milford sound small group tours

Indulge yourself in nature.

Luxe Tours is Te Anau's highest ranked Milford Sound Day Tour. Through passion and love for our backyard, incredible service and friendly local guides, our tour is helping explorers to create lifelong memories.    Join us as we transport you into another world.

Experience your Milford Sound Tour the local way.

Milford Sound Tour

Full adult package.

Embark on a Milford Sound Tour with Luxe Tours - where relaxation and nature meet!  Our premium small group coaches travel 120km through native beauty with up to 11 unique & leisurely stops along the Milford Road.

Departing from Te Anau, we offer a 9-hour experience including a 2-hour Milford Sound cruise. Luxe Tours is the highest rated Milford Sound Tour with over 200 reviews, all five star. 

Indulge in paradise with us! Spacious transport, expert guides, and surprise inclusions await. Book your memorable Luxe Tour today!

Milford Sound Tour Inclusions

Te Anau accommodation or town centre pick up.

Premium small group coach, limited to 9 or 14 guests with leather bucket seats for spacious passenger comfort.

9 hours total tour time with plenty of stops for photos and relaxation.

2-hour Milford Sound Cruise on spacious boat. 

Option to pre-order lunch onboard the cruise with the best local cuisine.

Unlimited chilled water, tea, coffee and cafe morning snack provided.

Full refund up to 24 hours prior.

Milford Sound Tour Itinerary - Coach / Cruise / Coach

8:30 am - Pick-up Te Anau accommodation/town centre.  9:00-1:00pm  - Up to seven photo-stop opportunities & special experiences. 1:00-3:00pm  - Premium Milford Sound Cruise. 3:00-5:00pm  - Up to three photo-stop opportunities. 5:30pm  - Drop-off Te Anau accommodation.

Optional extras: 30 minute helicopter tour in the afternoon and/or Doubtful Sound or Te Anau glowworm tour the following day. 

Checklist: Is Luxe Tours for me?

I am after an immersive Milford Sound Tour experience from start to finish that gets me off the beaten track and away from the crowds of people. 

I want to spend my day in a premium, tidy, well cared for & comfortable vehicle with good space.

I want to be guided by local guides who live and breathe Milford Sound & Fiordland.

I prefer a local & family operated tour and who does their best to be completely sustainable.

Guest Review: Our Luxe Tours Milford Sound Tour

"Luxe Tours took us to spots that were hidden, or off the beaten track on our Milford Sound Tour. At times we were completely alone in the middle of nowhere, just surrounded by steep mountains, a clear blue river and the sounds of birds in the distance. It was truly magical."

Russell & frances watson.

More Time to Relax

We ensure that you have time at every photo stop along the way – time to relish the native bird songs, peaceful moments, and take a breath of fresh air. Departing from Te Anau instead of Queenstown saves you 4 hours of travel time. You might only visit here once, so make sure you savor it.

Local Expert Guides

Your Milford Sound Tour driver has spent 15 years in Te Anau & Fiordland and prioritises your safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Enjoy our favourite (& secret) spots off the beaten track, take your time with photography and experience our 8.5-hour Tour from Te Anau.

Eco-Friendly

As a local business, we're deeply committed to Fiordland's future. Our Milford Sound Tour is eco-friendly, with a 100% carbon offset program & sustainable products, even our drink bottles. Our goal is to promote nature through sustainable tourism and lasting connections.

Indulge in Comfort

Our luxury premium coaches are purpose-built for the Milford Road. With tinted windows, comfy leather seats, spacious legroom and USB ports, it's your haven in any weather. It also includes high performance air-conditioning for guest comfort.

All about our slice of paradise...

The Kea: New Zealand's Mischievous Alpine Parrot

The 3 Best Ways to Tour Milford Sound

Homer Tunnel - The Last Hurdle to Milford Sound

Milford Sound - Why A Powerful Impact On Visitors?

We have just had the most awesome trip on Milford Sound with Luxe tours. Murray was our guide for the day and he was brilliant. He was very professional and extremely knowledgeable about plants nature and interesting local facts .. I would have no hesitation at all in recommending this tour. It was a fabulous day out and one I will remember for a very long time . Thank you Luxe Tours.

Jane humphries, let's start your journey in luxe....

