Day Trips

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise, Walks & Return Transfers

Name: From Te Anau: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise, Walks & Return Transfers
Start: 2025-11-02T07:30:00
End: 2025-11-02T16:30:00
Location: Te Anau

Couple enjoying a cruise on Milford Sound with mountains in the background.

Passengers enjoying views through glass roof on coach to Milford Sound.

Visitors enjoying the view at Mirror Lakes, New Zealand, with mountains reflected in the water.

Group of passengers posing for a photo beside a coach with mountains in the background during a trip from Edinburgh to Loch Ness.

Duration

8 hr - 9 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Transfers included

4.8/5

(673)

Marie

Jul 2025

Verified Partner Review

5/5

What a DAY! Did the tour with my partner (he’s NOT a morning person lol) but even he perked up once we hit the glass-roof bus and saw those jaw-dropping mountains. Our driver, Nicky, kept us entertained and pointed out all the weird little facts (did you know the moss glows after rain??). The stops were spaced out just right for coffee, pics, and bathroom. The cruise was wild—stood on deck and got misted by a waterfall, didn’t even care I looked like a drowned rat. Food on board was decent—def try the carrot cake. Only tiny bummer was the upper deck was crowded for pics, but honestly, everywhere you look is EPIC. Would do it again!

Jonas

Jul 2025

Verified Partner Review

4/5

Good trip overall! The drive felt loooong (4 hours, bring snacks), but the scenery out the window was UNREAL. Our guide was friendly and cracked a bunch of dad jokes en route. The boat ride was the highlight—saw dolphins and got up close to the waterfalls. Just wish there were more seats up top. Also, bring layers, it’s cold even in July.

Kim

Jul 2025

Verified Partner Review

5/5

Did this with my mum and teenage brother. Booked last min but it all worked out. The staff was helpful and patient with my bro’s million questions. It rained but that just made the waterfalls even more dramatic. Coach had USB chargers (lifesaver for bored teens). Was a long day but worth it for the scenery and fresh air.

Start your guided tour of Milford Sound from Te Anau. Start closer and breathe easier: shorter travel times mean a relaxed 8–9-hour day with crowd-beating schedules.

Catch earlier cruise departures, then enjoy quieter afternoon photo stops on the return; more nature, less queue.

Travel in comfort on a coach with live commentary, bringing the region’s stories and landscapes to life.

The short walks and photo ops at sights like Pops Lookout and Christie Falls best highlight Milford Sound’s geology and unique ecosystems.

Marvel at dramatic fjords and waterfalls during your Milford Sound cruise; camera at the ready for every angle.

Full-day guided tour of Milford Sound from Te Anau

2-hour Milford Sound scenic cruise

English-speaking driver/guide

Return transfers from Te Anau with stops for short walks

Live commentary on board

Lunch & refreshments (available to purchase onsite)

TOTAL DURATION8 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
Start point
Te Anau
Get direction
Passes By
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Hollyford Lookout
Homer Tunnel
1. Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
Passes By
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
Stirling Falls
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose Dolphins
Fiordland Crested Dolphins
End point
Te Anau
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.8
673 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
564
84
16
4
5
Guests from Australia, Germany, United Kingdom and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Alan
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Jeremy did a great job with the driving and commentary. Cruise was great as was the packed lunch. We lucked out with the weather and ALMOST got a shot of Mitre Peak!
Valerio
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Great trip considering the wild weather that battered the Southland area. Gordon was a funny and knowledgeable guide, it made a huge difference. I'll be back again
Marie
Jul 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
What a DAY! Did the tour with my partner (he’s NOT a morning person lol) but even he perked up once we hit the glass-roof bus and saw those jaw-dropping mountains. Our driver, Nicky, kept us entertained and pointed out all the weird little facts (did you know the moss glows after rain??). The stops were spaced out just right for coffee, pics, and bathroom. The cruise was wild—stood on deck and got misted by a waterfall, didn’t even care I looked like a drowned rat. Food on board was decent—def try the carrot cake. Only tiny bummer was the upper deck was crowded for pics, but honestly, everywhere you look is EPIC. Would do it again!
Jonas
Jul 2025
Verified Partner Review
4/5
Good trip overall! The drive felt loooong (4 hours, bring snacks), but the scenery out the window was UNREAL. Our guide was friendly and cracked a bunch of dad jokes en route. The boat ride was the highlight—saw dolphins and got up close to the waterfalls. Just wish there were more seats up top. Also, bring layers, it’s cold even in July.
Kim
Jul 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
Did this with my mum and teenage brother. Booked last min but it all worked out. The staff was helpful and patient with my bro’s million questions. It rained but that just made the waterfalls even more dramatic. Coach had USB chargers (lifesaver for bored teens). Was a long day but worth it for the scenery and fresh air.

Journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound with a full-day guided tour, scenic cruise, and return coach transfers included.

Getting started

Begin your day at the designated pick-up point in Te Anau, where your guide welcomes you aboard a comfortable coach. After a quick ticket check, settle in for live commentary as you set off toward Milford Sound.

What to expect

Milford Sound is a renowned fjord in Fiordland National Park, celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. This natural wonder is a highlight of New Zealand’s South Island, drawing visitors for its pristine scenery and unique wildlife.

Features

Milford Sound scenic cruise: Glide past sheer rock faces and spot native wildlife from the comfort of your cruise vessel, with live commentary enhancing your journey.

Photo stops along the route: Pause at select viewpoints for memorable photos of Fiordland’s lakes, valleys, and mountain peaks.

Comfortable coach travel: Enjoy spacious seating and panoramic windows, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Live commentary on board: Gain insights into the region’s geology, history, and local stories from your knowledgeable guide.

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions can change quickly.

Bring a rain jacket or waterproof outerwear, as the area is known for frequent rainfall.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.

Carry a refillable water bottle and snacks, as options may be limited during the tour.

Don’t forget your camera to capture the scenic views.

What’s not allowed

Smoking is not permitted on the coach or cruise vessel.

Alcohol and illegal substances are strictly prohibited during the tour.

Large luggage and suitcases are not allowed; bring only a small day bag.

Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

The tour may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility due to steps and uneven surfaces.

Additional information

The tour operates in all weather conditions; cruises may proceed in rain or shine.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.

Restroom facilities are available on the coach and cruise vessel.

The itinerary and stops may vary depending on weather and road conditions.

Infants aged 0–4 may travel free of charge but must be included in your booking.

Meals are not included; please bring your own food or purchase at available stops.

The experience includes return transfers between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Meeting point

Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.