What's the average length of tours from Christchurch to Milford Sound?

Tours departing from Christchurch typically span 9 days taking travelers across the South Island's notable locations. The route connects major destinations including Franz Josef Glacier Queenstown and Mount Cook National Park before arriving at Milford Sound. A TourRadar traveler shared "We covered a ton of ground in a relatively short amount of time with terrific group leaders who are extremely knowledgeable about New Zealand and its traditions."

What accommodation types are available on tours starting in Christchurch?

Tours provide varied lodging options ranging from 3-4 star establishments such as the Distinction Christchurch Hotel to well-maintained motels. Queenstown accommodations often include stays at the Millennium Hotel or Nomads Queenstown. A TourRadar traveler noted "The accommodation arranged were all good and near to eateries" with properties conveniently positioned near urban centers and local points of interest.

What's the best season to take a Christchurch to Milford Sound tour?

The prime travel window extends from November to March when conditions are optimal for outdoor exploration. These months bring extended daylight hours to Milford Sound with pleasant temperatures hovering around 68°F (20°C). Christchurch experiences warm weather ideal for urban discovery during this period. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The itinerary was amazing and I really enjoyed stopping at certain locations to spend time exploring and taking in the views in the summer weather."

What are the must-see attractions in Christchurch before heading to Milford Sound?

Essential Christchurch stops include the Canterbury Museum the Botanic Gardens Hagley Park and the city's vibrant street art installations. Visitors should also see the Church of Good Shepherd and experience the renowned TranzAlpine train journey. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The itinerary was fantastic mixing both touristy and adventurous activities right from the start in Christchurch."

What wildlife can I expect to see during the Milford Sound portion of the tour?

The Milford Sound cruise offers sightings of Fur Seals Penguins and Dolphins against a backdrop of Mitre Peak lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Wildlife viewing opportunities continue throughout the journey from Christchurch. As observed by a TourRadar traveler: "The Milford Sound cruise was incredible with amazing wildlife viewing opportunities."

What are the must-see stops between Christchurch and Milford Sound?

Essential stops include the blue waters of Lake Tekapo the alpine scenery of Mount Cook National Park Queenstown's adventure activities and the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park. A TourRadar traveler noted "The actual landscapes were breathtaking... we did things as groups and saw lots of locations from the films."

Milford Sound Tours from Christchurch

An adventure starting in Christchurch is a great way to see Milford Sound. We have 14 tours that range from 7 days up to 21 days. The most popular time for tours from Christchurch is February, which has the most tour departures.

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Active
NZ Adventure South
4.8 (11 traveler reviews)
"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
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound,Queenstown+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Regions
Milford SoundAoraki Mount CookNew Zealand South Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
INTRO Travel
From
US$1,449per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
South Pacific Wonders (Christchurch to Sydney) (2025)
4.6 (47 traveler reviews)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Cairns,Great Barrier Reef,Sydney+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Milford SoundGreat Barrier Reef+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
10% Off
From $5,199
US$4,699per person
+$800 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Budget South Island Explorer - 14 days
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound,Wanaka,Franz Josef,Punakaiki,Abel Tasman National Park,Marlborough,Kaikoura+6 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Milford SoundNew Zealand South Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From
US$3,740per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Budget South Island Adventure - 7 days
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound,Wanaka,Franz Josef+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Regions
Milford SoundNew Zealand South Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From
US$1,885per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef - 7 days
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau,Milford Sound,Queenstown,Franz Josef+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Milford SoundNew Zealand South Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
10% Off
From
US$3,930per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Active
Southern Voyager
4.7 (109 traveler reviews)
"It was a great way to experience the South Island! I would always do it again!"
Nele, traveled in December
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound,Franz Josef+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Physical Rating
Active
Regions
Milford SoundNew Zealand South Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wild Kiwi
10% Off
From
US$1,133per person
+$174 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent south islamf tour going to the main spots!"
Nicolas, traveled in November
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Franz Josef, Lake Hawea, Queenstown,Milford Sound+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-49
Regions
Milford SoundNew Zealand South Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Kiwi Experience
20% Off
From $1,141
US$912per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
New Zealand Marvel (2025/2026)
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin,Omarama,Oamaru,Picton,Wellington,Rotorua,Auckland+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Milford SoundNew Zealand South IslandWellington+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
AAT Kings
15% Off
From $5,905
US$5,019per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Active
NZ Intro South
5.0 (7 traveler reviews)
"An amazing tour! It shows off the natural beauty of New Zealand with lots of fun activities."
Hayley, traveled in October
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound,Queenstown+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-45
Regions
Milford SoundAoraki Mount CookSouthern AlpsNew Zealand South Island+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
INTRO Travel
15% Off
From
US$1,519per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Epic New Zealand
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Coronet Peak,Milford Sound,Arrowtown,Kawarau Gorge,Franz Josef,Makarora,Westport,Punakaiki,Abel Tasman National Park,Picton,Wellington,Marlborough,Taihape,Taupo,Rotorua,Whakarewarewa,Mount Maunganui,Auckland+17 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Regions
Milford SoundWellington+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From
US$3,160per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Essential New Zealand: South Island
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound,Arrowtown,Franz Josef,Westport,Punakaiki,Abel Tasman National Park,Marlborough,Wellington+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Regions
Milford SoundNew Zealand South IslandWellington+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From
US$1,940per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Essence of New Zealand (Small Group, 2027/2028)
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Omarama, Invercargill, Milford Sound,Te Anau,Queenstown,Punakaiki,Nelson,Wellington,Napier,Rotorua,Auckland+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Milford SoundWellington+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
AAT Kings
15% Off
From
US$9,560per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
New Zealand Magic (2027/2028)
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Haast, Arrowtown,Walter Peak,Te Anau,Milford Sound,Fiordland National Park,Dunedin,Omarama,Lake Tekapo,Picton,Kaikoura,Wellington,Queen Charlotte Sound,Rotorua,Te Puia,Waitomo,Bay of Islands,Waitangi,Cape Reinga,Russell,Auckland+19 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Milford SoundWellington+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
AAT Kings
15% Off
From
US$6,895per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Spirit of New Zealand (Small Group, 2027/2028)
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Christchurch, Omarama, Invercargill, Te Anau,Milford Sound,Queenstown,Punakaiki,Nelson,Wellington,Napier,Rotorua,Bay of Islands,Auckland+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Milford SoundWellington+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
AAT Kings
15% Off
From
US$10,460per person
Price based on Shared Room
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