Milford Sound
Piopiotahi Milford Sound Cuisine
Exploring a new holiday destination is exciting, busy, and much anticipated but nothing can derail a dream day quite like the dreaded ‘hangry’ feeling. When you have a long travel day and would prefer to all get along at the end of it, a little planning can go a long way when it comes to knowing what to expect and where your food will be coming from.
Not only is a good series of meals and snacks important to keep your body fueled and energy up, but it’s also a different way to explore your surroundings. Much like that ice cream you had in a remote Australian town that you’ve never found again, food cements a travel memory that your taste buds remember. If your holiday is largely centred around food and your favourite cuisine, us too!
When travelling on a full-day tour to Piopiotahi Milford Sound, there are plenty of opportunities to eat well all day both on the coach ride and aboard your sightseeing cruise.
Here’s what food to expect when travelling to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau.
Breakfast
To fit the most amount of beauty in one day, your coach journey will require getting a head start on the morning. As your day starts early, we recommend having a small bite to eat before you go. However, relying on the cafes around central Queenstown may leave you a little peckish as many will still be closed as you make your way to the coach pick-up on time. Instead, bring a piece of fruit or muesli bar with you to eat on the go or take full advantage of your accommodation’s early breakfast offering.
Morning Tea
During your coach journey to Milford Sound, some of our coaches will make a food and drink stop in Te Anau. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up a mid-morning coffee and a substantial morning tea. Sandwiches, pastries, and sweet treats will be on offer. If you’re fond of road trip snacks, you could also stock up on small items for later in the day on the return journey. Be sure to check your confirmation email for your travel itinerary to make sure this stop is on your schedule.
Lunch
Sit back and relax – this meal is arranged for you. While you’re on board your Southern Discoveries cruise in Milford Sound there are lunch options available and the food is as good as the views!
When you go to book your Milford Sound Cruise or Day Trip online, you’ll be able to pre-purchase lunch. The Buffet option is the top-rated choice by our guests and has fresh seasonal selections including both hot and cold options. If you have dietary requirements, there are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives available and we are happy to chat with you about other requirements ahead of your cruise. Please let us know about your requirements when booking.
There is also the option to add a picnic lunch on the Discover More or Nature Cruise that includes a sandwich, fresh fruit, something sweet, and other snacks for a lighter option. Be sure to double-check your itinerary before you go to make sure you’ve purchased your lunch.
Snacks
If you’re self-driving and you don’t have extra snacks for the ride home, the Milford Sound Information Centre and Cafe is the perfect place to source a coffee or hot food after your Milford Cruise. The centre is located beside the main car park and is just a short 15-minute walk from the Milford Sound Visitor Centre. If you’re boarding one of our coaches, plan ahead and bring your own favourite snacks for the way back.
Dinner
Here’s where planning ahead back in Queenstown or Te Anau will ensure you have a tasty and satisfying meal to end your day on a good note. It’s a long day and the coach journey through remote areas can mean patchy phone reception. Be sure to make your dinner reservation in central Queenstown and Te Anau ahead of time so you’re not scrambling to find a place to eat upon your return to town. This is particularly important if you’re traveling in peak times – the best places fill up fast! Here are our go-to’s after a long day exploring Fiordland:
- Best pub food:
Queenstown: The World Bar
The World Bar is a Queenstown staple for an afternoon drink in the sun or a cozy dinner with all of the classic pub food you could want on the menu; burgers, fish and chips, and tacos.
Te Anau: The Ranch Bar and Grill
As they self professed Home of Southern Hospitality, The Ranch Bar and Grill in the heart of Te Anau has a menu full of classic pub burgers, hearty steak options, and a specific menu section for everything loaded; fries, nachos, and wedges.
- Best family-friendly: Winnie’s
Queenstown: Winnie’s is a classic Queenstown hot spot for a family-friendly dinner. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, delicious pizza, and the famous opening roof if you stick around late enough to stargaze.
Te Anau: Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso Da Toni
When you’re looking for a restaurant to suit the tastes of your whole family, sometimes an authentic pizzeria is the best way to slice up dinner. Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso Da Toni is a family-friendly italian and pizza restaurant in Te Anau that should be on every crust-lover’s menu in Fiordland.
- Best for couples: Flame
Queenstown: Flame is the perfect date spot if you’re looking for a lowkey atmosphere with signature succulent meat. We highly recommend their meats cooked in a secret South African basting sauce!
Te Anau: The Fat Duck Gastropub
The Fat Duck is the perfect blend of classic pub food and upmarket meal options for a date in Te Anau. Share their range of bar snacks over a local brew or stay a little longer to sample some wild fiordland venison. If you’re looking to make date night more special, choose to dine on a Saturday to enjoy live music.
While you’re exploring the unmatched wonder of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries, you can be assured that your meals and snack breaks won’t suffer during the full-day adventure.
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