Is food included on a Milford Sound cruise?
What each option actually feeds you
| Cruise | Food and drink |
|---|---|
| Small boat scenic cruise, $100 | Complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Food on board is not included |
| Catamaran nature cruise, $98 | Food and drinks available to buy on board |
| Coach and cruise from Queenstown, $172 | Licensed bar on board. Meals and drinks are excluded, so buy them on the day |
| Premium coach from Queenstown, $163 | Tea and coffee included. Lunch is an optional add-on when you book |
| Coach, cruise and walks from Te Anau, $162 | Packed picnic lunch included |
| Small-group tour from Queenstown, $217 | Picnic lunch with snacks and water included, plus an infant picnic lunch for ages 0 to 3 |
| Coach in, flight back, $531 | Picnic lunch of a chicken or vegetarian sandwich, cheese, crackers, chips, a slice and fruit, with tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water on board |
| Overnight cruise, $379 | Three-course buffet dinner and continental breakfast. Alcoholic and soft drinks are bought on board |
If you are driving yourself, buy lunch in Te Anau before you leave. There is no fuel between Te Anau and Milford Sound and the food options at the far end are limited and busy in the 11am to 1pm window.
Which one to book if lunch matters
The Te Anau coach trip at $162 includes a packed lunch and short walks, and the small-group tour at $217 includes a picnic with snacks and water plus an infant option. Both save you from the terminal queue at midday.
Frequently asked questions
Is lunch included on a Milford Sound day trip?
On some. The Te Anau coach trip, the Queenstown small-group tour and the coach-and-flight trip all include a picnic lunch. The premium Queenstown coach sells lunch as an add-on, and the standard coach and cruise day tour excludes meals entirely.
Can you buy food on the boat?
Yes on most. The catamaran has food and drinks available, the coach and cruise day tour has a licensed bar, and the small boat includes tea, coffee and hot chocolate without a food service. See all Milford Sound cruises for what each one carries.
What is not included in the Milford Sound cruise price?
Transport to the terminal on cruise-only tickets, meals on most options, gratuities, and the car park fee unless you are on the catamaran, which covers it. Parking is otherwise NZD 10 per hour before 3pm.