Milford Sound Coach, Cruise and Underwater Observatory with lunch ex Te Anau
Overview
Join us for the most in-depth and authentic Milford Sound day trip experience. The only day trip from Te Anau to include a visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory.
Explore Fiordland National Park on the most in-depth day trip experience from Te Anau. Sit back and relax as your expert driver navigates the Milford Road. Journey through spectacular natural landscapes as your local coach driver provides engaging and informative commentary and shows you the best short walks and photo stops along the way.
In Milford join our smaller boat, Milford Sound Discover More Cruise. Soak up breath-taking scenic views and get within touching distance of impressive rock walls and waterfalls. Our expert skippers specialist will share their local knowledge.
At the underwater observatory, descend 10 metres below the surface to check out the local sea life and rare black coral. A delicious picnic lunch is included.
Explore Fiordland National Park on the most in-depth day trip experience from Te Anau. Sit back and relax as your expert driver navigates the Milford Road. Journey through spectacular natural landscapes as your local coach driver provides engaging and informative commentary and shows you the best short walks and photo stops along the way.
In Milford join our smaller boat, Milford Sound Discover More Cruise. Soak up breath-taking scenic views and get within touching distance of impressive rock walls and waterfalls. Our expert skippers specialist will share their local knowledge.
At the underwater observatory, descend 10 metres below the surface to check out the local sea life and rare black coral. A delicious picnic lunch is included.
Inclusions
- Return transport from Te Anau to Milford Sound on premium coach
- Informative commentary provided by local coach driver.
- A two hour nature cruise is Milford Sound with commentary from your passionate skipper
- Visit to Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
- Freshly prepared picnic lunch with coffee and tea
- Entry/Admission - Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre
- Entry/Admission - Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Te Anau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Southland Region, South Island
Your journey starts here. Set off on a day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound and enjoy a more intimate experience of Milford Sound. Discover the native wildlife, towering waterfalls and majestic mountains of the fiord on an intimate cruise on a smaller boat.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Eglinton Valley, Milford Sound New Zealand
This beautiful valley is glaciated with steep sides and a flat floor. It's between half a kilometre to two kilometres wide and has a shingle riverbed floor, which is constantly being changed by the Eglinton River. This is an incredible stop you will make as apart of your journey to Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Mirror Lakes Walk, Milford Road, , Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Enjoy a stroll among small lakes with stunning reflections of the Earl Mountains, should weather be permissive on the day. This is an easy, short walk off the Milford Road.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Eglinton Valley Camp, 6178 Te Anau Milford Highway, Fiordland National Park 9679, New Zealand
Interpretation panels show the effect of avalanches on the Milford Road and provide information on the wildlife of the Eglinton Valley. Visitor amenities include toilets and a telephone (card payment only).
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Lake Gunn, State Highway 94, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Lake Gunn is a strikingly beautiful lake in the South Island of New Zealand.
Stop At: Monkey Creek, Milford Sound New Zealand
Take in great views of the upper Hollyford Valley while you fill up your water bottle from this glacier fed spring. Friendly Keas (a New Zealand alpine parrot) love this area so it's a great stop for some kea spotting.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Homer Tunnel, 94 S.h., Milford Sound New Zealand
At an altitude of 945 metres above sea level and 1.2 kilometres in length, the unlined road tunnel allows access through sheer rock to Milford Sound with a gradient of 1 in 10. Completed in 1953, traffic lights control the traffic flow through the tunnel. An incredible part of your journey along the Milford Road.
Pass By: Cleddau River, Southland 9679, New Zealand
The Cleddau River is a beautiful river of New Zealand. It flows into the head of Milford Sound. You'll see many parts of this river as you journey along the Milford Sound road.
