Day trip

Embark on an unforgettable journey From Queenstown to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations. This full-day adventure promises breathtaking scenery and unique experiences.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 11 - 13 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English
Pickup included: - Enjoy the convenience of pick-ups from selected hotels. If your location isn’t listed, simply choose the nearest available option & meet us there! - Pick-ups begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time. - Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. - Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Ken – Japan

The cheeriness of Matt the guide. I was startled to get so close to Stirling Falls (fortunately not soaking wet)!

Karen –

Driver excellent. Wonderful to see the scenery along way and at the stops we made. It was a long day but very enjoyable

Itinerary

29 pickup location options:
Millennium Hotel Queenstown, Ramada Queenstown Central, Heritage Queenstown, Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery, Kamana Lakehouse, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, Crowne Plaza Queenstown, an IHG Hotel, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, Nomads Queenstown Hostel, Sherwood Queenstown, Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road, an IHG Hotel, Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown, Heartland Hotel Queenstown, Pinewood Lodge, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel, The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences, Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort, JUCY Snooze Queenstown, Aspen Lodge Backpackers, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview, The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Mercure Queenstown Resort, Frankton Terminus, Sofitel Queenstown - Hotel & Spa, QT Queenstown, Wyndham Garden Queenstown, Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu, Queenstown, The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers - BBH
Lake Wakatipu
Sightseeing, Bus tour, Pass by, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way
Devils Staircase
Sightseeing, Bus tour, Pass by, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way
Te Anau
Break time, Coffee, Tea, Brunch, Free time, Scenic views on the way (30 minutes)
Extra fee
Eglinton Valley
Break time, Photo stop, Sightseeing, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way (20 minutes)
Mirror Lakes
Photo stop, Sightseeing, Walk, Self-guided tour, Scenic views on the way (30 minutes)
Lake Gunn, Fiordland National Park
Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way (15 minutes)
Hollyford River
Photo stop, Free time, Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way, Wildlife viewing (30 minutes)
Homer Tunnel
Sightseeing, Pass by, Scenic drive, Scenic views on the way
Milford Sound
Photo stop, Coffee, Tea, Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Dolphin watching, Pass by, Marine life viewing, Scenic views on the way (105 minutes)
29 drop-off locations:
Sofitel Queenstown - Hotel & Spa, The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Mercure Queenstown Resort, Aspen Lodge Backpackers, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview, Nomads Queenstown Hostel, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Frankton Terminus, The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers - BBH, Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu, Queenstown, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown, an IHG Hotel, Wyndham Garden Queenstown, QT Queenstown, Kamana Lakehouse, Millennium Hotel Queenstown, Ramada Queenstown Central, Heritage Queenstown, Sherwood Queenstown, The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences, Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown, JUCY Snooze Queenstown, Crowne Plaza Queenstown, an IHG Hotel, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront, Pinewood Lodge, Heartland Hotel Queenstown, Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort, Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road, an IHG Hotel, Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery

Main stop

Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Immerse yourself in the serene mountain and lake landscapes of Fiordland
Be amazed by the majestic Hollyford River and Eglington Valley
Enjoy a picnic lunch and see the Iconic Mitre Peak and Mirror Lakes
Cruise on the number 1-rated cruise boat in Milford Sound
Stop off at beautiful locations to capture some brilliant photos of the area

Full description

Join a guided day tour from Queenstown to the world-renowned Milford Sound: the crowning glory of Fiordland. Highlights of the drive will include Lake Wakatipu, the Devil’s Staircase, the truly majestic mountains of Fiordland, Mirror Lake, and Homer Tunnel. Enjoy multiple stops along the way for photo opportunities and to spot the Kea bird. Travel through the mind-blowing Homer Tunnel, emerging as the valley descends sharply down to Milford Sound, with its hundreds of waterfalls cascading into the crystal clear waters beneath. At Milford Sound, take an intimate cruise on a smaller boat that gets right up close to nature and wildlife. Onboard your cruise you will have up-close views of thousands of waterfalls, Mitre Peak, as well as local wildlife, providing you with hundreds of amazing photo opportunities along the way. Following your cruise you will begin the return journey back to Queenstown, stopping again in Te Anau for a quick break. At the end of the day, your guide will drop you back to your Queenstown accommodation, or you can opt to upgrade to a scenic, one-way flight back from Milford instead. Choose this option for the ultimate view over the mountains and region during your return journey. Between the 27th July & 31st of October we will have two departure times from Queenstown. Our 6:30am departure will land in us Milford Sound in time to cruise with Cruise Milford. Departing Queenstown at 7:30am will have you cruising with Mitre Peak Cruises. Both cruise providers are boutique, meaning less people and a more personal experience for you!

Includes

Pickup and drop-off from select hotels
Fully-guided tour
Cruise in Milford Sound
Flight (if option chosen)
Picnic lunch
Snacks
Water
Entertainment during the drive

Return flight from Milford to Queenstown (unless selected)
Child safety seats
Picnic lunch for infants (0-3)

Not suitable for

People with back problems

Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Camera
Rain gear
Insect repellent
Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

Non-folding wheelchairs
Bikes
Alcohol and drugs
Electric wheelchairs

Know before you go

Children under 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat. We can supply these for NZ$20 per seat or you can provide your own. Please let us know the ages of children upon booking.
This is a small-group tour by minivan
It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be some walking on your tour
The weather in Milford Sound can be unpredictable, therefore it is recommended to bring clothing for all weathers including a rain or wind jacket
Kindly advise of any dietary requirements when booking
You will receive an email with important pickup details the day before your tour, please read this carefully.

Top destinations

Nearby destinations

Queenstown: Small-Group Tour to Milford Sound with Cruise