Journey into the otherworldly beauty of Milford Sound, where towering waterfalls, ancient rainforest and glacier-carved cliffs meet in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Our curated small group tours from Queenstown and Te Anau to Milford Sound combine comfortable travel in a premium 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
Curated for quality
We only feature Milford Sound 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
Year-Round Tours
Our top-rated Milford Sound Tours run in every season, rain or shine
Best Price Guarantee
Book with confidence knowing you’re getting the best rate available
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 Tours 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 two outstanding tour operators for our Milford Sound Tours – both recognised with Tripadvisor’s prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ Travellers’ Choice Award in 2024. 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
Milford Sound is accessible via guided tour experiences or self-drive options. Our tours include transport from Queenstown or Te Anau, a scenic cruise on the fiord and expert commentary throughout the journey.
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.
Most cruise operators offer wheelchair-accessible vessels, but it’s best to check with your specific tour provider
Some tours include meals or picnic lunches. Check your specific tour package for details.
Wear warm, waterproof clothing (it can rain frequently), comfortable walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, insect repellent and your camera.
Yes, overnight cruises are available, offering a unique perspective of the fiord at dawn and dusk.
Yes, booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak season (December to February).
There are generally no age restrictions, but check with your tour operator for specific policies.
Yes, photography is allowed and encouraged throughout the tour.
Tours operate rain or shine. In fact, rainy days can be spectacular, with hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down the cliff faces.
Book now to secure your spot on our award-winning Milford Sound Tours
We'll ensure you experience New Zealand's Best of the Best
Why Retreats Abroad
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Restore While You Explore
Discover the perfect balance of rejuvenation and adventure