Stop At: The Chasm Walk, State Highway 94, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand
Should weather and time permit, enjoy a short walk here as a part of your Milford Sound day trip with Southern Discoveries. Dramatic views of a rock chasm and waterfalls formed by the rushing waters of the Cleddau River. This is an easy walk along a well maintained trail and is approximately 20 minutes in length.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Te Anau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Southland Region, South Island
Te Anau is a beautiful town on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s known as a gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. The region is home to endangered, flightless takahē birds and abundant trout in Lake Te Anau. Enjoy a short break here on your way to Milford Sound, in order to break up the journey, grab a coffee, and stretch your legs.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre, Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound Highway 94, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand
Your nature experience starts here. Board your Southern Discoveries vessel and find a seat in front of one of the many full size windows as the beauty begins to unravel around you. Cruise on our small boat while our on board nature guide chats with you and answer questions. Drink glacial water, touch natural artifacts and get under massive waterfalls.
Duration: 2 hours
Pass By: Mitre Peak, Southland 9679, New Zealand
Mitre Peak is a beautifully dramatic mountain in the South Island of New Zealand, located on the shore of Milford Sound. It is one of the most photographed mountain peaks in the entire country.
Pass By: Stirling Falls, Milford Sound New Zealand
Milford’s second-highest waterfall is the Stirling Falls, a staggering 151m in height – three times the height of Niagara Falls, but the 1, 300m mountain behind displaces this incredible height. This is the famous waterfall that Hugh Jackman ‘jumped off’ in the movie Wolverine. The sheer drop of the Stirling Falls allows boats to get right underneath – it’s an incredible feeling to have the power of 151m worth of glacial water falling so close to you.
Stop At: Milford Sound, Milford Sound, Southland Region, South Island
Journey through spectacular landscapes as your experienced, local coach driver provides engaging and informative commentary. Take in some of the best photo stops and short walks on the road to Milford Sound.
Stop At: Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, Milford Wharf Harrison Cove, Milford Sound New Zealand
The adventure continues at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory where you can experience the amazing world beneath the surface. Descend 64 steps (10 metres) underwater into a large viewing area where windows open your eyes to this underwater haven.
Duration: 45 minutes
Pass By: Bowen Falls, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound 9679 New Zealand
The permanent Lady Bowen Falls is Milford’s highest waterfall at 162m. Not only breathtakingly beautiful, without it Milford Sound couldn’t operate; with it being their sole source of power and water. She quadruples in volume during Milford’s epic storms – one of the best ways to truly enjoy the falls is to stand on the foreshore to feel the spray.
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Te Anau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Southland Region, South Island
Your journey starts here. Set off on a day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound and enjoy a more intimate experience of Milford Sound. Discover the native wildlife, towering waterfalls and majestic mountains of the fiord on an intimate cruise on a smaller boat.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Eglinton Valley, Milford Sound New Zealand
This beautiful valley is glaciated with steep sides and a flat floor. It's between half a kilometre to two kilometres wide and has a shingle riverbed floor, which is constantly being changed by the Eglinton River. This is an incredible stop you will make as apart of your journey to Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Mirror Lakes Walk, Milford Road, , Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Enjoy a stroll among small lakes with stunning reflections of the Earl Mountains, should weather be permissive on the day. This is an easy, short walk off the Milford Road.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Eglinton Valley Camp, 6178 Te Anau Milford Highway, Fiordland National Park 9679, New Zealand
Interpretation panels show the effect of avalanches on the Milford Road and provide information on the wildlife of the Eglinton Valley. Visitor amenities include toilets and a telephone (card payment only).
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Lake Gunn, State Highway 94, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Lake Gunn is a strikingly beautiful lake in the South Island of New Zealand.
Stop At: Monkey Creek, Milford Sound New Zealand
Take in great views of the upper Hollyford Valley while you fill up your water bottle from this glacier fed spring. Friendly Keas (a New Zealand alpine parrot) love this area so it's a great stop for some kea spotting.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Homer Tunnel, 94 S.h., Milford Sound New Zealand
At an altitude of 945 metres above sea level and 1.2 kilometres in length, the unlined road tunnel allows access through sheer rock to Milford Sound with a gradient of 1 in 10. Completed in 1953, traffic lights control the traffic flow through the tunnel. An incredible part of your journey along the Milford Road.
