Cruise Milford Small Group Day Tour from Queenstown

5.0
(37 reviews)

13 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

The limited passenger numbers on our modern Mercedes Sprinter Vans make for a much more personal experience. It also allows us to stop more often for photos and short walks than the big 50-seater coaches (up to 12 stops along the way). We connect with Milford Sound's only boutique small boat cruise. Passenger numbers on the cruise are limited to 50% of the boats capacity.

What's Included

Boutique Small Boat Cruise at Milford Sound
a packed lunch is included, please advise us of any allergies or dietary requirements you may have

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Please call us to confirm your pickup location at least 24hrs before your tour departs. We will give you the correct pick up time and any further information required for you day tour.

OR
Meeting point

Besides the hotels on the list we also pick up from the Frankton Bus Shelter. Please call us on +64 3 398 6112 at least 24hrs before your tour departs to confirm your pickup location and time with us.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 13 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Queenstown

    Please choose one of the pickup locations listed

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Lake Wakatipu

    For the first 30min of the drive we will travel on the Devil's Staircase along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. We will stop for 10min to give you the opportunity to take a photo of this beautiful area.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Devil's Staircase Lookout Point

    Photo Stop

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Lake Te Anau

    After more amazing mountain, river and farmland views we arrive in Te Anau, home to Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second largest lake. While in this idyllic town we will stop for a break and maybe meet some of the local animals or wildlife. Continuing along the lake we stop at Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track, to hear the stories and admire the views.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Continuing along the lake we stop at Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track, to hear the stories and admire the views.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Eglinton Valley

    Leaving Te Anau and entering Fiordland National Park we stop in Eglinton Valley. With views worthy of Lord of the Rings, this valley follows the path of an ancient glacier through Fiordland. One of the first major attractions as you enter the park, it really sets the scene for a journey that only get more impressive the deeper you get.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Mirror Lakes Walk

    Our next stop on this epic adventure is Mirror Lakes for a short stroll to see the famous reflections of the Earl Mountains. Get the right day, take a good picture and no one with be able to tell which way is the right way up for the photo.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Lake Gunn

    Continuing along the Milford Road we come across Lake Gunn. Named after a famous explorer and popular for fishing, often we will stop at Lake Gunn for some photos and to enjoy the peace.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9

    Climbing in altitude we go deeper into the Darran Mountains and these views require another stop to admire and take photos. We are also entering the area where Kea (the world’s largest alpine parrot) like to live. Start keeping an eye out for these large, cheeky and colourful birds that never fail to thrill and entertain when found.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Homer Tunnel (Pass by)

    The Homer Tunnel is a 1.2 km (0.75 miles) 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 Mountains at the Homer Saddle.[1] It connects between the valley of the Hollyford River to the east and that of the Cleddau to the west.

    Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Milford Sound

    Following the valleys to the sea we arrive at Milford Sound where you will board your Boutique Small Boat Cruise (the No. 1 Cruise operator in Milford Sound on TripAdvisor). The cruise has a duration of 1hr 45min and offers complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 11

    Explore Milford Sound

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Te Anau

    We will stop in Te Anau on the way home for 30min. Restrooms and food available at this stop.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 13
    Queenstown

    Sadly we must start to head back to Queenstown but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and many stops and breaks along the way.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 14
    Pops View Look Out

    After the cruise on the way back we pull over to admire the elevated amazing views of the divide in the Southern Alps, close to the start of the Routeburn Track. While here the guide will tell you the stories of ancient Maori explorers.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Cruise Milford New Zealand Ltd.

Tags

Day Cruises
Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Water Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

5.0 Based on 37 37 reviews
5 stars
36
4 stars
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3 stars
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2 stars
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1 star
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Likely to sell out
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