Milford Sound Tours & Trips
Discover amazing wildlife and landscapes in Milford Sound. Most travelers enjoy exploring our Milford Sound adventures in October, making it the most popular time of the year.
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Camelia • traveled in February
Everything was very well organized and according to the description on the site, all transfers, attractions and accomodation. Hotels were well chosen (with one exception), clean and comfortable, guided tours had very knowledgeable and professional guides, busses of good quality. i was well informed about each step through the app. My questions were answered almost immediately through whatsapp. The only improvement point i can see is the chosen accomodation in Franz Josef (Montrose hostel): the room was not clean (bedsheet not changed, with hair on pillows and quilt) and the receptionist attitude very unpolite; i found myself another last minute accomodation and paid extra for it. All in all, thank you for a great experience in a beautiful country.
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands - R
Rebecca • traveled in August
I can't recommend Wild Kiwi enough! I had an amazing experience touring the South Island with Driver Robbie on their Southern Voyager route. If you're looking for a small group tour which will show you the best sites of New Zealand but will also get you off the beaten track, I'd strongly recommend checking out Wild Kiwi! Thanks for a great week Robbie and Wild Kiwi! :D
Southern Voyager - E
Emily • traveled in November
I have just finished the 17 day New Zealand tour and couldn’t recommend it more. Ben and James have been the best leaders and kept the moral up continuously. The boat days were an absolute blast, the activities were fun and the scenes whilst doing it were sensational. Saw so much for such a short period of time. 100% recommend ?
NZ Adventure 17 Day
Traveler Photos & Videos from Milford Sound tours
MSMolly
Southern Voyager
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
Tracy
GCGeorge
NZ Intro 17 Day
NZ Adventure 17 Day
Danielle
NZ Adventure South
Joe
CECelyn
NZ Intro South
Table of contents
- The best Milford Sound tour packages
- Travel Milford Sound your way
- Best tour companies for Milford Sound tours
- Popular Milford Sound Cruise Ships
- Discover Milford Sound tours for every budget
- Milford Sound tours for every type of group
- Top Milford Sound travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Milford Sound
- Contact our Milford Sound travel experts
- What our customers ask about Milford Sound Tours & Trips
The best Milford Sound tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaMilford Sound travel expert at TourRadar
NZ Adventure 17 Day
45 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had an absolute blast and made friends for life. She went above and beyond to create a fun and inclusive atmosphere.”
Abbey, traveled in November
Glide through Milford Sound's majestic fjords, where ancient rainforests meet cascading waterfalls. The dramatic UNESCO site comes alive with seals and dolphins, while expert guides share insights about the region's unique geology.
Duration 17 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
- NZ$5,249
Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent south islamf tour going to the main spots!”
Nicolas, traveled in November
Towering waterfalls and soaring peaks highlight this scenic Milford Sound cruise. Stops include Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, and Homer Tunnel, with breakfast in Te Anau before sailing New Zealand's most famous fjord.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Lake Hawea, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 18-49 Operator Kiwi Experience From $1,969
20% Off- NZ$1,575You save $394
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Highlights Tour put together by Bucket List Tours was exactly what I was hoping for and it exceeded my expectations.”
Richard, traveled in March
The majesty of Milford Sound unfolds during a full-length nature cruise past Mitre Peak and Pembroke Glacier. Luxury coach transport from Queenstown includes scenic stops along Milford Road, with expert commentary about local wildlife and waterfalls, plus picnic lunch.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Christchurch Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
20% Off- NZ$6,888
Contrasts Of New Zealand (With Internal Air, 2025/2026)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Accommodations were excellent, group leader superb.”
Eeva, traveled in January
The UNESCO-listed Milford Sound/Piopiotahi comes alive with expert naturalist guides, showcasing Bowen Falls, seals, and dolphins. A picnic lunch accompanies insights about the fiord's geology and wildlife from Knobs Flat to Cleddau Valley.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings From $8,390
15% Off- NZ$7,132+$495 upfront costsYou save $1,258
NZ Adventure South
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic itinerary with a budget. Seen and did both touristy and adventurous itinerary.”
