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Are you trying to decide if a day tour to Milford Sound is right for you? You’re in luck! I have all the information you need for that answer and more right here.
With so many ways to get to and experience Milford Sound, it can be hard to know if this is the right option for you. It’s the highlight of the South Island after all and you want it to be the perfect experience.
I’ve lived in Queenstown for years and visited Milford Sound more times than I can count. And yes, even though I’m a local, I have taken tons of tours to Milford Sound so I know a thing or two! So keep reading for some insider tips, recommendations, and more!
Should you do a day tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown?
When people ask me this question, I try not to blurt out “Yes!” too quickly and let them finish their sentence first. This is, after all, one of my favorite places on earth and unbelievably beautiful.
But besides that, why do I suggest taking a tour to Milford Sound? I mean, couldn’t you just drive there yourself? While you certainly can (we will talk more about this in a moment), taking an organized tour is just so much more relaxing because it requires almost no planning.
Trust me, sitting back in a comfortable bus and taking in the views is much easier than driving 4-hours there and back on your own. Even better, they break up the long trip with stops at some of my favorite places, like Mirror Lakes, along the way.
A tour ensures a stress-free experience, especially if you only have a day to get out to Milford Sound and back. If I have friends or family in town and only have a day to see the sound, I always do a tour.
And even if you’re trying to save money I think tours are just as – if not more – cost-effective. You don’t have to pay for fuel or parking, and most include lunch! Talk about a package deal.
How long does it take to drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back without stopping?
I personally don’t recommend driving to Milford Sound and back for a day trip. Not because it isn’t doable, but because it simply just isn’t as safe or fun. This is the same advice a local gave me when I first moved here so now I am passing it on to you! But let’s talk about why.
When you pull up a map of South New Zealand I wouldn’t blame you if your first thought is that Queenstown and Milford Sound look pretty close. I know when I first moved here and was planning a trip it’s what I thought too! But look a little closer and you’ll see a couple of things.
First, while Queenstown is only 70 km (43.5 mi) from Milford Sound (as the crow flies) the only road that can get you there has to go around several massive mountain ranges. They make for a pretty drive, but oh boy, does it make it a long one.
Second, some of those roads that go around mountain ranges, especially after Te Anu, are windier than a nakahi (that’s the Maori word for snake). This forces vehicles to drive slower to safely navigate them. So what does all this mean?
Unfortunately, that means getting to Milford Sound from Queenstown takes at least 4 hours each way, and that’s without stopping! But realistically you’ll need to stop for food, gas, the bathroom, to take pictures, or any number of reasons so expect that time to become 5 or more hours.
With how long it takes to get to Milford Sound, you’ll either have to get up really early or drive back at night, maybe even both. By the time you’re ready to head back, you’ll be super tired from a full day out and still have to drive 4-5 hours on a windy road.
Talk about a there and back again, a Milford Sound tale (Lord of the Rings joke). Jokes aside, it just isn’t a safe option!
To learn more and safely plan your trip, read our ultimate guide to traveling from Queenstown to Milford Sound. But if you only have a day or so and want to skip to the good stuff, keep reading for our top Milford Sound tours and trips!
Best Options to Visit Milford Sound on a Day Tour
1. Organized bus tour
Roundtrip Small-Group Tour with Nature Cruise
Nothing gets me saying “Sign me up!” quite like an award-winning nature cruise. So you can imagine what I was saying when I discovered that this Full-Day Milford Sound Cruise has over a thousand 5-star reviews! Spoiler alert, I am one of those 5-star reviews.
What I loved about this tour from the start is that it offers round-trip service from convenient Queenstown locations, making for a carefree day. It does start at 6:30 or 7:30 am, but you can rest on the drive and check out the incredible views along the way. And with a max of 16 people, the overall vibe is peaceful and more intimate.
But this isn’t just a drive there, take a cruise, drive back kind of day. Instead, this 13-hour tour stops at viewpoints along the way to take some short walks and even visit the stunning Lake Te Anu. There is also an option to upgrade to a glass roof for 360-degree views during the drive.
