Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

About this experience

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible views are guaranteed to leave you awestruck. This globally award winning small group tour is for travellers seeking an all-inclusive, uniquely-kiwi, personalised trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back.

Our fleet of modern Mercedes vans are fitted with leather seats, panoramic scenic windows, Wi-Fi and Spotify. Enjoy a small-group journey with 15 people maximum for ultimate comfort and undivided attention from your guide.

Enjoy many scenic photo stops at both famous locations, as well as your guide's favourite spots.

Enjoy a 1hr 45min boutique uncrowded cruise and picnic lunch while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer!

Schedule

Start times: 06:30, 07:30, 08:30

1. Stop 1

   Start your day by meeting our friendly local guide at or near your Queenstown accommodation. You'll travel in style in a premium Mercedes van designed for touring with only 15 seats onboard. The first leg of our journey to Milford Sound transports you from Queenstown through the picturesque Southland farming country and the charming town of Te Anau, where we'll make a brief stop by the lakeside for refreshments.

2. Stop 2

   Lake Te Anau is in the southwestern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. The lake covers an area of 344 km², making it the second-largest lake by surface area in New Zealand and the largest in the South Island. It is the largest lake in Australasia by fresh water volume.

3. Stop 3 · 3 h

   From here, we welcome you to the Fiordland National Park and the renowned Milford Road. This corridor to the fiord unveils a different side of New Zealand, with its majestic mountains, winding rivers, and the cheeky Kea bird. Throughout the journey, your guide will make multiple stops for photo opportunities, short walks, and will entertain you with fascinating local facts and stories.

4. Stop 4 · 5 min

   See the picturesque Eglinton Valley

5. Stop 5 · 10 min

   Enjoy a beautiful short nature walk and view the famous Mirror Lakes.

6. Stop 6

   The Homer Tunnel is a 1.2 km long road tunnel in the Fiordland region of the South Island of New Zealand, opened in 1953. New Zealand State Highway 94 passes through the tunnel, linking Milford Sound to Te Anau and Queenstown, by piercing the Darran Mountain range at the Homer Saddle.

7. Stop 7 · 2 h

   Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a 1hr 45min nature cruise that takes you beneath the towering peaks of the fiord. This small boat cruise, accompanied by a knowledgeable onboard nature guide, allows you to explore the edges of the fiord, revealing its impressive waterfalls and unique wildlife, which may include dolphins, penguins, fur seals, and native birdlife.

8. Stop 8 · 5 min

   After your cruise, rejoin the van to commence the return journey to Queenstown. Sit back, relax, and take in the views. This day tour spans approximately 12-13 hours, and our smaller vehicles and attentive guide ensure your comfort and entertainment throughout the journey.

9. Stop 9 · 5 min

   On arrival back into Queenstown, your guide will return you back to the same location they picked you up from, or you can choose to be dropped in Queenstown.

Requirements & restrictions

• Ages: Adults 0–99 years
• After booking, you will receive a message from one of our team confirming your exact departure location and time, and asking you any questions relevant to your booking. Please keep an eye out for this and please do not hesitate to ask us any questions prior to the day.
• Complimentary pickup is not offered to Airbnb locations or private addresses unless agreed with us. We also only pick up from select accommodations in Queenstown.
• Please be aware that departure times vary depending on the departure location. Departure locations must be reconfirmed at least 24 hours prior to departure by phone or email. or [email protected].
• Please be at your departure location 10 minutes prior. Our guide will wait up to 5 minutes after your departure time. Any late arrivals who miss the tour will be fully charged.
• We would recommend you bring extra snacks or come prepared to buy food/drink during our stops in Te Anau.
• The packed picnic lunch will include a chicken sandwich. You can request a vegetarian sandwich up until 5pm the day prior to departure.
• In an effort to reduce single-use plastic, we no longer provide water bottles, and recommend all travellers bring a reusable bottle with them. There is an option to purchase a reusable bottle onboard, if you come unprepared.
• Please bring walking shoes, warm clothes, and rain jacket.

Good to know

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please bring walking shoes, warm clothes and rain jacket.
• Please be aware that Milford Sound is a 5 hour drive from Queenstown (one-way with sightseeing stops). This is a full day excursion, and including the 1hr 45min cruise on the fiord, allow approximately 13 hours door to door.
• A packed picnic lunch is included in your experience. The default choice is a chicken, however you can request a vegetarian lunch until 5pm the day prior.
• Please bring a reusable water bottle on tour with us. There are multiple locations to refill during the day.
• The cruise operator requires all passengers need to be able to board and disembark the vessel without assistance in case of an emergency.

Meeting point

Hotel pickup or an exact meeting point in Queenstown, confirmed after booking.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Guest rating