InterCity Milford Sound Day Tour + Cruise from Queenstown
InterCity Milford Sound Day Tour + Cruise from Queenstown
InterCity Milford Sound Day Tour + Cruise from Queenstown
4.6
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About
Milford Sound is undoubtedly one of the world's most spectacular natural phenomena and the journey along the 295km Milford Road is equally impressive. Now with InterCity's limited availability Milford Sound tours you can a journey into Milford Sound from just $119 (+booking fee) and enjoy comfortable seating while you take in the amazing alpine scenery through panoramic windows. Local and experienced driver guides will keep you entertained with an informative commentary and provide plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos along the way. From just $119* per person - the further ahead you book, the cheaper it is!
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InterCity Milford Sound Day Tour + Cruise from Queenstown
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4.6
110 reviews
Excellent
80
Very good
20
Average
6
Poor
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Terrible
2
Happiness68642136800
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
The coach they put you on is great, along with Adrian (our tour guide) being very informative especially due to issues with Milford sound rd potentially being closed. He took numerous stops on the way allowing for us to take toilet breaks, stretch our legs and take photos.
We were given a packed lunch which was great value (sandwich, juice box, apple, cookie and quiche).
The boat we were put on was fantastic and huge, however had MANY people on it. It was very crowded at times, however multiple viewing stations, which is why it’s a 4/5.
The captain and assistant crew on the boat were fantastic and friendly, considering some of the chartering guests were rude, sloppy and ignorant (thinking it’s ok to leave rubbish on the floor - use the bin you slobs!!)
Overall, great experience and value for money booking this tour with intercity :)
We were given a packed lunch which was great value (sandwich, juice box, apple, cookie and quiche).
The boat we were put on was fantastic and huge, however had MANY people on it. It was very crowded at times, however multiple viewing stations, which is why it’s a 4/5.
The captain and assistant crew on the boat were fantastic and friendly, considering some of the chartering guests were rude, sloppy and ignorant (thinking it’s ok to leave rubbish on the floor - use the bin you slobs!!)
Overall, great experience and value for money booking this tour with intercity :)
Written 19 September 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.
305phuongd
Falls Church, VA2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The 13 hour bus tour was outstanding. Our bus driver Shailendra was very informative, highly professional and entertaining. He was charming with various stories that made the trip seem shorter. We had learned about the moss destroying trees, admired beautiful mountain views, sheep and cow farms. The Milford Sound cruise was great with stops near the waterfalls. We had a great time with the tour. Thank you.
Written 9 October 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.
Annaandjulie
2 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
The trip was absolutely stunning! The views are amazing. Thanks to Shailendra, for being the best bus driver. He was so informative, funny, kind and just made sure that everyone had the best experience.
He really made the bus trip nice and enjoyable with his energy.
He really made the bus trip nice and enjoyable with his energy.
Written 18 November 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.
Ian W
Auckland, New Zealand30 contributions
Jan 2021
The Cruise along Milford Sound was the highlight of the day. Bear in mind that due to Covid:19 there are virtually no overseas tourists in New Zealand which saw about 40 people on a boat (Catamaran) that can hold 230. Despite its size the Skipper gets it so close to the Waterfalls that you get damp from the spray or wet if you stay til he gets even closer. The long drive there from Queenstown was made incredibly interesting by our driver. (Pauly?) Again a small number gave him the opportunity to go where a larger load could not. We were privileged to sight a rare Blue Duck going and a Kea on the way back.
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.
Kia Ora Ian,
What an awesome birthday treat you had! Thanks for your great review and we will be sure to pass on your praise to Paulie.
Cheers, Anna and the team at GreatSights
Written 7 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter H
Brisbane Region, Australia161 contributions
Dec 2019
We had pre-booked and paid for a bus/cruise/flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound return. Unfortunately the weather was against us and it rained most of the day. This led to our flight back to Queenstown being cancelled (refund was received within a few days). It also meant that we had around 10 hours on the bus. However our driver made sure that we were entertained throughout the day by his commentary on various points of interest/history along the way; as well as his "dad jokes".
While the rain did have some impact, it also meant that the waterfalls were spectacular. Something not to be missed.
The pre-packed lunch was also enjoyable. We'll have to come back so we can experience the flight back to Queesntown as it is said to be breathtaking.
While the rain did have some impact, it also meant that the waterfalls were spectacular. Something not to be missed.
The pre-packed lunch was also enjoyable. We'll have to come back so we can experience the flight back to Queesntown as it is said to be breathtaking.
Written 13 January 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 Peter H,
We are disappointed to hear that your flight was canceled due to the bad weather conditions, but on the plus side we are pleased that you got the chance to experience the Milford Sound waterfalls and how truly spectacular they are when it has been raining. We do hope to see you again in the near future so you can experience how amazing Milford Sound looks like from above.
All the best for your future travels,
Cheyenne and the team at InterCity
Written 14 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenna B
Launceston, Australia32 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
I spent so long deciding which cruise to take, but I don't think it would have mattered. I had a spectacular day for it. The vessel capacity was over 200 and there were about 100 of us (different tours combine for cruises) so it didn't feel squishy - still lots of places to move around. Complementary hot drinks was a bonus. Well worth the trip. I did it with the InterCity travel pass, which combined with AwesomeNZ bus tour, and it didn't disappoint. Our bus driver Jayden was great and there was a wide range of ages on board.
