Journey into the otherworldly beauty of Milford Sound, where towering waterfalls, ancient rainforest and glacier-carved cliffs create one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Our curated small group tours to Milford Sound depart from Queenstown or Te Anau, combining premium transport in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van with a boutique cruise aboard a smaller vessel – offering a more immersive and less crowded way to experience the fjord’s dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife. Led by award-winning operators and knowledgeable local guides, each itinerary includes thoughtfully selected scenic stops along the way, with the option to return by scenic flight or helicopter for an unforgettable aerial view of Fiordland.
Let the pure air, crystal-clear waters and majestic scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site restore your inner balance, as you explore one of the world’s last true wildernesses.
Why Book Milford Sound Tours With Us
Only The Best
We handpick only the best tours with consistently excellent reviews
Trusted Local Operators
We partner exclusively with established and reputable tour providers
Guided Small Group Tours
Travel in comfort with experienced guides who share local insights and hidden gems
Easy & Secure Booking
Book with confidence - safe payments and friendly support
Getting There
Our Milford Sound tours offer convenient pick-up from either Queenstown or Te Anau, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure. Queenstown is approximately 287 kilometres (178 miles) from Milford Sound, while Te Anau is a closer 118 kilometres (73 miles) away, making both ideal starting points depending on your travel plans. The drive to Milford Sound is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful journeys in the world, winding through stunning Fiordland landscapes, majestic mountains and pristine wilderness.
For those looking to maximise their time and enjoy stunning aerial views, you can choose to add a return scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown. This spectacular flight option not only offers breathtaking perspectives of Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes but also cuts down travel time on the return journey.
Best Milford Sound Tours From Queenstown
Award-Winning Milford Sound Day Tours departing from Queenstown
Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
- Discover Fiordland’s stunning landscapes on this multi-award-winning fully-guided small group tour from Queenstown. Journey through iconic spots like Lake Te Anau, Mirror Lakes and Homer Tunnel before enjoying an intimate Milford Sound cruise with top-rated Cruise Milford. Hear fascinating stories from your expert guide and spot wildlife including seals and native birds.
- To: Milford Sound
- From: Queenstown (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 13 hours
- Price: From $329 NZD per adult
Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown: Bus - Cruise - Fly
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Join the ultimate day tour experience from Queenstown to Milford Sound - complete with small group tour, boutique cruise and scenic flight. Enjoy scenic stops at Lake Wakatipu, Devil’s Staircase, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn and the Homer Tunnel. Cruise Milford Sound on a smaller, more intimate boat with expert commentary and close wildlife encounters, including fur seals and waterfalls. Finish with a breathtaking scenic flight back to Queenstown for unforgettable aerial views.
- To: Milford Sound
- From: Queenstown (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 10 hours
- Price: From $749 NZD per adult
Milford Sound / Glass Roof Scenic Tour, Cruise & Helicopter
Experience Milford Sound in style with this small group day tour from Queenstown. Travel in a premium glass-roof Mercedes van along the stunning Milford Road, with multiple scenic stops and expert commentary. Enjoy a 1 hour 45 minute nature cruise through the dramatic fjord, spotting waterfalls and wildlife. Then take a breathtaking 45-minute helicopter flight back to Queenstown, including an alpine snow landing for unforgettable mountain views.
- To: Milford Sound
- From: Queenstown (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 9 hours
- Price: From $1,429 NZD per adult
Best Milford Sound Tours From Te Anau
Expertly curated Milford Sound Day Tours departing from Te Anau
Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Te Anau
- Join this fully guided small-group day tour from Te Anau to Milford Sound, featuring a boutique cruise with Cruise Milford, the No. 1 TripAdvisor rated operator. Travel through stunning Fiordland National Park with stops at Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel, while spotting wildlife like Kea parrots. The cruise offers close-up views of waterfalls, towering rock faces and fur seals. Return to Te Anau with additional scenic stops including The Chasm and Pop’s View.
