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Milford Sound tour comparison (departing Queenstown)

Many of our members plan trips to New Zealand knowing the Milford Sound is on the very top of their travel wish list.

With so many tours heading to Milford though, which one is right for you?

We’ll help you decide which tour company to book on your trip departing from Queenstown for the 8th Wonder of the World – Piopiotahi Milford Sound

When you book through our links, you’ll often get a discount and we may earn a commission. Your support also allows us to run our Facebook communities and create helpful content at no cost to you. Thank you!

The following chart is organised in order of tour size. All of these companies offer fully-guided tours departing from Queenstown to Milford, returning the same day. Your cruise ticket is included in the price.

If you want to drive yourself and only need to book a scenic cruise, check out our boat comparison.


All of the tours are amazing, but to help you pick, ⭐️ = an NZTT favourite. 💸 = lowest price.

Company

Tour type

Max pax in van/coach

Cruise company (max. pax)

Tour includes

Departure times

Adult prices starting from (NZD)

Book with your discount

Luxe Tours ⭐️⭐️

Spacious, premium small-group van

13

RealNZ: Milford Haven (180)

Premium van with fewer seats (60% more leg room). They also recline, have extra padding and are 20% wider. Plus receive a plant-based water bottle, unlimited chilled water, and baking for afternoon tea.

7.30 am

$350.10 with promo codeNZTT10

Altitude Tours: Scenic Tour & cruise ⭐️

Premium small-group van (optional glass roof upgrade)

15

Cruise Milford (75) or Mitre Peak (60-75 depending on boat)

Picnic lunch. Coffee, tea and biscuits [during sailing].

6.30 am (with glass roof upgrade) or 7.30 am (standard). Plus 6 am early-bird (Dec – Mar)

$341.10 with promo codeNZTT10

Altitude Tours x RealNZ: Business Class ⭐️

Premium small-group van with glass roof

15

RealNZ: MV Sinbad (45)

Barista-made coffee and fresh pastries. Seasonal five-course tasting menu, with sparkling wine.

7.00 am

$699

Cheeky Kiwi ⭐️

Small-group van

16

Cruise Milford (75)

Picnic lunch. Coffee, tea and biscuits [during sailing].

6.30 am and 7.30 am

$336.60 with promo codeNZTT10

Mitre Peak

Small-group van: Altitude Tours

16

Mitre Peak Cruises (60-75 depending on the boat)

Tea and coffee [during sailing]

7.00 am

$350.10 with promo codeNZTT10

Pure Milford 💸

Coach

53

Pure Milford: Gem of the Sound (160) or Maiden of Milford (240)

Tea and coffee [during sailing]

7.15 am all year. Plus 5.45 am & 8.15 am peak season

$220.50 with promo codeNZTT

RealNZ ⭐️

Coach with glass roof

80

RealNZ: Haven (180), Sovereign (280), Mariner (120) or Monarch (280)

Varied, see our cruise comparison

6.45 am (Haven), 6.55 am (Sovereign), 6.55 am (Mariner), 7.35 am (Monarch)

$262.80 with promo codeNZTT10

Southern Discoveries

Coach with glass roof

39 – 48

Southern Discoveries: Pride of Milford (300), Spirit of Milford (180), Lady Bowen (75), Lady Stirling (45)

Tea and coffee [during sailing]. Free multilingual commentary app. Option of the Coach & Discover More Cruise which has an onboard nature guide. 

6.30am and 7.00 am

$233.10 with promo codeNZTT10

New Zealand can be expensive

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