Milford Sound Day Trip: Scenic Cruise & Glass-Roof Coach

Summary

Queenstown to Milford Sound with wild fiord views, waterfalls and glacier water stops

You’ll leave Queenstown early for a winding day trip to Milford Sound with glass-roof coach views, photo stops at Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek (yes, you can drink glacier water), plus a scenic cruise beneath crashing waterfalls with lunch included. It’s not just about scenery — you’ll feel part of something wild and old.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush — that odd quiet you get as the coach pulls away from Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu right there, all glassy blue and wrinkled by wind. Our driver, Pete (who wore shorts even though it was freezing), pointed out the way the mountains folded around the lake like someone tucking in a blanket. I tried to take photos but mostly just stared out the window. It’s a long drive but somehow never dull — sheep everywhere, clouds snagged on peaks, the odd burst of sun through mist. Someone behind me kept humming softly; it fit.

We stopped at Mirror Lakes and I almost laughed — they really do look like mirrors when the light hits right. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic, like wet stone. Pete told us Maori used to come here for pounamu (greenstone), and he held up a tiny piece he’d found years ago. Then came Homer Tunnel — honestly, I didn’t expect it to feel so dramatic: headlights bouncing off rock walls, everyone suddenly quiet except for a kid who whispered “are we under a mountain?” After that we filled our bottles at Monkey Creek; glacier water tastes cold in a different way, if that makes sense.

The Milford Sound cruise itself is… well, it’s hard to pin down. Rain started just as we boarded (Pete said that’s normal) so waterfalls poured off every ledge. The boat got close enough that spray hit my face and my glasses fogged up. There was this moment where everyone went silent watching Mitre Peak disappear into low cloud — no one even reached for their phones. Lunch was simple but good; sandwiches taste better when you’re cold and surrounded by cliffs. I still think about how small I felt out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Milford Sound scenic day tour

• Depart Queenstown with lake views
• Stop at Mirror Lakes for photos
• Photo stop at Homer Tunnel
• Refill water bottles at Monkey Creek
• Enjoy Milford Sound scenic cruise with lunch

Top questions

How long does the Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown take?

The full day trip usually takes around 12–13 hours including all stops and the cruise.

Is lunch included on this Milford Sound tour?

Yes, a picnic lunch is included during the Milford Sound scenic cruise.

Are hotel pickups available in Queenstown?

Hotel transfers are included for selected properties in Queenstown.

Can children join this Milford Sound day tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

What sights are visited on this day trip?

You’ll see Lake Wakatipu, Mirror Lakes Walk, Homer Tunnel (weather permitting), Monkey Creek, and Milford Sound itself.

Is there WiFi on the coach from Queenstown?

Yes, free WiFi is available on the glass-roof coach during your journey.

Will I see waterfalls at Milford Sound?

Yes, especially if it rains — waterfalls cascade down cliffs throughout Milford Sound during your cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from selected Queenstown properties, transport in a glass-roof coach with free WiFi for those who want it (though honestly you might just watch out the window), all entry fees along the way, fresh glacier water stops at Monkey Creek if you’re keen to fill your bottle, a scenic boat cruise through Milford Sound itself with plenty of time outside or inside depending on weather, plus a picnic lunch served onboard before heading back in the evening.