Milford Sound
Coach & Cruise

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound

Leave the car behind and jump aboard a premium coach for a Milford Sound tour from Queenstown or Te Anau. A spectacular journey featuring fascinating commentary and plenty of photo stops and short walks along the way.

Departing daily from Queenstown and Te Anau, a Milford Sound day trip is the spectacularly stress-free way to witness New Zealand’s natural beauty. Southern Discoveries low-emission coaches are the environmentally-conscious travel option and will reduce your carbon footprint by around 75% compared to driving a private vehicle. Even better, when you travel by coach, you’ll save yourself the car park fees.

Upcoming Departures

All upcoming departures

Thu 18 Sep

6:30 am

12h 30m

Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise ex Queenstown

from $237.15

Book

Thu 18 Sep

6:30 am

Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Heli

from $1384.00

Book

Thu 18 Sep

6:30 am

Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Glenorchy Air flight

from $718.00

Book

Thu 18 Sep

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Glenorchy Air flight

from $757.00

Book

Thu 18 Sep

7:00 am

12h 30m

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown

from $279.00

Book

Thu 18 Sep

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Air Milford flight

from $814.00

Book

Thu 18 Sep

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Heli

from $1423.00

Book

Thu 18 Sep

9:30 am

Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise ex Te Anau

from $194.65

Book

Thu 18 Sep

10:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Te Anau

from $229.00

Book

Fri 19 Sep

6:30 am

Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Glenorchy Air flight

from $718.00

Book

Thu 18 Sep

6:30 am

Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise ex Queenstown

from $237.15

12h 30m

Upgrades available

Book

Thu 18 Sep

6:30 am

Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Heli

from $1384.00

Upgrades available

Book

Thu 18 Sep

6:30 am

Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Glenorchy Air flight

from $718.00

Upgrades available

Book

Thu 18 Sep

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Glenorchy Air flight

from $757.00

Upgrades available

Book

Thu 18 Sep

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown

from $279.00

12h 30m

Upgrades available

Book

Thu 18 Sep

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Air Milford flight

from $814.00

Upgrades available

Book

Thu 18 Sep

7:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Heli

from $1423.00

Upgrades available

Book

Thu 18 Sep

9:30 am

Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise ex Te Anau

from $194.65

Upgrades available

Book

Thu 18 Sep

10:00 am

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Te Anau

from $229.00

Upgrades available

Book

Fri 19 Sep

6:30 am

Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise ex Queenstown with return Glenorchy Air flight

from $718.00

Upgrades available

Book

Coach & Cruise

Coach & Nature Cruise

from $194.65

Along the Milford road, enjoy short walks, photo stops and entertaining commentary from your driver before arriving relaxed, refreshed and ready to meet your incredible Nature Cruise.

Book Now Find out more

Coach & Discover More

from $315.00

Take your time with our longest Milford Sound day tour experience—perfect for those who love unhurried exploration. Includes a longer cruise, nature guide with you throughout, and return premium coach transfer for your day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau.

Book Now Find out more

Coach, Farm Tour & Milford Sound Nature Cruise

from $315.00

Let us handle the drive while you meet friendly local farmers, watch sheep shearing, experience working dogs in action, and take an iconic Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown or Te Anau. An unforgettable Fiordland experience with return coach transfers included (from Queenstown or Te Anau).

Book Now Find out more

Milford Sound Coach, Nature Cruise & Milford Track

from $384.00

Departing from Te Anau, you’ll be transferred to Milford Sound for an unforgettable land and sea adventure. Begin with a scenic Milford Sound Nature Cruise, then walk a stunning section of the famous Milford Track to Giant Gates Falls—two unique perspectives of this natural wonder with seamless, hassle-free transport.

Book Now Find out more

Specials & Combos

See all Specials

Coach & Nature Cruise – 15% Off Select Departures

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries' Coach & Nature Cruise. On select departures from Queenstown or Te Anau, enjoy a scenic journey in a premium glass-roof coach, followed by a nature cruise on a modern vessel with full-height windows. Until the end of September, use the promo code to save 15% on select departures.

Book Now More info

SAVE $40 on Queenstown Wine Tour

Embark on a small group Queenstown Wine Tour and enjoy $40 off this exclusive experience. Visit four boutique cellar doors, savour premium tastings, and enjoy a delicious light platter. With luxurious transport and stunning Central Otago scenery, this is a wine adventure not to be missed!

Book Now More info

SAVE 10% on Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Join us as Milford Sound’s original cruise company, backed by 70 years of local experience. Enjoy stunning views from the open-top deck or through full-height windows as our friendly team brings you closer to the beauty of Milford Sound.

Book Now More info

FAQ

Does the coach & cruise day trip from Queenstown include lunch?

