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Have you always dreamed of visiting Milford Sound? Not only is it one of the most beautiful places on Earth (seriously!), but it’s also super easy to visit on a tour from Queenstown.
Trust me, I’ve personally been to Milford more than a dozen times!
There are a few ways to get to Milford Sound, but I think it’s best to visit by taking a tour, as the road can be rather daunting and there is a lot to learn about the area. Luckily, these tours from Queenstown to Milford include transportation (either by scenic flight or driving) and a cruise through the gorgeous fiord.
So to help make your planning simpler, here are 4 (excellent, but VERY different) tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown that you can choose from. Let’s start!
Quick Pick: My Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
My personal FAVORITE tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound is this full-day driving tour. You get to visit scenic stops on the way to Fiordland and go on a cruise through Milford Sound. It’s also the highest-rated tour available and the most affordable! Check out the 1,700+ 5-star reviews and book this experience here.
Tip: This activity is very popular – reserve your spot now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
- Quick Pick: My Favorite Tour
- The BEST Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown
- Why Book a Tour to Milford from Queenstown
- Must-Do Activities While in Queenstown
- Thanks for reading!
- Why I Book Tours on Viator
- Where to Stay in Queenstown
- Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
The BEST Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown
1. Luxury Mini-Van to and from Milford and a cruise (most affordable tour!)
Pros:
- Most budget-friendly option
- You get to see all of the attractions on the road to Milford
- Small group tour with a maximum of 16 travelers
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts
- Incredible reviews! (Seriously, this tour has over 1,700 5-star reviews)
Cons:
- It’s a long day, about 13 hours in total
- A lot of time is spent driving on the road
- Transport is in a minivan, which can sometimes feel a little cramped
- Small group means the tour is often fully booked (make sure you book in advance!)
Avoid the crowds of the larger coach tour and opt for a small personalized mini-van trip to Milford Sound which also includes a cruise. Your mode of transport is a luxury Mercedes minivan built for long journeys so you will be traveling in comfort and style on the 3.5-hour journey each way.
On this popular full-day tour, you’ll be stopping along the way at some incredible places to break up the drive. You will get to visit Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, and Eglinton Valley just to name a few.
We love that this tour has a maximum of 16 people so the experience is much more personal. Because of this, you can also request a quick stop or two depending on how much time you have.
The included nature cruise once you reach Milford Sound is 1 hour 45 minutes in total. Because this tour is a smaller group, you’ll go on a small boat, which allows you to explore the smaller corners of the Fiord and enjoy its incredible sights!
Remember, this is a long day approximately 13 hours in total, but you’re with a smaller group and the mini-van is both spacious and comfortable. This tour starts from $309 NZD per person, which is great value given the group size and all of the amazing sightseeing opportunities you get!
Check reviews and book this small group Milford Sound tour here!
2. Fly to Milford, cruise, and fly back to Queenstown (best tour without driving!)
Pros:
- You get to see Milford Sound and Queenstown from the best vantage point – the sky!
- The total tour time is only 4.5 hours, so you can fit more into your day!
- No time spent sitting on a bus on a long road trip
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts
- Incredible reviews! (Check out the 900+ 5-star reviews here)
Cons:
- The price – scenic flights are more expensive than bus tours
- You’ll miss out on the attractions on the road to Milford
This tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound involves a flight there, a cruise once you arrive in Milford Sound, and then a flight back to Queenstown. A 40-minute return scenic flight in a small fixed-wing plane is a fantastically quick option to get to Milford Sound and also boasts stunning views along the way!
On this tour, you get the best of both with a fly-over Milford Sound and a 2-hour boat cruise through it.
Like the tour above, this cruise is on a smaller vessel (as you can see I’ve learned these are the best cruises in Milford Sound) allowing you to get up really close to famed Stirling Falls as well as some of the cutest wildlife.
On your 40-minute flight back to Queenstown your pilot will take you a different route so you can see another side of the national park, giving you even more amazing views of Fiordland National Park – you can’t complain about that!
This whole tour is around 5 hours in total so it’s a great option if you’re short on time, or just don’t want to spend a ton of time in a vehicle. During the summer months, you can choose either a morning or afternoon departure from Queenstown, making it very easy to fit into your travel itinerary.
