Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Te Anau
4.5
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Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Te Anau
By GreatSights
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About
Let a driver-guide navigate the way to Milford Sound from Te Anau, and make scenic stops at the Mirror Lakes and The Chasm for short strolls. Then exchange your luxury coach for a catamaran and take a majestic journey past Fiordland’s most popular peaks. Your sightseeing cruise includes a buffet lunch on board.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 40 per group
Duration: 7h 45m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Extend a Milford Sound cruise into a full-day tour
- Walk to The Chasm and the Mirror Lakes en route
- Be mesmerized by UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park
- Buffet lunch, live commentary, and Te Anau transport included
- 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound
- Picnic Lunch
- Local guide
- Live commentary on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Restroom on board
- Entry/Admission - Milford sound Hwy
What's not included- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Start:
- Kiwi Country, 63 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3910GS88- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- 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 40 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: 3910GS88
From $210.00
$189.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 63 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600, New Zealand
- 1
- 2Pass byHomer Tunnel
- 3
- 4
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- lorettacremer0 contributionsBeautiful, but a long dayBeautiful area and trip, with a lovely informative driver. We took the coach and cruise option from Queenstown. It is a very long day though and time is crucial to make the cruise, so some of the stops feel a but rushedWritten 29 September 2024
- prlolly0 contributionsA complete trip with a great host!The trip was fantastic, and we had a great, enjoyable, and safe experience thanks to our driver, Shailendra. His sense of humor made the journey even more fun, and his commentary was both informative and engaging. He was also considerate of the senior citizens on the bus and displayed impressive knowledge throughout. Thank you for your awesome service😊Written 31 August 2024
- Explore348282612270 contributionsAmazing and well organised tripThis trip was beyond expectations. We had the most wonderful driver Jeff Hill who made the bus trip interesting travelling from Queenstown to Milford sound. He was so bubbly and interactive telling us stories, interesting facts and also stopping at Mirror lakes, Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, we also saw Keas in the wild. The Milford cruise on pure Milford was amazing. This was great value for money, so well organised, the bus was roomy and glass roof is great for this experience. Overall such a fantastic experienceWritten 21 August 2024
- GoPlaces569475764780 contributionsBreathtaking Views - Informative Bus TripWe really enjoyed the bus trip there with our driver Shailendra who was very informative, insightful and fun. The cruise had some beautiful scenery despite the weather not being as good. The bus ride home was very long and quite a long day on the whole was the only downside for us but enjoyable experience on the whole.Written 28 July 2024
- Jannah A0 contributionsBreathtaking landscape to, from and at Milford SoundOur tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound was absolutely fantastic, largely due to our guide Shaleindra (not too sure about the spelling of his name). His entertaining personality and wealth of knowledge made the journey unforgettable. Shaleindra kept us engaged with witty jokes and expertly answered our questions, enhancing our appreciation of the stunning scenery along the way. Not forgetting the scenic drive itself which was also feast for the eyes, with breathtaking landscapes unfolding at every turn.Written 14 July 2024
- Guide667396692350 contributionsHighly recommend!The views were amazing! Highly recommend GreatSights tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown. Our coach driver Shailendra was very fun, informative and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed the drive and learnt something new about the geography, history, flora and fauna of the places we crossed. The cruise was breathtaking - words cannot describe it. We thought the rain might disrupt our trip but it actually made the waterfalls come alive. Would recommend packing enough snacks/ lunch if not buying lunch from GreatSights. Also packing a raincoat would be good - not necessary.Written 31 May 2024
- Quest210374383730 contributionsMilford Sound Journey: Majestic!The journey to Milford Sound was truly awe-inspiring and almost surreal. The views are undeniably heavenly, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our tour guide, Stu, led us on this adventure via bus. However, the bus itself was quite cold for both my partner and me. Nonetheless, the ship ride was excellent, accompanied by informative commentary. It would have been beneficial if the instructions were clearer. Unfortunately, the lunch provided, served in boxes, was not particularly impressive.Written 13 May 2024
- nzpover0 contributionsNot a great busThe cruise part of this tour was great, but the bus part was not. Apparently the bus we were meant to be on got concrete on it at the Homer Tunnel so we had a replacement bus. I'm not sure if the original bus would have been roomier, but this bus was very cramped. The bus also broke down 3 times which meant we were under time pressure to get to the boat and couldn't make all the stops. The bus driver was very informative, but did make a few jokes that bordered on being racist.Written 8 May 2024
