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U.S.FTC GUIDELINES PLEASE NOTE: we act as an affiliate for several companies that feature on our website. In some cases we may earn a commission from referrals to those companies. For further information please refer to our Privacy and Disclaimer policies which can be found in the "US" tab.

A Milford Sound cruise is the perfect way to see this stunning attraction.


We have a great range of Milford Sound cruises, and they are the perfect way to experience the magic of Milford Sound.

Located within the remote Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is one of several fiords (including Doubtful Sound) which snake their way inland from the open ocean.

To help you navigate the page just follow the links below.

* Getting here

* Tours from Queenstown

* Tours from Te Anau

* Overnight cruises

* Our top picks

* Where to stay

* Maps

Mystical Milford Sound - pic courtesy Tourism Holdings

If you are visiting the South Island, Milford Sound is a "must see" and is New Zealand's number one attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

You crane your neck to follow the cliffs as they disappear skywards. Mitre Peak stands sentinel over Milford Sound, and the noise and grandeur of waterfalls as they plummet into the deep dark waters of the sound, is something that you will never forget.

Milford Sound is also a unique wildlife haven and is home to a range of marine life including dolphins, seals, and penguins. And on any given day, you could see a variety of these beautiful creatures.

The Milford Discovery Center and Underwater Observatory takes you ten meters below the surface where you can view sea stars, anemones, black coral, octopus, mussels, and various species of fish.

Yes, it's difficult to imagine that anywhere could be so breathtaking, but we know that you will love everything that Milford Sound has to offer.

Getting here

Recognized as one of the best drives in the world, the trip to Milford Sound will be a highlight of your Milford Sound experience.

Access to Milford Sound is via State Highway 94, and the drive is one of the most scenic on earth. Snow covered peaks, raging creeks and waterfalls, and the Homer Tunnel all combine to make this an amazing drive.

You can drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown and Te Anau. From Queenstown it's around 4 hours each way, from Te Anau around one and a half hours each way.

Access to Milford Sound from Queenstown is also available by air (weather permitting).

Because of the distance, if you are traveling from Queenstown, we highly recommend taking an organized coach tour (including your cruise). Sit back and relax and let someone else do the driving.

If you are staying in Te Anau, the drive is much less tiresome (or you can still take an organized coach tour if you prefer).

Please see our State Highways map.

The east entrance to the famous Homer Tunnel
The road to Milford Sound
Stunning Milford Sound. Image courtesy Tourism Holdings

Milford Sound Cruise and Tour Options

We have a range of Milford Sound cruise and tour options, including:

Tours from Queenstown

Tours from Te Anau

Overnight cruises

Confused about which Milford Sound cruise to take?

No problem,  we can help.

Here are our top picks

We've taken the guess work out of choosing the right tour.

Based on our customer reviews, and our own experience, here are our top picks (be sure to read the reviews):

Milford Sound Full Day Extraordinaire Tour From Te Anau

1) Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown. This includes your coach transport and cruise, and is a big day, stretching over about twelve hours. But it's well worth it, and very highly rated.

2) Cruise Milford then journey below Milford - combining your cruise, a kayak adventure, and the fabulous underwater observatory, this an exhilarating tour. Read what other travelers said here.

3) Imagine waking up on the deep calm waters of Milford Sound. This overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner is an awe inspiring experience (please note that this cruise closes for the winter period from mid May to mid September).

4) The very aptly named Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau, is a full day adventure, and includes a range of fascinating excursions on the way to Milford Sound.

Where can we stay near Milford Sound?

Milford Sound accommodation is limited to the Milford Sound Lodge and Mitre Peak Lodge.

Fiordland Lodge near Te Anau - pic courtesy Fiordland Lodge

However Mitre Peak Lodge is usually available only to walkers on the Milford Track.

The town of Te Anau has a larger selection of accommodation with everything from hostels to motels and luxury lodges.

You can read customer reviews and check for available Te Anau accommodation here.

Want a little luxury?

If you are looking to pamper yourself, have a look at Fiordland Lodge, near Te Anau.

Map

Fiordland map

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