Pass By: Cleddau River, Southland 9679, New Zealand
The Cleddau River is a beautiful river of New Zealand. It flows into the head of Milford Sound. You'll see many parts of this river as you journey along the Milford Sound road.
Stop At: The Chasm Walk, State Highway 94, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand
Should weather and time permit, enjoy a short walk here as a part of your Milford Sound day trip with Southern Discoveries. Dramatic views of a rock chasm and waterfalls formed by the rushing waters of the Cleddau River. This is an easy walk along a well maintained trail and is approximately 20 minutes in length.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Te Anau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Southland Region, South Island
Te Anau is a beautiful town on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s known as a gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. The region is home to endangered, flightless takahē birds and abundant trout in Lake Te Anau. Enjoy a short break here on your way to Milford Sound, in order to break up the journey, grab a coffee, and stretch your legs.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre, Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound Highway 94, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand
Your nature experience starts here. Board your Southern Discoveries vessel and find a seat in front of one of the many full size windows as the beauty begins to unravel around you. Cruise on our small boat while our on board nature guide chats with you and answer questions. Drink glacial water, touch natural artifacts and get under massive waterfalls.
Duration: 2 hours
Pass By: Mitre Peak, Southland 9679, New Zealand
Mitre Peak is a beautifully dramatic mountain in the South Island of New Zealand, located on the shore of Milford Sound. It is one of the most photographed mountain peaks in the entire country.
Pass By: Stirling Falls, Milford Sound New Zealand
Milford’s second-highest waterfall is the Stirling Falls, a staggering 151m in height – three times the height of Niagara Falls, but the 1, 300m mountain behind displaces this incredible height. This is the famous waterfall that Hugh Jackman ‘jumped off’ in the movie Wolverine. The sheer drop of the Stirling Falls allows boats to get right underneath – it’s an incredible feeling to have the power of 151m worth of glacial water falling so close to you.
Stop At: Milford Sound, Milford Sound, Southland Region, South Island
Journey through spectacular landscapes as your experienced, local coach driver provides engaging and informative commentary. Take in some of the best photo stops and short walks on the road to Milford Sound.
Stop At: Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, Milford Wharf Harrison Cove, Milford Sound New Zealand
The adventure continues at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory where you can experience the amazing world beneath the surface. Descend 64 steps (10 metres) underwater into a large viewing area where windows open your eyes to this underwater haven.
Duration: 45 minutes
Pass By: Bowen Falls, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound 9679 New Zealand
The permanent Lady Bowen Falls is Milford’s highest waterfall at 162m. Not only breathtakingly beautiful, without it Milford Sound couldn’t operate; with it being their sole source of power and water. She quadruples in volume during Milford’s epic storms – one of the best ways to truly enjoy the falls is to stand on the foreshore to feel the spray.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Appropriate child restraints are NOT provided by the operator. These must be provided by the parent or caregiver - without this you may be turned away and unable to travel - please be prepared.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Stroller accessible
- Sunscreen and insect repellent advisable
- Service animals allowed
- Most travelers can participate
- Coach commentary highlights. • Free Multi-language commentary app provides informative commentary along the Milford Sound road on our Coach. • It is recommended to download the app prior to the journey. It is available in English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, Korean (South Korea), Portuguese, Spanish • Includes 30 sections of commentary from Queenstown through to Milford Sound. • Guests are required to use their own headphones when using the app on the coach. We will be running a live English commentary and want to minimise disruption to other passengers. • The app is not available for the Cruise component.
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for travelers
- COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 49 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
77Nicp77
October 2023
Amazing experience. Although it was raining the scenery was still brilliant especially with the waterfalls. Originally I wasn’t going to get the coach but decided to and the whole process to change my booking was quick thanks to Jess who helped out booking. Our bus driver was a legend, Richard ma...
Amazing experience. Although it was raining the scenery was still brilliant especially with the waterfalls. Originally I wasn’t going to get the coach but decided to and the whole process to change my booking was quick thanks to Jess who helped out booking. Our bus driver was a legend, Richard made the whole tour even better by explaining some cool features along the way. The cruise was one of the best things I’ve ever done and I’ll be recommending this to everyone! Thankyou southern discoveries!dimplesbear
July 2023
We did this experience in the middle of winter and so glad that we decided to do the coach tour. It was really nice to be able to sit back and just enjoy the view, the ride and take it all in. Part of the road had been closed the day before due to snow and ice and we are use to icy roads but this...
