5.0(18 reviews)
Milford Sound & Te Anau Day Trip
FromNZ$349
12 hours
Queenstown, New Zealand
About this activity
Experience the natural wonders of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound on this guided day trip from Queenstown, including a scenic cruise and lunch.
Highlights
- Explore Fiordland National Park's stunning landscapes
- Cruise the serene waters of Milford Sound
- Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard the cruise
- Capture breathtaking photos of the Southern Alps
- Learn about the region's rich natural history from expert guides
Full description
Discover the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound on this immersive day trip from Queenstown. Journey through lush rainforests, past towering mountains, and alongside cascading waterfalls as you travel to Milford Sound. Board a comfortable cruise to navigate the tranquil waters, offering unparalleled views of the fjord's dramatic cliffs and abundant wildlife. Savor a delicious lunch onboard while soaking in the serene surroundings. This tour provides a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable addition to your New Zealand itinerary.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Queenstown
- Guided tour through Fiordland National Park
- Scenic cruise on Milford Sound with lunch
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
1
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Pass by: Departing Queenstown we wind our way around Lake Wakatipu, with amazing views of ‘The Remarkables’ Mountain Range and the lake.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
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 30 minute break, so you can stretch your legs, have your morning coffee, and something to eat, 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.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
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.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
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.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
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.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
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.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
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 you will see hundreds of waterfalls cascading down the mountain side.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
Following the valleys to the sea we arrive at Milford Sound where you will board your cruise with one of our incredible cruise partners. This 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 an ancient rainforest high in the mountains. This cruise is unbeatable.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
13
On our way home, 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.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
14
Pass by: Sadly we must start to head back to Te Anau but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and maybe some surprise stops along the way. You will be dropped to your central accommodation upon arrival in Te Anau.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately for the day's forecast.
- 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 walking and varying weather conditions.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
- Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Children aged 7 years and below are required by law to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (See Exclusions) Please advise at time of booking.
- Kindly advise dietary requirements for each guest at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- 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.
Traveler reviews
5.018 reviews
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A very comfy scenic ride. Highly recommended
Comfy pick up and drop off. Great scenic ride. Amazing tour guide took care of us
vanvalenciaMay 14, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Milford Sound from Queenstown
Jeff was an excellent story teller and super service provider . Hospitable and always on hand to help
SYuenApr 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great small group tour to Milford Sound
We had a wonderful experience. The small group size is perfect. The tour guide provided lots of useful and interesting information, making the long journey easy. She took us to wonderful stops. We had appropriate time for bathroom breaks and for each stop. The bus is very comfortable; and the landscape is absolutely magical.
imliddyApr 21, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Milford Sound at its finest with Cheeky Kiwi
What an amazing tour it was. Amy from CK was an absolute legend as a guide. She managed to include all the major attractions on the way and shared the history of all the locations. It was quite informative. Amy is quite knowledgeable about the places she took us and fun to chat. Milford Sound cruise was absolutely stunning.
Culture31112610258Apr 5, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Excellent
Amy was an excellent story teller. Snacks and water were ample and the coach comfortable. The many stops were perfect.
UshmaN_12Apr 5, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Children aged 7 years and below are required by law to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (See Exclusions) Please advise at time of booking.
Kindly advise dietary requirements for each guest at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
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.