Milford Sound Attractions & Things to do

We will fly you from Queenstown over the Southern Alps with breathtakingly spectacular and endless panoramic views of lakes, forested river valleys, waterfalls, jagged razor-backed ridge lines and snow covered peaks.
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Rated one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand.

Join our boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound the "local" way.
We limit passenger numbers on all cruises to half of the boats capacity (capacity 150 passengers) to guarantee an uncrowded and much more personal experience.

Let us show you our backyard on this once in a lifetime experience.

Relax with complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits and enjoy the skipper’s live commentary while marvelling at the breath-taking scenery.
The smaller size of the vessel enables us to get you up close and personal with the local wildlife like New Zealand Fur Seals, dolphins and the very rare Fiordland Crested Penguin (spring/early summer). A “Glacial Facial” under the Sterling Falls is an experience not to be missed.
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes.

Enjoy a two hour cruise traversing the deep waters of Milford Sound, located in Fiordland. Your cruise will take you past St Anne’s lighthouse and out into the Tasman Sea. Informative guides point out scenic highlights along the way, such as the Bowen Falls (dropping 160 metres seaward), Sinbad Gully (a classic example of a hanging valley), snow-capped Mount Pembroke, and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself, towering 1692 metres from the ocean floor.
Duration: 2 hours.

Get closer to nature on a Milford Sound Day Cruise with RealNZ. Discover glacier-carved cliffs rising from the ink waters below – when you’re travelling by boat, there’s plenty of time to take it all in before framing up the perfect shot to preserve the moment.

Please note: this service may operate on several different vessels. If you wish to find out more, please contact the supplier directly.

Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to check in.
Paid Parking - as set by Milford Sound Tourism LTD.
Duration: 2 hours.

Premium small group tour including a boutique Milford Sound cruise designed for an immersive viewing experience, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions!

Highlights:
• Milford Sound Cruise
• Fiordland National Park
• Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak
• Wildlife Spotting

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.
Duration: 13 hours.

You are guaranteed a window seat with unimpaired views as you fly this incredible route to and from Milford Sound through a landscape of unbelievable grandeur and beauty. Encounter real mountain flying and marvel at the most remarkable snow-capped mountains and glaciers onboard our fixed-wing aircraft. Your knowledgeable, highly skilled local pilot providing interesting and informative commentary. Flying across the Southern Alps, out to the West Coast and the Tasman Sea before flying through the Fiord itself to land in Milford Sound.
Once in Milford, your pilot will accompany you to the boat terminal. Discover the natural wonders of Milford Sound aboard your cruise vessel with open-air viewing decks, a perfect location for some wildlife spotting. The Fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins, and dolphins, who love playing in the wake of the boat. You will cruise the length of the Fiord out to the Tasman Sea with a pass under Sterling Falls on the return.
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot dolphins, seals and penguins. Enjoy an exhilarating flight past rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls, and land upon a glacier/alpine in the heart of Fiordland National Park. (Glacier landing is subject to weather conditions).

Lunch available onboard: Whilst on your cruise, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. Don't forget to let a member of staff know if you wish to add this to your booking at an additional cost.
Duration: 4 hours.

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound and enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. Surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, you’ll board your cruise and travel the length of the fiord out to Tasman Sea. Complete your journey with an unforgettable flight over the dramatic Southern Alps back to Queenstown.
Duration: 5 hours.

Discover one of the best things to do in South Island New Zealand as you embark on a full-day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. You'll travel through Fiordland on a luxury coach tour before continuing to explore via a renowned Milford Sound cruise, enjoying a picnic lunch on board. Join us for an unforgettable day in Fiordland National Park!
Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes.

Experience stunning scenery on an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound.
The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in the south west of the South Island, and is famed for its remote atmosphere and rugged beauty. It is New Zealand’s best known fiord and the only one that can be reached by road. Maori are believed to have discovered Milford Sound more than 1,000 years ago, returning seasonally to collect the prized pounamu (greenstone). In the early 1800s John Grono was the first European settler to land in the sound, which he named after Milford Haven in Wales.
Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather. Cliffs rise high into the air from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards, some as high as 1000 metres.

Duration: 13 hours.

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise onboard TripAdvisors No.1 rated cruise operator, Cruise Milford, and picnic lunch from Te Anau. There is no better way to see this famous attraction.

Highlights:
• Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
• Fiordland National Park
• Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel and Mitre Peak
• Wildlife Spotting

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Duration: 9 hours.

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary natural beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. This tour with Air Milford allows you to combine the stunning flight to Milford Sound with a beautiful cruise on the fiord. Relax as you enjoy the best of both worlds from above and from the sea.
Duration: 5 hours.

