10 Things That Could Go Wrong With a Luxe Milford Sound Tour

It's natural to have questions or concerns when deciding whether to take a Milford Sound tour. We believe in addressing these openly and honestly so you can make a confident, informed decision.

With over 600 tours behind us, we've developed reliable solutions to keep your journey smooth and enjoyable.

This guide walks you through ten potential challenges you might face on a Luxe Milford Sound tour and explains how our experienced team manages each one.

What tour are we referring to here?

Key Takeaways

• Motion sickness and weather concerns are managed through flexible seating arrangements, frequent stops, spare gear, and prioritising comfort.
  

• Road closures and missed cruises are handled with advance notice, alternative options, and strong relationships with other organisations.
  

• Mechanical issues and accidents are prevented through maintenance and managed by experienced teams.
  

• Scenery expectations, sandflies, and group dynamics are managed through guide expertise and small group flexibility.
  

• All guides receive the same training and bring equal passion and enthusiasm to every tour.
  

1. You Get Motion Sickness 

If you’re prone to motion sickness, you’re not alone. The road to Milford Sound includes winding stretches, and many travellers wonder how they’ll handle the journey, especially when they’re not in control of the driving or can’t choose when to stop.

How We Handle It

Some of our team are prone to motion sickness themselves, so we understand how unpleasant it can be. That’s why our guides always focus on comfort first, ensuring they’re driving smoothly and safely, and never rushing to stick to a rigid timetable.

You are welcome to request a front seat for better road visibility, which often makes a big difference.

If multiple guests want a front seat, we can rotate throughout the trip.

Our tours include several stops on the way to Milford Sound, and most guests find they experience less motion sickness than expected.

We leave early to allow extra time for fresh-air breaks if needed, and our small group size lets us stay flexible to ensure everyone’s comfort.

See our article here specifically on travel sickness.

2. It’s Pouring With Rain 

While many locals will tell you that rain enhances the Milford Sound experience, not everyone enjoys being outdoors in wet conditions.

As one of New Zealand’s wettest places, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter some rain during your visit to Milford Sound.

We can’t control the weather, and some guests simply prefer to stay dry, no matter how amazing the waterfalls and scenery look in the rain. Cold, wet days can feel uncomfortable for some people, and that’s okay.

How We Handle It

Every van carries spare waterproof jackets for anyone who needs extra coverage. We also have towels on board for drying off if needed.

On cold days, we provide reusable hand warmers to keep you comfortable. You’re never obliged to leave the van during the tour stops.

On the cruise, Luxe Tours guests have reserved indoor seating, so you’ll always have a warm, dry spot to enjoy the views.

3. The Milford Road Is Closed

The road to Milford Sound can close unexpectedly due to heavy snow, unsafe driving conditions, or avalanche risk, especially during winter months. These closures, sometimes with little notice, can disrupt plans and cause uncertainty around your tour.

The Milford Road Alliance manages road safety and maintenance year-round. Their priority is traveller safety, so closures are made to keep everyone safe, even if they’re inconvenient.

How We Handle It

Thanks to our close contact with the Milford Road Alliance, we receive closure updates 24–48 hours ahead of time. This lets us quickly inform you and discuss options if a closure affects your tour. 

If the road closes partway (for example, near the Hollyford Valley), we can offer a partial tour along with a half refund, and there’s always the option to cancel and get a full refund.

Full road closures result in a full refund. 

About 80% of the time, we can also arrange a tour diversion to Doubtful Sound, subject to availability.

4. We Encounter a Road Accident 

The road to Milford Sound is narrow and winding, so there’s always a chance of encountering an accident on the road, especially in busy summer months or icy winter conditions. 

How We Handle It

All our guides are experienced drivers trained to manage these situations calmly and professionally. If you come across an accident while on a tour, your guide will safely pull over and provide clear instructions.

They’ll assess the situation and coordinate with emergency services and our base team, keeping guests informed throughout the process.

Once the situation is under control, the priority becomes getting you to your Milford Sound cruise on time. To achieve this, your guide may adjust the tour schedule by skipping some stops on the way there and adding breaks on the return journey, ensuring you still have a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Real-Life Example

In 2024, one of our guides, Murray, encountered an accident near Lake Gunn where a solo driver had slid off the road. Murray pulled over safely, coordinated with other helpers, contacted emergency services, and worked with Milford Road Alliance personnel to arrange an evacuation.

Meanwhile, he kept his guests calm and comfortable, updating them as the situation progressed.

Once the situation was handled, Murray provided a separate stop to allow guests to reset and relax before continuing.

He then adapted the itinerary by skipping some stops on the way to the cruise and adding some in afterwards. Guests said they felt calm, well cared for, and still thoroughly enjoyed their day.

5. The Van Breaks Down

While we’ve never had a mechanical failure or breakdown, any vehicle travelling the Milford Road could potentially experience issues. 

How We Handle It

Prevention is our primary strategy. To stay ahead of potential problems, we follow a strict maintenance schedule with detailed servicing records.

Our fleet is serviced approximately every three months, and each van has upgraded brake systems designed for Milford Road conditions.

Our guides perform thorough daily cleaning and safety checks, including using air guns to clear dust and debris from electronic doors and steps, helping prevent problems when entering and exiting the vans.

If a breakdown does happen, our Te Anau base gives us a major advantage. Located between Queenstown and Milford Sound, we can quickly reach tours from either departure point.

