Combos

Combo (Save 16%) : Milford Sound & TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise Experience

4.9/5(2,035)

Upesh P

Family

Verified booking

Oct 2026

It was a great experience. The commentator was really knowledgeable about the area and was at time very funny. He kept everyone engaged during the trip. We were lucky to strike a nice stunning weather, were able to see the rare penguin, and seals. Unfortunately we were not able to spot any dolphins on the day. Also the on board the catering had excellent choice of fast food, with free tea or coffee. I would suggest everyone who visits Milford sound, should take this trip.

Arnelle H

Group

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Our cruise was fantastic! The boat was comfortable and provided excellent shelter from the rain, and the complimentary hot drinks were a lovely touch. A special mention to Morgan, one of the crew members, who went above and beyond to make our experience truly memorable. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, making the entire cruise an unforgettable experience. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment and would highly recommend it!

Mark P

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

Great day on the cruise , good English commentary of the sound formation and history of discovery. Seeing the penguin s leaving the nesting area and seals lazing in the sun in the rocks just made the day . The drive into Milford Sound is also spectacular in scenery with Keas at several of the stops keeping tourists entertained Would recommend to anyone interested in the great outdoors

Kenneth G

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

The boat captain and staff were very friendly and informative. We went up front during the cruise and the captain greeted us and talked to us for a while. The staff on the boat also came up to us to greet us and talked to us for a while. It was also a beautiful cruise. I would definitely do it again if we ever come back.

Graeme C

Couple

Verified booking

5 days ago

Exceptional cruise, with excellent commentary and history, service and crew was superb and exceeded expectations, although raining it only added to the fantastic views with a huge amount of waterfalls etc. We managed to see penguins and seals but no dolphins this time. Thank you for a wonderful time out on the water

Telma A

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

We loved the cruise. The boat is spacious, with many options to choose among confortable seats to places outside, were we could enjoy the wonderful landscape. The crew is very helpful and attentive to our needs. Helped us seen details on the way, throughout the wonderful Mildford Sound. We definitely recommend it!!!

Save with this combo and enjoy two iconic New Zealand cruises, Milford Sound and Lake Wakatipu, with scenic views and expert insights.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw with live commentary, alpine views, and full accessibility, ideal for a relaxed heritage experience.

Explore Milford Sound’s dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife on a 1-hour 45-minute cruise with decks, lounge access, and complimentary tea and coffee.

Expert commentary and a multilingual audio guide app across both cruises ensure a seamless, informative, and immersive journey.

Fun fact: Lake Wakatipu’s water level rises and falls every 25 minutes; locals call it the “heartbeat of a giant.”

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu

Live commentary on the cruise

Wheelchair accessible

Milford Sound Cruise

1 hr 45min Milford Sound cruise

Expert commentary

Complimentary tea & coffee

Access to outdoor viewing decks

Indoor heated lounge area

Multi-language audio guide app

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

Milford Sound Cruise

Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

2,035 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 36 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Mark P
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Great day on the cruise , good English commentary of the sound formation and history of discovery. Seeing the penguin s leaving the nesting area and seals lazing in the sun in the rocks just made the day . The drive into Milford Sound is also spectacular in scenery with Keas at several of the stops keeping tourists entertained Would recommend to anyone interested in the great outdoors
Telma A
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
We loved the cruise. The boat is spacious, with many options to choose among confortable seats to places outside, were we could enjoy the wonderful landscape. The crew is very helpful and attentive to our needs. Helped us seen details on the way, throughout the wonderful Mildford Sound. We definitely recommend it!!!
Upesh P
Family
Verified booking
Oct 2026
It was a great experience. The commentator was really knowledgeable about the area and was at time very funny. He kept everyone engaged during the trip. We were lucky to strike a nice stunning weather, were able to see the rare penguin, and seals. Unfortunately we were not able to spot any dolphins on the day. Also the on board the catering had excellent choice of fast food, with free tea or coffee. I would suggest everyone who visits Milford sound, should take this trip.
Arnelle H
Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Our cruise was fantastic! The boat was comfortable and provided excellent shelter from the rain, and the complimentary hot drinks were a lovely touch. A special mention to Morgan, one of the crew members, who went above and beyond to make our experience truly memorable. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, making the entire cruise an unforgettable experience. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment and would highly recommend it!
Kenneth G
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The boat captain and staff were very friendly and informative. We went up front during the cruise and the captain greeted us and talked to us for a while. The staff on the boat also came up to us to greet us and talked to us for a while. It was also a beautiful cruise. I would definitely do it again if we ever come back.

