Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 179 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise worth booking?
Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise is a 12.5-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $231 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 179 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (179)
- Duration
- 12.5 hours
- From
- $231 per person
Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Modern comforts such as bucket leather seats, extended leg room, high performance air conditioning, small bag storage space & USB charging. Guided by our local expert commentary, we take you to all the main photo & experience stops but also add in a couple of extra special ones not listed here. Upon arriving in Milford Sound, your two-hour nature cruise awaits you aboard our cruise partners boat - the Milford Haven. Boasting a restaurant and bar, you can dine in comfortable seating enjoying a hot or cold add on lunch while the mountains, waterfalls and wildlife go by. We reserve seats & tables on the cruise so you have your own guaranteed space within the boat.
What you get
About this experience
Travel the Milford Road in our luxurious & comfortable vehicles specially designed for small groups tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Modern comforts such as bucket leather seats, extended leg room, high performance air conditioning, small bag storage space & USB charging. Guided by our local expert commentary, we take you to all the main photo & experience stops but also add in a couple of extra special ones not listed here. Upon arriving in Milford Sound, your two-hour nature cruise awaits you aboard our cruise partners boat - the Milford Haven. Boasting a restaurant and bar, you can dine in comfortable seating enjoying a hot or cold add on lunch while the mountains, waterfalls and wildlife go by. We reserve seats & tables on the cruise so you have your own guaranteed space within the boat.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Cruise ticket
- Snacks
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Te Anau
We stop in the beautiful township of Te Anau for an extended break of 30-mins. We stop at a lakefront cafe so you can get a coffee/snack, use the bathroom and explore the stunning lakefront with mountain views.
30 minutes here
Eglinton Valley
Eglinton Valley offers a stunning contrast of green, native bush covered mountains, against the foreground of tan fields. Guests will have a chance to explore the long lush fields. Beautiful at any time of the year.
5 minutes here
Mirror Lakes Walk
This short 2-minute nature walk on well formed tracks and boardwalks will have you at the tranquil Mirror Lakes, the backdrop of the Earl Mountains behind them. This is a challenge for any travelling photographer to capture the essence of the lakes - their mirror reflection.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Eglinton Valley
We stop further in the Eglinton Valley at Knobs Flat Camp to use the bathrooms. This stop is approximately 60mins from Te Anau, our previous bathroom break.
5 minutes here · Admission included
Hollyford Track
We stop at the Hollyford Lookout, sitting high above the Hollyford Valley. Here you will get an appreciation for the glaciers that carved out these valleys. A photo opportunity and a chance to stretch the legs.
5 minutes here
Monkey Creek
Monkey Creek is a beautiful glacier fed waterfall/stream and is a common area to meet the Kea, a mountain parrot only found in the South Island of New Zealand. This is an opportunity to take a close up photo of these cheeky birds.
10 minutes here
Homer Tunnel
We stop just outside the Homer Tunnel on the western side, overlooking the magnificent Cleddau Valley. Surrounded by step vertical mountain faces, you will look down the valley to our route into Milford Sound. One of the highlights of the day.
5 minutes here
Milford Sound
Our destination for the tour is the beautiful Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We spend 2.5 hours in Milford Sound, mostly aboard your nature cruise where you will experience the entire fjord, wildlife encounters, waterfalls and all the scenic beauty there is to see.
210 minutes here
Te Anau
We return to Queenstown, via the township of Te Anau (the only route back) and stop so you can pick up some dinner food and use the bathroom.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Queenstown
This meeting point is the Station Information Centre. Please be waiting here by 6:55am.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
This meeting point is the Station Information Centre. Please be waiting here by 6:55am.
Options you can book
Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise
Pickup included
Tour + Hot Lunch
Gourmet Pie, Cheesecake, Juice: Type choice into comments - Chicken & Cranberry, Pork Belly, Mince & Cheese (GF), Vegetarian Dhal or Spinach & Chickpea (V) Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Luxe Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 179 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
179 verified traveler reviews for Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing!!
