Milford Sound Tours & Trips
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The best Milford Sound tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaMilford Sound travel expert at TourRadar
- Contrasts Of New Zealand (With Internal Air, 2025/2026, 10 Days)
- NZ Adventure South
- NZ Adventure 17 Day
- Southern Spotlight (Base, 2026/2027, Best Buys, 9 Days)
- Ski New Zealand (Standard, 7 Days)
- Independent Naturally New Zealand
- Australia and New Zealand Uncovered (Wellington to Cairns) (2025)
- Contrasts Of New Zealand (End Christchurch, 10 Days)
- South Pacific Wonders (Christchurch to Sydney) (2025)
- 9 Day 'Kaka' South Island Select Tour
The UNESCO-listed Milford Sound/Piopiotahi comes alive with expert naturalist guides, showcasing Bowen Falls, seals, and dolphins. A picnic lunch accompanies insights about the fiord's geology and wildlife from Knobs Flat to Cleddau Valley.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $5,770
10% Off- US$5,193+$310 upfront costsYou save $577
NZ Adventure South
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Definitely enjoyed this trip, and strongly recommend. We covered a ton of ground in a relatively short amount of time.”
William, traveled in June
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 18 to 45 year olds Operator INTRO Travel From
10% Off- US$1,299
NZ Adventure 17 Day
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“All of the 17 days of the NZ adventure has been fantastic time. Danny has made it extra enjoyable for everyone too and always smiling!”
C, 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 18 to 45 year olds Operator INTRO Travel From
10% Off- US$2,849
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Omarama, Lake Tekapo, Dunedin, Oamaru, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator AAT Kings From $4,040
10% Off- US$3,636You save $404
Duration 7 days Destinations Queenstown Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Contiki From $1,505
5% Off- US$1,430You save $75
A full-day venture to Milford Sound reveals the majesty of Fiordland National Park. The route winds past Mirror Lakes and through Homer Tunnel before a cruise showcases towering waterfalls. Dolphins and penguins frequent this stunning natural wonder, complemented by a scenic lunch cruise.
Duration 13 days Destinations Auckland, Waiheke Island, Rotorua, Te Puia, Wellington, Christchurch, Akaroa, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Fiordland National ParkSee all destinations Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus From
5% Off- US$4,359
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Collette From
5% Off- US$7,999+$1,600 upfront costs
Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls tower above World Heritage-listed Milford Sound. Spot dolphins and seals during lunch, pass through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel, and admire pristine Mirror Lakes in this natural paradise.
Duration 10 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Christchurch Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From $5,770
12% Off- US$5,078+$310 upfront costsYou save $692
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 5 to 99 year olds Operator Collette From $5,099
10% Off- US$4,599+$800 upfront costsYou save $500
Majestic fjords of Milford Sound unfold on a full-day cruise past Mitre Peak. Fur seals, penguins, and dolphins play among towering waterfalls. A scenic alpine drive leads from Queenstown's Mercure Resort through Fiordland National Park.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mount Cook Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Stray Travel From
10% Off- US$2,035
What people love about Milford Sound Tours
- NZ Adventure South
Great value overall, might recommend only spending one night in Tekapo as there is very little night life (especially during the week). Perhaps one full day/night in Te Anau.
- NZ Adventure 17 Day
I have just finished the 17 day New Zealand tour and couldn’t recommend it more. Ben and James have been the best leaders and kept the moral up continuously. The boat days were an absolute blast, the activities were fun and the scenes whilst doing it were sensational. Saw so much for such a short period of time. 100% recommend ?
I had an amazing time with Wild Kiwi! We got to see so much of the south island. It was very fast paced, but totally worth it! The transportation is sweet -- very comfortable and modern. The activities they offer were awesome as well. And the guide, Nick, was the BEST.
Southern Voyager
What 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.