- To: Milford Sound
- From: Te Anau (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 9 hours
- Price: From $260 NZD per adult
Milford Sound Fiordland Extraordinaire from Te Anau
- Travel the spectacular Milford Road with up to 17 scenic photo stops along the way. Enjoy local commentary, wildlife spotting including Keas, seals, dolphins and Fiordland Crested Penguins, plus a delicious morning tea featuring date scones. Optionally, take a stunning 30-minute nature walk at Cascade Creek to Marian Cascade waterfall. The tour includes a Milford Sound nature cruise on a comfortable boat capped at 75 passengers, with plenty of breaks and small, comfortable coaches limited to 16 guests.
- To: Milford Sound
- From: Te Anau (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 10 hours
- Price: From $269 NZD per adult
Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Te Anau: Bus - Cruise - Helicopter
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Discover the magic of Milford Sound on this small group tour from Te Anau. Travel in comfort along the stunning Milford Road with scenic stops and expert commentary. Cruise through towering cliffs and waterfalls on a boutique Milford Sound boat, spotting seals, dolphins and penguins. Then, soar back over Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes on a breathtaking helicopter flight. With a picnic lunch included and a focus on comfort and safety, this is the ultimate Milford Sound experience.
- To: Milford Sound
- From: Te Anau (return trip)
- Duration: Approx. 9 hours
- Price: From $1210 NZD per adult
How We Select Our Milford Sound Tours
Latest Milford Sound Updates 2025:
- Over 4,000 visitors per day visit Milford Sound in the peak season so a guided tour is recommended for a safe journey along unfamiliar roads and to limit congestion.
- Visitor numbers are expected to reach 1.2 million this season, highlighting the popularity of this world-class attraction.
- The best time to visit Milford Sound is during the summer months (December to February), however the area’s beauty is appreciated year-round, with rain adding to its dramatic scenery.
- Book early to secure your preferred tour date, especially during peak season (December to February).
At Retreats Abroad, we’re proud to partner with the best-rated Milford Sound tour operators – the Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown has been recognised with Tripadvisor’s prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ Travellers’ Choice Award in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022. This rare accolade places them among the top 1% of travel experiences worldwide. When you book with us, you can be confident you’ll be experiencing Milford Sound with world-leading operators. Expect small groups, unmatched service and a truly unforgettable adventure.
Milford Sound Tour FAQ
From Queenstown, the drive takes around 4 hours each way, while from Te Anau it’s about 2 hours. The tours featured on Retreats Abroad include scenic stops along the way, so the journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination.
The standard Milford Sound cruise lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, taking you past iconic landmarks such as Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls. You may also spot wildlife like seals, penguins and dolphins.
With fewer travellers on board, you’ll enjoy a more personal and relaxed experience. Our boutique cruises and premium vans ensure space, comfort and time to connect with the landscape without the crowds.
We offer departures from both Queenstown and Te Anau. You can choose the starting point that best suits your travel plans at the point of booking.
You’ll cruise aboard a smaller, boutique vessel designed for an intimate experience of the fjord. With open decks and spacious viewing areas, you’re free to take in the scenery up close.
Yes. Many guests choose to upgrade their return journey with a scenic flight or helicopter from Milford Sound back to Queenstown or Te Anau. It’s a spectacular way to see Fiordland from above.
Yes, booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak season (December to February).
Comfortable layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear and your camera. Milford Sound is famous for its waterfalls, so a light raincoat is always a good idea – rain often makes the fjord even more magical.
Some tours include snacks or light meals, while others allow you to bring your own. Full details are provided when booking, and dietary requirements can usually be accommodated.
Yes, children are welcome and our small group setting makes it a relaxed way for families to explore. However, the long travel time from Queenstown may be better suited to families with older kids.
Milford Sound is captivating year-round. Summer brings longer days and lush greenery, while autumn and winter often deliver crystal-clear skies and snow-dusted peaks. Rainfall can occur in any season, but it adds drama to the waterfalls.
Tours operate rain or shine. In fact, rainy days can be spectacular, with hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down the cliff faces.
Quite possibly. Milford Sound is home to fur seals, dolphins and the occasional Fiordland crested penguin. Sightings vary, but every journey offers something special.
Book now to secure your spot on our award-winning Milford Sound Tours
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