Milford Sound Tours & Trips
Discover amazing wildlife and landscapes in Milford Sound. Most travelers enjoy exploring our Milford Sound adventures in December, making it the most popular time of the year.
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Tracy • traveled in October, 2025
This tour is designed with solo travelers in mind. I've solo traveled through Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan. This tour takes the stress out of logistics planning to create a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. Places such as Japan have impeccable public transit, which makes getting around easy. New Zealand, however, requires a lot of driving to reach highly sought-after hotspots. As a solo-traveler, renting a car and driving several hours a day wasn't ideal. New Zealand thankfully offers bus/couch tours to get travelers where they want to go. BucketList builds an itinerary off these tour schedules to create an experience that is seamless and blends these schedules to together to maximize the traveler's experience. Every morning, all I had to do was show up to the rendezvous. The tour guides will stop for breakfast at a cafe, so don't worry if the pick up times are extraordinarily early. Get in some extra Zs and before you know it, it's time for some brekkie. Aside from sewing together a seamless tour experience, the hotels picked by BucketList were clean and comfortable. While these are not 5 Star accommodations, BucketList did not cheap out with cheap motels, either. The accommodations were conveniently located, friendly staff, included breakfast (if offered by the accommodation), and clean. The only downside to this itinerary is it can feel a bit rushed. This is because each tour day is roughly 12 hours, which doesn't leave much time to explore Queenstown, for example. I was able to look around a little bit the day I arrived in Queenstown, however for the other days I came back too late to look around the shops. If you're only interested in the night life of Queenstown, this may be okay, keeping in mind there is an early start each day.
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands - E
Emily • traveled in November, 2025
An amazing week seeing some beautiful locations and taking part in adventure activities! Even with the unpredictable weather I had a great time making memories with new friends. Robbie was a great guide, really knowledgeable and helpful with top tips and regular stops for coffee and photos.
Southern Voyager - P
Pinja • traveled in November, 2025
I had a truly wonderful trip to New Zealand! We toured both islands with our lovely group. We had a wonderful guide who helped us in every situation and genuinely cared about our well-being. During the trip, we got to see the most amazing sights and experience a variety of things. The Maori culture evening was very memorable, and I made my best friends while boating. The various hikes and magnificent landscapes were also wonderful experiences that we never tired of. The icing on the cake was a visit to Hobbiton. The trip could also be customized with additional activities. But thanks to our wonderful guide, the trip was really easy and memorable. The best way to start traveling alone.
NZ Adventure 17 Day
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Southern Voyager
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South IslandsTracy
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NZ Intro 17 Day
NZ Adventure 17 DayDanielle
NZ Adventure SouthJoe
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NZ Intro South
11 Day Tour - Best of New ZealandDominick
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
NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent service and very responsible.”
Edith, traveled in April
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
- US$3,990
Southern Voyager
109 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We did visit the best spots in the south island and had a huge amount of optional activities to choose from.”
Bruno, traveled in October
The UNESCO-listed Milford Sound dazzles with ancient forests, playful dolphins, and towering waterfalls. Sail through pristine waters, observe fur seals, and gaze at Mitre Peak before sampling Queenstown's famous Fergburger.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Wild Kiwi From
- US$1,121+$168 upfront costs
NZ Adventure 17 Day
45 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole group has been amazing, and has made us all feel welcome and safe.”
Stefanie, traveled in March
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
- US$2,999
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
- US$1,129
NZ Adventure South
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was amazing and I really enjoyed stopping at certain locations to spend some time exploring and taking in the views.”
Elisha, traveled in April
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
- US$1,449
This 13-day trip covers Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, and Queenstown with hostel-style dorm accommodations. Cruise through Milford Sound's towering cliffs and waterfalls, check out the Hobbiton film set, and bike around Wanaka's famous tree. Great for travelers 18+, priced at approx. $150 per day with a max group size of 22.
Duration 13 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo, Taupo, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator TruTravels From $2,595
30% Off- US$1,817You save $779
Dramatic fjords and native wildlife highlight this Milford Sound cruise. The Homer Tunnel leads through ancient Hollyford Valley beech forests. Optional scenic flights to Queenstown soar over Southern Alps, revealing New Zealand's natural wonder.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From $5,199
14% Off- US$4,449+$800 upfront costsYou save $750
Take the gondola up to Bob's Peak for 220-degree views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps, with gourmet dining at Stratosfare Restaurant. Board the TSS Earnslaw, launched in 1912, and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a BBQ buffet at the historic Colonel's Homestead. Stay at Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central with airport transfers included in the starting price.
Duration 4 days Destinations Queenstown Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $656
5% Off- US$623You save $33
Towering 4,000-foot cliffs and dramatic waterfalls line Milford Sound's waters. Return to Queenstown via optional scenic flight (weather permitting). The Hollyford Valley reveals ancient beech forests and pristine fjords during this full-day excursion.
Duration 21 days Destinations Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Sydney, AdelaideSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Collette From $7,999
9% Off- US$7,249+$1,600 upfront costsYou save $750
A full-day adventure to UNESCO-listed Milford Sound features an optional fjord cruise showcasing towering waterfalls and ancient forests. Playful dolphins inhabit the dramatic landscapes, with countless photo opportunities of New Zealand's iconic fjord.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Raglan, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, WanakaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator On The Go Tours From
9% Off- US$3,815
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
2 Week Itineraries
3 Week Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers18 tours- Couples13 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)8 tours
- Seniors (50+)10 tours
Best time to visit Milford Sound
- Spring 2026
- 15 tours
- popular 16 tours
- 16 tours
- Summer 2026
- 15 tours
- popular 17 tours
- 17 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
- 16 tours
- popular 17 tours
- 17 tours
Contact our Milford Sound travel experts
Steffanie
Expert in Milford Sound at TourRadar
Steffanie is one of our seasoned Milford Sound Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Milford Sound tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What 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.