Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch
4.5
Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch
By Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 96 per group
Duration: 12h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Audio guide: German, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish
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- 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
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise of up to 2 hours
- Spot diverse wildlife while on the cruise
- Freshly prepared Lunch
- FREE tea and coffee onboard the cruise
- Entry/Admission - Milford Sound
What's not included- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Appropriate child restraints are not provided by the operator and must be supplied by yourselves.
- Start:
- 110 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandPlease head inside the Southern Discoveries office situated at the above address (110 Beach Street, Queenstown) to check in for your trip.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3960P16- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Sunscreen and insect repellent advisable
- Appropriate child restraints are NOT provided by the operator. These must be provided by the parent or caregiver - without this you may be turned away and unable to travel - please be prepared.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 96 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3960P16
From
$309.00
per adult
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Itinerary
- 110 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandPlease head inside the Southern Discoveries office situated at the above address (110 Beach Street, Queenstown) to check in for your trip.
- Pass bySouthern Discoveries - Queenstown Visitor Centre
- 1
- 2
- 3Pass byLake Gunn
- 4Pass byCleddau River
- 5Pass byHomer Tunnel
- 6
- 7Pass byMitre PeakBowen FallsSinbad GullyStirling Falls
- 8
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Venture390766150730 contributionsSouthern DiscoveriesWe enjoyed a lovely trip today. There was a problem with the coach on the way but this was quickly sorted by our driver Keith. Very impressed by how rival operators gave us seats on their transport to take us to a planned stop in Te Anau while a replacement coach was sent. It shows great customer care on behalf of all involved.Written 18 January 2025
- 635dianed0 contributionsA Super Trip but Disappointing Nevertheless!The scenery, the trip itself was amazing - truly an experience you don’t want to miss! But there were two specific items that were very frustrating: 1. The guide that we picked up along the way seemed very knowledgeable. There was only one problem. His speaker system just was very muddled. So we were unable to understand most of the information he provided. 2. When we returned to Queenstown, we were told that we would be returned to our starting point. Ours was the Southern Enterprising office, which is where we were going to be picked up. Our driver Stan refused to do so. I explained to him that I had confirmed my information, and he still refused saying it was only a very short walk. For a 76-year old with bad knees, there is no such thing as a short walk. I had no phone to contact my driver but Stan would not take me and the other elderly lady the 3 blocks back to the office. Very, very disappointing!Written 17 January 2025
- Vikki12750 contributionsGreat tour and a big thanks to EmmaReally enjoyed the tour. Milford sound was as good as expected. Huge thanks to Emma for being so kind, helpful and efficient.Written 16 January 2025
- michaelsX7203AB0 contributionsAwe inspiring nature!Beautiful day, friendly Captain and crew, just lovely! Nature in this part of New Zealand is truly amazing. Recommended for everyone.Written 16 January 2025
- christinasO6338YK0 contributionsTour was amazing!The views were amazing. The tour guide/ driver is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Milford Sound is a must-see if you’re in Queenstown.Written 15 January 2025
- Voyager620591048680 contributionsLOVELY TRIPGREAT EXPERIENCE. LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THE TOUR. STAFF WERE VERY FRIENDLY AND APPROACHABLE. WIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ++++Written 12 January 2025
- jeremymK8566CX0 contributionsUnforgettable journey!This cruise was a breathtaking experience! The scenery felt straight out of postcard. The serene atmosphere and the chance to spot seals and dolphins made it even more special. Unforgettable journey!Written 10 January 2025
- 943tatianao0 contributionsMust-do in Fjordaland!Very cool cruise and amazing views! Seen chilling seals on the rocks. We've mistaken the date during our booking and the reservation worker was kind enough to change the date for us, although we were no-show. Very client-oriented.Written 9 January 2025
- X5401UIshanem0 contributionsSpectacular Milford Sound CruiseThis Milford Sound Cruise was nothing short of spectacular. The views were breathtaking, with cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and playful seals along the way. The boat was spacious, well-maintained, and offered plenty of viewing options - indoor comfort or open-air decks for the full experience. This is must do unforgettable Milford Sound Experience!Written 6 January 2025
