Milford Sound Coach and Cruise from Queenstown - RealNZ
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
October 2024
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Cruise around the stunning Milford Sound in Fiordland with this 1-hour 40-minute cruise with transfers from Queenstown. The journey begins by boarding the comfortable coach in Queenstown and winding through the region en route to Milford. The bus has giant windows and a glass roof, so you'll be treated to incredible views of the region as you're driven around.
Once arriving in Milford, you'll board the purpose-built sightseeing vessel to embark on your scenic cruise. You'll venture out of the dock and up close to cascading waterfalls to explore all the Sound has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as seals and dolphins as they frequent the area and are often popping their heads out to say hello or lounging on the rocks.
While on board you'll be treated to informative commentary teaching you all about the region's history and the animals that live here as well as pointing out any wildlife sightings along the journey. If you're looking to enjoy lunch on board as you cruise around, you can choose from a a picnic lunch or an obento lunch.
The entire experience from start to finish with the transfers from Queenstown and back again lasts for almost 13-hours. Throughout the day you'll enjoy some incredible sightseeing and wildlife spotting opportunities that will help make some amazing memories.
Location
What you need to know
- All food and beverage purchases aboard the vessels in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, and Te Anau, as well as at Walter Peak and the Manapouri Café, do not accept cash. A cashless system will provide a smoother, more efficient experience for both guests and staff
- Payment terminals accept all major credit cards and debit cards, including AMEX, WeChat Pay, AliPay and Union Pay, as well as contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- RealNZ is going cashless on all food and beverage purchases in experience.
- This means that all food and beverage purchases aboard our vessels in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, and Te Anau, as well as at Walter Peak and the Manapouri Café, will no longer accept cash. A cashless system will provide a smoother, more efficient experience for both our guests and staff.
- Our payment terminals accept all major credit cards and debit cards, including AMEX, WeChat Pay, AliPay and Union Pay, as well as contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Note: Fee of 1.5% applies to food and beverage purchases by credit card only. The fee does not apply to purchases in Retail Store at Walter Peak, or merchandise purchased from our Visitor Centres.
- Luxury glass-roofed coach transport from Queenstown
- A sightseeing scenic cruise on the beautiful Milford Sound
- Barista coffee and tea available on board the vessel (extra cost)
- Informative commentary
- Hotel pickup from CBD accommodation
- Return transfers from Queenstown
- No lunch
- Cabinet food available to purchase onboard
- Enjoy the journey in a luxury glass-roofed coach is at your comfort for a very good reason, with spectacular awe-inspiring panoramic alpine views the vehicle offers one of the most beautiful viewing opportunities
- Recline your seat to maximise your viewing or to simply watch the clouds and go by. Don't get too comfy, your driver will stop along the way for short walks and photo opportunities
- Travel along side Lake Wakatipu and through the breathtaking countryside to Te Anau
- Don't get too comfy on board the luxury coach, your driver will stop along the way for short walks and photo opportunities
- Consider one of the most beautiful drives in the world, you will be dazzled by the scenery before your cruise even begins
- Once arriving at Milford Sound board the Scenic Cruise vessels, with purpose-built observation lounges and large decks, so you can be sure you’ll get great viewing opportunities.
- You’ll witness the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Keep a look out for wildlife like seals basking on the rocks or dolphins
- Enjoy Highlights such as Mitre peak and Pembroke Glacier, you will not miss a site with the informative commentary from your captain and on crew
- Departure times - 6.45am, 6.55am, 7.35am
- Please arrive 20 minutes earlier for check in
- 12.5 hours
- RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, Queenstown
- CBD Queenstown accommodation offers hotel pick ups
- Hotel pick up from CBD Queenstown accommodation, please call if you wish to confirm your hotel location is included within the CBD pick up
- Non-slip shoes/boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm sweater/fleece jacket
- Sunproectin: Sunscreen/sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- The vessel is wheelchair accessible however does not have disabled toilets onboard
- This scenic cruise uses the Milford Sovereign and Monarch vessels, however, is subject to change without notice
- This cruise can provide Chinese language translation in person, however, is subject to certain cruise times and availability (we suggest checking with us when you book)
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking, however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control. We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
- Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The from price displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you
Recent reviews
Bella Martyn-thompson
about 1 year ago
Lovely drive and friendly tour guide. Shame they changed our boat last minute.
The tour guide was very informative and the drive was great. Unfortunately our boat was changed last minute to a larger boat that was packed like sardines. It made it feel like they were cramming as many people on as they could. The food on the boat was ok but better to pack your own food if you can.
Manish Kohli
over 1 year ago
Nice experience, well organised and well on time. I recommend.
The coach is clean and well on time, value for money, and a well-managed company. I recommend opting for this company, the driver guide is well explained each and everything via travelling, and pick on time and drop exactly on time, we really appreciated that.
Leticia Lucindo
about 2 years ago
It was a good day even if the weather wasn't great.
The view on the way in is great, even better with the glass roof on the bus. Good toilet stops and the coffee at Te Anau was amazing. The driver was very friendly and knowledgeable. You can buy food and drinks on the cruise but they accept cash only.