Of course, this is all just an appetizer for your Milford Sound nature cruise. What I love about the cruise is that it’s on a small boat so you can get up close to animals like seals or even dolphins and penguins if you’re lucky! With the backdrop of the dramatic fiord, waterfalls cascading over the sides of cliffs, and birds calling to each other, I felt like I was on another planet.
With the option to add a picnic lunch, it’s easy to see why this experience is so highly rated. And at only $299 NZD per person, it’s a steal. But don’t just take my word for it! You can read here why people from around the world give this tour perfect reviews.
Book this Roundtrip Tour with Nature Cruise here and get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
Related Read: For even more ways to fill that itinerary, check out the best tours in Queenstown!
Glass-top Bus Tour with Buffet Lunch
Another absolutely incredible day trip is this luxury bus and cruise to Milford Sound. No need to worry about options or upgrades because your ticket is VIP from the start.
When I said luxury I meant it. I loved the glass-top bus equipped with reclining seats, USB charging stations, and a friendly guide. After a 7 am pickup from the Queenstown Visitor Centre, you’re in for a fun-filled, hassle-free day.
Along the way to Milford Sound, you’ll break up the trip with stops at highlight attractions like Mirror Lake, Monkey Creek, and other incredible lookouts for short walks and photo opportunities. I even saw some keas (cheeky local birds) at Monkey Creek, so keep your eyes open!
Once arriving at Milford Sound, you’ll depart on a small boat nature cruise that takes you into the heart of the fiord for an unforgettable experience. It gets close to attractions like Bowen Falls, fur seals – and even dolphins and penguins if the stars align!
What I appreciate about this 12.5-hour tour is that everything is included, as well as a delicious lunch and hot drinks, so all you have to worry about is enjoying yourself. And trust me, it’s easy! And if you want to have even more fun, you can spend a bit extra on beer or wine on the day.
If this sounds like one heck of a way to experience Milford Sound you’re right, it is! This tour has a max of 49 people. Although it’s a larger group, the comfy, glass-roof bus makes a big difference since you’re pretty much swimming in gorgeous views the whole ride. But since tickets are only $315 NZD, you’ll want to act fast and reserve your tickets in advance because it has a tendency to sell out.
Click here to secure your all-inclusive Glass-roof Bus Tour in advance!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our 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.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- 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! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Other ways to see Milford Sound
Day trip with a night in Milford Sound or Te Anau
I don’t recommend driving to Milford Sound and back in one day. But making an overnight stop in Te Anau is an entirely different story.
If you can only afford one night in Te Anau, I suggest the following: Spend one day getting to Milford Sound and doing an epic cruise (you can get details about my favorite nature cruise here). Then, stay the night in Te Anau, enjoy the local scene, and get some rest. Get up early the next day, and on the drive back to Queenstown, stop to see some sights and do a little hiking along the way!
Just do me a favor… while you’re in Te Anau, eat at one of my favorite restaurants, Ditto, and have a craft beer. You won’t regret it!
However, if you have the time to spare, I recommend spending 2 nights in Te Anau. This way, you can spend one full day in Milford Sound and another exploring the area nearby. To plan your itinerary, check out the top things to do in Milford Sound here. Of course, I suggest you do a hike, there are so many great ones around! I particularly love the Marian Track, which takes you to a gorgeous turquoise lake and requires about 3 hours to complete.
Alternatively, you can stay at the enchanting Milford Sound Lodge for a remote experience and have the Milford Sound as your backyard for the day. We actually wrote this review of Milford Sound Lodge to paint a picture of what to expect when staying here. Or, if you’re already sold on the idea, you can book the Milford Sound Lodge online here.
Of course, I’m a sucker for van life and feel right at home sleeping in my van on the side of the road. It’s safe, beautiful, and most of all, fun! I put together a handy blog of all the places you can stay near Milford Sound so you can decide for yourself.
3. Take a scenic flight or a flight/cruise/bus combo tour
Roundtrip Scenic Flight plus Nature Cruise
While taking a small prop plane flight to Milford Sound isn’t cheap I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s one of the coolest ways to get there! This Milford Sound Roundtrip Flight and Cruise gives you stunning views from the air AND the deck of a boat.
Not only is this an awesome experience, but it’s a time saver too! Even bus tours can still be uncomfortably long so I love that this tour has you there and back before dinner.
