New Zealand Milford Sound 1-day tour RealNZ Monarch and Haven Queenstown Te Anau round-trip

Q: What is the difference between the Milford Sound Scenic Cruise and the Nature Discovery Cruise?

A: Both follow the same sailing route. The scenic cruise offers multilingual commentary, multiple lunch options, and a comfortable sightseeing experience on a luxurious boat, with a duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes—shorter than the 2-hour-30-minute nature exploration cruise. The nature exploration cruise provides only English commentary, features an onboard natural guide, serves a simple lunch, and operates on a smaller vessel.

Q: How long does it take to get to Milford Sound?

A: Milford Sound is approximately a 5-6 hour drive from Queenstown and about a 3-hour drive from Te Anau. Please note there are no gas stations along the route from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

Q: Where can I park and check in upon arrival at Milford Sound?

A: Milford Sound has a free parking lot. Visitors should allow 45 minutes for parking and proceed to the visitor center for ticket redemption and boarding. Check-in and boarding must be completed at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Q: Does Milford Sound have storage lockers?

A: There are lockers at the Milford Sound Visitor Center, but the quantity is limited.

Q: Can you pick me up from my hotel in Queenstown or Te Anau?

A: If you have booked our bus to Milford Sound, we will pick you up from the vast majority of hotels in Queenstown or Te Anau. When making your reservation, please provide the address of the hotel where you'd like to be picked up, or you can meet us at the local visitor center for departure.

Q: When should I arrive at the meeting point?

A: Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled booking time, and board the ferry no later than 20 minutes before departure. From January to April is the peak activity season, please allow 45 minutes for parking and proceed to the visitor center for ticket redemption and boarding.

Q: What do I need to bring?

A: Items you need to bring: non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/blanket/coat, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent, and camera.