Our Milford Sound tour from Te Anau includes unique stops, premium cruises, and passionate local guides. Book your Luxe Tour now for an unforgettable journey!

Milford Sound Scenic Tour & Cruise

TripAdvisor Best of the Best award winners 2024! Placing this tour in the top 1% of experiences in the world.

Spectacular Milford Sound day experience from Queenstown!

Summer selling fast – don’t miss out.

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• Mirror Lakes on the Milford Road
• Small walks on the Milford Road
• Glass roof vans get you there in comfort
• Great Fiordland views from your van
• Reflections in Milford Sound
• Mitre Peak Cruises

Small Group Milford Sound Day Tour

Join Altitude Tours for a top-rated small group Milford Sound Day Tour from Queenstown. Escape the crowds and get up close and personal with some of the most iconic scenery and wildlife in Fiordland.

Your Adventure Begins

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.

Welcome to the Fiordland National Park

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.

Milford Sound Adventure & Cruise

Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a 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.

The Journey Back

After your cruise, rejoin the van and enjoy 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. 

Choose to travel back to Queenstown by road, or upgrade to a scenic fixed-wing plane or helicopter flight for a spectacular 45-minute experience over the Southern Alps back to Queenstown.

Choose your departure from Queenstown:

• Departure One: 6.30am (Glass Roof Upgrade)
• Departure Two: 7.30am
• Early Bird Departure: 6.00am (Glass Roof Upgrade) – only available December – March

Standard Departure

Glass roof upgrade departure.

Spectacular Milford Sound day experience from Queenstown with glass roof van upgrade

Travel in premium Gold-class comfort.

Our Mercedes vans are fully equipped with panoramic windows extended legroom, leather interiors, and panoramic windows.

Our 6:30am departure includes a Glass-Roof upgrade maximising your views on this incredible day tour.

The people have spoken

Milford sound tour faq's, what sort of vehicle will i be travelling to milford in.

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, modern interior, and those ever-important panoramic windows for amazing views!

Glass Roof Upgrade

The 6:30 a.m. departure guarantees travel in custom-built glass-roof top vans that have superior viewing at all angles. Choose this time slot to travel in these vehicles.

Can I join you from Te Anau?

Yes of course! We can offer a pick-up in Te Anau and you can select this from the pickup list when you are going through the booking process online.

6:30am departure from Queenstown will pick up in Te Anau at 9:15am

7:30am departure from Queenstown will pick up in Te Anau at 10:15am

Is this day tour suitable for young children?

Traveling with kids is a lot of fun, and helps you embrace your inner child as you visit new places around the world.

Kids are able to travel with us to Milford Sound, however , as many of us in the team have children ourselves, this is not something we actively recommend. You will be traveling in the van for approx. 10 hours which can be a long time for small humans who love to run around, or may be prone to car sickness.

How many people will be on this tour?

Our vehicles are 16 seaters, so this will be your maximum group size on the van, 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.

Is it true the world’s biggest dinosaur skeleton was found in Milford Sound?

No, this is not true at all. We added this for some entertainment, good on you if you have spotted this and opened the answer. Here is a special promo code that will give you 10% off any tour. Use promo code ALT10.

What is the minimum age for this tour? Is this tour family friendly?

There is no minimum age for this tour. It is of course a long day of travel which can be challenging for babies, and young children.

What are the lunch options on this full day tour?

We can provide a pre-booked packed picnic lunch for $30 per person which will include a sandwich, fruit, and a range of snacks.

If you don’t choose this option we suggest bringing your own lunch. We do stop in Te Anau on the way, however, we cannot guarantee their lunch supplies and there is no food in Milford Sound or on the boat.

What boat will we be cruising with in Milford Sound?

We partnered with two cruise operators, who are both small boat experiences in Milford Sound. They’ll provide a 2-hour cruise through the sound, getting up close to the towering waterfalls and providing informative commentary.

What facilities will be available on the tour?

We make multiple stops enroute for coffee, at a cafe and bathroom stops, and there are bathroom facilities in the terminal at Milford Sound and on the boat.

What stops will we make along the tour?

We don’t want to give too much away! You’ll make a couple of cafe stops before getting to Fiordland, and along the Milford Road we’ll make multiple stops at scenic points. Our guides know the best spots on the day and will choose these based on being away from the crowds.

