Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Queenstown

   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.

   Pass by without stopping

2. Lake Wakatipu

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

   Pass by without stopping

3. Devil's Staircase Lookout Point

   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.

   Pass by without stopping

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.

   20 minutes here

5. 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 here · Admission included

6. 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 here · Admission included

7. 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 here

8. 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.

   Pass by without stopping

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 here

10. Homer Tunnel

    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 hundreds of waterfalls cascading down the mountain side.

    Pass by without stopping

11. Milford Sound

    Following the valleys to the sea we arrive at Milford Sound where you will board your cruise with Cruise Milford (the No. 1 Cruise operator in Milford Sound on TripAdvisor).

    120 minutes here · Admission included

12. Mitre Peak

    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.

    Pass by without stopping

13. Pops View Look Out

    Next 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 here

14. 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.

    Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Bus - Cruise - Bus

  Milford Sound Cruise Duration: 13 hours Picnic Lunch Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Pickup included

• Bus - Cruise - Fly

  Cruise & Return Flight: Full bus tour + cruise at Milford Sound, then return to Queenstown via a scenic flight with 1 of our airline partners Duration: 13 hours Picnic Lunch Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Pickup included

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Flights are always 'On Request' until confirmed with our partner airline
• Scenic flights cannot be confirmed without full names and weights of all travellers. Scenic flight weight restrictions are 130 KG
• If our regular flight operator is unavailable, we may be able to arrange an alternative operator; however, this could be at an additional cost
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
• Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• Please advise any dietary requirements per person at time of booking

Photos