Milford Sound is the jewel of the South Island, and for many kiwis, it’s still one to tick off the bucket list, but you don’t just want to see Milford, you need to experience it! If you’re planning a trip to Milford Sound this summer, here is why you need to take a coach, let us do the hard part, like driving the Milford Road and leave your car at home.
Take a rest and relax and enjoy the journey
You’ve probably already clocked a few km’s on your South Island road trip, so it’s time to sit back, relax and let someone else do the driving so you can enjoy the Milford Road in all its glory. The road is narrow in places, winding and climbs 930 metres before it quickly descents to sea level after passing through the Homer tunnel. Taking a coach means no need to worry about directions, getting lost and arguing with your partners about who’s fault is that you’re now on your way to Invercargill instead of Te Anau!
It’s a long day
A Milford Sound day trip although spectacular is a long day. From Queenstown it takes four to five hours to get to Milford Sound and from Te Anau around two to three. Don’t forget, this is only one way, so after your cruse it’s a long drive back. On our coach you can recline your seat and enjoy the view. On the way home we’ve you can even have a nap.
Expert drivers with the best commentary
Our drivers are experienced locals who know everything there is to know about the Milford Road and Fiordland national Park. They’ll keep you entertained on the drive to Milford with live commentary; learn all about the history and geography of the area, about Māori and New Zealand culture and the wildlife in the area.
The scenery
The best part of the drive to Milford Sound is taking in the stunning scenery and views along the way. By choosing to take a coach this means that as you’re driving past towering mountain peaks and waterfalls, you won’t miss a thing! With our glass roof coaches, you can really take in all the views that make the road to Milford Sound almost as famous as the fiord itself.
The best stops
Our drivers know this road like the back of their hand so that means they know the best stops along the way. One of the highlights of the journey to Milford Sound is exploring the road, these are some of the places we may stop at along the way:
- Eglinton Valley – This glacier-carved valley is nothing short of dramatic. It is one of the most popular places for taking photos along Milford Road.
- Mirror Lakes – These lakes are often so calm that they create a mirror image of the mountains behind them. It’s gorgeous!
- Monkey Creek – Here you can drink some of the purest water in the world straight from the source! Generally, there are some mischievous kea hanging around here too, just remember to not feed them.
- Pop’s view – Named after Pop Andrews, the road worker who died in an avalanche, this is a quick stop on the side of the road offering incredible views from above the Hollyford Valley.
It’s a seamless experience
With pick-up from most central Queenstown accommodation or check-in at our centrally located visitor centre we make the day trip a logistical dream for you. You don’t need to worry about parking, fuelling up the car or actually driving! We’ve got the timings down, so you won’t miss a thing on the road, and you’ll be dropped at the front door of the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal just in time for your cruise. Don’t worry, the same coach will be waiting for you after the cruise so you can leave your belongings onboard if you want to. We’ll drop you off in central Queenstown at the end of the day, just in time to grab dinner at local restaurant.
It’s more sustainable way to travel
By travelling with us to Milford Sound from Queenstown in one of our new low-emission coaches, your carbon footprint will reduce by around 75% compared with if you drove there in an average-sized rental car.
Great value and save on car parking!
With prices starting from $199 per adult from Queenstown for a premium tour including lunch, our Milford Sound Coach & Cruise day trips are some of the best value day tours you can do in the area! Plus, by travelling by coach to Milford Sound instead of car, you’ll save up to $10 per hour on parking. Make sure you keep an eye on our website, quite often we offer specials deals on our day trips when you book online.
No doubt you’re now ready to book your day trip to Milford Sound so head on over to our day trips page and lock in this epic adventure!
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