Many of our Milford Sound experiences include a picnic OR Buffet lunch on board the cruise. When booking, you will see which departures include lunch and which do not. You can also bring your own lunch if you prefer.

How do we get picked up for our coach trip to Milford Sound?

All coach departures offer pick-up from most main accommodation providers. When you book online, select pick up from your accommodation, and indicate where you would like to be picked up from. Or simply make your way to our Queenstown Visitors Centre or Te Anau Info Centre.

Can I book a coach trip and add a pick-up point later?

You need to indicate your pick-up point when booking your coach online. If you do not indicate a pickup location, we will expect you to board at the Queenstown Visitor Centre or the Te Anau Visitor Centre. The coach will depart from our Visitor Centres at the time indicated. You need to be there 15 minutes before departure to collect your Boarding Passes. If you need to change your pick-up option, please call Reservations on 0800 264 536.

We’re getting picked up from your visitor centre in Queenstown. Is there parking?

There are many parking options within 200 metres of the Queenstown Visitor Centre at St Omers Wharf, but no parking outside the Queenstown Visitor Centre. If your accommodation is in the town centre it is a very pleasant walk to the Queenstown Visitor Centre located on the waterfront at St Omers Wharf. If you have selected Queenstown Visitor Centre as your pick up location and you would like to change it, you can do this by calling or emailing our reservations team.

How long is the Milford Sound day tour from Queenstown?

A full day tour from Queenstown typically takes around 12.5 to 13 hours, including return travel, photo stops, and a 1.75–2.5 hour cruise.

Do you have a webcam in Milford Sound?

Yes, you can view how the weather and day looks. Check out our webcam here.

What is included in the buffet lunch?

Our To Kai lunch includes a range of meats, salads and seasonal vegetables with hot and cold options available. We can cater to most dietary requirements - please note this on your booking. All our meat is certified halal.

What is included in the picnic lunch?

The picnic lunch includes a sandwich with chicken and salad, cheese and crackers, seasonal fresh fruit, crisps, a cookie and a small chocolate bar. We can cater to most dietary requirements – please note this on your booking.

Where does the coach stop on the way to Milford Sound?

It can depend on traffic and road conditions, but we aim to stop at Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, or Monkey Creek. If coming from Queenstown there will also be a break in Te Anau at a café or similar.

What time does the coach get back to Te Anau?

The coach will return to Te Anau at approx. 5:30pm

What time does the coach get back to Queenstown?

The coach will return to Queenstown at approx. 7:30pm.

Do I need a child seat for my child on the coach?

In accordance with New Zealand Law, all infants and children aged under 7 years must be correctly secured in an approved child seat while travelling in any Southern Discoveries coach. If you need to hire an approved child seat, we recommend you contact Tots on Tour on +64 3 442 0409.

Can I get a refund for my booking?

We have a 24-hour cancellation and amendment policy, so as long as you notify us more than 24 hours before departure we can amend your booking to another day or cancel for a refund.

Which tour is best for kids?

All of our Queenstown to Milford Sound day trips are suitable for children.

What should I bring on my Milford Sound tour from Queenstown?

It’s a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, warm clothing and to wear comfortable shoes for your Milford Sound day trip. We also have ponchos available for purchase so you can enjoy a glacial facial under Stirling Falls.

What does a Queenstown to Milford Sound day trip include?

Our day trip includes premium coach travel through Fiordland’s scenic landscapes, multiple photo stops and short walks, and a boat cruise (either the Nature Cruise or Discover More Cruise).

What makes the Queenstown to Milford Sound tour special?

This tour is known for its unmatched alpine scenery, wildlife encounters, and eco-friendly coach travel. Our glass-roof coaches and knowledgeable drivers make the trip as memorable as the cruise itself.

Can I book a Milford Sound tour from Te Anau?

Yes, day trips from Te Anau are available daily. These shorter, scenic journeys offer a more relaxed travel time and are ideal for visitors based in Fiordland. Our Milford Sound tour from Te Anau includes coach pickup, informative commentary, and your choice of boat cruise. The journey from Te Anau takes approximately 2.5 hours with scenic stops along the way.

Are there day trips from Queenstown to Milford Sound?

Absolutely. Our day trips are some of the most popular in New Zealand and include luxury coach transport, cruise options, and combo experiences like farm tours or scenic flights.

More FAQ's

Get in touch

in New Zealand

0800 264 536

Overseas

+64 3 441 1137

reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound

Upcoming Departures

Coach & Cruise

Specials & Combos

Coach & Nature Cruise – 15% Off Select Departures

SAVE $40 on Queenstown Wine Tour

SAVE 10% on Milford Sound Nature Cruise

FAQ

Get in touch

Milford Sound
Coach & Cruise