• Travel on a premium glass-roof coach, equipped with reclining seats, extra legroom, air-conditioning. Low emission and brand new fleet. • 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 Nature Cruise for a 1hr 45mins cruise of Milford Sound • Specialist nature guide on board provides entertaining and informative commentary • FREE tea and coffee
Queenstown, New Zealand, sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps. Renowned for adventure sports, it’s also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns. Take in the sights as you head out of town and toward the incredible Fiordland.
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.
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.
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.
Interpretation panels show the effect of avalanches on the Milford Road and provide information on the wildlife of the Eglinton Valley. Visitor amenities include toilets and a telephone (card payment only).
Lake Gunn is a strikingly beautiful lake in the South Island of New Zealand.
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.
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.
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.
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. Boat tours are a popular way to explore.
Exchange your pass and board your Nature Cruise. Your unforgettable journey on the water starts here!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Milford Sound Coach And Nature Cruise With Buffet Lunch From Queenstown
Tour Information
Key Details
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Hotel pickup Available
- Instant Confirmation
- Lowest Price Guaranteed
- Duration: 12 Hrs 30 Mins
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Language:
English
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Departure Time :
07:00 AM
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Return Details :
*Please make sure you are at your required pickup location at least 15mins prior to departure. * Appropriate child restraints are NOT provided by the operator. These must be provided by the parent or.. read more
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Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
Overview
Journey in comfort with Milford Sound's original cruise operator on one of our low emission coaches. Take in the incredible, panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. Enjoy entertaining commentary, and let us show you the best stops and short walks along the way as you connect seamlessly to your Milford Sound cruise.Discover native wildlife, towering waterfalls and majestic mountains on our extended Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Get within touching distance of impressive rock walls and close enough to feel the full force of the powerful 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls waterfall. Specialist nature guide on board sharing their local knowledge with lively and informative commentary.
Delicious and freshly prepared Picnic Lunch alongside complimentary tea and coffee included on the cruise, with a licensed bar on board.
Know More about this tour
Itinerary:
• Travel on a premium glass-roof coach, equipped with reclining seats, extra legroom, air-conditioning. Low emission and brand new fleet. • 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 Nature Cruise for a 1hr 45mins cruise of Milford Sound • Specialist nature guide on board provides entertaining and informative commentary • FREE tea and coffee
Queenstown, New Zealand, sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps. Renowned for adventure sports, it’s also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns. Take in the sights as you head out of town and toward the incredible Fiordland.
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.
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.
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.
Interpretation panels show the effect of avalanches on the Milford Road and provide information on the wildlife of the Eglinton Valley. Visitor amenities include toilets and a telephone (card payment only).
Lake Gunn is a strikingly beautiful lake in the South Island of New Zealand.
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.
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.
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.
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. Boat tours are a popular way to explore.
Exchange your pass and board your Nature Cruise. Your unforgettable journey on the water starts here!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inclusions
- Informative commentary provided by local coach driver
- FREE Tea & Coffee
- USB charging ports on board coach
- Specialist nature guide providing informative commentary on board cruise
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Return transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound on premium coach
- Freshly prepared Lunch
Exclusions
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Appropriate child restraints are not provided by the operator and must be supplied by yourselves.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Sunscreen and insect repellent advisable
Appropriate child restraints are NOT provided by the operator. These must be provided by the parent or caregiver - without this you may be turned away and unable to travel - please be prepared.
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travellers
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for travelers
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
Traveler Reviews
See all reviews-
We had a great time with Keith as our driver cum tour guide along the journey. Keith was careful in his driving yet able to ensure we have an enjoyable journey to board the cruise and back to Queenstown on time too. Thanks, Keith!
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Wonderful tour! Exceeded expectations. Keith, our driver was knowledgeable and fun. Well done! Highly recommended.
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Highly recommend! Keith was an excellent driver and provided a wonderful commentary during the drive to Milford Sound. Boat excursion was even better than the wonderful descriptions. Stunning scenery and experience. Decided to take plane ride back to Queenstown and loved it!
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If you are worried about the long day (5hr bus trip each way), don’t…It is absolutely worth it! Our bus driver (Keith) was amazing - his commentary on the way was very informative and he stopped many times on the way for bathroom breaks, photo opportunities and leg-stretching. We were very lucky to get active snow fall near Milford Sound and Keith stopped the bus to let us all jump out and have a play - it was magical! Milford sound itself is just breathtaking. The whole day is the highlight of our trip to Queenstown. We were here in early August and I strongly recommend dressing warm (even for the bus). If you have an extra coat to bring for over your legs on the bus, I recommend it.
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Was an awesome experience. Highly recommend Southern Discoveries Tours. The bus was lovely and the driver very knowledgeable.
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Couldn’t recommend this tour more! Beautiful place to visit and the drive there even though long went through such stunning landscape and mountain views! We’re not 100% sure on the name of our bus driver, possibly Keith, wish we could remember! He was so so good, so much knowledge of not only Milford Sound and surrounds but of New Zealand and it was so fascinating listening to him talk about it all so passionately! We were on the morning bus and then nature cruise from Queenstown on July 27th :) Southern Discoveries was also super easy to book with and gave great info, no problems!
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I took my GF on this trip and it was beautiful. The scenery was amazing and the buffet was quite nice. We even saw a few dolphins. Was a long trip but would recommend.
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Great service overall. On time, friendly and informative driver, amazing views on the road, scenic stops, delicious food on the boat, comfortable and safe boat ride, incredible scenery at Milford Sound, a bunch of natural features and wildlife sightings, and a smooth ride back to town. Excellent experience.
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It was our first time to do the Milford sound coach and cruise and we had the most spectacular time! Our coach driver, Roland, was a great character. He was very informative and was easy to interact with, I can see he always checks and double checks that people are in the bus before driving off. We stopped at beautiful areas such as the Eglinton Valley and the Mirror Lakes (My most favourite). We also spotted some playful Keas along the way. The tunnel was very interesting too! The boat cruise views was breathtaking. The variety of food served on the boat was pretty good for the price! Although I hope it could be better seasoned next time. We went so close to the waterfall and it was absolutely gorgeous. We went for my hubby's and mum's birthday, and mum and dad's anniversary so it made our experience all the more special. Partway through the day someone from the head office called me to inform me I left my wallet in their office! They very kindly held on to it until I came back the next day. Thank you to the team who made it all possible :)
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The bus driver and guide to the place was very knowledgable. The cruise was great and food was pretty good too.