What wildlife and birdlife will I see?

The wildlife changes each day and season, but if you’re lucky you’ll see seals, kea and an array of birdlife. We also quite commonly see dolphins and also have seen a baby humpback whale!

What are the Milford Road conditions like?

The road is very well looked after so is always in great condition. The conditions can change per season, in winter there will often be snow around at points that don’t see the sun – making it even more beautiful!

Can I choose to fly back from Milford to Queenstown on the day?

Absolutely! Our guides will explain the options for flybacks, and you can book on the day. Of course it would have to be a day where there is a flight going or enough people book to get a flight going, so booking in advance is the best way to guarantee availability.

How long does it take to get to Milford from Queenstown?

If you were to drive straight there it would take approximately 4 hours, but how boring would that be? We make multiple stops enroute to take breaks and enjoy the stunning scenery so our journey to Milford Sound takes approximately 6 hours. Why not entertain yourself with our Milford Sound Car Bingo ?!

Where do you pick up and drop off from?

We pick up from select Queenstown hotels and the main bus stop routes in Queenstown town centre and along Frankton Road. When booking, type in your accommodation and it will suggest the closest bus stop. If it doesn’t come up just check in with us and we’ll let you know where is closest for you!

Why can't I reserve seats?

Due to this being one of our most popular tours and wanting to be fair to all who join us we do not offer reserved seating. If you have a request we will do our best to accommodate but we cannot guarantee.

HUMBLE BRAGS

Top rated milford sound day tour, more epic tours., milford sound tour, cruise & scenic flight, milford sound tour, cruise & helicopter, milford sound private tours, mt cook scenic tour, best of queenstown tour, glenorchy scenic tour.

MILFORD SOUND

Extraordinaire tour, an award winning guided day tour from te anau to milford sound showcasing the best of fiordland national park. enjoy pickup from your te anau accommodation, optional short walks, photo stops, home baking, and a nature cruise on milford sound..

TOUR SUMMARY

Milford Sound Extraordinaire is our signature, extended day tour from Te Anau to Milford Sound. This exclusive experience ensures you witness the very best of the region with a small group and an expert guide. Our leisurely journey provides extra time to explore the eighth wonder of the world, with scenic stops, optional spectacular short walks, ample photo opportunities, and a delightful homebaked-style morning tea in Fiordland National Park.

Upon arrival in Milford Sound, you’ll board a small-group boat for a spectacular 1hr 45min nature cruise through the breathtaking fiord. A chance to spot dolphins and seals and get up close with cascading water falls. Before your return trip to Te Anua, again with plenty of photo and rest stops in the Fiordland National Park.

Our comfortable coaches, limited to just 16 guests, offer plenty of legroom for a relaxing journey. We also provide complimentary pickup from your central Te Anau accommodation.

MAP OF TOUR

Milford Sound Extraordinaire tour.

MILFORD SOUND EXTRAORDINAIRE

Prices are per person and are subject to change. Online bookings may incur processing fees.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Picnic lunch option: $30

Can be ordered at time of booking please choose flavour preference and inform us of any dietaries

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Milford Sound return guided scenic day tour from Te Anau through Fiordland National Park

Departs daily from Te Anau. Season: Year-round

Small group tour. Maximum guests: 16

Duration: 9.5 hours from approx. 8:00am Exact pick up times will be communicated to you from our team

Spectacular optional short walks and plenty of photo stops

Includes 1hr 45min Milford Sound boat cruise

Morning tea with fresh baking provided & option to add lunch

Entry to Ata Whenua movie screening post tour (optional)

CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR

GUIDED HIKES FIORDLAND

PHONE. +64 3 222 2838     EMAIL. [email protected] LOCATION.   208 Milford Road, Te Anau, New Zealand

PHONE. +64 3 222 2838 EMAIL. [email protected] LOCATION. 208 Milford Road, Te Anau, New Zealand

Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
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Cruising on Milford Sound

Scenic stops on the Milford Road with Altitude Tours

Glass-roof top van views in Altitude Tours premium vehicles

Mirror Lakes on the Milford Road with Altitude Tours

Scenic photo stops on the Milford Road with Altitude Tours

Kea on the Milford Road

Altitude Tours van at Milford Sound

Altitude Tours Milford Sound

Join Tania for a once in a lifetime day tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown

Small Group Milford Sound Day Tour - Altitude Tours

153B Glenda Drive , Central Queenstown , New Zealand .