- 351zechb0 contributionsMesmerizing JourneyIn this cruise we experienced mesmerizing journey through towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. A serene yet unforgettable way to experience New Zealand's natural beauty!Written 6 January 2025
- petertV9289SP0 contributionsBus to Milford and back is totally worth it.We seriously considered skipping Milford Sound given the time taken to get there and back versus time spent on the cruise. We then decided to catch the bus instead of driving, which I thought would lessen the experience. Thankfully we made both decisions. We actually enjoyed the scenery to and from the sound as much as being on the water, and our driver Stan really made the drive so much more enjoyable. Bring able to just relax and have a little nap when needed was far less tiring than driving would have been. If we'd driven we would personally have stopped at the major rivers, as they were more impressive than some of the coach stops, but I understand that parking spots for coaches are limited. It was an amazing experience and one that I would highly recommend.Written 6 January 2025
- Q4159OOlisas0 contributionsAwesome!We’re very lucky, the weather was awesome as well as the stuff. You could ask any question you have, he was willing to help everyone taking photos and so on. The drive was calm, exclusive the wind, and we had a wonderful time. We took the latest ferry and there were not many people because the boat was actually very small in comparison to the other ones :)Written 5 January 2025
- allisonb3700 contributionsRolling with Roland - an amazing experience at Milford Sound.This was an awesome experience which was made extra special by the fantastic coach driver Roland, who was a mine of information, entertaining, and informative. Roland drove exceptionally well and safely and made several stops to provide the guests with great photo opportunities. The views of the lake as we drove from Queenstown were extraordinary but nothing compared to those on the cruise. I didn't have lunch included but food and drink were available on the boat and also at the first stop if you wanted to stock up.Written 5 January 2025
- RamanGNoida0 contributionsCannot miss outShortlisted this Tour Company from other reviews on TA Forums. Good decision. Excellent tour. All went on time. Driver cum Guide , Roland, gave us a good commentary through out our journey. A comfortable bus with a sun roof. We stopped at a number of places for a photo. We were on a boat with only about 80 passengers . So not crowded at all. The lunch box was also ok. There is complimentary tea and coffee on the boat.Written 3 January 2025
- Adhithi0 contributionsLiving in a fantasy realityIt was raining heavily the night before and most parts of our drive till little after Teanou. We thought this will take a big toll on our beautiful cruise trip but jut the opposite happened. We got picked up by a shuttle bus from the coffee shop at the car park. And thousands of small waterfalls were there instead of 2! We stopped at monkey creak and mirror lake after the Fiordland national park for some photos. The cruise itself self was amazing! Take a rain jacket with u so u can enjoy going under the waterfalls.Written 1 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
68 reviews
Excellent
55
Very good
8
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Tracy T
Whangarei, New Zealand13 contributions
Dec 2020
I booked this trip for the whole family as our Christmas present, we went on 27 December. We caught the bus in Frankton, Queenstown (the bus was about 20 minutes late but that didn't impact on the day badly). Our driver was Greg who was an absolute blast. Funny commentary and a great driver. Plenty of places to stop and take photos. The cruise was incredible. We were lucky enough to have a clear blue sky, saw dolphins and seals, and the boat wasn't overly crowded (thanks Covid!!) I'd love to return to Milford at a different time of year. Thoroughly recommend this trip. We got a good deal through booking early online and even though we're not 'coach trip' travellers it was definitely worth doing it with Southern Discoveries (the best company in my opinion!)
Written 27 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow Tracy thank you so much for this amazing five-star review. So great to hear you had an awesome time in Milford Sound with your family. It's been very special for us getting to see so many kiwi's exploring this beautiful part of the country. Thanks, Ciara, Southern Discoveries
Written 28 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deb
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
Shailendra was a fabulous tour driver who knew lots of little facts about the places we were going, loved learning about the various aspects- would've loved it if he had done more of it! But he's obviously passionate about learning to make the trip enjoyable and knowledgeable for his passengers. Warning us about the sandflies at the quay was useful- take your repellent for that!
The cruise itself was not as great. You often could not really hear the captain talking clearly when you were under cover but outside so you could take the photos. We didn't go under the waterfall like others have, which would have been an epic experience. The food was good- you got more than enough for the picnic lunch but if you wanted to splurge, you coukd pay $20 more and get a buffet on the cruise.