This tour costs around $665 NZD, which we think is actually a great value for such a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Check reviews and book this return flight Milford Sound tour here!
Related Read: If you want some more details on this tour before booking, check out my detailed review from when I took this tour here!
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
3. Coach to Milford, cruise, and fly back to Queenstown (the most comprehensive tour!)
Pros:
- You get to see Milford from ALL angles (on the road, on a boat, and then from the air too!)
- You get to see all of the attractions on the road to Milford
- Perfect tour length at around 9 hours total
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts
- Not a ton of time is spent on the road since the drive is only one way, and this is when the coach stops at attractions frequently
- Large and comfortable coach bus with windows on the roof
- View of both Milford Sound and Queenstown from the sky on your return scenic flight
Cons:
- A bit pricey when compared with the bus tours that don’t include a scenic flight
- It can be hard to secure a booking. This is what I consider to be the best all-around tour from Queenstown to Milford, and many others agree with me, so it is often fully booked in advance (just look at all of the great reviews!)
This tour is a very popular option as it combines a coach tour that takes the scenic road from Queenstown to Milford, a cruise in Milford, and then you return to Queenstown with a scenic flight. Basically, it’s the entire package in one!
This is a 9-hour tour in total, so not as long as the coach options described earlier (which typically last a whopping 12.5 hours). You literally cut the driving time in half on this tour!
Your coach will depart Queenstown at 7 am to take you to Milford. As with the other tours, it’s a long journey but it includes lots of photo stops along the way. When you reach Milford you will board for your 2-hour scenic cruise through the fiord.
At the end of your cruise, you will be taken to the Milford Sound airstrip to board your small fixed-wing plane for the scenic flight back into Queenstown. You’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of Fiordland National Park while your pilot points out hidden lakes and tall mountain peaks.
This tour, in my opinion, is one of the best options because it gives you the chance to see Milford Sound from all angles – by bus, on the water, and from the sky! It’s perfect for anybody who suffers from FOMO (like me) because you really get to experience it all!
At 9 hours in duration, it is classified as a full-day tour but you will make it back to Queenstown with plenty of time for dinner at one of its fantastic restaurants. The price for this comprehensive tour is $848 NZD per person. Make sure you book in advance because it sells out quickly!
Check reviews and book this coach, cruise, and fly Milford Sound tour here!
4. Milford Sound from the air (quickest option!)
Pros:
- You get to see Milford and Queenstown from the air (the best view!!)
- Total tour time is only 1 hour and 20 minutes – perfect if you are super short on time
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts
- No time wasted driving
- Small group with a maximum of 12 travelers
Cons:
- A bit pricey when compared with the bus tours that don’t include a scenic flight
- This is ONLY a scenic flight, it does not include a landing in Milford Sound or a boat cruise.
This short and sweet 1-hour scenic flight is a popular option with couples or visitors short on time. The small fixed-wing plane which holds a maximum of 12 people will fly you through the Wakatipu Basin, across the Southern Alps, above the famous Milford Walking Track, over Sutherland Falls, and finally into Milford Sound to check out the scenery.
It’s an incredibly scenic and quick way to see Milford Sound. However, the only downside is you don’t get to land in Milford itself and experience a boat cruise there.
With that said, this tour is ideal if you’re short on time so you can pack the rest of your Queenstown itinerary with other activities. It’s an excuse to return to Queenstown in the future to experience a boat cruise in Milford Sound! Or, it’s the perfect option for those who have already seen Milford Sound on a cruise.
Seeing Milford from the air is not something many people can say they’ve done so, this experience is truly something for the bucket list. This tour is $585 NZD per person.
Check reviews and book this Milford Sound flight here!
Related Read: If you only have time to visit one fiord while in Queenstown, be sure to check out my unbiased review of Doubtful Sound vs. Milford Sound!
Why Book a Tour to Milford from Queenstown
Honestly, you HAVE to visit Milford Sound – even if you’re only spending a few days in Queenstown! The easiest way to do this is on one of the awesome tours I mentioned above. They take care of everything for you and are all highly rated, so you’re guaranteed to have a great time!
Booking a tour to Milford Sound has many benefits including a knowledgeable guide who will tell you all about the area and its history as well as the chance to meet like-minded travelers. I’ve been many times and still prefer booking with a tour when I go over driving myself there.