Experience Milford Sound with Altitude Tours on a top-rated small group day tour. Departing from Queenstown, this tour offers an escape from the crowds and gets you up close and personal with Fiordland's iconic scenery.

Pricing and Conditions

Packed picnic lunch can be added on for $30pp. One-way fixed wing and helicopter flights from Milford Sound to Queenstown can be added on at time of booking.

Minimum numbers of six people per tour apply. Minimum 48 hours notice from departure time is required to receive any refund. Cancellations within 48 hours of departure time receive no refund as do no shows (missing the tour for any reason).

Milford Sound is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, lush native forests, and unique wildlife, making it a world-famous destination. The journey to this iconic fjord is one of New Zealand's most remote and must-do scenic drives. Experience Milford Sound with Altitude Tours on a top-rated small group day tour. Departing from Queenstown, this tour offers an escape from the crowds and gets you up close and personal with Fiordland's iconic scenery. Travel along the famed Milford Road in a premium Mercedes van, limited to just 16 passengers, hosted by a friendly local guide, and cruise below the towering peaks of the fjord on a small boat nature cruise. Two departures daily at 6:30am (Glass-Roof van) and 7:30am.

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Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour

Altitude Tours offers a unique small-group Milford Sound Day Tour. This top-rated was established in 1994 and allows guests to escape the crowds, offer a truly unique day to this world-famous region.

On this full-day tour to Milford Sound enjoy guided commentary touring with an experienced local guide. This small group tour is a more personal and memorable experience, with the ability to get to know the driver and the other guests onboard.

Once in Milford Sound, join a stunning small boat nature cruise on the fjord – see waterfalls, fur seals, penguins, and occasionally dolphins. You will have a nature guide on board the boat providing fun and informative commentary about the history of the area and its natural surroundings.

Altitude Tours has premium, 16 seat, Mercedes touring vehicles along with two custom made glass-roof Mercedes vehicles. This is business class travel with extended legroom, a leather interior, USB charging ports, panoramic windows for the best views.

Travelling to Milford is a 12-13 hour day from Queenstown. The smaller vehicles give you the opportunity to stay away from the crowds as well as more flexibility with where they stop on the journey, along the famous Milford Road.

The Milford Sound Day Tour has two daily departures from Queenstown. Glass-roof vehicles depart at 6:30am returning around 7:00pm, and non glass-roof vehicles depart at 7:30am returning around 8:00pm. 

• Premium transport in a Mercedes Sprinter van
• A personal small group tour (max 16 passengers)
• Multiple scenic stops on the famous Milford Road
• Informative and entertaining commentary from an experienced guide
• 1hr 45min small boat nature cruise in Milford Sound
• Add-on an optional packed picnic lunch or bring your own food from Queenstown.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board the vans

Altitude Tours won Visitor Experience Award at the New Zealand Tourism Awards in 2023, the third year nominated for that category.  Also won Excellence in Customer Experience at the 2023 Queenstown Business Awards. 

153B Glenda Drive

Queenstown, 9300

• 6:30am departure, Adult: $309 7:30am departure, Adult: $299
• We operate our Milford Sound Tours in modern Mercedes Sprinter vans, equipped with a glass-roof, panoramic windows, USB ports, and complimentry Wi-Fi.
• Monday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Thursday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Friday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Holiday hours: Closed Christmas Day
• Months of Operation: Open year round
• Group Info: Private charters are available, please contact us for itineraries and pricing options.
• Group Reservation Email: [email protected]
• Group Capacity: 16

Milford Sound Day Tours

What you can expect, we recommend milford sound tours operated by the companies listed below., our recommendation, milford sound tours operated by the companies listed below., greatsights.

Highlights of GreatSights Milford Sound tours include:

Here are some of the daily awesomenz milford sound tour highlights:, intercity’s milford sound tours highlights are:.

Milford Sound Tour & cruise from Te Anau

Premium milford sound small group tour, cruise & picnic lunch from te anau.

