Cruise liners do not dock in Milford Sound - they just float around in and out. We did a coach trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound and opted for the add on to fly back to Queenstown which was the experience of a life time. But unless you bribe the Captain - - Cruises around NZ take you within all the attractions ( coach trip) except for Queenstown. Suggest you leave the liner at the end and fly to Queenstown if you really want to go there and hire a car and drive to Christchurch (days drive) or up the west coast. Roads in Nz at red ok but take twice as long as you think (hills & bends)

Nfi?

Take a tour, sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Yes, it’s safe to drive up yourself. You can stopped along the way at scenic spots. The only issues you need to take note is part of the route is through a tunnel are subject to weather conditions. Check the day before at Te Anua info centre for further info. Ensure you have full tank of petrol. Parking onsite will cost you but there is free parking just before you get to Milford Sound & a shuttle bus service picks you up & drops off free of charge. Well worth the trip.

I think you can do it, the crew seemed helpful for some when I was there and helped them on and off the boat. There might be some discomfort getting on and off, but go for it!

Hi i drove there in early December and it was beautiful the weather can be changeable so keep your eye on the reports in november but don't miss it, its a fantastic drive through the rainforest with views to die for, don't forget to stop as many places enroute as possible hopefully get some Kea encounters they are such amazing birds, the area just before the tunnel is a good Kea place, choose a sunny day for the best views but go anyway its brilliant, I choose the milford cruise company for the sound its a smaller vessel and less crowds only 12 other people on our trip would recommend it highly, try and stay in Te Anau the night before so you can get an early start, good pubs there and places to eat, and petrol, if you go early you will miss the crowds and have the road to yourself, Heaven !!!

It is approximately a 3hrs drive from Dunedin so working backwards with what you want to do, would suggest you leave Dunedin by 6 am and maximise your day. You will be able to do both the activities also there will be less traffic and roadwork stoppages

You can visit all year round, but I would suggest you stay in Teanu and do the coach and cruise that way you get to see all the awesome views there and back plus the coach stops numerous times for photo opportunities

There i no wifi on board the vessels. The views are fantastic. Enjoy the cruise and disconnect.