From Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach Tour

Travel to Fiordland
in a glass-roof coach

Depart from the InterCity bus stop on Athol Street in Queenstown and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, across southern farmland, to Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. Stop in Te Anau for about 30 minutes for morning tea (at your own expense).

From the glass-roof coach, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding scenery while your driver-guide provides commentary throughout the day.

Take photos at Mirror Lakes and the Eglinton Valley

Enter the scenic Eglinton Valley with its ancient beech forest and cascading waterfalls. One of the few glacier-carved valleys in New Zealand accessible by road, it offers photo stops at highlights such as Mirror Lakes, where the mountains reflect on still water, and Knobs Flat, formed by ancient glaciers.

Cross the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, stop at Monkey Creek to taste the pure water and perhaps spot the kea, a native mountain parrot. Pass through the 1.2 km Homer Tunnel carved through solid rock and descend through lush native forest to Milford Sound.

Cruise the fiord on the Pride of Milford

At Milford Sound, board the Pride of Milford for a 1-hour 45-minute cruise. Pass glacier-carved rock walls, cascading waterfalls and steep rainforest-covered cliffs, and admire Mitre Peak rising 1,692 m above sea level. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins.

The multi-level catamaran has spacious outdoor decks for close-up views and indoor seating with wide front windows, so you can enjoy the scenery in any weather. The skipper shares commentary on the area's history and natural wonders, and if you choose a picnic lunch or lunch buffet option, you dine on board. After the cruise, stop in Te Anau for about 15 minutes before returning to Queenstown.

※ Wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins lives in the wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
※ The itinerary may change depending on local conditions.