Save 5% with this combo and experience two of New Zealand’s most iconic cruises, Lake Wakatipu and Milford Sound, each with expert commentary.

Getting started Begin your adventure at Queenstown’s Steamer Wharf for your Lake Wakatipu cruise; arrive 20 minutes early for ticket scanning and minimal bag checks. For Milford Sound, head to the designated pier, present your ticket, and join a brief safety briefing before boarding.

What to expect TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise Cruise New Zealand’s third-largest lake, renowned for its lightning-bolt shape and the Remarkables mountain backdrop. Choose between the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship or the modern Spirit of Queenstown catamaran for a journey across forested hills and alpine peaks.

Features:

TSS Earnslaw cruise: Sail across Lake Wakatipu on a 90-minute journey aboard the iconic steamship with live commentary throughout.

Scenic lake views: Take in alpine landscapes and serene waters as you cruise, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Accessible experience: Wheelchair friendly facilities ensure a comfortable and inclusive cruise for all guests.

Milford Sound Cruise Sail through glacier-carved fjords, surrounded by sheer cliffs and lush rainforests in one of New Zealand’s most celebrated natural wonders. The cruise reveals the dramatic landscape shaped over millions of years.

Features:

Stirling and Bowen Falls: Marvel at waterfalls plunging from towering heights, a testament to the region’s rainfall and geology.

Mitre Peak: Capture views of this sharply rising peak, a signature icon of Milford Sound.

Wildlife spotting: Watch for native seals, dolphins, and, if you’re lucky, rare Fiordland crested penguins along the shoreline.

Onboard comfort: Relax with access to outdoor viewing decks, an indoor heated lounge, and complimentary tea and coffee.

By booking this combo, you enjoy seamless planning, expert-led insights, and a cost-saving way to experience two legendary South Island waterways in one trip.

What to bring

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

Bring covered shoes or boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing or jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.

Pack your medications—better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.

Bring a cash-free payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

Milford Sound Cruise

Bring covered shoes or boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing or jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.

Carry warm, weather-appropriate clothing and a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change quickly on the water.

Pack your medications—better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.

Bring a cash-free payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.

Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.

For the horse trekking experience, guests under the age of 7 years, under the height of 1.2m (3.94ft), and over the weight of 100kg (220.46lb) are not permitted.

Milford Sound Cruise

Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.

Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.

For the horse trekking experience, guests under the age of 7 years, under the height of 1.2m (3.94ft), and over the weight of 100kg (220.46lb) are not permitted.

Accessibility

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

The TSS Earnslaw, with its heritage design, may present some challenges for those with limited mobility or prams.

The Farm Tour involves walking on gravel paths, which may be challenging for wheelchair users. Those with impaired mobility should consider their comfort level before participating.

The restaurant for the BBQ dining is easily accessible, except for the short gravel path from the wharf, which may require assistance for some wheelchair users.

Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.

There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.

Milford Sound Cruise

Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.

There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.

The TSS Earnslaw, with its heritage design, may present some challenges for those with limited mobility or prams.

The Farm Tour involves walking on gravel paths, which may be challenging for wheelchair users. Those with impaired mobility should consider their comfort level before participating.

The restaurant for the BBQ dining is easily accessible, except for the short gravel path from the wharf, which may require assistance for some wheelchair users.

Additional information

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

The cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to poor weather, you will have the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.

The TSS Earnslaw is scheduled to undergo annual maintenance from May 19 to September 9, 2025.

Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.

Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.

Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Restrooms are available on board.

The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.

Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Milford Sound Cruise

Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.

Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.

The cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to poor weather, you will have the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.

The TSS Earnslaw is scheduled to undergo annual maintenance from May 19 to September 9, 2025.

Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Restrooms are available on board.

The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.

Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.