Written 25 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.
Daydream37457291028
14 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
Took the intercity bus from Queenstown to Milford sounds, I was dreading the long ride. Bus driver Paul was great, made it go by smooth and easy, helpful history tips and stories. Picked up wonderful stops. All in all the trip was very enjoyable. Finally he helped me get a last minutes cruise trip, which was a bonus to the whole experience.
Thanks and highly recommend.
Thanks and highly recommend.
Written 1 November 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.
Umesh R
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Fantastic experience with Awesome NZ. The coach driver Mr. Chao was amazing. The bus ride and the Milford cruise ride was amazing. Lucky that we had a very good weather. Timing was spot on. Started and ended on time.
Written 26 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.
Vicki12362
Rolleston, New Zealand39 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
What a fantastic day out. Paul our driver made the whole experience so easy. He was full of knowledge and just a great guy, so passionate about the area. Milford Sound was spectacular. A must do if you are down this way and a great way to do it is with Intercity. Boxed lunch was great too
Written 14 November 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.
SBPB2014
Hamilton, New Zealand56 contributions
Feb 2021
Thanks Pauly potato for making this long journey very enjoyable. He was very informative about the areas we were travelling in. We loved the beech forests and the many views plus the taste of glacier water, The mirror lakes are a great joy to view.
There was a great selection in the packed lunch which we ate whilst on the Juicy cruise around Milford. What a great feeling as you head out to the Tasman Sea.
Many thanks for making this long trip so enjoyable.
There was a great selection in the packed lunch which we ate whilst on the Juicy cruise around Milford. What a great feeling as you head out to the Tasman Sea.
Many thanks for making this long trip so enjoyable.
Written 2 March 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,
Thanks for the great review of your time with us visiting Milford Sound. The scenery that you see along the way really is spectacular isn't it?!
Cheers, Anna and the team at GreatSights
Written 12 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I also read about the other two cruise options- Intercity luxury cruise and Intercity nature cruise.
What are the benefits of going with either of them? I am more curious about the Nature cruise. Does that take us closer to the wildlife?
What are the main distinguishing features between these two and the standard one
Written 15 October 2019
Do the coaches have a toilet on them and do they make many stops for photos as it seems quite a long time on the coach?
Written 19 May 2019
Yes, the coaches have toilets but there are also lots of stops in the itinerary for you to get off the coach and take a comfort break.
Written 19 May 2019
I want go to Milford Sound on 7 Feb, 2020.
How can book ticket?
From Queestown.
Written 29 April 2019
It appears that AwesomeNZ offers this trip as well and uses InterCity buses. Is that true? What are the benefits of booking one company over the other? Thank you!
Written 17 November 2018
Several firms offer the same trips in NZ but you will need someone who has been out with both operators to know the answer.
With Milford no day is the same and I imagine reviews are quite often affected by that fact. I used Intercity because I book South Island tour including Transalpine and day at Milford. Used them 20 yrs ago and would do so again.
Written 18 November 2018
Hi, looking to book this for February 2019. Could you give me an idea of how long a day this is? i.e. what time is scheduled pick up and drop off back to Queenstown and how long a duration are you out in a boat on Milford Sound? Many thanks.
Written 3 September 2018
It's a full day. Bus picked us up at a central location in Queenstown at 6:30/7 am; it was still dark. We drove for about 1.5 hours, stopped for breakfast and bathroom break ( no bathroom on our bus), drove another 1.5 hours with another stretch break in between. Beautiful scenery but a long ride. The boat ride was maybe 2 hours. I dreaded the ride back but just snuggled up and took a nap. It's a full 6 hours of bus for 2 hours of boat. The stops in between add another 2 hours so you're back in Queenstown for dinner. It was beautiful and we didn't have much else to do so the Milford Sound trip made sense. If you're trying to fit it in with lots of other options available to you, I would suggest you put it lower on your list.
Written 3 September 2018
Kia ora, if you've booked a Milford Sound tour with InterCity please wait at the pickup location of 'Athol St in the middle of the car park' in Queenstown.
Regards,
Esther and the team at awesomeNZ
Written 13 March 2018
Booked this,tour couldnt see where to book the boxed lunch
Written 31 January 2018
Booked this tour but couldnt see where to book the boxed lunch
Written 31 January 2018
Kia ora Stephen, when you visit the InterCity Milford Sound tour page and go to book, you'll see there are three tour options (standard cruise, luxury cruise and nature cruise) and an option to add lunch for each. If you have already booked and wish to add lunch to your booking, please contact our reservations team as soon as possible so they can assist you.
Written 31 January 2018
what is the best way to see Mount cook, Milford sound and Dunedin in a week.
Written 27 January 2018
Kia ora Kim, sorry for the delay in responding to you. awesomeNZ offers daily sightseeing tours to Milford Sound and Mount Cook, and if you read our reviews you'll see that our drivers provide an experience that you can't get if you drive yourself. Our tours include stops at scenic locations and a cruise on Milford Sound is also included in the tour price. If you'd like to travel to Dunedin also, you could use InterCity for bus travel.
Kind regards,
Esther and the team at awesomeNZ
Written 8 February 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.