Milford Sound Tour from Te Anau, this small group, fully-guided day trip combines the amazing return journey to Milford Sound with a boutique Milford Sound Cruise aboard the No.1 Trip Advisor rated cruise company, Cruise Milford. Led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Highlights:

• Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
• Fiordland National Park
• Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak
• Wildlife Spotting 

1.        Te Anau - Your tour starts in stunning idyllic town of Te Anau, after maybe meeting some of the local animals or wildlife we continue along the lake. Stopping at Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track, you will be able to hear the stories and admire the views. 

2.        Eglington 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.    

3.        Mirror Lakes – 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 will be able to tell which way is the right way up for the photo.

4.        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.        Hollyford River & Falls Creek – 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.

6.        Darran Mountains – 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) likes to live. Start keeping an eye out for these large, cheeky and colourful birds that never fail to thrill and entertain when found.

7.        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 can be seen cascading down the mountain side.   

8.       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). The Cruise Milford 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 the ancient rainforest high in the mountains. This cruise is unbeatable.

9.       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.  

10.   The Chasm – After your cruise, do not fear the adventure is not over, there is the return journey with many more amazing stops. One of the stops during this journey (weather and timing dependent) is The Chasm.  A spectacular bush walk and dramatic views of powerful waterfalls and water sculpted shapes in the rocks.

11.    Pop's View Lookout - 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.

12.    Te Anau – Sadly we must start to head back to Te Anau but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and many stops and breaks along the way.

Inclusions:

• Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
• Cruise entry
• Picnic Lunch
• Water available & snacks provided

Optional Extras:

• One-way heli flight from Milford Sound to Te Anau 

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles, complementary refreshments and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

For further information on luggage, pickup locations, cancellation policy etc please  read our FAQ's

Experience Milford Sound / Piopiotahi up close and personal

Our small group tours offer the most intimate wildlife and scenery experience, with custom built boats designed for an immersive viewing experience., see this captivating part of new zealand from the water, air, road or milford track., the best way to see the magnificent milford sound ____________.

Our 2-hour cruise takes in the best of Milford Sound and beyond, sailing out into the breathtaking Tasman Sea. Our boats are purpose-built for navigating near the shoreline to get you as close as possible to your incredible surroundings. Plus, with room on board for no more than 75 and spacious open deck viewing, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views when wildlife such as seals, rare Fiordland crested penguins or pods of dolphins when they make an appearance.

Along the journey, our informative guides point out Milford Sound’s scenic highlights, such as Lady Bowen Falls (dropping 160 meters down to the sea), Sinbad Gully (a classic example of a hanging valley). Snowcapped Mount Pembroke, and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself, towering 1692 meters above sea level.

• Hour Glass 2 hours
• User All ages
• Map Marker Milford Sound
• Ticket Cruise

Cruise Only from Milford Sound

Escape the crowds and experience the beauty of Milford Sound in its true isolation and grandeur with this two-hour cruise. Spot wildlife like seals and dolphins!

FIND OUT HOW TO GET THERE.

Where are you departing from ____________.

MILFORD SOUND

Our tours ____________

• Hour Glass Full day
• Ticket Cruise , Walk

Milford Sound Cruise & Milford Track

Walk part of the Milford Track and take a 2-hour cruise – a way to see both the ‘finest walk in the world’ and enjoy the fiord from sea level, including the picturesque Mitre Peak.

• Hour Glass Half day
• Map Marker Queenstown
• Ticket Flight , Cruise

Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Flight

Fly over snow-capped mountain ranges, ancient glaciers, sparkling lakes, and tumbling waterfalls as you journey to Milford Sound by plane; then see it from the water on an immersive 2-hour cruise.

• Ticket Helicopter , Cruise

Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Heli Flight

Discover the beauty of the area from unforgettable perspectives – the waters of Milford Sound, and from the air on a scenic helicopter flight over the Fiordland National Park.

• Ticket Flight , Coach , Cruise

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise & Fly

Discover the beauty of the area from three unforgettable perspectives – Milford Road, the waters of Milford Sound, and in the air on a scenic flight over the Fiordland National Park.