Tan, traveled in November
Sail through Milford Sound's majestic fjord, passing Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Native seals and dolphins play among ancient forests and cascading waterfalls. The route winds through Fiordland National Park's dramatic landscapes.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
15% Off- NZ$2,499
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama, Oamaru, Picton, Wellington, RotoruaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings From $8,555
15% Off- NZ$7,272You save $1,283
Duration 13 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo, Taupo, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator TruTravels From $4,620
30% Off- NZ$3,234You save $1,386
Duration 4 days Destinations Queenstown Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
30% Off- NZ$1,132
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator On The Go Tours From
30% Off- NZ$3,345
The majestic fiords of Milford Sound await with early morning departure from Queenstown. Fjordland's stunning landscapes include stops at Mirror Lakes. Optional cruise reveals the eighth wonder of the world, surrounded by dramatic peaks and waterfalls.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18+ Operator On The Go Tours From
30% Off- NZ$6,645
Travel Milford Sound your way
Best tour companies for Milford Sound tours
Popular Milford Sound Cruise Ships
Discover Milford Sound tours for every budget
Milford Sound tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Milford Sound travel itineraries to fit your plans
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
2 Week Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers32 tours- Couples27 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)9 tours
- Seniors (50+)23 tours
Best time to visit Milford Sound
- Winter 2025 / 2026
- popular 17 tours
- 17 tours
- Spring 2026
- popular 17 tours
- 17 tours
- 16 tours
- Summer 2026
- 16 tours
- popular 19 tours
- 17 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
- 17 tours
- popular 20 tours
- 20 tours
Contact our Milford Sound travel experts
Claire
Expert in Milford Sound at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned Milford Sound Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Milford Sound tours answered!
- Choose from 54+ Milford Sound tours
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Milford Sound Tours & Trips
When is the best time to visit Milford Sound National Park for a general tour?
December through February brings the most reliable weather to Milford Sound with temperatures hovering around 20°C (68°F). Visitors seeking smaller crowds often choose October-November or March-April when conditions remain pleasant for exploration. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We had fantastic weather during our December visit making the Milford Sound cruise absolutely perfect for viewing the waterfalls and wildlife." The Millennium Hotel Queenstown serves as a convenient base for tour departures.
What are the must-see highlights on a general tour of Milford Sound National Park?
The natural wonders of Milford Sound include Mitre Peak Bowen Falls and Pembroke Glacier. Tour routes take visitors through Mirror Lakes past Knobs Flat and provide views from Hollyford Valley lookout into Cleddau Valley. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The nature cruise provided excellent viewing opportunities for waterfalls rainforest mountains and wildlife with extensive commentary by the onboard nature guide." Both the Millennium Hotel Queenstown and Heritage Hotel offer convenient access to tour departure points.
How long should I plan to spend exploring Milford Sound National Park?
A typical Milford Sound experience spans 1-2 days with most visitors choosing a full-day excursion from Queenstown. The centerpiece is a cruise lasting between 1 hour 40 minutes and 2.5 hours. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The day trip from Queenstown with Real Journeys was perfect - we had plenty of time for photo stops and short walks along the way before our extended cruise of the fiord." The Novotel Queenstown Lakeside provides a practical starting point for these tours.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Milford Sound?
The waters and shores of Milford Sound support a rich ecosystem. Visitors regularly spot fur seals dolphins and various seabirds including the rare Fiordland crested penguin. A TourRadar traveler reported: "Our expert guide helped us spot bottlenose dolphins playing in the wake of our boat and New Zealand fur seals sunbathing on the rocks - such an incredible wildlife experience."
What's the best way to get to Milford Sound National Park for a tour?
The standard route to Milford Sound starts in Queenstown via coach along Milford Road. The four-hour journey includes scenic stops with pickups from major accommodations like the Millennium Hotel and Heritage Hotel. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The luxury glass-roofed coach journey was comfortable with great commentary and plenty of photo stops along the spectacular Milford Road."
What happens if there's bad weather during my Milford Sound tour?
Tours continue rain or shine with precipitation often creating additional waterfalls. Safety considerations may alter some activities during severe weather. A TourRadar traveler explained: "It rained during our visit but this created hundreds of temporary waterfalls - our guide said this was actually the best way to see Milford Sound." Operators like Real Journeys keep guests informed of conditions through updates to hotels such as the Heritage Queenstown.
What are the dining options during a general tour of Milford Sound?
Food choices in Milford Sound remain basic but sufficient. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Most tours include a lunch during the cruise offering a chance to dine while enjoying the spectacular scenery." The Blue Duck Bar & Cafe at Milford Sound Lodge serves breakfast and dinner. Day tours typically include meal breaks and visitors staying in Te Anau can access additional dining at the Distinction Hotel or nearby restaurants featuring local cuisine.