Top Things to do in Milford Sound
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Top 10 Tours in Milford Sound, South Island
Hailed by Rudyard Kipling as "the eighth wonder of the world," the breathtaking Milford Sound is the star of glacier-carved Fjordland National Park, providing an emerald-green and waterfall-rich backdrop for hiking, biking and kayaking. Frequent downpours only enhance this South Island beauty, sending numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. Passionate nature lovers book in advance to hike the 33-mile Milford Track, a legendary route through alpine passes and temperate rainforest.
1. Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot dolphins, seals and penguins. Enjoy an exhilarating flight past rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls, and land upon Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park.
Inclusions: Landing and facility fees, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly, Hotel pickup and drop-off, GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Gratuities
Reviewed By kymr409
Sunset, a helicopter and a Mountain. These are things dreams are made of. The flight up the side of the mountain is breathtaking and surreal. As you get over the top it is just insane. Matt was our pilot and one of the nicest pilots I have flown with. He is a great photographer too. As we had a drink and watch ed the sun slowly setting in the distance. The flight home Matt was so informative at poiting out some interesting sites. What a trip we will be back .
2. Premium Milford Sound and Te Anau Highlights 2 Days Small Group Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This small group, fully-guided tour not only gives you the best Milford Sound experience but also allows you to enjoy everything Te Anau has to offer, making it the ultimate Fiordland Adventure. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Te Anau Highlights tour • Overnight stay in Te Anau Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
Inclusions: Lunch, Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Accommodation, Bottled Water & Snacks
Exclusions: Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking, Gratuities
Reviewed By pcol2017
Had a great trip last week with Cheeky Kiwi. Callum our guide was fantastic - took us to beautiful spots we would never have stopped at on our own. He provided a fun commentary and was totally engaging. The cruise with Cruise Milford was stunning. Lovely staff on board who chatted happily to guests and made us feel very welcome. Would totally recommend this trip. Takes the hassle out of driving yourself, and at the end of a long day, having someone else drive you home is a bonus. Nice comfortable van and small size makes a more personal trip. 5 stars
3. Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 450 reviews
This full-day Milford Sound extraordinaire tour from Te Anau will have you traveling along the spectacular Milford Road. With fun commentary and plenty of local knowledge provided you will have a chance to see keas, seals, dolphins and the Fiordland crested penguin. Visit the historical Gunns Camp and enjoy an amazing morning tea that includes wonderful date scones, tea, coffee and biscuits, chocolates and fruit juice. Experience an amazing 20-minute walk to the Chasm. You will have the chance to do the most spectacular 30-minute walk to Milford Sound. It is the Marian Cascade which is a continuous cascading waterfall draining from a glacier fed lake. Your day will be topped off with a 2-hour cruise on the famous Milford Sound.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Coffee and/or Tea, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off from Te Anau, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Drinks, Lunch, Hotel Pick up from Manapouri (available by special arrangement. Additional costs may apply)
Reviewed By JMR700
We had a great day - our driver was very passionate and knowledgeable, and stopped along the way at places of interest for walks (if you wanted to), views and date scones :). The minivan was super comfortable and we could enjoy the scenery which is spectacular. Cruise Milford provided the cruise service and this was an awesome experience on a beautiful boat with a very friendly and informative captain. We had booked to fly back to Te Anau if able but the weather did not permit this, however we were more than happy to make the return trip back with our group by van.
4. Half-Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 383 reviews
Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. This tour with Air Milford allows you to combine the stunning flight to Milford Sound with a beautiful cruise on the fiord. Relax as you enjoy the best of both worlds from above and from the sea.
Inclusions: Live pilot commentary on board, Reserved seating aboard the Nature Cruise of Milford Sound, Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located hotels), Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By bipinjohn
Awesome experience and worth it.The service is incredible and commentary by the pilot was useful and he was checking every now and then whether everyone was ok.
5. Full-Day Milford Sound Hiking Tour with Cruise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 217 reviews
Enjoy a friendly, small group (maximum 15 people) day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, including a small boat cruise along the full length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea. Our relaxed timetable ensures plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy short walks, photographic stops and exploration with the nature guide. Plus, from November to April guests can select 2 ½ hours hiking (unguided) on the renowned Routeburn Track to Key Summit.
Inclusions: Afternoon or morning tea, Local driver/guide, Te Anau accommodation pickup and drop-off (if advised), Sightseeing boat cruise, Guided and Self-Guided Walking tours, Modern air conditioned minivan (max 15)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Queenstown pick ups - the tour departs from Te Anau
Reviewed By mike61119
Fabulous trip to Milford Sound today. Andrew's commentary and knowledge of the area was outstanding. Would definitely use Trips and Tramps again. Highly recommend for those looking to book in Fiordland. ????????????????????
6. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Te Anau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise onboard TripAdvisors No.1 rated cruise operator, Cruise Milford, and picnic lunch from Te Anau. There is no better way to see this famous attraction. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel and Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks
Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
Reviewed By lauramareehay
Mark was an excellent tour guide with a lot of local knowledge. The bird sanctuary was eye opening to the number of native bird species and we even saw a morepork which was a first for us! We absolutely love Lord of the rings and we're happy that the tour could be altered to our interests slightly to incorporate a few more Lord of the rings spots. These additions did not add to much time to the overall travel time which was good! The Mavora lakes area was a highlight and had so many hidden filming spots. We appreciated having exploration time at each point for photos and to soak in the scenery to truely picture what is was like to film in these areas. We were thrilled to get our pictures taken in Amon Hen although it would have been better if we were able to get photos together. Some more in depth knowledge for Lord of the rings super fans would have been awesome like more behind the scenes facts unique to these locations. It was an awesome opportunity to actually walk through Fangorn forest, an activity not usually in the tour. Overall we loved the tour, it introduced us to some areas that we will have to return to!
7. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 153 reviews
Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise with Cruise Milford, the number 1 Trip Advisor rated cruise company, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions. Highlights: • Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford • Fiordland National Park • Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak • Wildlife Spotting While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember. Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions: Small Group & Fully Guided Tour, Cruise Entry, Picnic Lunch, Bottled water, Snacks
Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities, Optional extras and activities - please select the tour option you want at time of booking
Reviewed By tinanU2049PP
Lance was an excellent driver/Guide. He was patient and kept us entertained throughout-Thanks Lance!
8. Half-Day Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Flight from Queenstown
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 110 reviews
Air Milford hosts you on an intimate experience, combining two incredible scenic flights into Fiordland National Park, with a Nature Cruise through the fiord itself. With numbers capped on the boat at 150, and on-board Nature Guides offering personal attention. The “Spirit of Milford” catamaran explores nooks and crannies along the edge of the fjord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail. Enjoy return flights to Milford Sound so you can enjoy it from all angles.
Inclusions: Live pilot commentary on board, Reserved Seating aboard the Nature Cruise, Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located hotels), Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By bipinjohn
Awesome experience and worth it.The service is incredible and commentary by the pilot was useful and he was checking every now and then whether everyone was ok.
9. Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 1,022 reviews
Rated as one of the Top 10 Experience in New Zealand for 2019 & 2020. Join this tour for an uncrowded boutique small boat cruise on Milford Sound. The only cruise company at Milford Sound to limit passenger numbers on-board, they offer comfortable luxury lounge style seating and superb customer service, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed. The smaller boats will get you up close and personal with the local wildlife like seals, dolphins and penguins in their marine habitat.
Inclusions: Complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits on-board all sailings
Exclusions: No food sold on-board the cruise, Parking fee ($20 for 5 hours)
Reviewed By fabianabG5262MV
The 2 hours cruise was amazing, the place is beautifull and for sure is a must do in NZ. I really recomend go from Te Anau not from Queenstown to have time to stop along the Milford road.
10. Milford Sound Coach and Scenic Cruise with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 15 reviews
Journey in comfort on one of our low-emission coaches and take in incredible, panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. The overland journey is a spectacular showcase of sheer mountains and towering cliffs, rugged valleys and the native rain forest surrounded by spectacular waterfalls and glacial lakes. Experienced local drivers provide engaging and informative commentary, and show you the best short walks and photo stops along the Milford Road. On arrival in Milford Sound cruise in comfort and style on our Milford Sound Nature Cruise while you enjoy some of New Zealand's most iconic and beautiful scenery. Cruise the length of this famous fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, stopping at waterfalls and points of interest along the way. Enjoy a freshly prepared Picnic Lunch with FREE tea and coffee onboard your cruise. Complimentary accommodation pick up and drop off from central Queenstown.
Inclusions: Return transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound on premium glass-roof coach, USB charging ports on board coach, Informative commentary provided by local coach driver, Headset commentaries in several languages available, Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Freshly prepared Picnic Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Reviewed By michblaz
Had an amazing afternoon on the Discover More cruise. We were so fortunate that there was 270mm of rain the night prior so the waterfalls were out of this world! The underwater observatory was also fascinating. The staff were friendly and knowledgable. Highly recommend this tour.
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