Milford Sound Tour:
Cruise & Flight

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound on a bucket list day trip from Queenstown. This is the ultimate way to explore Milford Sound — a top-rated scenic tour and cruise, capped off with a breathtaking flight back to Queenstown. Travel in comfort with a small group of just 16 guests, ensuring a more personal and crowd-free adventure.

• 
  From NZD $749 per person
• 
  Premium Mercedes Sprinter Bus
• 
  Small Group - Maximum 16 guests
• 
  10 hours duration (Approx)

What's Included

• Central pickup and drop-off locations in Queenstown
• Transport in a modern, air-conditioned minibus with a glass rooftop
• Experienced local guide with in-depth commentary
• Multiple scenic stops including Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley & Homer Tunnel
• Milford Sound nature cruise (1 hr 45 min) including a picnic lunch
• Return scenic flight back to Queenstown
• Complimentary water & snacks (please bring a reusable water bottle)
• WIFI included on all buses
  
  

ITINERARY

Departure Time: 7.00am

1. Queenstown – Tour Departure
Your day begins with a convenient pickup at or near your accommodation in Queenstown. Settle into your seat in our premium minibus and meet your local guide—someone who’s not only well-versed in the area’s natural and cultural heritage but also passionate about sharing it. As we leave Queenstown behind, your guide will introduce the route and point out notable landmarks.

2. Lake Wakatipu – Scenic Drive & Photo Stop
We travel alongside the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu, winding our way through dramatic alpine landscapes. The Remarkables mountain range offers a breathtaking backdrop, perfect for an early photo opportunity to start the day right.

3. Kingston – Historical Rail Town
Pass through the charming settlement of Kingston, known for its historic railway. Your guide will share stories of the area’s heritage as we continue south.

4. Southland Rural Landscapes – Commentary Stop
As we cross into Southland, take in the wide-open spaces and lush farmland. Your guide will provide insight into the local farming lifestyle and how this region plays a key role in New Zealand’s agriculture.

5. Te Anau – Lakeside Break
Arriving in Te Anau, we pause for a comfort stop. Grab a coffee, enjoy a short lakeside stroll, or meet some of the local ducks beside the sparkling waters of Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second-largest lake. A little further along, we pull in at Te Anau Downs. From here, you’ll look across the lake to where the famous Milford Track begins. Your guide will share the history of this world-renowned walking trail and its early explorers.

6. Fiordland National Park Entrance – Scenic Pause
We officially enter Fiordland National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the landscape instantly changes. Dense rainforest, moss-covered beech trees, and towering peaks welcome us into this remote wilderness.

7. Eglinton Valley – Glacier-Carved Wonder
Stop and step out into the wide-open expanse of Eglinton Valley. This impressive glacial valley, with its flat floor and mountainous walls, makes for an unforgettable photo opportunity.

8. Mirror Lakes – Reflective Beauty Walk
Take a short stroll to see the perfectly still Mirror Lakes, famous for their glass-like reflections of the Earl Mountains. On a clear day, it’s a photographer’s dream..

9. Knobs Flat – Geological Stop & Facilities
We make a brief stop at Knobs Flat, where you’ll learn about the geological forces that shaped this dramatic region. Public toilets and an interpretive display make this a handy break point.

10. Hollyford River – Wild Waters
Follow the route of the Hollyford River, a fast-flowing alpine stream lined with dense native forest and giant boulders. We pause for a moment to admire its energy and raw beauty.

11. Falls Creek – Waterfall Lookout
Our next stop is at Falls Creek, where a powerful waterfall plunges down the steep mountainside. Weather permitting, it’s one of the first of many waterfalls you’ll encounter today.

12. Darran Mountains – Alpine Vistas
Climbing higher, we enter the heart of the Darran Mountains. We’ll pull over at a lookout point to take in the panoramic views of these dramatic granite peaks. Keep your eyes open for kea, New Zealand’s curious alpine parrots.

13. Homer Tunnel – Engineering Marvel
Journey through the iconic Homer Tunnel, carved by hand through solid rock. Learn the fascinating history of this feat of engineering as we prepare to descend into the dramatic Cleddau Valley. Emerging from the tunnel, the road winds through a steep glacial valley. On rainy days, the cliffs come alive with hundreds of cascading waterfalls—a magical and unforgettable sight.

14. Milford Sound – Nature Cruise
Arrive at Milford Sound and board your boutique nature cruise. Enjoy a 1 hour 45 minute cruise including a picnic lunch, with fewer passengers and an onboard nature guide. You’ll get up close to waterfalls, towering cliffs, Mitre Peak, and wildlife such as seals and potentially dolphins or penguins.

15. Stirling & Bowen Falls – Up Close with Nature
During the cruise, experience the majesty of Stirling and Bowen Falls—two of Milford Sound’s most iconic waterfalls. If the conditions are right, your skipper may nose the boat right into the spray!

16. Mitre Peak – The Icon of the Sound
Admire the towering Mitre Peak, rising nearly 1,700 metres from the fiord. Its distinctive triangular shape makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in New Zealand.

17. Return Journey – Aerial Relaxation
After the cruise, you’ll be transferred to the airbase to board a fixed-wing aircraft for your scenic flight back to Queenstown. Relax as you soar above Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes, taking in panoramic views of rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and untouched wilderness, a stunning and memorable way to conclude your day.

This full-day tour runs for approximately 10 hours and is designed with comfort and immersion in mind, making it the perfect way to explore the majesty of Milford Sound in a single, unforgettable day.

View terms and conditions