Milford Sound Discovery Cruise & Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Fiordland National Park's stunning landscapes
- Cruise past iconic Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls
- Spot local wildlife like dolphins and seals
- Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard the cruise
- Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound
- Scenic cruise through Milford Sound
- Complimentary lunch and refreshments
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
Pass by: 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: Departing Queenstown we wind our way around Lake Wakatipu, with amazing views of ‘The Remarkables’ Mountain Range and the lake.
Pass by: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pass by: 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.
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.
Pass by: 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.
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).
Pass by: 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.
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.
Pass by: 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.
Meeting point
Start Location
The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately.
- Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.
- Please inform the operator of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for a full-day excursion.
- Bring a waterproof jacket and sunscreen to protect against the elements.
- Ensure you have a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- 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
- Children aged 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. You can hire seats ($20NZD per seat) or you can provide your own
- 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.
Traveler reviews
Amazing!!
Cheeky Kiwi Travel was awesome! Nikki our guide was friendly, helpful, and insightful. She was excited about our adventure ahead which also added to the atmosphere! So grateful for our day out with Nikki & Cheeky Kiwi
I had a most wonderful...
I had a most wonderful day , my first as a solo traveler. The smaller touring bus with just 15 people made the day all the more enjoyable and well worth the extra cost. The tour guide was Jason who was full of information that made the experience a learning one as well. The weather was a bit iffy , so I was pleased at how our safety was foremost. ( It didn’t snow🙂) If 12 hours seems a long time, the day passes quickly as there are numerous stops along the way . The picnic lunch hamper had a variety of delicious choices. I would recommend Cheeky Kiwi for your Milford Sound trip!
Great Day Trip to Milford Sound
We went in July and the trip, cruise, lunch, and experience was awesome! Although it wasnt very rainy, we still saw waterfalls and wildlife. Our guide Danny was spectacular! Friendly and knowledgeable, he made the long drive much more fun and enjoyable! He made sure we were all comfortable, offering water, snacks, and helping ice break with everyone on the car. Along the way we made stops at a cafe with alpacas, saw a Kea, and the drive was scenic. The lunch was also pretty good! The cruise was smaller and we got to go really close to a waterfall and the water at Milford was gorgeous. Overall we had a great time!
Milford Sound Couple Tour from Queenstown
n unforgettable experience from start to finish! The small group made the tour feel much more personal and comfortable, and our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and shared fascinating stories about the region throughout the journey. The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound was just as spectacular as the destination itself, with plenty of scenic stops for photos. The cruise was absolutely breathtaking—we saw stunning waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, lush rainforest, and even spotted wildlife along the way. The entire tour was well-organized, relaxing, and worth every dollar. If you're visiting New Zealand, I highly recommend this tour. It was easily one of the highlights of my trip. View at :https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nan3oBye0_4
Enjoy
Nice Experience and nice tour guides!!