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Day Trips

Milford Sound Coach, Nature Cruise & Milford Track

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from $384.00

Seamless, hassle-free transport from Te Anau

Two iconic Milford experiences in one day

Discover the best of Milford Sound on water and on land

Seamless, hassle-free transport from Te Anau

Two iconic Milford experiences in one day

Discover the best of Milford Sound on water and on land

About

Depart Te Anau for an unforgettable Milford adventure. Cruise the spectacular fiord, then walk a scenic section of the Milford Track to Giant Gates Falls—two iconic experiences with seamless return transport.

Return transport from Te Anau to Milford Sound included – relax and enjoy the journey.
Travel along the iconic Milford Road with scenic stops and photo opportunities.
Cruise the full length of Milford Sound on a 1hr 45min Nature Cruise with expert commentary.
To Kai" Buffet or Picnic lunch available for purchase onboard.
Enjoy spacious indoor lounges and open-air viewing decks for every weather.
Get closer to nature with the chance to spot seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins.
Includes complimentary tea and coffee on board; buffet and picnic lunch options available.
After the cruise, join a 10-minute water taxi ride from Deepwater Basin to Sandfly Point to start the Milford Track walk.
Self-guided walk up to 11km (approx. 4 hours return) on the world-renowned Milford Track.
Discover Giant Gates Falls – a peaceful spot for photos, a picnic, or a swim.
Multilingual commentary available through the free Southern Discoveries app for both the Nature Cruise and Track Walk.
Available seasonally from 28th October to 30th April
Southern Discoveries Ltd wishes to notify our customers about the natural risks and hazards prevalent in Milford Sound, the remote location where our operations are situated. Detailed information of these risks and hazards can be found here.

from $384.00

11 hours

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Relax with Return Transfers from Te Anau

Enjoy a Nature Cruise through the heart of Milford Sound aboard a purpose-built vessel.

Option to add-on a To Kai Buffet or Picnic Lunch on your Nature Cruise.

Water Taxi Transfer to the Milford Track

Walk the World-Famous Milford Track to Giant Gates Falls

Map

Coach

Cruise

Walk

Lunch

Choose from our "To Kai" Buffet or Picnic Lunch

"To Kai" Buffet Lunch

“To Kai” means Your Food. Enjoy a Kiwi-style buffet featuring hot and cold dishes and fresh salads, all prepared on board by our chefs using the best local produce.

Picnic Lunch

Our freshly prepared picnic lunches include a sandwich, snacks, fruit and sweet treats, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Drinks are not included to help reduce single-use plastics, so please remember to bring your reusable water bottle.

Transport

from Te Anau

Small Group Vehicle

Travel from Te Anau for a day of discovery in Milford Sound—cruise through dramatic fiord landscapes, then walk a spectacular section of the Milford Track to Giant Gates Falls.

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"Great trip"

Trip Advisor reviews

Great afternoon spent on the iconic Milford Track Great trip Excellent Service Friendly and efficient

FAQ

What is included in the Coach, Cruise & Walk package?

A scenic coach transfer from Te Anau to Milford Sound with photo stops along the Milford Road.
A Milford Sound Nature Cruise up to 2 hours aboard a spacious vessel with indoor lounges and open decks.
A self-guided walk on the world-famous Milford Track to Giant Gates Falls, including water taxi transfers.

Which walking track is included in this package?

You’ll walk a spectacular section of the Milford Track, from Sandfly Point to Giant Gates Falls.

How long is the walk and what is the difficulty level?

The return walk is approximately 11 km and takes 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace. It is graded easy to moderate, suitable for most visitors with reasonable fitness.

Do I need special fitness or gear for the walk?

A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots and layered clothing. Waterproof jackets are essential, and insect repellent is advised.

Is a guide provided for the walk?

No, the Milford Track portion is self-guided, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

What is the duration of the full day trip?

The experience runs for approximately 10–11 hours, departing Te Anau at 8:00 AM and returning around 6:30 PM

Where are the coach pick-up points?

Pick-up is from the DOC Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau (1 Lakefront Drive). Please arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Is lunch provided, or should I bring my own?

Lunch is not included by default, but you can pre-order a Picnic Lunch or To Kai Buffet when booking. Bringing your own food is also an option

Is there guided commentary for the walk?

Yes, multilingual commentary is available in 7 languages via the Southern Discoveries app.

Can I do just part of the walk if I prefer a shorter distance?

Yes, you can turn back at any point before Giant Gates Falls, but ensure you allow enough time to return for your scheduled water taxi.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip operates in most weather conditions, but severe weather may affect safety. In such cases, adjustments or cancellations may occur, and guests will be advised accordingly.

Are rain jackets or walking gear provided?

Rain jackets and walking gear are not provided, and walking poles aren’t necessary for this track. We recommend bringing your own essentials or hiring gear locally before departure to ensure you’re comfortable and prepared. Waterproof jackets are essential.

Can I book this experience from Te Anau?

Yes, this product is ex Te Anau only, making it ideal for those based in Fiordland.

Are there toilet facilities along the walking track?

There are basic facilities at Sandfly Point, Giant Gate falls and the cruise terminal, but none along the track itself.

How much time is spent in Milford Sound itself?

The Nature Cruise lasts up to two hours, and the Milford Track walk offers up to four hours of exploration along one of the world’s most famous trail.

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