Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise, Ex Queenstown with Fly back

Q&A about Milford Sound Tour:
Q: Where does the Milford Sound cruise depart from?
A: All cruises in Milford Sound depart from the pier and return to the pier after the cruise. We have a dedicated customer service counter in the terminal building of the pier. If necessary, you can go there for consultation.

Q: Where will the one-day tour from Queenstown/Te Anau to Milford Sound stop?
A: After stopping for a rest at Lake Te Anau, the driver will stop at the classic attractions on the Milford Sound Highway, including: Eglinton Grasslands, Mirror Lake, Monkey Creek, Homer Tunnel, Rift Valley Trail, etc. For details, please click here

Q: How long does it take to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown?
A: Our panoramic bus takes about 4.5 to 5 hours one way (including rest stops). Self-driving depends on the weather, road conditions and the number of attractions you stop. For self-driving tourists who are not familiar with the road conditions, it is recommended to reserve more time to avoid delaying your trip.

Q: How long does it take to get to Milford Sound from Te Anau?
A: The whole journey is about 90 kilometers, and the driving time is about 2 hours, depending on the weather, road conditions and the number of attractions you stop at.

Q: Do you operate all year round?
A: Yes, our cruise operates every day, all year round

Q: What is the weather like in the sound?
A: Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in the world, with an average annual rainfall of 7 meters, and rain can reach 0.25 meters in 24 hours, creating hundreds of temporary waterfalls. Milford Sound is famous for its magnificent waterfalls and rainforests. The highest average temperature in summer (December to February) is 20 degrees, and the highest average temperature in winter (June to August) is 9 degrees. All our boats have very spacious interiors and comfortable seats, and they will ensure that the interior is warm in winter and cool in summer.

Q: What clothes should I wear when going to the sound?
A: The weather in the sound is very changeable, which is one of the reasons why it is so charming. Wear warm clothes, jackets and comfortable shoes according to the season. Raincoats are provided free of charge on our medium and small nature cruises.

Q: If you drive yourself, is there a parking lot?

A: Of course, and it is free. The self-driving parking lot is on the left hand side of the fjord cruise terminal. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the cruise terminal. It may take 15-30 minutes to find a parking space in the peak season. The cruise company also requires you to arrive 20 minutes before the cruise departure to exchange tickets, so please calculate the time.

Q: Is it easy to find it for the first time?

A: It is very easy, it is at the end of Highway 94. If you are not sure, you can also set the navigation to Milford Sound Public Carpark, or Milford Sound Airport and then drive two minutes forward. You can also set the Milford Sound Terminal to park in the parking lot on the left hand side when you are about to arrive. Please use your GPS to master it flexibly.

Q: Is there a restaurant in the fjord?

A: Yes, it is just opposite the self-drive parking lot, called the Discover Milford Sound Information Centre & Café

Q: I heard there is no signal inside?

A: Yes, there is no signal after driving for more than 10 minutes after arriving in Te Anau. It is a national park, so you can get away from modern life and enjoy the tranquility. If you need WiFi, you can buy it at the visitor center opposite the parking lot.

Q: Do you have barrier-free facilities?

A: There are special parking spaces outside the Fiordland Cruise Terminal, special toilets inside the Fiordland Cruise Terminal, and our scenic sightseeing cruise has barrier-free access, and wheelchairs can enter and exit without barriers.

Q: Can I see wild animals?

A: Milford Sound has a large number of wild animals, and it is also the home of New Zealand oilskin seals and bottlenose dolphins. You can often see seals and dolphins showing off their love. The world's rare dusky dolphins also swim in the fiordland, and the world's rare Fiordland crested penguins also appear here. Although there are often wild animals in the sound, they appear and disappear according to their mood. Go to the underwater observatory in the sound, you will be able to see more marine life underwater, and there will be a 360-degree panoramic viewing experience.

Q: Why is Stirling Falls so famous?

A: Because Stirling Falls is formed by the melting of pure glacial water. The ancient legend is that taking a dip in it can make you ten years younger.

Q: Where are the Milford Sound Discovery Center and the Underwater Observatory?

A: In Harrison Bay, it is a 10-minute boat ride from the cruise terminal and can only be reached by boat. Take a cruise and get off here. After the tour, the next cruise will take you back to the terminal.

Q: Where does the kayaking depart from?

A: From the Discovery Center.

Q: I have no experience and I can't swim. Can I play kayaking?

A: No problem! One hour of kayaking in Harrison Bay, where the wind and waves are calm, we provide life jackets and there are guides. You can also choose a double kayak, the key is that the scenery is super beautiful, the photos are super good, and it doesn't take a lot of effort!

Q: Can I still play kayaking on rainy days?
A: Of course! It's a different feeling when it's cloudy and rainy. The kayaking guide is an experienced driver and will ensure everyone's safety.

Q: Do you need to bring special equipment for kayaking?
A: We recommend that you dress casually and add or remove clothes appropriately according to the weather. When the sun is shining, please prepare sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. On rainy days, we will prepare raincoats for you.

Q: Do you provide towels?
A: Yes! After the kayaking activity, we will prepare towels for each guest, and there are also changing rooms. It is recommended that you bring a change of clothes to avoid getting your clothes wet during the tour.

Q: Can I take a camera or mobile phone to take pictures when kayaking?
A: Of course! We have prepared a moisture-proof bag for each guest

Q: Is there anything I should pay attention to when going to the fjord?
A: Make sure your camera or phone is fully charged. Of course, it would be better to bring a power bank. Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen. Self-driving guests must remember to stop in Te Anau, as oil is in short supply in the Fiordland. Also remember to book tickets in advance. Imagine driving 5 hours to find that the boat tickets are sold out.

Scenic flight terms & conditions
• Child discount: 2 to 12 years old; under 2 years old, if the operator allows, can sit on the parent or adult’s lap for free.
• Depending on the weather and other uncontrollable factors on the day of the activity, the flight may be cancelled or delayed by the operator. In this case, passengers can reschedule or refund free of charge.
• The actual flight route, flight time and landing may be slightly adjusted by the pilot according to the weather and environmental factors on the day.
• Free pick-up and drop-off will be provided for hotels/homestays in Queenstown city upon request. Additional charges may be charged for suburban areas such as Arrow town, Glenorchy and Arthur’s Point.
• The ticket price is inclusive of taxes.
• Actual prices and operating hours may vary slightly, please refer to the final booking confirmation. If necessary, please call +64 3 441 1137 for consultation.