Experience the majestic Milford Sound onboard the MV Sinbad vessel. Cruising the length of the fiord you’ll enjoy freshly prepared canapes and bubbles made from local produce, while you take in the beauty of Milford Sound. Explore the outside areas of The Sinbad and enjoy allocated seating with uninterrupted views.
Our experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you’ll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins
Elevate your experience and create unforgettable memories aboard the MV Sinbad. Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience what’s been called the “eighth wonder of the world”.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Soar over captivating Milford Sound on a 1.5-hour helicopter flight from Queenstown. You'll fly over New Zealand's most dramatic scenery, from secluded alpine lakes and rugged mountain peaks to lush rainforest and deep bush-lined valleys.
With 2 remote alpine landings throughout your experience, this the an trip that you will not forget as you will be accessing remote locations that are otherwise inaccessible. Take in the amazing landscapes throughout where it changes dramatically from lush rainforest to arid rock faces and everything in between.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Towering peaks and cascading waterfalls - this has to be the spectacular Milford Sound. Described as the 'Eighth Natural Wonder of the World', this cruise will take you past the incredible Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls and Seal Point. See marine life in their natural environment as you discover the magic of this deep fiord.
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes.

Journey in comfort on one of our brand new, low-emission coaches and take in incredible, panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound. The overland journey is a spectacular showcase of sheer mountains and towering cliffs, rugged valleys and the native rain forest surrounded by spectacular waterfalls and glacial lakes. Experienced local drivers provide engaging and informative commentary, and show you the best short walks and photo stops along the Milford Road. 

On arrival in Milford Sound cruise in comfort and style on our Milford Sound Nature Cruise while you enjoy some of New Zealand's most iconic and beautiful scenery. Cruise the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, stopping at waterfalls and points of interest along the way. Enjoy a freshly prepared Lunch and FREE tea and coffee onboard the boat.
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes.

Embark on a delightful day excursion to Milford Sound from Te Anau, where you'll be part of a friendly, intimate group of no more than 15 fellow travelers. Prepare for an unforgettable journey, including a small boat cruise, traversing the entire length of the majestic fiord and venturing out to the vast expanse of the Tasman Sea.

Our relaxed itinerary is designed to maximise your enjoyment, allowing ample time for leisurely strolls, capturing breathtaking photographs, and immersing yourself in the natural wonders of the area alongside our knowledgeable nature guide. Whether it's pausing to admire cascading waterfalls, spotting playful dolphins, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings, every moment promises to be filled with wonder and discovery.
Duration: 9 hours.

This small group day trip includes a stunning boutique Milford Sound cruise with TripAdvisors No. 1 rated cruise provider and an amazing scenic flight back to Queenstown.

Highlights:
•Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
•Scenic return flight with Glenorchy Air
•Fiordland National Park
•Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak
•Wildlife Spotting

Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Duration: 9 hours.

Air Milford hosts you on an intimate experience, combining two incredible scenic flights into Fiordland National Park with a Nature Cruise through the fiord itself. Enjoy reserved seating for Air Milford passengers aboard the cruise and commentary from the passionate skippers while exploring the nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail. Enjoy return flights to Milford Sound so you can experience its beauty from all angles.
Duration: 5 hours.

The only scenic flight company ex. Queenstown to showcase some of Mt Aspiring & Fiordland National Parks largest Glaciers. These include the Rob Roy, Bonar, Jura, Volta, Dart, Olivine, and Donne Glaciers among many others and of course, Milford Sound itself. Each tour with Air Milford is guaranteed to see at least five major glaciers.
Duration: 1 hour.

Explore the spectacular Fiordland National Park by air on this half-day Milford Sound helicopter flight from Queenstown. Fly over Milford Sound by helicopter with a guide, and gaze out over the cliffs, waterfalls, and forests below. Stop for a stroll in Milford Sound for fine views over Mitre Peak, then land on a West Coast beach and a glacier or alpine. Along the way, gain insight into Milford Sound’s impressive geography and see sides of the region many visitors miss. This 2.5-hour tour includes round-trip travel from your Queenstown hotel.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

A chance to do Milford differently and capture a different perspective away from the crowds. You will have the opportunity to explore the shores for approximately 2 hours, with our three short walks, taking you to unmissable vantage points and through awesome wilderness.


Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Travel with a family-owned and operated company. Milford Sound Day Tour, enjoy maximum space with our day tours.    

Sit back, stretch out, relax, and enjoy the scenery in the warmth and comfort of our luxury small coach. The most luxurious way to travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound on a Full-Day Tour, our drivers are local kiwis who know all about this region and its stories. Enjoy our Full Milford Sound Cruise before hopping back on the bus for your return journey to Queenstown.
Duration: 12 hours.

Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Your 2 hour tour includes a landing in Milford Sound & a once in a lifetime landing on a glacier/alpine in the heart of Fiordland National Park.
Duration: 2 hours.

An overnight cruise amidst spectacular Milford Sound, is a once in a lifetime experience. While on board the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove.
Duration: 2 days.

The limited passenger numbers on our modern Mercedes Sprinter Vans make for a much more personal experience. It also allows us to stop more often for photos and short walks than the big 50-seater coaches (up to 12 stops along the way). We connect with Milford Sound's only boutique small boat cruise. Passenger numbers on the cruise are limited to 50% of the boats capacity.
Duration: 13 hours.

Take the scenic route back to Queenstown from Milford Sound with Air Milford, on this one-way 35-minute flight. Admire spectacular views of natural wonders such as the Southern Alps, Sutherland Falls, and the Fiordland National Park from above, then touchdown at Queenstown airport, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
Duration: 35 minutes.

Climb out from Milford and up past Harrison's Cove, see sheer cliffs dwarf the surrounding rivers before approaching the Tutoko Glacier for a snow landing. Take a few minutes to capture some photo's on the snow before boarding the helicopter again to fly past the glaciated tops of Mt Tutoko, the highest peak in Fiordland national park at 2723m. Track via the lower Tutoko valley and return to Milford airport.


Duration: 25 minutes.

Allow 4 hours

2 landings: Milford Sound & Alpine landing

Over The Top Helicopters are pleased to offer a personal scenic helicopter flight to Milford Sound with a cruise. Your pilot, acting as your personal guide, will fly you down to Milford, over the breath-taking snow-capped Southern Alps, where we will land and shut down the helicopter. You will board the cruise boat to take one of the most memorable journeys you can imagine down Milford Sound, taking in the rainforest covered slopes and the majestic waterfalls. On return to Milford you will again board the helicopter for yet more amazing scenery from the air, together with a landing on an alpine location allowing you to take more photographs of an amazing experience.
Duration: 4 hours.

Treat yourself to a six-day trip to the awe-inspiring fiords, dramatic glaciers and top-rated scenic rail routes of New Zealand's South Island. On this round-trip from Christchurch, travel by coach and aboard the TranzAlpine passenger trains, enjoy a Milford Sound Cruise, soar above Lake Wakatipu on the Queenstown Skyline Gondola and take a complimentary shuttle to the Franz Josef Glacier lookout point. There is also plenty of time to explore at your own leisure, what more could you want!?

This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.
Duration: 6 days.

Don’t miss out on a spectacular scenic flight with Air Milford to Milford Sound and back. This tour is perfect for those who have already done a cruise in Milford Sound and want to experience the spectacular region from the air and land.

This 4.5-hour trip includes a landing in Milford Sound with up to 2 hours on the ground to take a self-guided walk along the shore line, soak up the surroundings, take pictures or have delicious coffee and cake at the cafe (at own expense) before your return scenic flight to Queenstown.
Duration: 5 hours.

Spectacular scenery and lots of opportunity for adventure, this 8 day South Island adventure starts and finishes in the diverse city of Christchurch. Turquoise lakes, majestic glaciers, dramatic mountain peaks and the picture-perfect towns of Queenstown, Wanaka and Franz Josef are all a part of this epic road trip. With accommodation and some activities included (see below), our all-inclusive tours are hassle-free, authentic experiences for those short on time.
Duration: 8 days.

Discover the highlights of New Zealand's South Island, from stunning glaciers to vast National Parks there's plenty to explore! Tour highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, a glacier Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools and an unforgettable day trip to Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The perfect way to fit the best of the South Island into five day!

This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.
Duration: 5 days.

Explore Milford Sound and the glaciers of Fiordland National Park from the air. Enjoy an exhilarating flight over Milford, spectacular rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls. Land on a glacier/Alpine environment and take the opportunity to capture once in a lifetime photographs.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes.

Allow 1.5 hours

Includes 1 landing on a glacier

In the Queenstown area, we have three of the largest glaciers in New Zealand’s South Island and they are all above 6000 ft. Our Milford Sound and Glacier experience combines a scenic flight over the Southern Alps to the majestic Milford Sound, where you will fly over the Sound before heading north to the glacier areas. We will land beside one of the glaciers, providing the ideal opportunity for you to explore and take some memorable photographs.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey through New Zealand's stunning South Island, exploring many of its major attractions. Start your tour in Auckland, one of the major gateways to NZ, and conclude in the vibrant city of Christchurch. Experience Queenstown's beauty while exploring Lake Wakatipu, Gardens, and lakeside streets. Thrill at 360-degree spins on a jet boat and enjoy panoramic views from Skyline Queenstown. Discover the enchanting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and the sparkling waters of Milford Sound. Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Enjoy stargazing at the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for night sky viewing. Drive to Arthur's Pass, marveling at the unique rock formations of Castle Hill, before returning on the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Throughout the tour, enjoy the hospitality of a knowledgeable guide-driver, a comfortable vehicle, and scenic drives.
Duration: 4 days.

