Milford Sound is a world-famous fiord in New Zealand’s South Island. Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park and is a sight that cannot be missed. Your jaw will drop as you take in all the beauty on this day tour with GreatSights as you are surrounded by rainforest, glacier-carved valleys, wildlife, and waterfalls. And I don’t mean just one waterfall, I’m talking waterfall after waterfall after waterfall. The day tour from Queenstown is an all day adventure and action packed, but totally worth it! You get to see so much in one day!
What’s Included:
- Full day tour
- Transportation in a glass roof coach bus (plus, the coach bus has wifi!)
- Pick up and drop off in Queenstown
- Scenic stops throughout the trip
- Fiordland National Park
- Milford Sound Boat cruise
- Lunch
What to Bring:
- Camera
- Jacket and/or rain jacket (weather can change fast, you never know!)
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Snacks (lunch is included, but just in case you get hungry on the way there or back)
- Money
Stop 1: Lake Te Anau
Your first stop is Lake Te Anau, which is the largest lake in the South Island. This is a quick stop where you can get out to stretch your legs, use a bathroom, and get a coffee/tea. After this stop you head to the gorgeous Fiordland National Park where your next stops will be before you get to your final destination!
Stop 2: Eglinton Valley
Eglinton Valley is truly a beautiful sight to see. You’ll find yourself in this huge, open space surrounded by mountains. Still a gorgeous view even with clouds in the sky! You get a few minutes here to takes some quick pictures before heading back to the bus.
Stop 3: Mirror Lakes
Mirror Lakes was one of my favorite stops! When the water is calm, the surrounding mountains reflect in the water and make for some amazing views and picture opportunities. You make your way along a boardwalk where you can see different lakes, viewpoints, and reflections.
Stop 4: Knobs Flat
Knobs Flat will be another stop where get a bathroom break along with a view! This is a quick stop until you continue on your way to Monkey Creek!
Stop 5: Monkey Creek
At Monkey Creek you will get the chance to drink some of the cleanest water in the world and it comes out of the creek! That’s how clean New Zealand’s water is, it’s amazing! You will also get to meet a Kea which is a native mountain parrot. They are very social and interested in people!
Monkey Creek 
Kea
Stop 6: Milford Sound
Once you arrive at Milford Sound, also known as the “eighth wonder of the world” you will get on your boat cruise and begin you 1 hour and 45 minute adventure. You will travel the length of the fiord all the way to the Tasman Sea. Along the way you will see huge rock walls, endless waterfalls, lush forest, and steep cliffs. You may even be fortunate enough to see seals, penguins, and/or dolphins! During your cruise you will also enjoy your buffet lunch or you can choose a Japanese or Indian lunch. Not going to lie, I went with the Indian lunch and it was delicious! This entire boat trip will have you exploding with joy as they views are out of this world! I have never seen so many waterfalls in my life.
About the Boat: Your boat is a huge three-level catamaran that has both outdoor decks and inside seating. From inside you can watch live outdoor footage from the HD screens. There is tons of space so you won’t feel overcrowded and there are plenty of viewpoints from the boat so you won’t miss a thing!
After your boat ride, you make your way back to the bus and start your long journey back to Queenstown. The entire ride to and from Milford Sound is filled with some of the most breathtaking scenery you will ever see. New Zealand exceeds my expectations every time I go and it is one of my favorite places in the world to visit! If you enjoy the outdoors, you will LOVE this country! If you are traveling throughout the North and South Island, check out by other blogs about New Zealand below:
- 10 Must Do Things in New Zealand
- Ernest Kemp Boat Cruise on Lake Taupo
- Hop On Beer Tours
- Top 10 Things to do in Queenstown
