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Looking to connect Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford? Then this 1 way trip complete with cruise on Piopiotahi is for you!
The beating heart of Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks, Piopiotahi Milford Sound is a destination that must be seen to be believed! Widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic drives, join us as we traverse New Zealand’s Southern Alps and Te Anau Downs to the UNESCO heritage site. Enjoy spectacular views year-round of glacier-eroded valleys, lakes and inlets before arriving at the impressive Mitre Peak. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 8th wonder of the world, this jaw-dropping tour is truly a must do!
You will be driven in comfort by our modern, comfortable Mercedes Sprinter (or similar) packed with the extras to make the trip that bit easier. Led by our fun, knowledgeable, and passionate tour guides, this journey is one you will never forget!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please ensure that you are ready at least five to ten minutes before your pick up time - we do not wait for late/delayed guests. Missed pick ups are non-refundable.
Itinerary
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Te Anau (Pass by)
We start by leaving Te Anau. Along the way, our knowledgeable guide will share insights as we head further into Fiordland National Park.
Admission ticket free -
1
Travelling further along the Milford Road, we make our first stop at Eglinton Valley. The outstanding lowland beech forest is one of the few examples in Aotearoa and is a critical home for native birds such as Yellowheads/Mohua and the threatened South Island lesser short-tailed bat. While we will not see these species on tour, eager eyed Lord of the Rings fans may recognise the mountains to the West as the film location for the Misty Mountains in the Fellowship of the Ring.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Monkey Creek
Rumoured to be named after surveyor William Henry Homer’s dog Monkey, the crystal (albeit icy!) clear water at this glacier fed spring offers refuge for wildlife such as Kea and Whio (New Zealand’s native blue duck).
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Homer Tunnel (Pass by)
Continuing deeper into Fiordland national park, we arrive at the 1.2km long Homer Tunnel. Still unlined to this day, the granite rock that was hand carved into in order to create passage between Queenstown and Milford remains visible; an important nod to the dedication and sacrifice of those who worked to make this feat of engineering possible.
Admission ticket free -
3Milford Sound
Arriving at Milford Sound's Ferry Terminal, you will embark on a scenic cruise of Milford Sound. Travel the full length of the fiord, enjoying breathtaking geography and cascading waterfalls. The highlight of the cruise is when the boat noses close to Stirling Falls, allowing you to get up close to glacial spray! Aboard a modern vessel with large windows and viewing decks, a cruise of Piopiotahi with the team at Pure Milford (approx 1h 45m) is an absolute must!
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
4
Departing Milford Sound, we pass back through the Homer Tunnel before this time making a stop at Pops Lookout. Overlooking the Hollyford Valley, this lookout is a breathtaking photo opportunity.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Our final stop of the day is Devil’s Staircase - a fitting nickname for the 35km strength of road that wraps itself around the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Significantly for Southland, the establishment of this route (of which was carved during the Great Depression) was a key connector to the likes of Kingston and other remote areas.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Queenstown
Tour concludes.
1 minute • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 4 years old.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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