Milford Sound Day Tour and Cruise from Queenstown - Southern Discoveries
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
A Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown is a must-do while visiting New Zealand. Travelling with Southern Discoveries, this Milford Sound day tour and cruise from Queenstown takes you on a scenic coach journey through Fiordland National Park before embarking on a cruise through the iconic Milford Sound. Witness spectacular waterfalls and wildlife up close on the original Milford Sound red boats.
Southern Discoveries is known for providing the original Milford Sound experiences, and the Milford Sound Coach Cruise Coach is one of the most popular packages for Queenstown visitors. With knowledgeable guides and premium transportation, you can sit back and relax as you take in the sights of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound will take approximately five hours, with plenty of time for sightseeing stops along the way.
After arriving at the visitor terminal in Milford Sound, you'll board the red Southern Discoveries boat for the cruise portion of your Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown. This is an incredible opportunity to see waterfalls, wildlife and the famous Mitre Peak from a modern and spacious vessel. Learn more about this natural wonder and its inhabitants from your passionate skipper who will provide informative commentary throughout the one-hour 45-minute Southern Discoveries Milford Sound cruise.
The Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown with Southern Discoveries is sure to leave you in awe of New Zealand's stunning landscapes. Book your tour today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Location
What you need to know
- Premium return coach travel from Queenstown
- Scenic coach journey with entertaining and informative commentary from local drivers
- Southern Discoveries’ original Milford Sound cruise
- Friendly and informative skipper commentary during the cruise
- Complimentary tea and coffee onboard
- Access to spacious indoor cabins with full-height windows and open outdoor viewing decks
- Lunch and additional food or beverages
- Please allow 12.5 hours for this experience
- This experience includes pick-up from selected Queenstown accommodation, or alternatively guests can meet at the Queenstown Visitor Centre, 110 Beach Street
- Please be ready at your pick-up location at least 15 minutes prior to departure
- Please make your own way to our Queenstown Visitor Centre located at 110 Beach Street if you have chosen the below pick-up locations:
- Sofitel Hotel [W/SDQVC]
- Absoloot Hostel [W/SDQVC]
- Adventure Queenstown Hostel [W/SDQVC]
- Crowne Plaza Hotel [W/SDQVC]
- The Lodges [W/SDQVC]
- The Lofts [W/SDQVC]
- The Waterfront Apartments [W/SDQVC]
- Hotel St Moritz [W/SDQVC]
- LyLo Queenstown [W/SDQVC]
- Nomads Backpackers [W/SDQVC]
- Mi-Pad [W/SDQVC] A taxi will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the Queenstown Visitor Centre (110 Beach Street) if you have chosen the pick-up locations below. Please be ready at reception 10 minutes before pickup:
- Kamana Lakehouse [T/SDQVC]
- Mantra The Point [T/SDQVC]
- Azur [T/SDQVC]
- Heritage Hotel [T/SDQVC]
- Oaks Shores [T/SDQVC]
- The Rees Hotel [T/SDQVC]
- Mercure Resort [T/SDQVC] Please make your own way to the Rydges Hotel Bus Stop (Lake Esplanade) if you have chosen the below pick-up locations. Be there 10 minutes before pickup:
- Esplanade Apartments [W/RBS]
- Peppers Beacon [W/RBS]
- QT Queenstown [W/RBS]
- Haka House [W/RBS]
- No eftpos or debit cards accepted on the cruise, please bring cash or a credit card
- Bring a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses and a raincoat, even when the forecast is sunny!
- Wear warm layers and comfortable shoes for the short walks
- Insect repellant (optional)
- Car seat if travelling with a child under 7 years
- Southern Discoveries may change timetables, cancel services, or substitute vessels at any time for safety or operational reasons, including weather or maintenance
- Services are subject to minimum numbers and weather conditions
- If a service is cancelled by the operator, alternative arrangements or a refund will be offered
- Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed
- For full terms and conditions, please visit https://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/terms-of-use/
- Unless otherwise stated, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to departure
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure, or on the day of travel, are non-refundable
- Refund requests due to circumstances outside the passenger’s control must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the scheduled departure date
- Passengers are strongly advised to obtain appropriate travel insurance to cover cancellation fees and loss of personal belongings
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking, however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control. We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
- Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The from price displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you