We did this experience in the middle of winter and so glad that we decided to do the coach tour. It was really nice to be able to sit back and just enjoy the view, the ride and take it all in. Part of the road had been closed the day before due to snow and ice and we are use to icy roads but this was next level and glad to be not driving. The scenery is amazing, and our driver was friendly and knows the area. The cruise was great, and not many people on board so it was great to have space to move around and enjoy the time on the water. The underwater part was interesting and the water quite clear. It was a great experience and would recommend to others!Jo H
January 2023
Breathtaking views and stops via coach and cruise accompanied by informative commentaries, fascinating underwater observatory, great lunch, friendly staff, an upclose waterfall experience and best treat - 3 dusky dolphins (rare in Milford) that greeted and swam along us, and seals! Thanks so muc...
Breathtaking views and stops via coach and cruise accompanied by informative commentaries, fascinating underwater observatory, great lunch, friendly staff, an upclose waterfall experience and best treat - 3 dusky dolphins (rare in Milford) that greeted and swam along us, and seals! Thanks so much for an incredible trip!!! We were blessed with an unusual glorious sunny day which allowed us to see the distinct features of the fjord mountains as opposed to the mystical and grey version on a typical rainy day. Some great info on what and why's of them. The Observatory tour would have been great with a microphone / speaker and a system to organise the viewing as people weren't quite sure what to look out for, and were on top of each other. Otherwise, it was truly fascinating and great way to understand the works of the marine scientists. Our coach had a glass roof which gave us nice overhead views. The stops on the way were spaced well and incredible sights for photos. The ride may have been a bit bouncy and turns, but our 8 yr old managed well without getting sick. All the staff - from checkin, coach, cruise, and observatory - were very kind, friendly and helpful. They agreed to drop us off near our accommodation. The packed lunch was just right - light and balanced with sandwich, fruits, cookies, chips and chocolate, all Kiwi produced. Sunscreen a must on sunny day. Otherwise jacket. Insect repellant was useful at the jetty due to mozzies and sandflies which swarmed as we waited to board. Overall, a great experience worth doing.annabT6161SK
May 2022
There are probably half a dozen Milford Sound cruise providers, but only one that gives you the opportunity to see what lies beneath the Sound. Southern Discoveries is the only provider that has an under water observatory which allowed us to view aquatic wildlife from far below the surface. Thei...
There are probably half a dozen Milford Sound cruise providers, but only one that gives you the opportunity to see what lies beneath the Sound. Southern Discoveries is the only provider that has an under water observatory which allowed us to view aquatic wildlife from far below the surface. Their "Underwater Discovery Center" is the perfect combination of educational and experiential enjoyment. We highly recommend Southern Discoveries, not only for the wonderful informative cruise through Mildford Sound but also for the opportunity to experience what lies beneath.Debsta123
January 2022
What an amazing day. We had a great bus trip out there with Baa Baa giving us the commentary, an idyllic cruise with a delicious picnic lunch and then the discovery centre where we had the extra bonus of seeing a sunfish. The stops along the way were great for photo ops and the scenery was insane...
What an amazing day. We had a great bus trip out there with Baa Baa giving us the commentary, an idyllic cruise with a delicious picnic lunch and then the discovery centre where we had the extra bonus of seeing a sunfish. The stops along the way were great for photo ops and the scenery was insane. Thanks Southern Discoveries!!LikesToExploreNZer
October 2020
We had the boat to ourselves, Titi was an awesome, friendly guide. Picnic lunch was tasty and filling. The weather was wild and wet and added to the interest of the environment. Very cool visiting the underwater observatory.
We had the boat to ourselves, Titi was an awesome, friendly guide. Picnic lunch was tasty and filling. The weather was wild and wet and added to the interest of the environment. Very cool visiting the underwater observatory.