• Map Marker Te Anau
• Ticket Coach , Cruise , Walk

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise & Walk from Te Anau

Experience one of the world’s finest alpine drives to Milford Sound in a small group tour, including scenic stops, walks and guided nature commentary, followed by a stunning 2-hour cruise.

• Ticket Coach , Cruise

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown

Take a day trip from Queenstown on one of the world’s finest alpine drives to Milford Sound in a small group tour, including scenic stops and guided commentary, followed by a stunning 2-hour cruise.

Why choose Mitre Peak Cruises? ____________

SEE IT FROM EVERY PERSPECTIVE We offer four unbeatable ways to discover the beauty of one of the worlds most scenic locations: via the Milford Road on a scenic coach tour there and back, from the air either in a plane or helicopter, walking the Milford Track, or from the water on our famous cruises. (Please note, different packages area available out of different locations.)

Milford Sound's Premiere Tour Company ____________

"Absolutely loved the tour and the driver was super knowledgeable. Podge gave us enough time to take pictures and didn't feel rushed at all. We had amazing weather and everything ran very smoothly and efficient. Great experience and would recommend to anyone."

"The trip to Milford Sound was an amazing experience, not only the destination, but the whole journey, with excellent commentary from our guide on the luxurious coach. Weather forecast was 10 degrees with rain, which I was worried about, but it was still awesome and beautiful, just needed warm clothes. We’re going to try your Mt Cook trip next time we come to Queenstown."

"We had the most amazing time on the cruise. The sights were breathtaking, really cool to be able to get up close to the waterfalls and learn more about the sounds. Crew member Abbey was wonderful. Super friendly and helpful to everyone on board. This was an experience never to be forgotten for sure."

"The cruise was fantastic - helped of course by the scenery and the great, sunny weather. Another plus was the boat size - small enough to feel cozy and not overcrowded with people, allowing the crew to offer a more personalised experience. This leads me to the second highlight: Abby was great, very kind and caring to our kids (7 and 4 years old) - she even brought them a colouring kit to keep them entertained during the journey, when they wanted to sit and eat something."

"We traveled with Trips and Tramps from te anau and we cannot recommend them more highly. We had a fantastic guide in Geoff who was born in manapouri and knew the area extremely well. The trip along the road, thru the homer tunnel and to the sound was well organized and run. The boat trip went in close to the magnificent cliffs of the sound and was small enough that everyone on board got great views of the waterfalls, seals and flora. The waterfalls were impressive. A great day out."

Walk New Zealand's Fiordland National Park

4 days | walk through lush rainforest and mountainous landscapes in fiordland national park and milford sound.

Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s best nature with this 4-day, short but super sweet walking trip. Base yourself in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and the famed Milford Sound – and explore at your own pace. Take on some of the South Island’s most gorgeous hiking trails and wander atop mountain peaks, through lush rainforests and by shimmering lakes like Lake Manapouri and Lake Ada. Witness the majesty of Milford Sound – on foot and boat – and look out for fur seals, bottleneck dolphins and numerous cascading waterfalls. Brave high swing bridges with beech forest views, listen to the birdsong of tuis, bellbirds and kereru and breathe in some of the freshest air in the world.

Trip overview

• Walk through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful South Island landscapes and enjoy all the included highlights alongside lots of free time, to rest, relax and explore at your own pace.
• Enjoy the natural scenery from an e-bike and feel the wind in your hair as you cycle towards the gorgeous Lake Manapouri.
• Explore the famed Milford Sound – nicknamed the world’s eighth wonder – by foot and ship. Hike to the cascades of Giant Gate Falls and then enjoy a small boat cruise on the sound. Look out for seals and dolphins!
• Take the option to discover the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves by boat and learn all about these fascinating bioluminescent creatures and their ecosystem from a local guide.
• Hike to towering summits like Key Summit or Greenstone Valley through surrounding beech forest, rainforest, expansive lakes and rolling hillsides – Middle Earth is calling.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Forest & Bird. Donations help them give nature a voice - protecting wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand by advocating for conservation on the ground and at a government level. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
• This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility and fitness. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 October 2023 - 30 April 2025

Kia ora! Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand. If you arrive in Queenstown with some time to spare, there is no shortage of activities available – from cycling and hiking to dining and sightseeing. Today, your trip starts with a pick-up from Steamer's Wharf at 8 am. Take a private transfer to Te Anau, the centre of your 4-day walking trip and the gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. After dropping off your bags and checking in to your accommodation, take a scenic drive on Milford Road, stopping for a few short walks and photo opportunities. Your first walk of the trip is on the Routeburn Track. You’ll walk to Key Summit or Greenstone Valley for the next few hours, depending on the group’s fitness level and desires. After, return to the accommodation and enjoy a free evening to relax – or join your fellow trekkers for an optional dinner out.