The weather is not the company's fault, as it started to rain when we started the cruise but I recommend that you book it on clearer days after a rainy day so the waterfalls are still flowing but you get clearer shots of the mountains as you cruise. That being said, seeing the clouds wreathe the mountains was pretty magical too, so its up to you what you're after
The cruise itself was not as great. You often could not really hear the captain talking clearly when you were under cover but outside so you could take the photos. We didn't go under the waterfall like others have, which would have been an epic experience. The food was good- you got more than enough for the picnic lunch but if you wanted to splurge, you coukd pay $20 more and get a buffet on the cruise.
The weather is not the company's fault, as it started to rain when we started the cruise but I recommend that you book it on clearer days after a rainy day so the waterfalls are still flowing but you get clearer shots of the mountains as you cruise. That being said, seeing the clouds wreathe the mountains was pretty magical too, so its up to you what you're after
Written 17 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora,
Thank you for your review.
Glad you had a fantastic coach trip in with Shailendra.
Sorry to hear some not so good comments about the cruise, we will pass on the feedback regarding the volume of the Skipper commentary.
Thanks again for joining us in Milford Sound.
Nga Mihi,
Jayne
Written 2 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
madmadammin
Auckland, New Zealand79 contributions
Aug 2020
thanks to L2 lockdown we were treated to a 48 seater coach with half the passengers.
enjoyed perfectly clear sunny weather the whole day with numerous lengthly stops on way to milford sound for photo ops.
awesome driver, so much better than tackling drive yourself, nice to sit back & relax.
the boat trip on the lady bowen was icing on cake & we were lucky to see penquins & seals as well as making a foray out into the tasman.
great commentary & nicely put together picnic lunch.
a must do on anyone's bucket list.
enjoyed perfectly clear sunny weather the whole day with numerous lengthly stops on way to milford sound for photo ops.
awesome driver, so much better than tackling drive yourself, nice to sit back & relax.
the boat trip on the lady bowen was icing on cake & we were lucky to see penquins & seals as well as making a foray out into the tasman.
great commentary & nicely put together picnic lunch.
a must do on anyone's bucket list.
Written 26 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PWill
Auckland, New Zealand16 contributions
We thoroughly enjoyed the coach and cruise to Milford Sound. Thanks to our coach driver, Fly, for making us feel welcome. He provided great commentary of the history of the area and made the trip feel short with informal conversations off the mic. It was a rainy day but we enjoyed the coach ride, Milford sound cruise and picnic lunch. Highly recommend and hope you get Fly as your coach driver!
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora,
Thank you for your review,
It's great to hear that Fly made your trip extra special, he really is a fantastic driver and guide, we hear so many good comments about him.
Thanks again for recommending Southern Discoveries and we are glad you had a great day out!
Nga Mihi,
Jayne
Written 22 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
yvonnerkh23
Te Kuiti, New Zealand24 contributions
Wow! What a huge day filled with the most stunning scenery and landscape. We chose to travel with southern discoveries to experience the knowledge of the local drivers, and we were not disappointed. Our driver kept us entertained and shared more local knowledge with us than we could have ever hoped for! All the stories and facts made the drive and scenery that much more stunning. We travelled on the smaller bus which was very comfortable, made even better by the skilled driving of our guide. The views out of the bus were amazing, with the large windows and skylight we got to see the mountains and scenery in a way that’s just not possible when driving in a car.
The stops along the way were beautiful, and we were spoilt to get to see them during this very quiet post covid time. We even got to see a kea along the way which was a definite highlight of the trip.
Finally boarding the cruise we spent almost every second enjoying the views from outside. Milford sound on a rainy day feels like a movie! We will never forget our trip that, thanks to southern discoveries, was the most special experience during our first visit to the South Island.
The stops along the way were beautiful, and we were spoilt to get to see them during this very quiet post covid time. We even got to see a kea along the way which was a definite highlight of the trip.
Finally boarding the cruise we spent almost every second enjoying the views from outside. Milford sound on a rainy day feels like a movie! We will never forget our trip that, thanks to southern discoveries, was the most special experience during our first visit to the South Island.
Written 11 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Yvonne,
Wow it's reviews like this that mean the world to us. We're so glad you had an awesome experience with us and we could help make your first trip to the South Island so special. We love what we do because of guests like you. Thanks so much for choosing us and taking the time to pass on your feedback.
