Day
Premium Milford Sound Day Tours
Milford Sound Tour:
Coach & Cruise including Picnic Lunch
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound on an unforgettable day trip from Queenstown. Travel comfortably with a small group of just 16 guests, ensuring a more personal and crowd-free adventure.
From NZD $305 per person
Premium Mercedes Sprinter Bus
Small Group - Maximum 16 guests
13 hours duration (Approx)
What's Included
- Central pickup and drop-off locations in Queenstown
- Return 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
- Complimentary water & snacks (please bring a reusable water bottle)
- WIFI included on all buses
Optional Extras
- Scenic flight upgrade back to Queenstown
ITINERARY
Departure Time: 6.45am
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
We travel alongside the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu, winding our way through dramatic alpine landscapes. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the adventure ahead and point out some hidden gems to look forward to.
3. Southland Rural Landscapes
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.
4. Te Anau – Lakeside Break
We arrive in Te Anau, often called the gateway to Fiordland National Park, where we take a short break to enjoy a coffee and stretch our legs. Refreshed, we continue our journey towards the breathtaking Milford Sound.
As we pass Te Anau Downs, you’ll have views across the lake to the starting point of the legendary Milford Track. Your guide will bring the trail’s history to life, sharing stories of its early explorers and its place among the world’s great walks.
5. Fiordland National Park Entrance
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.
6. 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.
7. 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..
8. Hollyford River & Falls Creek
Not far along the road, we follow the course of the Hollyford River, its clear waters tumbling over massive boulders and racing through rapids. At Falls Creek, we’re treated to the first of many spectacular waterfalls in the region.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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!
13. 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.
14. Return Journey – Scenic Relaxation
After the cruise, rejoin your guide for the journey home. While there are fewer stops on the way back, you’ll have time to unwind and enjoy more of the region’s sweeping scenery, with comfort stops along the way.
Optional Upgrade: Scenic Flight
For those seeking something extra special, you may opt to return to Queenstown via a 45-minute fixed-wing scenic flight (weather dependent). It’s a truly breathtaking way to end the day, soaring over the Southern Alps and Fiordland’s dramatic landscape. This experience is available exclusively on our Milford Sound: Cruise & Flight tour.
This full-day tour runs for approximately 12–13 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.
16-Seater Tour Vehicle
Luxury Vehicles
Adjustable Leather Seats
16-Seater Luxury Bus
New Zealand's Best Tour Vehicles
Luxury Small Group Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz vehicles
Luxury leather seats
Unlimited WIFI
Air Conditioning
USB charging port at every seat
Big windows for amazing views
Make the most of your time on the road in your 16-seater luxury tour vehicle. Fitted out with luxury leather seats, USB ports, unlimited WIFI, stereo, air con, and big windows to admire those amazing views. New Zealand has some of the world’s most scenic roads and this is the best way to experience them.
Frequently Asked Questions
This full-day adventure from Queenstown takes approximately 12-13 hours, giving you ample time to truly enjoy the journey. Along the way to Milford Sound, we make several scenic stops so you can experience the incredible landscapes up close.
Our Milford Sound Day Tours travel in premium Mercedes Sprinter vans with only 16 seats onboard. These vans have been designed for long-distance touring with extended legroom, a modern interior, and those ever-important panoramic windows for amazing views!
All vehicles are equipped with the essentials for a relaxed journey: air conditioning, WIFI, and USB charging ports throughout.
Please note that there are no onboard toilets, but our tours include regular bathroom stops along each route.
This tour begins with pickups starting from 6:40 AM in Queenstown. Please refer to our Pickup Locations for full details and times. The last pickup is at 7:00 am from the Mormolada Cafe (43 Camp Street) before we head off to Milford.
Our tour guides aren’t just drivers — they’re passionate locals who love sharing the very best of New Zealand with you and their in-depth knowledge of the area.
Our crew is known for creating a relaxed, fun, and welcoming vibe on every trip.
All of our guides are fully licensed with a clean, passenger-endorsed driver’s licence and are certified in basic first aid, ensuring your safety is a priority and making your experience truly unforgettable.
There is no minimum age for this tour. Our tours are designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for travellers of all ages.
That said, this tour involves roughly 10 hours of van travel. While some children are great with long drives, others may find it a challenge. If your little one tends to get restless or motion sick, it’s worth thinking through whether this trip is the right fit. Many of us are parents too, so we completely understand!
Just a heads-up: we don’t offer child fares, so all passengers (even the littlest ones) will need their own paid seat for safety reasons.
Please note that under New Zealand law, children under 7 years old must use an approved child safety seat. If you require a safety or booster seat, you can add this during the booking process.
Our vehicles are 16 seaters, so this will be your maximum group size on the bus, making for a more personal, small group experience.
Once you arrive in Milford Sound, we join a small boat nature cruise that can take up 60-75 people onboard, depending on the weather.
A picnic lunch is included during your Milford Sound cruise, offering a tasty and convenient meal while you take in the breathtaking scenery.
You can also bring snacks and a refillable water bottle for the coach journey.
We’re happy to accommodate dietary requirements. Just let us know in advance when booking.
We have three designated collection points:
6:40 AM – Bus Stop in front of Rydges Hotel - 44 Lake Esplanade
6:50 AM – Bus Stop in front of Crowne Plaza Queenstown - 93 Beach Street
7:00 AM – Bus Stop in front of Marmolada Café - 43 Camp Street
We advise being at the collection point at least 10 Minutes before the departure time to ensure a smooth and timely departure. If you’re staying in Frankton or Te Anau, we can arrange an alternative pickup location. Please contact us in advance to arrange.
At Wild Kiwi, we aim to keep things flexible and stress-free. You’re welcome to cancel your booking for a full refund any time up to 24 hours before your scheduled day tour departure.
Need to change your date? No problem — we offer hassle-free amendments on all departures.
For your comfort and convenience, we recommend bringing layered clothing to adapt to changing weather, along with sturdy walking shoes. Packing a water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses is wise, as New Zealand’s sun can be strong, even on cooler days.
While many places accept cards, a small amount of cash can come in handy for local purchases. And of course, bring a rain jacket or windbreaker as New Zealand's weather is famously unpredictable!
If you have any questions about making a booking or need help with an existing one, feel free to reach out to our friendly Wild Kiwi team at hello@wildkiwi.com — we’re here to help!
Yes, we offer private New Zealand tours for those seeking a more tailored travel experience. Ideal for families or small groups, our private tours allow you to customise your itinerary and choose the activities that suit your interests. You can also charter any of our Day Tours exclusively for your group.
To start planning, send us an email or book a call. Our friendly team is here to help bring your ideal New Zealand adventure to life.
Individual and combined passenger weight limits apply for each aircraft and flight. The maximum individual weight allowed is 116 kg.