• Routeburn Track Hike

The welcome meeting is at 8 am today at Steamer's Wharf where you will be picked up to start your trip, so it’s recommended you arrive the night before in Queenstown.

Your trekking distance today will be about 8 to 14 km, depending on the group’s fitness. Minimum 400m ascent + descent. Track is well formed but rough underfoot in places.

Weather conditions can change rapidly in this part of NZ, which can result in the need for changes to be made to our intended itineraries. Your tour leader will advise if the order of your itinerary needs to be changed due to weather conditions. 

After brekkie, you’ll jump on an e-bike this morning and take a scenic bike ride to Queens Reach Boat Ramp (approximately 2 hours). From here, you’ll take a jet boat to Lake Manapouri – formed 20,000 years ago in the most recent ice age and now known as New Zealand’s loveliest lake. Take in the sweeping scenery full of glittering blues and greens, then head out on today’s walk on the Kepler Track. Along the way, appreciate the unique mountainous landscape akin to the wonders of Middle Earth and follow the terraces of the Waiau River through red and mountain beech forests. Cross the river on a swing bridge and stop for a packed lunch at Rainbow Reach. Depending on the time and weather we may stop in at Te Punanga O Manu Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to catch a glimpse at some of New Zealand's rare and endangered birds such as the takahe. In the early evening, make your way back to the accommodation.

• Scenic E-bike ride
• Kepler Track hike
• Jet boating

Your trekking distance today will be about 6 km on a mostly flat and easy track.

Get up bright and early this morning and prepare to explore one of the most popular spots in all New Zealand – Milford Sound, known locally as Piopiotahi. After breakfast, take a private transfer on the Milford Road to the Milford Track described as "the finest walk in the world". You’ll head to Giant Gate Falls from Sandfly Point on a guided hike. Pass through rainforest landscapes, taking in all the sights and smells of the track. You’ll pass countless fern species and hear the singsong of New Zealand tuis, bellbirds and kereru. Stop for a packed lunch when you reach the falls, which flow into Lake Ada, destined for the Tasman Sea. This gorgeous sight can be best appreciated on the swing bridge in front of the cascade. After your trek, head to the base of Mitre Peak for a 2-hour boat cruise on Milford Sound – and see why this location was dubbed the 'eighth wonder of the world' by Rudyard Kipling. Look out for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals and bask in the silence of the fiord as you sail past misting cascades, icy peaks, lush rainforest and twisting inlets. Depart the fiord in the late afternoon and return to your accommodation, where your evening is free.

• Milford Track hike
• Milford Sound - Nature Boat Cruise
• Te Anau- Ata Whenua Film, Fiordland National Park - NZD12

Your trekking distance today will be about 11 km on a well-formed track, it is rough and rocky in places requiring good stability. Very little vertical gain. Bring a change of clothes in case you get wet while walking. Bring a good rain coat - Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in NZ.

After breakfast this morning, you have the option to head to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. After a scenic boat ride on Lake Te Anau, you’ll sail beneath the bioluminescent worms and learn about this fascinating ecosystem from your local guide. If you’d rather, maybe just explore Te Anau on foot or walk around the lake. You can also catch a water taxi across the lake and take a scenic walk back to town from there (which takes about 3 hours). After, you’ll return to Queenstown via a private transfer, where your trip ends.

• Te Anau - Glow Worm Cave with Cruise & Guide - NZD119

Your trip finishes at 5 pm at Steamers Wharf in Queenstown.

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches

Private vehicle, Boat

Hotel (3 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

START & END TIME Your adventure begins with a pick-up from Queenstown, Steamer's Wharf at 8am. Your trip concludes on day 4 at 5pm at Steamer's Wharf, Queenstown.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A single supplement is available for this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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