the coach service was outstanding and road trip was fully filled with stunning views. Our Pure Milford coach driver "NAOKI" was excellent in providing live commentary through the way.
Kia ora, Thank you for taking the time to leave a wonderful review! We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your day tour to Piopiotahi / Milford Sound. We are so thrilled to hear that you enjoye the road trip and the comfort of the Coach. Thank you for your kind words about Naoki. He is a great time member and we will be sure to pass on the message. Wishing you all the best with your future travels through Aotearoa and beyond. Ngā mihi, The Team at Pure Milford
A long day but absolutely worth it! An amazing experience for my 70+ year old parents, me and my husband and our 6yr old. The coach and boat were both comfortable, knowledge of our driver enhanced the experience and the trip is very well timed so that stops are the perfect length for a refreshment, toilet break or photo opportunity. That part of the world is so untouched that you feel so removed from reality, if only for a day! The flora, fauna and landforms really show all that Mother Nature has to offer
Kia ora Elle, Thank you for leaving a wonderful review! We are so glad that you and your whanau enjoyed your whole experience. We are glad you fully immersed yourself in the beautiful scenery in Piopiotahi / Milford Sound has to offer. We hope to welcome you back one day in near future! Ngā mihi, The Team at Pure Milford
We highly recommend the tour. It is a long time in the coach but the glass roof and high windows enable excellent views of landscape. The Milford Sound cruise was sensational. There are additional stops along the way so you can stretch your legs and take in the beautiful scenery. I would recommend taking travel sickness medication if you are not used to the winding roads. Our coach driver IAN was sensational and his knowledge of the area is second to none! He was very caring when my daughter was sick. Would 100% recommend this company.
Kia ora Lana! Thank you for a wonderful review. We are so pleased to hear you had a wonderful tour to Piopiotahi / Milford Sound with Ian. We are so glad you enjoyed the different perspective from our glass roof coach & the beautiful landscapes through the Fiordland National Park. Thank you for your recommendation, we greatly appreciate it! Wishing you all the best with your future travels through Aotearoa and beyond. Ngā mihi, The Team at Pure Milford