- Passenger7361160 contributionsVery goodI’m not sure which was more entertaining our bus driver Shailendra or the Milford Sound itself. Both were 10/10. The whole day was brilliantWritten 7 April 2024
- Michael F0 contributionsAbysmal!Unfortunately due to confusion in Hotel names (we had no idea there were two Copthorne Hotels) one being Copthorne Hotel and RESORT and the other being Copthorne Hotel and APARTMENTS, we missed our tour, literally by less than 1-2mins. We saw the bus go passed us and quickly realised something might be wrong, opened Google maps to see another Copthorne Hotel close by! We ran up the road only to see the bus leave. They made absolutely no attempt to contact us for not presenting for collection. On reaching the other Copthorne Hotel, we enquired at reception if anyone had asked for us by name and the answer was no. We called the company to explain what had happened with absolutely no resolution offered or understanding. I’m sure this confusion has arisen in the past. Greatsights has no office in Queenstown and no idea what’s happening here, or care for that matter. Service? There was none. If at all possible, support the local Queenstown tour operators, the ones whose face you can actually see.Written 20 March 2024
- jacquisY4735NA0 contributionsA scenic splendourThe views were incredible and all from the comfort of a coach. Lunch provided was delicious, an amazing day, gorgeous waterfalls.Written 20 March 2024
- sueY3326BE0 contributionsA good experience but no toilet on coachGreat experience for my sister who traveled from UK. Even thought weather was bad, heavy rainfall, very hard to see much from the boat she enjoyed the trip. One thing we didn't appreciate was not being able to use the toilet on the coach! Why would a toilet be not working on a 5 hour trip??Written 6 March 2024
- Roam3096080 contributionsNo show no responseIt was a no show without notifying, there was a email@ 4 am to remind me of the event for the day , arrived before time 7:40, waited till after 8am, no show no notice.Written 4 March 2024
- hansgerhardr20240 contributionsGlorious!Great tour starting from Queenstown. The long bustour is well worth it! I have been to many countries on this planet and Milford sound is one of the most glorious sights to be seen. Lunch was not worth the money, bring Your own!Written 1 March 2024
- 859henry0 contributionsGreat experienceGreat tour to Milford Sound today with Sanjesh (sorry, I may have his name wrong), although I remember FBI! Good sense of humor and made us feel welcome, thoroughly enjoyable. We were a bit hesitant to go because the forecast was for rain, but this made the sound very atmospheric and the waterfalls were gushing. Fantastic.Written 13 February 2024
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
19 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Neil C
Hertford, UK10 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The weather was truly awful as rained all day but this actually enhanced the experience as the creeks and rivers on route were full and fast flowing. Milford Sound was absolutely awesome with so many waterfalls along with those on route from Te Anau which would be less spectacular on a nice sunny day. The tour operator Fiordland Tours based in Te Anau were great as no more than 15 passengers per bus, provided great commentary and plenty of sightseeing opportunities on route and on return. Great cruise as well
Written 14 November 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.
devilishlc
Melbourne, Australia50 contributions
Aug 2019
This is the worst tour operator I've had the displeasure of dealing with. I booked this for my non-english speaking family and was promised headsets- only to be told they are not available closer to departure date. Every interaction was a pain. Will not recommend.
Written 3 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.
Kia Ora devilishlc,
We’re really sorry to hear you’ve had a disappointing experience dealing with us and that your family did not receive the translation headsets as promised. Are you able to send us an email to info@greatsights.co.nz with your booking details so we can investigate this further?
We do appreciate you taking the time to let us know about this.
Anna and the team at GreatSights
Written 14 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leo S
1 contribution
Milford Sound is very nice, the trip on the boat was good!
At the pickup point for the bus in Te Anau, there was quite some chaos.
On the return trip, the bus had no fuel anymore, this of course in the middle of nowhere.
After 3,5 hours another bus came to pick us up. The driver was wonderful in organizing everything and kept her good nature.
At the pickup point for the bus in Te Anau, there was quite some chaos.
On the return trip, the bus had no fuel anymore, this of course in the middle of nowhere.
After 3,5 hours another bus came to pick us up. The driver was wonderful in organizing everything and kept her good nature.
Written 17 November 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.
Donna R
6 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Had a wonderful time despite the weather. Having said that, our photos look amazing. Such a beautiful part of the world. A bit confusing knowing which coach we needed to board but once onboard the driver was excellent and very knowledgeable about the whole area. Boat trip was equally informative and got close to photographic areas.
