Magpie
4.9(910 reviews)

Milford Sound Premium Tour with Lunch

FromNZ$299
8 hours
Milford Sound, New Zealand

About this activity

Experience the majestic Milford Sound on a guided tour from Te Anau, featuring a scenic cruise and a gourmet lunch onboard, all set within the stunning Fiordland National Park.

Highlights

  • Breathtaking views of Mitre Peak
  • Cruise past stunning waterfalls
  • Spot playful dolphins and seals
  • Explore Fiordland National Park
  • Enjoy a gourmet lunch onboard

Full description

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Milford Sound on this premium tour departing from Te Anau. Traverse the picturesque Fiordland National Park, renowned for its lush rainforests and towering peaks. Board a comfortable vessel for a scenic cruise through the fjord, where you'll be captivated by the towering cliffs of Mitre Peak and the cascading waterfalls that adorn the landscape. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and seals that often grace these waters. Indulge in a gourmet lunch onboard, savoring local flavors as you take in the breathtaking surroundings. This tour offers an unforgettable day immersed in New Zealand's natural splendor, combining adventure, relaxation, and culinary delight.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour from Te Anau to Milford Sound
  • Scenic cruise through Milford Sound
  • Delicious lunch onboard the cruise
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

Itinerary

1

Pass by: Your tour starts in stunning idyllic town of Te Anau, after maybe meeting some of the local animals or wildlife we continue along the lake. Stopping at Te Anau Downs the starting point for the Milford Track you will be able to hear the stories and admire the views.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Leaving Te Anau and entering Fiordland National Park we stop in Eglinton Valley. With views worthy of Lord of the Rings this valley follows the path of an ancient glacier through Fiordland, one of the first major attractions as you enter the park. It really sets the scene for a journey that only get more impressive the deeper you get.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: YES
3

Our next stop on this epic adventure is Mirror Lakes for a short stroll to see the famous reflections of the Earl Mountains. Get the right day, take a good picture and no one with be able to tell which way is the right way up for the photo.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: YES
4

Named after a famous explorer and popular for fishing, often we will stop at Lake Gunn for some photos and to enjoy the peace. Hollyford River & Falls Creek – A short drive away we start passing the Hollyford River, a gorgeous and powerful river full of large boulders and rapids. Feeding into the river at Falls Creek is the first of our extremely impressive waterfalls of the area, one of many to come.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Pass by: A short drive away we start passing the Hollyford River, a gorgeous and powerful river full of large boulders and rapids. Feeding into the river at Falls Creek is the first of our extremely impressive waterfalls of the area, one of many to come.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Next we pull over to admire the elevated amazing views of the divide in the Southern Alps, close to the start of the Routeburn Track. While here the guide will tell you the stories of ancient Maori explorers.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Climbing in altitude we go deeper into the Darran Mountains where the views require another stop to admire and take photos. We are also entering the area where Kea (the world largest alpine parrot) likes to live. Start keeping an eye out for these large, cheeky and colourful birds that never fail to thrill and entertain when found.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

Pass by: To make our way back down towards the sea we enter the mind-blowing, hand-built Homer Tunnel while hearing the incredible history and stories. Emerging from the tunnel the valley descends sharply down towards Milford Sound and on a rainy-day hundreds of waterfalls can be seen cascading down the mountain side.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9

Following the valleys to the sea we arrive at Milford Sound where you will board your cruise! The smaller boat means you get closer to the wildlife and nature (including the New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks), massive rock faces rising for hundreds of meters out of the sea and the waterfalls cascading from the ancient rainforest high in the mountains. This cruise is unbeatable.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
10

While on the boat cruise you will be able to marvel at the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak, the iconic Milford Sound mountain, with its steep triangular peak rising high up above the reflective waters of the Milford Sound.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11

Sadly we must start to head back to Te Anau but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and many stops and breaks along the way.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately.
  • Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.
  • Please inform the operator of any dietary restrictions at least 48 hours in advance.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for a day outdoors.
  • Bring a waterproof jacket to stay dry during the cruise.
  • Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infant Seats Available
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Stroller Accessible

Good to know

  • Children 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice).
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved. Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.

Traveler reviews

4.9
910 reviews
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Best day trip to Milford Sound

The tour was over all very well organised, the guide was very kind and patient. The pick up communication and etc was very prompt.

vardhanrangaMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Try another vendor

Pickup was over one hour late with no apology- trip was 7 hours, not 9 as posted-boat was packed, not roomy as guide promised

eric_wMay 23, 2026VIATOR

Mini Bus/boat day out

Collected as planned on time at our Te Anau motel. Excellent driver Danny gave interesting commentary along the way with plenty of photo opportunity stops. He also played terrific music to match the location eg Lord of the Rings theme, dramatic classical music and funny moment with Sound of Music movie theme “I go to the hills with the sound of music!”

helen_sMay 21, 2026VIATOR

Only pick up point was difficult

I enjoyed the beautiful scenery and guided tour. Regarding the pickup, I checked the designated location on the map and waited, but then I received a call saying they were waiting for me at different point. They were a little further away, causing delays for other people. The pickup location was difficult to find.

810yunauMay 17, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Outstanding experience

What an incredible day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound! From the moment we left, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking with towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and stunning views around every corner. The cruise itself was fantastic, with plenty of opportunities to take photos and really soak in the beauty of Fiordland. Our driver, Sonya, and the crew on board the cruise, were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience enjoyable and relaxing. We were lucky enough to spot a seal which made the trip even more memorable. Milford Sound truly lives up to the hype and is one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever visited. A must-do experience for anyone visiting New Zealand!

Lyn_BMay 15, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

Children 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice). A moderate amount of walking is involved. Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
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