Ngā mihi,
Written 13 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KURA Kotero
10 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
Our driver Gab was our favourite part, he was amazing, going above & beyond when it came to the "service factor" treating us with the utmost respect. Gab is the reason that we will return to see what else Qtown & Scenic Discoveries has to offer. Anybody can serve somebody but not everybody has the ability to make their customer want to return! Thank you for your amazingness Gab - Mum & I loved your work. Merry Christmas to all the Scenic Discoveries team! The KURA Koteros.
Written 24 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora KURA Koteros
Thanks for the amazing review and feedback on Gabe. He is one in a million right? I know he will love reading this review.
Kind regards and safe travels
Kerry
Southern Discoveries
Written 5 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim Gibberd
11 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We actually booked through another company but got a phone call yesterday saying...you have been upgraded. I don't think so, it was because there were not enough people on the company we booked with, so we were put with Southern Coaches to fill the bus. They were great! Greg was a awesome commentator, but the bus was completely full with all seats taken. Unfortunately a few couples couldn't sit together. I would recommend lining up first to get good seats. We were cramped on the back seat of the bus in the middle. Also, check if lunch is included, because we thought ours was. It should stipulate on the email no lunch included. Also the bus was really cold until we got to Te Anau!
Written 10 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma L
3 contributions
This experience was absolutely wonderful. We had a great guide who was effortlessly story telling intermittently during the coach ride there - very engaging and interesting!
And we were lucky enough to have incredible weather and Milford Sound was unreal - it was incredibly dreamy !! Even went close enough to get splashed by the waterfalls !
Wonderful experience. Thank you Southern Discoveries xx
Definitely will be back (this time for the helicopter)
And we were lucky enough to have incredible weather and Milford Sound was unreal - it was incredibly dreamy !! Even went close enough to get splashed by the waterfalls !
Wonderful experience. Thank you Southern Discoveries xx
Definitely will be back (this time for the helicopter)
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HaydenM
Sydney, Australia4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Milford was amazing! The driver was funny, and the cruise narrator was both very chill and interesting to listen to. The picnic was ok, but other food options are available to purchase on the day if you prefer hot food instead. (No card tap tho!)
Quite a long bus ride, and most of the day will lack reception so have any music or audiobooks downloaded beforehand
Quite a long bus ride, and most of the day will lack reception so have any music or audiobooks downloaded beforehand
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora,
Thanks so much for your review.
Great you got to experience Milford Sound with us, it certainly is a special and wonderful place!
Thanks again, and we hope you enjoyed the rest of your holiday!
Nga Mihi,
Jayne
Written 11 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachelle D
Brisbane, Australia17 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Our tour guide/driver Ben was awesome. Informative, knowledgeable and passionate. He told us a lot of the history and legends of the region as we drove which definitely helped the long bus trip.
The cruise itself was awesome. Lunch was delicious and once we finished, we basically spent all our time on deck observing the beautiful scenery and taking photos!
This whole expedition is definitely worth doing. It takes a while to get to Milford Sound driving and the flights aren’t reliable because of the weather so I’d recommend doing the bus & cruise tour to save disappointment of flights being cancelled, especially if you’re on a strict timeframe. Might as well sit back, relax and listen to some awesome information while you take in the sights.
The cruise itself was awesome. Lunch was delicious and once we finished, we basically spent all our time on deck observing the beautiful scenery and taking photos!
This whole expedition is definitely worth doing. It takes a while to get to Milford Sound driving and the flights aren’t reliable because of the weather so I’d recommend doing the bus & cruise tour to save disappointment of flights being cancelled, especially if you’re on a strict timeframe. Might as well sit back, relax and listen to some awesome information while you take in the sights.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J'ai fait une réservation pour le 14 décembre 2023 , j'ai été obligé d'annuler mon voyage et donc je voudrais annuler ma réservation et demander le remboursement car annulation gratuite avant le 13/12/23 réservation 1039966897. Confirmation 1426658613
Prélèvement sur Américain Express le 19 juillet 2023....merci
Written 16 November 2023
Hi, I am staying on Melbourne St Queenstown, will pick up be possible?
Written 18 January 2022
Hi , May I know if the tour is still operating on 18 Sep 21?
Thank you
Written 13 September 2021
Hi there,
I am staying at Stanley street Queenstown, may i know if pick up is possible?
Thank you
Written 7 September 2021
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