Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

4.9
(2,249 reviews)

13 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

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. Thisglobally award winning small group tour is for travellers seeking an all-inclusive, uniquely-kiwi, personalised trip from Queentown to Milford Sound and back.

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

Let your Altitude Tours guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge of the area, as you travel from Queenstown into the Fiordland National Park on the famous Milford Road. Enjoy many scenic photo stops at both famous locations, as well as your guide's favourite spots.

Enjoy a 2-hour boutique uncrowded cruise and picnic lunch while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer!

What's Included

Packed picnic lunch is included
WiFi on board
Convenient pick up and drop off locations around Queenstown
Knowledgable and friendly local driver/guides
2-Hour nature cruise on Milford Sound
Off-the-beaten track scenic photo stops en route
Tea & coffee available on the 2 hour nature cruise
To reduce single-use plastic, we do not provide water bottles. We recommend anyone travelling NZ to have their own reusable water bottle. There are several locations to refill during the day.

Meeting and pickup

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

Please note that your selected pickup location may not be exact; we will pick up either at or near your requested location. After you book, our team will contact you to provide your exact pickup location details. If you are unsure of the best pickup point, please inform the activity provider of your accommodation, and we will advise the most suitable pickup location. The departure time applies to the central Queenstown pick-up, however, times can vary, depending on your location.

Itinerary

Duration: 13 hours (approximately)
  • Lake Wakatipu (Pass by)

    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 16 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.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Lake Te Anau

    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.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

    From here, we welcome you to the Fiordland National Park and the renowned Milford Road. This corridor to the fjord 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.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Eglinton Valley

    See the picturesque Eglinton Valley

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Mirror Lakes Walk

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

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Homer Tunnel

    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

    Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Milford Sound

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

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Te Anau

    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.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Queenstown

    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.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • 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 2 hour cruise on the fjord, 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 waterbottle on tour with us. There are multiple locations to refill during the day.
Supplied by Altitude Tours Milford Sound Experience

Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Walking Tours
Water Tours
Nature Walks
Excellent Quality
Best Conversion
Viator Experience Award 2023
Viator Experience Award 2024
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Viator Experience Award 2025
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.9 Based on 2249 2249 reviews
5 stars
2075
4 stars
139
3 stars
22
2 stars
8
1 star
5
from per person
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