New Zealand · FIORDLAND TOURS

The 15 Best Fiordland Tours & Cruises

60 tours  ·  from $47

Fiordland is 1.2 million hectares with two roads into it. The 15 below cover Milford, Doubtful Sound and the Te Anau glow-worm caves, with prices, departure points and which ones need a whole day rather than half of one.

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown - From Queenstown to Lake Te Anau
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Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

1.Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,001 reviews · from $216Our pick

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 15, with hotel pickup, live commentary, scenic stops, snacks, lunch, and a two-hour Cruise Milford sailing. Guides such as Andy, Jess, Joe, and Danny bring Fiordland’s geology and Māori stories to life.

“The day started early and it's quite a long drive there and back but we did get to stop along the way to grab a quick bite. Our guide/driver was Jess and she was awesome! She provided lots of information and history about New Zealand and tried to keep us interested during our long journey. Once we arrived, we did the Milford Sound cruise (which includes lunch on the boat). It was an amazing experience and the views are incredible. This tour provides an easy way to see Milford Sound although if you're prone to car sickness, I would recommend taking something for that as as times it is quite…”

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Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience - The first views: cliffs, water, and Mitre Peak
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Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

2.Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,930 reviews · from $111

Cruise Milford NZ takes you around Milford Sound for about 1 hour 45 minutes on a boat limited to half capacity. Expect lounge-style cabin seating, skipper commentary, tea, coffee, biscuits, close views of waterfalls, Mitre Peak, seals, dolphins, and possible penguins.

“Difficult to get from free car park to ferry - you need to set up a mini bus or similar to assist GCT”

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Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour - The 30-minute cruise across Lake Te Anau
Fiordland Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waitomo Tours

Te Anau: Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

3.Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,611 reviews · 2h 15m · from $77Best value

Cruise from Te Anau across Lake Te Anau, walk through young limestone caves with waterfalls and whirlpools, then ride a small boat beneath the glowworms. Guides such as Emma, Nathan, and Alex have led recent departures. Allow 135 minutes, bring sturdy shoes, and leave your camera behind.

“Enjoyed the whole experience our guide was very informative. The only downside was the sand flies but i would recommend this activity.”

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Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise - From Milford Sound Wharf to Mitre Peak
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews

Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise

4.2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,561 reviews · 2 hours · from $101

Cruise Milford Sound aboard Mitre Peak Cruises’ smaller vessel for two hours of close-up views of Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, seals, dolphins, and seasonal penguins. Your skipper provides live commentary, with indoor seating, outdoor decks, and complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.

“Our boat trip was absolutely sensational! The skipper was amazing - so entertaining and not to mention the driving skills - we got sooo close to the falls and cliffs it was edge of the seat breathtaking!! We even spotted seals and took off to see them slumming it out in the rocks. An overall gorgeous trip we will never forget.”

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From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip - Starting at Manapouri and crossing the lake
1-Day Tours, Doubtful Sound Cruises, Fiordland Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews

From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip

5.From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,621 reviews · 7 hours · from $208

You’ll cross Lake Manapouri, ride a coach through rainforest over Wilmot Pass, then board the Patea Explorer for a three-hour Doubtful Sound cruise. English-speaking guides explain the fiord’s wildlife and weather. Look for dolphins, fur seals, and crested penguins, but pack for rain.

“Well organised trip with fun and knowledgable guides. Ship was well maintained and had a good variety of food and drink onboard. Plenty of viewing areas inside and outside for all passengers - boat wasn’t overcrowded, felt comfortable. Doubtful sound itself was beautiful, not as many dramatic waterfalls as Milford sound, however, still scenic and a thoroughly enjoyable day nonetheless. Beautiful views when driving across Wilmot’s Pass and plenty of opportunities to jump out and take pictures.”

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2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise - From the Visitor Centre to the heart of the fjord
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews

2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

6.2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,520 reviews · from $104

Cruise Milford Sound from the Visitor Centre toward the Tasman Sea, passing Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, and Mt. Pembroke. A smaller boat brings you closer to waterfalls and wildlife, while live commentary explains Fiordland’s geology, history, and Māori heritage. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are included.

“My family enjoyed this tour. I booked with this company as it's advertised as less people on the boat than some of the bigger boats. The tour was fully booked as it was over the holidays, but it was still pleasant. We found a seat on the top Read more”

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Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau - Mirror Lakes and the first views of Fiordland
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Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

7.Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,198 reviews · from $185

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 16, with guides such as Tania, Andy, Gary, and Allan sharing local stories along the Milford Road. Stop at Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, and mountain viewpoints before a two-hour cruise past waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and penguins.

“We got picked up from our airbnb on the outskirts of town and taken to several stops along the route to Milford Sound. Allan was very informative which made the trip fly by. The packed lunch was more than just a sandwich with a packet of crisps, apple, crackers and chocolate also provided. All in all, this was a very good tour and would highly recommend.”