Written 13 March 2024
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 of your time with us travelling to Milford Sound! When it rains there, you get to see the area in a completely different view with all the waterfalls that are created, makes for some fantastic photos that's for sure!
We understand your confusion with what coach to board as there are a number of different operators all going at once but glad you enjoyed the drivers commentary once onboard.
Kind regards,
Anna and the team at GreatSights
Written 18 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lyn R
Trinity Beach, Australia535 contributions
We were picked up at 9.45 am ( very civilised!) from our motel at Te Anau and bussed to a larger bus that had come from Queenstown. The bus was roomy and comfortable and the two hour drive into Milford Sound was good, with a competent driver/tour guide providing commentary. We moved straight on to our boat on arrival...lovely new boat, lots of room, buffet lunch. The 90 minute cruise was comprehensive with a good commentary. The Sound is wonderful and the waterfalls and wildlife were spectacular.
The drive back was again good and we were in Te Anau just after 5 pm. I would recommend staying there rather than in Queenstown; it’s a pretty place, and a much shorter trip in and out of Milford Sound. Book accommodation well ahead, though; everything in town was full, including restaurants! Recommended.
The drive back was again good and we were in Te Anau just after 5 pm. I would recommend staying there rather than in Queenstown; it’s a pretty place, and a much shorter trip in and out of Milford Sound. Book accommodation well ahead, though; everything in town was full, including restaurants! Recommended.
Written 25 February 2018
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.
mazcroz
Melbourne, Australia14 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
Staying overnight in Te Anau provided an leisurely start to the day. Picked up outside our accommodation to meet the bus downtown. Could have walked this as Te Anau is a very small compact town.
Bus driver excellent providing commentary along the way, His knowledge of the region was extensive. Plenty of stops along the way to take photos - mirror lakes, open plains and waterfalls.
The cruise provided a wholesome lunch with a selection of foods to suit most palates. Although this did distract you from the commentary and photographing the landmarks as they were being described.
Loved getting up close and personal with the waterfalls.
Captain was very experienced and navigated the rock outcrops with great skill.
Although overcast the fog and low cloud added to the majestic environment.
So glad to have gone by bus as the road can require chains to be applied, icy and slippery around very sharp corners and narrow bridges.
Bus driver excellent providing commentary along the way, His knowledge of the region was extensive. Plenty of stops along the way to take photos - mirror lakes, open plains and waterfalls.
The cruise provided a wholesome lunch with a selection of foods to suit most palates. Although this did distract you from the commentary and photographing the landmarks as they were being described.
Loved getting up close and personal with the waterfalls.
Captain was very experienced and navigated the rock outcrops with great skill.
Although overcast the fog and low cloud added to the majestic environment.
So glad to have gone by bus as the road can require chains to be applied, icy and slippery around very sharp corners and narrow bridges.
Written 17 May 2018
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.
McMShopGirl
Anchorage, AK42 contributions
We were picked up at a convenient location to our accommodation about 10 minutes after the assigned pick up time, which was ok because it was clearly stated pick up times could be 10 minutes after the assigned time. Unfortunately first impressions were not so great, the driver asked if I was my girlfriend’s mum, and made other comments about children and having children we felt were negative and probably inappropriate for some. He offered a lot of information on the drive to Milford Sound, though much of it was personal.
We appreciated all of the stops along the way, and felt like we had ample time at each stop, including a toilet stop mid way.
The cruise was awesome, we felt incredibly lucky that we had sunshine. The captain was really funny, we thought. Do be prepared to get fully wet if you stand on the bow under a waterfall.
Some passengers had a “gourmet meal” and the free coffee and tea were available only after they went through. My girlfriend and I both ordered a dairy free chicken meal 6 months in advance and neither were offered when the bus driver was handing out meals. She had a sandwich with loads of butter and a roll which was like a small jelly donut but with butter instead of jelly. Our bus driver was generous enough to give me his meat pie lunch which was delicious, but that’s all I had.
Bring snacks and water for the drive, there are coffee stands at 2 stops, cash only.
The drive back to Te Anau went really quickly with stops along the way, again. Overall, despite the hiccups. we are very excited about our day, we know the weather made a huge difference, as did the small group on our bus, and also the Jucy sense of humor and casualness. Would recommend.
We appreciated all of the stops along the way, and felt like we had ample time at each stop, including a toilet stop mid way.