This was a trip that exceeded our expectations! Our tour guide Tommy was fantastic with so much local knowledge and made the trip so entertaining. The scenic stops we made along the way were amazing. The smaller van and boutique feeling we got was perfect. We had such a smooth transition onto our cruise which was incredible. Our pickup afterwards was smooth and enjoyed the trip back just as much! 5 stars and would recommend to anyone!
via Tripadvisor
Don’t even look at other companies. Choose Luxe tours
We chose Luxe tours because they are a family owned company. Every step of booking the tour was simple with great instructions for our pickup. Sam was our driver and he was such a great guy. Such a great asset to the company. He kept us entertained with his knowledge of the area and of New Zealand (as well as sky diving😂). We were never bored and stayed awake the whole way. All the stops had fantastic photo opportunities and we weren’t there with all the other bus tours. Sam made sure we all got on the cruise at Milford and was there to greet us when we got back. We opted for the flight back to Queenstown as we didn’t think I could manage the 4.5 hour ride back. As it turns out the bus is so comfortable it would have been fine but I wouldn’t have missed that flight for anything. The views are so spectacular and the pilot Corey made sure we were all happy and pointed out special things to see. The tour and the flight will live in my memories forever as one of my best holidays ever
via Tripadvisor
Amaze Amaze Amaze
Our guide Sam went out of his way to make sure we had an excellent experience. The van was very comfortable and he gave us some great info on New Zealand fauna and flora on the ride. It was so good to let him do the driving on those winding roads. We loved the boat tour also and got to experience the dramatic fjord cliffs.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic day at Milford Sound with Luxe Tours
We had a fantastic experience with Luxe Tours Queenstown. Our driver and guide Tommy was brilliant, sharing so much knowledge and fun facts on the drive. He was friendly and very attentive and caring to everyone's needs on the journey there and back, making sure everyone was comfortable. He explained the day and what to expect at the outset and made us all feel relaxed and excited for the day. The van was so comfortable and heaps of leg room. Would definitely recommend to others. 😊
via Tripadvisor
Drive/Cruise/Fly Milford Sound Tour From Queenstown
Our Drive/Cruise/Fly Milford Sound tour with Luxe Tours was nothing short of magical! ✨ We were lucky enough to experience Milford Sound in all its springtime glory, with sunshine, spectacular scenery, curious keas, seals and adorable lambs along the way. 🦭🌿🏔️🐑🦜 As a mother/daughter duo making special memories together, this experience was extra meaningful to us. The small group made the day feel personal, and the luxury van was incredibly comfortable, with plenty of space and legroom to sit back, relax and take in the breathtaking scenery along the journey. The cruise through Milford Sound was unforgettable, including a refreshing glacial facial at Stirling Falls!😂 Icing on the cake was the helicopter flight back. 🚁 Seeing the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape from above was super impressive, and the alpine landing was such a special touch. Not only did we get to experience Milford Sound from three incredible perspectives, but flying back saved travel time while giving us an entirely new appreciation for this remarkable part of the world. A special mention to Tommy, our wonderful tour guide. His kindness, professionalism, patience and calm, reassuring nature made us feel safe and comfortable throughout the entire day. He was respectful, knowledgeable and genuinely lovely to spend the day with. Having someone like Tommy guide us made the experience even more special, and we are so grateful for the care he put into making everyone's day memorable. From start to finish, everything was seamless, thoughtfully organised and beautifully delivered. It wasn't just a tour; it was one of those rare experiences that reminds you how lucky you are to explore the world with the people you love. This was without a doubt the highlight of our mother/daughter trip to New Zealand. Thank you, Luxe Tours, for such an extraordinary day and for helping us make memories together that we'll cherish forever. We have loved supporting your family business and a little birdie mentioned a tiny human may have helped package some gummy bears. Heartwarming moment to hear that. Never appreciated a packet of gummy bears so much❤️🇳🇿 #MAGICMILFORD #LUXETOURSNZ
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a beautiful review and for choosing Luxe Tours for your mother-daughter adventure! It’s so special to hear that you made memories together that you’ll treasure long after your trip to New Zealand. Sunshine, curious keas, lambs, a glacial facial at Stirling Falls and a helicopter flight with an alpine landing — you certainly packed a lot into one day! Tommy will be chuffed to hear how much you appreciated his calm, caring approach. And we love that the gummy bears came with a little family story of their own! Being a small family business, those personal connections mean a lot to us. We’re so glad our Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown was the highlight of your trip. Thanks for supporting our little team! Katelyn from Luxe Tours
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $231 to $429
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 63
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $231 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise take?
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Plan for about 12.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.
Is Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 179 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise?
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Around 63 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 12.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Queenstown?
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On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise?
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Included: Bottled water; All Fees and Taxes; In-vehicle air conditioning; Cruise ticket; and Snacks. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 10 listed pickup locations in and around Queenstown. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise?
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Across 179 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown with Cruise, Tour + Hot Lunch. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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