Overview
Experience the ultimate Milford Sound adventure in a single day. Travel in comfort in a luxury mini van, cruise the pristine waters and native bush of Fiordland, and return to Queenstown on a breathtaking scenic flight. Perfect for travellers seeking a seamless, high-end Fiordland experience. This tour combines convenience, adventure, and stunning scenery.
At a glance
- Duration: Full day Trip (9-10 hours)
- Group size: Up to 15 guests
- Activity level: Easy
- Start / End: Queenstown → Te Anau → Milford Sound → Queenstown
- Includes: private driver, guide and luxury minivan transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound via Te Anau
- Spectacular Milford Sound boat cruise
- Breathtaking 45 minute scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown
- Delicious packed picnic lunch
- Free Wi-Fi
Itinerary
Depart Queenstown in a premium 15-seat minivan, designed for comfort and unobstructed views. Your day begins with a scenic drive along the banks of Lake Wakatipu, through Southland’s rolling farmland and the lakeside town of Te Anau. Enjoy a brief lakeside stop in Te Anau for refreshments, before entering the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park. Your guide will share interesting information and stop for you to capture photographs at picture perfect locations.
Step aboard a small-group nature cruise and discover the iconic beauty of Milford Sound. Glide beneath towering peaks and nearby cascading waterfalls, while keeping an eye out for dolphins, fur seals, penguins, and native birds. Knowledgeable guides share insights into the fjord’s geology, wildlife, and rich heritage, creating an unforgettable immersion into this natural wonder.
Complete your Milford Sound experience with a scenic flight back to Queenstown. Soar above snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and braided rivers, enjoying perspectives of Fiordland’s landscapes few travellers witness. This 45 minute aerial return is the perfect way to appreciate the full grandeur of Milford Sound and Queenstown.
From USD $899 pp
Inclusions
- Private driver/host for journey
- Small Group Scenic Coach Tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound
- Small Group Boat Tour of Milford Sound (approx. 2 hours)
- 45 Minute Scenic Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown
- Packed picnic lunch
- Photo stops
- Free Wi-Fi
Optional Upgrades
- Talk to us about optional upgrades and departure times. Most tours depart Queenstown at 7.30am.
FAQs
This full-day experience includes luxury small-group transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, a scenic boat cruise through the fjord, and a breathtaking fixed-wing flight back to Queenstown. Along the way, you’ll enjoy guided commentary, short photo stops, picnic lunch and light refreshments.
The tour typically takes around 9 hours in total including refreshment stops, lunch, photo opportunities. You’ll travel by road to Milford Sound in the morning. The drive from Queenstown to Te Anau is just over 2 hours. There is a break there by the lake. Then another 2 hours from Te Anau to Milford Sound including photo stops. Enjoy an approximately 2 hour boat cruise, and return to Queenstown by air in approximately 45 minutes.
Expect dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The cruise passes beneath Mitre Peak, one of New Zealand’s most iconic landmarks, and often encounters seals, dolphins, and sometimes penguins.
The tour is suitable for most travellers, including families and older guests. Some short walks may be included during photo stops. If you have mobility concerns or prefer a slower pace, let us know — we can tailor recommendations.
Milford Sound is spectacular year-round. Summer (December–March) brings longer days and warmer weather, while winter (June–August) offers more impressive waterfalls and snow-dusted peaks. Spring (September to November) is less busy than Summer and often has high rainfall, which makes for extremely impressive main waterfalls and hundreds of temporary waterfalls.
If the weather has other plans and your flight to Queenstown can’t go ahead, don’t worry. You’ll return with us in our comfortable van. We’ll pop on a movie, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride home.
We will send you a suggested gear list when you book. Bring a warm waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, and a camera as the scenery is unforgettable. Water and lunch are provided, and you’re welcome to bring extra snacks and food.
Pick-ups are from central Queenstown. Exact details are confirmed at the time of booking.
Yes – private charters, glass-roof vehicles, and other bespoke options can be arranged. Contact us for tailored itineraries or exclusive Milford Sound experiences.
The premium minivan vehicles can seat 16 passengers, but we limit bookings to just 15 guests to ensure a more personal and relaxed travel experience.
At Milford Sound, you’ll join a small boat nature cruise, with capacity for 60 to 75 passengers depending on the weather.