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance:

► 2 Flightseeing Tours, 1 Over Milford Sound & 1 Over Mount Cook
► Jet-Boating Top-Speed Along a Turquoise-Colored River
► A World-Famous Suspension Bridge Jump (optional)
► Zip-Lining
► Cable Car Ride Over Stunning Landscape
► 4-Wheel Driving in a Scenic Valley (seasonal)
► Boat Rides Around Icebergs (seasonal), Fjords & a National Park & Inside a Cave
► A Cruise on a Historic Steamship
► Visits to Boiling Geothermal Sites
► Bathing in a Mud Spa
► Glacier-Hiking
► A Tour of Lord of the Rings’ Movie Set
► A Show Demonstrating Centuries-Old Native Rituals
Duration: 9 days.

This flight covers a huge part of the Fiordland National Park - departing from the iconic Milford Sound you fly over a portion of the Milford Track - one of New Zealands Great Walks. What an easy way to see this track!

If the weather is suitable, you may get views of one of New Zealands highest waterfalls - the Sutherland Falls.

Heading south along Fiordlands main divide of mountains, many differing views appear including hidden alpine lakes, rocky mountain peaks and if you look really hard, some hardy animals like red deer.

Descending over the mountains takes you closer to Lake Te Anau, Te Anau township and Lake Manapouri for landing at Te Anau Airport.
Duration: 40 minutes.

This tour has been the #1 bucket list New Zealand adventure tour since 2005 and includes skydiving, bungy jumping, heli biking, white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, jet boating, high ropes and cross country biking in the price! Also included are 10 nights of comfortable dbl/twin share ensuite accommodation in modern, centrally located 4* studio apartments, plus breakfast and lunch daily.

We deliver seamless, professional and fun once in a lifetime tours for visitors to NZ and our trips have been carefully planned to visit fantastic off-the-beaten-track locations as well as the spectacular must-visit destinations for which the South Island is famous.

Our guides are experienced and 100% dedicated to the needs of our clients who come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Our tours are typically made up from a mix of solo travellers, couples, and friends and we also frequently run this itinerary as a private option for small groups and families.
Duration: 10 days.

New Experience for Summer 24/25!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, often referred to as the "eighth wonder of the world". During this nature cruise, immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, cascading waterfalls and searching for curious wildlife. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and the rare Fiordland Crested penguins as you explore.

Aboard the purpose-built vessel, you'll enjoy panoramic views through large windows, spacious decks and comfortable lounges. Savour the delicious selection of freshly prepared hot food options as part of the international buffet, created from locally sourced ingredients. Enhance your experience with a variety of beverages, including tap beer from local breweries, barista-crafted coffee and organic teas.

Relax, savour the flavours and take in the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound.
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes.

Our expert South Island Tour guide will guiding you for 4 days. This tour is to visit the most highlight landmarks in South Island. This tour is based on private tour and possible to customise the tour. You can eat all what you want, you can see what you wanted to see, you learn what you want to know.
Duration: 4 days.

Journey through New Zealand's natural wonderland on a 7-day luxury road trip through the South Island. Have the chance to explore some of the best spots in Queenstown, the adventure capital! Whether thats Jumping out of a plane, zipling through the trees or relaxing in the city centre with a hot cocoa. Head to Franz Josef to hike the Glacier or visit an iconic, up-close Kiwi in the Wildlife Centre. cruise through the beautiful Milford Sound and discover the spectacular Tekapo through some of its most famous lakes and hikes, then spend the evening relaxing in the Tekapo Hot Springs.
Duration: 7 days.

Combine the magic of Fiordland's most popular Fiords into one flight. Departing from Milford Sound head in the direction of the Milford Track and Lake Ada before making your way down to Doubtful Sound. This is the second most popular Fiord in the Fiordland National Park. From Doubtful your next stop is Dusky Sound - one of the largest Fiords in the Fiordland National Park. Less known than Doubtful and Milford, Dusky's peacefulness and beauty adds to your experience. With multiple landings made through this flight you will be able to enjoy getting up close with nature as well as getting some great photos for your memories. Make your way back over the mountain scenes to view the large Lake Manapouri before you land at the Te Anau Manapouri Airport. From here you will be transported back to either Te Anau or Manapouri via vehicle. What a way to explore over half of the Fiordland National Park!


Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.