Departures are offered at 9:30 am and 12 pm, and you can either meet near the airport a half hour before or request pickup. The flight over the mountains is a stunning 40 minutes each way, and you’ll take a different flight path back to see even more. The views you get from the sky are jaw-dropping and something you’ll remember forever – we certainly have. And if you don’t believe us, check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews this tour has.
Once you land, you’ll check in for your 2-hour cruise and experience the beauty of the Milford Sound from the water. Waterfalls, wildlife, and natural wonders await you! I do recommend bringing some snacks with you since there are no meals included during the day. That being said, the entire tour lasts 5 hours, so you can also hit up one of our favorite restaurants in Queenstown afterward.
This incredible tour can be booked for only $645 NZD a person. It’s not cheap, but it’s oh-so worth it, especially if you’re short on time.
See Milford Sound in just 5 hours on this Roundtrip Flight and Cruise Tour.
Milford Sound Bus, Cruise, and Flight Sightseeing Tour from Queenstown
If you want an unparalleled experience of the Milford Sound look no further. This Milford Sound Sightseeing tour has it all! A scenic bus ride with stops along the way, a nature cruise, and a flight back? You better believe it.
On this tour, we were picked up from our hotel in Queenstown around 6:30 am and began the 5-hour drive out to Milford Sound via tour bus. Along the way, we stopped at various sightseeing points for short walks. Bring your camera for some epic viewpoints and photo opps!
Once at Milford Sound, we embarked on a small boat to experience the wonder of the fiord up close. Spotting birds, seals, and even some dolphins was a dream. We also saw the epic Bowen Falls, Milford Sound’s highest waterfall. We got so close that the water sprayed us for what they call a “glacial facial.” It was refreshing, to say the least!
What I loved about this tour is that we got to experience one of my favorite areas in 3 different ways. First by land, then by boat, and finally… by air! Topping off our day was a 40-minute flight back to Queenstown that had us grinning ear to ear.
This entire experience lasted 8.5 hours, which felt like the perfect amount of time. We never got restless either because each activity was just so different and inspiring. It costs $732 NZD, which includes roundtrip transport from Queenstown meeting points, plus your bus, cruise, and flight.
Click here to reserve your date for this Milford Sound combo tour, with an option to pay later.
4. Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
I’ll be straight with you, some of my favorite memories in life were from this Overnight Cruise on Milford Sound. Being out under the stars on a boat in one of the most beautiful places in the world is such a novel experience.
Okay, so it’s not exactly a day tour, but if you have two days to spare, this cruise is definitely worth it. It gives you the chance to see more wildlife, soak up the views for longer, and have an entirely unique New Zealand experience. I’ll never forget the first time I got to stand on deck with a glass of local wine and take it all in.
Besides being one of the best memories ever, it also conveniently breaks up the drive to and from Queenstown wonderfully. You don’t check in until 2:45 pm. If you leave Queenstown early, that gives you plenty of time to make stops on the way.
Parking overnight at Milford Sound isn’t included, but it’s only $30 NZD so it’s not too bad. And since all other meals and drinks are included (excluding alcohol), there’s nothing else you have to pay for.
Even though I could stare at the fiord walls of Milford Sound forever, I love the included kayak tour that got us out on the water. You get up close to all sorts of amazing animals and the nature guide will teach you all about the unique biodiversity and formation of the area. Great for kids and adults alike!
Okay, okay, the last thing I’ll mention about this tour (because I love all of it) is that you get to watch the sunset over Milford Sound! Is that not amazing or what? We also got an amazing 3-course meal and I was honestly surprised how tasty it was. And to top it all off, you get to sleep in a cozy bed and wake up to the same amazing views (but without the crowds!).
While it certainly isn’t cheap, it’s what I wish everyone could experience when they visit Milford Sound. If you want to splurge and have one of the best overnight tours ever you need to do this! Tickets are $1,198 NZD per person and require a minimum of two per booking. However, tours are only available from early November to mid-April and they sell out like hotcakes – so don’t wait too long to book!
Book this Milford Sound Overnight Cruise online for the experience of a lifetime!