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Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran - Boarding a roomy, modern catamaran
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Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

8.Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,006 reviews · 1h 45m · from $92

Spend 105 minutes aboard Pure Milford’s modern catamaran, cruising from the visitor centre through Milford Sound and out toward the Tasman Sea. Enjoy three levels of seating, large windows, viewing decks, live commentary, and a chance to see seals, dolphins, waterfalls, and Fiordland crested penguins.

“Great boat with excellent commentary from a knowledgeable skipper who had a great sense of humour.”

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Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour - What happens at Cavern House
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Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

9.Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 960 reviews · from $80

Cruise Lake Te Anau aboard the Luminosa, cross to Cavern House, then follow a guide through wet, low cave passages and drift by punt beneath glowing worms. Guides such as Anne and Emmy have been praised for clear, friendly talks. Tea and coffee are included, and the tour returns to Te Anau.

“Very well run. Magical experience for the whole family. We totally enjoyed it. Highly recommend it for anyone coming to this part of the world.”

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise - The Milford Road is more than a transfer
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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise

10.Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 868 reviews · 8 hours · from $110

Travel from Te Anau through Fiordland with guides such as Sebastian, Scarlet, and Brendan, stopping for photos and short walks before a full Milford Sound cruise. Expect a comfortable coach, picnic lunch, free hot drinks, live commentary, and about eight hours of spectacular scenery.

“A little stressful to start as bus was running late due to road works and being picked up in Te Anua meant we weren’t sure if we had somehow missed our tour as most people get on in Queenstown. The rest of the tour ran very smoothly. Brendan our guide was super, very knowledgeable and entertaining. We had plenty of stops to break up the journey so it didn’t even feel that long. Bus itself very comfortable with chargers built in and an on board toilet. Surprisingly good packed lunch provided. Free tea and coffee on the boat also. The cruise itself was fantastic, very smooth despite the wild weather…”

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks - The Milford Road is part of the attraction
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks

11.Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 845 reviews · 1 day · from $164

Travel from Te Anau in a small van with a local nature guide, stopping at Lake Gunn, Hollyford Valley, Marian Gantry, and other scenic spots before a two-hour Milford Sound cruise. Expect a packed lunch, short forest walks, wildlife opportunities, and flexible plans shaped by weather.

“It was fantastic. Andrew was a brilliant guide his knowledge on the area was amazing. He was very helpful and polite. The walks he took us on where amazing - showing us the best places to stop in the area and giving us a brief history of the areas. Andrew could call each of the travellers by name, and made sure everyone was enjoying their day out. Definitely book the Milford Sound Tour with them - it was an amazing day out. One of the best day tours I have ever done. Thanks.”

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Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau - Eglinton Valley and the first Fiordland views
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Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

12.Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 755 reviews · from $185

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound with a guide such as Steve or Jeremy, stopping at Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, the Homer Tunnel, and more. The small-group tour includes transport, picnic lunch, snacks, water, and a two-hour Milford Sound cruise on a smaller boat.

“It was a distinct advantage in starting this tour from Te Anau early as it meant we missed the crowds arriving from Queenstown at Milford Sound This was exceptional value for money with Steve, our driver and tour guide being very informative, friendly and helpful. We had the opportunity of several photo opportunity stops to take in the fantastic scenery and we were blessed with lovely sunny weather both on the tour and on the Milford Sound scenic boat journey.”

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Milford Sound: Nature Cruise - Grand Views & Optional Lunch - Boarding at Freshwater Basin
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Milford Sound: Nature Cruise – Grand Views & Optional Lunch

13.Nature Cruise – Grand Views & Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 723 reviews · 90 - 135 minutes · from $98

Take a 90 to 135 minute Milford Sound cruise with Southern Discoveries, sailing past Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls, and Copper Point. Choose open-air or indoor viewing, hear live English commentary, and watch for seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Optional picnic or buffet lunch is available.

“Milford sound was a great experience. The Southern Discoveries cruise did a great job showing all the key viewing points. The English tour guide was excellent. The experience is humbling.”

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip - Mirror Lakes reward a quick stop
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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

14.Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 717 reviews · 7h 30m · from $136

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound by glass-roof coach with local guides such as Dean, Simon, or Johnny, stopping at Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek before a two-hour cruise beneath cliffs and waterfalls. Food is available onboard, but bring warm waterproof clothing and allow about eight hours.

“Andrea our tour guide was excellent who gave us a lot of information about the local town flora n fauna . She has worked on the cruise n lived in Te anau so her knowledge was really good . Cruise was very spacious , peaceful and had a great time enjoying the views , captain was excellent.”

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Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau - Eglinton Valley brings the big views
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Full-Day, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

15.Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 712 reviews · from $192

Travel from Te Anau through Fiordland with a local guide such as Jacob, Helen, Geoff, or Hari. Expect frequent photo stops, short forest and alpine walks, a picnic lunch, and a two-hour small-boat cruise from Milford Sound toward the Tasman Sea.

“This is a long 2-2 hours bus trip to the Milford Sound from Te Anau, but it worth everything. The Guide was very informative, and the bus stops were very nice. The Milford Sound fjord cruise was excellent”

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New in Fiordland Tours

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