Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound inc Cruise & Lunch

5.0
(2 reviews)

10 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown to Te Anau, discovering the majestic Milford Sound in comfort and style. Designed for travelers who value more than just the destination, this fully guided small group tour blends luxury travel, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Kiwi hospitality.

From the moment you’re collected at your Queenstown accommodation in a premium Mercedes-Benz van, your adventure begins. Led by our famously passionate guides, known for their storytelling and local insights, you’ll travel through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring scenery, with plenty of photo stops, short walks, and hidden gems along the way.

After your day exploring Fiordland National Park, you’ll finish with a hotel drop-off in Te Anau.

What's Included

Bottled water
Kindly advise dietary requirements for each guest at time of booking
Hotel pickup in Queenstown (select locations only)
Hotel drop off in Te Anau (select locations only)
Boutique Milford Sound Cruise
Picnic lunch for infants (0-3)
Child safety car seat available to hire (notify 24 hours prior to tour)

Meeting and pickup

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

- Pickup offered from listed locations only. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. - If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select The Station - Home of Adventure for now. You can update this later. - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time. - Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. - Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests. - You will receive an email with important pickup information the day prior, please read this information.

Itinerary

Duration: 10 hours (approximately)
  • Queenstown (Pass by)

    Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Lake Wakatipu

    Departing Queenstown we wind our way around Lake Wakatipu, with amazing views of ‘The Remarkables’ Mountain Range and the lake, stopping for photos is a must.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Devil's Staircase Lookout Point (Pass by)

    Continuing around the lake we will pass through Devil’s Staircase. This elevated windy part of the road is famous for dramatic photos and setting the scene for the day to come.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    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 30 minute break, so you can stretch your legs, have your morning coffee, and something to eat, 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
  • 3

    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
  • 4
    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.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    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.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    A short drive away we start passing the Hollyford River a gorgeous and powerful river full of large boulders and rapids. Feeding into the river at Falls Creek is the first of our extremely impressive waterfalls of the area, one of many to come.

    Admission ticket free
  • 6

    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)

    To make our way back down towards the sea we enter the mind-blowing hand-built Homer Tunnel, hearing the incredible history and stories. Emerging from the tunnel the valley descends sharply towards Milford Sound and on a rainy-day you will see hundreds of waterfalls cascading down the mountain side.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Milford Sound

    Following the valleys to the sea we arrive at Milford Sound where you will board your cruise with one of our incredible cruise partners. This experience offers a boutique cruise on a smaller boat which is less crowded and a crew that offers a much more informative and personal tour of Milford Sound. The smaller boat means you get closer to the wildlife and nature including the New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks, massive rock faces rising for hundreds of metres out of the sea and the waterfalls cascading from an ancient rainforest high in the mountains. This cruise is unbeatable.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • Mitre Peak (Pass by)

    While on the boat cruise you will be able to marvel at the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak, the iconic Milford Sound mountain, with its steep triangular peak rising high up above the reflective waters of the Milford Sound.

    Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Pops View Look Out

    On our way home, 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
  • Te Anau (Pass by)

    Sadly we must start to head back to Te Anau but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and maybe some surprise stops along the way. You will be dropped to your central accommodation upon arrival in Te Anau.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children aged 7 years and below are required by law to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (See Exclusions) Please advise at time of booking.
  • Kindly advise dietary requirements for each guest at time of booking
Supplied by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

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Day Cruises
Day Trips
Full-day Tours
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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 2 2 reviews
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