Related Read: To see the sound from May through September, check out our ultimate guide to visiting Milford Sound in winter!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Queenstown
Other than visiting Milford Sound, there are lots of other amazing things to do in and around Queenstown. Some of our favorites are:
- Ride the gondola – The gondola in Queenstown is an iconic activity that takes you up the side of a mountain to Bob’s Peak high above Queenstown. The view is insane, especially if you stay for sunset. And at the top of the gondola, you’ll also find the Luge, a unique go-cart-like experience that’s powered by gravity. I recommend buying combo tickets for the gondola AND the Luge!
- Visit a sheep farm – New Zealand has more sheep than people, so you must visit a sheep farm while here! But hey, why not do it in style? This Walter Peak Farm Tour includes a cruise in a vintage steamship to this picturesque seaside farm. Once there, you’ll enjoy a tasty meal of high-end barbequed meats or seafood- buffet style. Cap things off with the choice of desserts and cheeses. Afterward, you’ll watch a sheep shearing demonstration or a sheepdog show.
- Go bar hopping – There are some awesome bars in Queenstown’s small town center, from the humble tradies bar to more extravagant and luxurious ones. Smiths Craft Beer House is one of my favorite places to go when I want to try some new beers. 1876 has a lovely patio on a nice day and Cowboys is a fun place to party!
- Take a scenic food and wine tour – The Queenstown area is a foodie heaven, with incredible wine and cuisine that you just have to try. And on this day tour, you’ll sip wine from New Zealand’s largest wine cave, be served a gourmet lunch, and indulge in local cheeses – all with an epic view to boot!
- Go ziplining – If you love a good adrenaline rush like me, you’ll enjoy this zipline over Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped Southern Alps. You can pick from 3 height options depending on how daring you’d like to be. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll be flying high over incredible scenery!
Where to Stay in Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is filled with amazing things to do but also awesome places to stay! One thing about Queenstown, though, is that if you don’t book in advance, you’ll miss out on the best places (and the best prices!). So to help you out, we’ve compiled this list of our top hotels in Queenstown for all budget types.
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa – $$$
Bailey and I spent our anniversary at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa and really loved our stay. It’s located a little out of town but they run a free shuttle every 30 minutes. The place has an indoor pool, full spa, and an onsite bar/restaurant where we watched the sunset over the lake. The rooms are beautiful in classic Hilton-style with comfy king-sized beds and bathtubs. Suites even come with fireplaces.
To me, it’s great value starting at $225 NZD per night. You’ll find the best deals when you book in advance on Booking.com.
Melbourne Lodge – $$
The Melbourne Lodge is a gorgeous hotel just a 5-minute walk to downtown. But what I love about this place is it sits on the end of Queenstown near the airport meaning that you never have to drive through town to visit the ski fields or many major attractions, saving you time. It has everything from budget rooms to self-contained apartments. From their guest lounge and deck, you also get a view of the bay and gondola.
Rooms here can be as little as $130 NZD per night! Check out prices and book your stay online here.
The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers – $
The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers was the first place I ever stayed in Queenstown. It’s a great budget backpacker hostel with a very social vibe. The beds are comfy and come with a privacy curtain, and there’s also a shared lounge, kitchen, barbecue, laundry facilities, and free onsite parking. The building is kind of old but is kept quite clean. Dorm beds here start at $55 NZD per night.
You can book The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers on Booking.com or through Hostelworld.
For even more options, check out our guide on where to stay in Queenstown. We break down the best areas and provide hotel recommendations for each.
Note: When booking hotels we always use Booking.com. The reason? They are almost always cheaper (we have booked over 250 hotels with them) and if you find a better price they’ll match it guaranteed – even if it’s a special on their own website!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we 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 we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
If you’re in Queenstown, we definitely recommend visiting Milford Sound! But we wouldn’t drive there are back in one day. Instead, stay overnight or take one of the tours we mentioned – we can personally vouch for all the tours on this list. However you choose to visit, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with this gorgeous area.
As a Queenstown local, I’ve traveled loads within the country and you can read more about New Zealand on my blog! To help you out, I’ve linked to some articles that might come in handy below. Safe travels and thanks for reading!
ULTIMATE Guide to the 2024 Ski Season in Queenstown