Learn more about the most popular Milford Sound tour from Queenstown here!
Must-Do Activities While in Queenstown
While in Queenstown there are plenty of other activities that will keep you busy… Honestly, there are so many it’ll be hard to choose which ones to do! Below are some of my favorites.
- Central Otago Wine Tour and Tasting – This is my personal favorite wine tour in Queenstown! It is one of the best value for money, for $239 NZD your tour bus will stop at 4 different boutique wineries in the Otago region that include a wide range of wine samples and a provided gourmet lunch platter. As you hop between wineries you’ll gaze out the window at spectacular views.
- TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise – This scenic and relaxing cruise in Queenstown is an activity great for any afternoon. The ship you will be cruising on is the Historic TSS Earnslaw and you will get to watch crew members add coal to the flames that power the vessel. Take in the mountain ranges and lush green valleys of Otago. You can also upgrade this tour here to include dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
- Queenstown Canyoning Adventure – Climb and jump off waterfalls, rappel, swim, and trek your way down a part of a Queenstown canyon with a qualified guide. This thrilling full-day activity is perfect for those who love adventure and exploration! As long as you aren’t afraid of heights and have a basic swimming ability you won’t need any other skills.
- Queenstown Lakes Lord of the Rings Tour – This tour is fun for both major LOTR fans and those who have some level of interest in seeing and learning about the filming locations. You will be guided around in a 4×4 vehicle that is equipped to cross rivers and rugged terrain. There are 8 different stops over 9 hours, it’s a long day but it will be filled with so many breathtaking views and you’ll learn a ton from your guide.
- Extreme Jet Boating – Looking for a thrill? Jet Boating is one of New Zealand’s most unique activities. On the tour out of Queenstown, you’ll be able to zoom up the Shotover River through narrow canyons at high speeds and make 360-degree spins. Trust, me it’s epic!
Where to Stay in Queenstown
Finding the right place to stay in Queenstown can be hard. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of awesome choices, but things book up fast! For that reason, I highly suggest booking your accommodation well in advance.
Honestly, during peak times, any of the best hotels in Queenstown will be fully booked several weeks in advance…you have been warned! To help you plan ahead, here are a few places I personally love and that would make an awesome place to stay in Queenstown.
Kamana Lakehouse – $$$
For a luxurious stay, I highly recommend Kamana Lakehouse. This hotel is located on the outskirts of town, just a quick 5-minute drive into Queenstown’s center. It overlooks both the lake and the mountains, and the onsite restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients to create the freshest meals. To top it off, many of the rooms boast lake views, and some even have outdoor baths!
The trick will be snagging this for your dates (it’s a popular place!). Rooms start around the $400 NZD mark, and you can check availability and book online here.
mi-pad Queenstown – $$
If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel, then you should seriously consider mi-pad Queenstown. It’s a modern and eco-friendly stay right in the heart of town that features compact yet stylish rooms with app-controlled lighting and temperature. Plus it also boasts a rooftop terrace with stunning lake and mountain views!
Prices vary depending on the season but usually start around $200 NZD per night. You can check availability and book online here.
Absoloot Hostel Queenstown – $
My top choice for budget travelers is the Absoloot Hostel Queenstown. This small hostel has dorm rooms and budget private rooms, and it’s really clean and comfortable. The location is in the heart of Queenstown – the window from the kitchen looks out over Lake Wakatipu!
Dorms are around $55 NZD, and private rooms begin around $210 NZD. The Absoloot Hostel is easily one of the top cheap hostels in Queenstown and can be booked on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
Wow, and there you have it, a detailed breakdown of the best different styles of Milford Sound tours on offer from Queenstown. I know there are a lot to choose from but deciding really shouldn’t be too hard once you consider your budget and the time you have to spare.
I hope this blog will help you in choosing the best Milford Sound tour in Queenstown for you.
If you did find this blog helpful, then don’t run away just yet. Check out more blogs on My Queenstown Diary! Seriously, I have so many Queenstown, Milford Sound, and New Zealand blogs that are packed with info! Check out these few in particular that I think you might like:
5 Types of Milford Sound Tours from Te Anau (The BEST Tours & Cruises)