This central location allows us to provide fast assistance or send a replacement vehicle regardless of where the issue occurs. Operators based solely in Queenstown face longer travel times to offer help, especially if problems arise closer to Milford Sound.

Check out one of vans below:

6. We Miss The Cruise

Unexpected events, like accidents or unannounced roadworks, can occasionally cause a missed cruise departure. Cruise schedules run to strict timelines, so missing your departure time can seem like a disaster. 

How We Handle It

Our cruise partners are RealNZ, and our close relationship with them means we can easily arrange alternative departures if needed, typically 15 or 45 minutes after the original booking.

While this situation is rare, you can relax knowing that if it does happen, you’ll still be well looked after and enjoy the complete cruise experience, simply on the next available boat.

Real-Life Example

One of our tours once encountered last minute unannounced roadworks with long stop-and-go delays, and guests arrived in Milford Sound just after their scheduled boat had departed.

Thanks to our close partnership with RealNZ, we quickly moved them onto the next cruise, leaving only 15 minutes later. Guests still enjoyed the full Milford Sound experience, with no reduction in cruise time, just a slightly different vessel.

7. You Don’t See The Wildlife or Scenery You Expected

Milford Sound is known for its unique wildlife and stunning waterfalls, which can set high expectations. But wildlife is unpredictable, and weather conditions don’t always produce the dramatic cascades that make the fiord famous.

While we do our best to ‘schedule’ wildlife appearances at the agreed-upon times, the animals follow their own rhythms, and sometimes they simply have other plans. The same goes for weather, and after a dry spell, there may be fewer waterfalls to see.

How We Handle It

When wildlife does appear, we make the most of the moment, stopping to enjoy the experience, even if it means ending the tour a little later than usual.

The great thing about Fiordland and Milford Sound is that there’s always something amazing to see. So when nature is feeling shy, our guides can easily draw your attention to fascinating details like unique geological formations and the area’s rich history.

Each guide brings their own expertise and enthusiasm, ensuring you feel immersed in the magic of Milford Sound, no matter what the day brings.

8. There Are Lots of Sandflies

Sandflies thrive in Milford Sound’s warm, humid conditions, and they’re a natural part of the ecosystem, especially near water edges where tours often stop. While their bites can be annoying and itchy, New Zealand’s sandflies don’t carry diseases.

How We Handle It

We recommend covering exposed skin wherever possible and applying insect repellent before stops near water. Taking antihistamines before the tour can help minimise the inflammation and itching if you do get bitten, and applying anti-itch creams after the tour can help soothe bites.

Sandflies only hang around near water edges and won’t bother you while you’re moving or once you’re on the cruise boat. Knowing where they are helps guests prepare for brief encounters during specific stops.

9. You’re Worried About Travelling With Strangers

Some travellers worry about spending a full day with strangers, especially if they prefer smaller social settings or feel anxious in groups. The prospect of being seated close to unknown people can be uncomfortable or stressful for some guests.

How We Handle It

Our tours take a maximum of 13 people to help keep the experience relaxed and peaceful. We also understand that not everyone naturally connects, and sitting close to strangers can cause discomfort.

Our vans have wide, comfortable seats designed to give personal space and avoid shoulder-to-shoulder contact. Guests who book together always sit together and are never separated by strangers.

We carefully plan seating on every tour to ensure everyone feels comfortable while in the van. Guides also choose less crowded scenic stops wherever possible and adapt itineraries if popular spots get too busy.

The small group size gives us the flexibility to adjust timing or locations to maintain peaceful, uncrowded experiences that larger tours can’t easily offer.

10. You Don’t Get Your Preferred Guide

Some guests may have read great reviews about our guides and hope to tour with a particular person. Finding out your preferred guide isn’t available on your tour date might be disappointing.

How We Handle It

If you have a guide preference, just mention it in your booking notes and we'll explore whether arrangements can be made.

If your preferred guide isn’t available on your chosen date, rest assured, all our guides receive the same comprehensive training and uphold the same high standards of safety, knowledge, and enthusiasm. We carefully manage rosters to help our guides stay fresh, safe, and passionate about sharing this incredible place.

No matter which guide you’re assigned, you'll receive the same quality experience and local expertise that defines every Luxe tour.

The key to a great Milford Sound tour isn't avoiding all problems but having an experienced team ready to handle them effectively. Whether it's adapting to unexpected delays, finding quieter scenic spots, or prioritising your comfort throughout the day, our team is prepared for any situation.

While we can't prevent every challenge, our experience, small group flexibility, and local expertise ensure you'll be well cared for and enjoy a memorable experience, whatever the day may bring. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prepare for wet weather on a tour?

Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes with decent grip, as some surfaces can get slippery in the rain. We provide spare jackets, umbrellas, and towels if needed, plus you'll always have reserved indoor seating on the cruise boat.

How can I prevent feeling sick on a Milford Sound cruise?

The Milford Sound cruise is typically very calm with minimal movement. Stay on deck in fresh air when possible, focus on the horizon, and avoid looking at phones or reading during the cruise.

If you plan to take travel sickness medication that may cause drowsiness, we recommend taking it once you arrive in Milford Sound. The fresh air on the cruise will keep you alert, and any drowsiness will kick in afterwards when you can doze in the van on the way back.

What should I wear for my Milford Sound Tour?

Dress in layers you can add or remove as needed, wear comfortable walking shoes, and always bring a waterproof jacket. The weather can change throughout the day, so being able to adjust your clothing helps you stay comfortable.