The cruise was awesome, we felt incredibly lucky that we had sunshine. The captain was really funny, we thought. Do be prepared to get fully wet if you stand on the bow under a waterfall.
Some passengers had a “gourmet meal” and the free coffee and tea were available only after they went through. My girlfriend and I both ordered a dairy free chicken meal 6 months in advance and neither were offered when the bus driver was handing out meals. She had a sandwich with loads of butter and a roll which was like a small jelly donut but with butter instead of jelly. Our bus driver was generous enough to give me his meat pie lunch which was delicious, but that’s all I had.
Bring snacks and water for the drive, there are coffee stands at 2 stops, cash only.
The drive back to Te Anau went really quickly with stops along the way, again. Overall, despite the hiccups. we are very excited about our day, we know the weather made a huge difference, as did the small group on our bus, and also the Jucy sense of humor and casualness. Would recommend.
Written 1 November 2019
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 McMShopGirl,
Thank you for taking the time to write a review and I'm sorry to hear some of the driver's comments were inappropriate, we will look into this so it doesn't occur again.
Please remember, we are happy to investigate every situation in detail and you can contact us through our website.
We are glad to know that after all, you enjoyed the ride to Milford Sound as well as the cruise. It seems that there was a perfect weather on the day of your trip and we are sure standing under the waterfall was a cool experience!
Thank you for letting us be part of your tour, we hope you made a lot of great memories.
All the best for your future travels,
Andrea and the team at AwesomeNZ
Written 2 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
janice K
20 contributions
The trip was beautiful. It was raining, but the waterfalls were all flowing. Lunch was not great and not worth the trouble. We had to queue for about 15 minutes for food that was not good at all.
The cruise was great.
The cruise was great.
Written 24 November 2019
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.
Dear Janice K,
We apologise to hear that you did not enjoy the food nor the queue for this, however we are pleased to hear you got to experience how much more amazing the waterfalls are when it has been raining.
We also hope that your tour of Milford Sound was a journey to remember!
All the best for your future travels,
Cheyenne and the team at AwesomeNZ
Written 28 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Max B
2 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Wow, this trip was amazing! We went from Te Anau which cuts out travel from the alternative pickup location at Queenstown.
Our coach driver Stu was brilliant, a man full of interesting facts about the area, the people, wildlife etc. He had a great sense of humour and made the journey very enjoyable.
There were plenty of photo opportunities on the way to Milford Sound and on arrival we got on the boat for an amazing cruise and included buffet which we really enjoyed!
The cruise was comfortable, the staff helpful and the commentary was great.
Overall a fantastic experience which we would highly recommend!
Our coach driver Stu was brilliant, a man full of interesting facts about the area, the people, wildlife etc. He had a great sense of humour and made the journey very enjoyable.
There were plenty of photo opportunities on the way to Milford Sound and on arrival we got on the boat for an amazing cruise and included buffet which we really enjoyed!
The cruise was comfortable, the staff helpful and the commentary was great.
Overall a fantastic experience which we would highly recommend!
Written 13 November 2019
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 Max B,
We are pleased to hear that you had a fantastic experience whilst visiting Milford Sound, and enjoyed the buffet selection on offer. It is amazing to know Stu shared his extensive knowledge of the area, people, wildlife and also his great sense of humour to everyone on board.
We hope to see you on board again soon.
All the best for your future travels,
Cheyenne and the team at AwesomeNZ
Written 15 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lucyloy
Sunshine, Australia34 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
We absolutely LOVED this tour. From our friendly bus driver (Hamish) to the boat cruise of Milford Sound. And the food on board was tasty & warm!!
Extra special shout out to Hamish for all his interesting facts along the drive, plenty of stops for photos & wildlife sightings!
I was going to take a star away for all the Aussie jokes, but his taste in music made up for it!!!
Extra special shout out to Hamish for all his interesting facts along the drive, plenty of stops for photos & wildlife sightings!
I was going to take a star away for all the Aussie jokes, but his taste in music made up for it!!!
Written 4 July 2019
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 Lucyloy,
Thank you so much for your feedback! It is great to hear that you had an amazing tour and also that you enjoyed the drive with Eric, I'm sure he will appreciate your kind words.
All the best for your future travels,
Andrea and the team at AwesomeNZ
Written 6 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I wonder if the lunch has gluten free options as my wife is coeliac?
Written 24 May 2022
Are there actual walks included? Is there free time to explore? I'm interested to do the Chasm walk is there time for that?
Written 27 July 2019
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