Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible views are guaranteed to leave you awestruck. This is a small group tour for travellers seeking a uniquely-kiwi trip to Milford Sound.
We keep things personal using our fleet of modern Mercedes vans. Enjoy your journey with no more than 16 people in a vehicle with premium features such as leather seats, panoramic scenic windows, Wi-Fi & Spotify playlists.
Let your Altitude Tours guide entertain you with their in-depth knowledge of the area. Enjoy many scenic photo stops at both famous locations, as well as our guide's favourite off-the-beaten-track spots.
Enjoy a 1-hour 45-minute small uncrowded cruise while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer! You can also add on a picnic lunch to enjoy.
After your cruise, take in the views from above, on an incredible flight back to Queenstown over the Southern Alps.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Please bring walking shoes, warm clothes and a rain jacket.
The flight back is weather dependant and in the case where flights are cancelled due to weather, you will return to Queenstown by van and be refunded your flight portion of your ticket.
A packed picnic lunch is included. The default choice is chicken, however you can request a vegetarian lunch until 5pm the day prior.
Please bring a reusable waterbottle on tour with us. There are multiple locations to refill during the day.
What To Expect
Lake Wakatipu
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.
Lake Te Anau
Lake Te Anau is in the southwestern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. The lake covers an area of 344 km², making it the second-largest lake by surface area in New Zealand and the largest in the South Island. It is the largest lake in Australasia by fresh water volume.
Options
7:30am + LUNCH
Nature Cruise & Scenic Flight : This tour includes a 2 hour nature cruise on Milford Sound and a return scenic flight from Milford. Packed Picnic Lunch: This has a Chicken sandwich. If you would like Vegetarian, please note in special requirements, or let our team know. Premium Mercedes Van: Departs 7.30am. Travel by Mercedes van. Select 6.30am for Glass Roof upgrade. Pickup included
6:30: Glass Roof Van + Lunch
Nature Cruise & Scenic Flight : This tour includes a 1 hr 45 min nature cruise on Milford Sound and a return scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Packed Picnic Lunch: This option includes a packed picnic lunch. The default selection is chicken, however a vegetarian option is available. Glass Roof Mercedes Sprinter: This option travels in a premium glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter van Departure Time: 6:30am: From Queenstown Pickup included
What‘s Included
Small group tour helping you escape the crowds
WiFi on board
Convenient pick up and drop off locations around Queenstown
A breathtaking fixed-wing scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown
Knowledgable and friendly local driver/guides
Plenty of stops and photo opportunities
A packed picnic lunch is included as part of your tour.
1-Hour 45-Minute nature cruise on Milford Sound
To reduce single-use plastic, we do not provide water bottles. We recommend anyone travelling NZ to have their own reusable water bottle. There are several locations to refill during the day.
Pickup points
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown New Zealand
QT Queenstown
38-54 Lake Esplanade, Queenstown Queenstown New Zealand
Kamana Lakehouse
139 Fernhill Road Queenstown New Zealand
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
91 Fernhill Rd Queenstown New Zealand
Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde
54 Robins Road, P O Box 247 Queenstown New Zealand
Crowne Plaza Queenstown By IHG
93 Beach Street, Queenstown New Zealand
Mercure Queenstown Resort
21 Sainsbury Road, Fernhill Queenstown New Zealand
The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments and Lakeside Residences
377 Frankton Road, Lake Wakatipu Queenstown New Zealand
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery Collection
10-18 Brunswick Street, Queenstown New Zealand
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
364 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Don't worry about rain on this trip
J1549IZscottw,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip. We were really initially sorry it was raining, however we learned that this is one of the most amazing ways to see the Sound. The waterfalls were out of this world amazing. Our guide, Stu (Flying Dutchman) was super helpful and could not have been more entertaining. We learned a lot about New Zealand and the plant and animal life that makes it so amazing. Overall a great experience. Don't let the rain bum you out on this one.
Milford is a Must
Nomad37863719446,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had Stuart as a guide and he was the friendliest guide. He was from The Netherlands. He pointed out great spots along the drive. He was a good driver. Milford was so nice. I am glad I took this trip. Milford reminded me of Alaska but it’s much prettier. And flying home was the coolest experience. Definitely the way to travel back to queenstown. The tour company is top notch. I had gotten sick and they for another day at no cost. Which they didn’t have to do that
Best day of the holiday
Sightsee46131302090,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole day was absolutely fantastic from the moment we were picked up the guide was prompt. He stopped off at some very scenic spots along the route to break up the long journey to Milford sound, he also gave us the history of the area and was very friendly, offering to take pics of me and my wife at every location. Then the cruise oh my days I have never experienced anything like it before, it is a magnificent place, the pictures do not serve it justice. We took the fly back option which again was incredible the pilot was great flying us back to Queens town letting us soak up the scenery from the air. All in all it was a fantastic day and I would highly recommend it!
Milford Sound Spectacular
Dldcamp,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The van ride was beautiful. Katie, our bus driver, was friendly and knowledgeable. The cruise was spectacular! Due to weather, our flight was cancelled.
Highly recommended
chantell216,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00推薦給想去的旅客，小團隊時間更能控制，導遊Senchan很好，準備小故事，笑話，歷史讓你了解紐西蘭，絕不悶場
An incredible day!
VICKI L,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible day! Milford Sound absolutely lived up to the hype. It’s a long tour, but our driver/guide, Sinchan, made the journey enjoyable from start to finish. His friendly personality and thoughtful commentary really made the experience feel personal and special. It was a rainy day and we weren’t sure what to expect thinking the rain would dampen the experience but we were wrong! We had absolutely stunning views of the towering mountains all around us and countless waterfalls pouring down the cliffs at every turn! Such an amazing experience and one of our favorite memories from the trip. Highly recommend this tour — and if you get Sinchan as your guide, you’re in great hands!
A fantastic tour of a breathtaking place
L6222ZTjeffreyp,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip with James was simply fantastic! He was a knowledgeable and engaging guide that made the long trip from Queenstown to Milford feel like a breeze! We then had a wonderful cruise of Milford Sound, which is honestly breathtaking and not to be missed. The day was a bit cloudy, so our flight was unfortunately cancelled, but James helped us by trying to rebook us on a helicopter ride (which, unfortunately, was also cancelled). You can't help the weather sometimes! But we had a great, scenic drive with James back to Queenstown, and he answered all our questions and provided great local recommendations. Overall, would really really recommend this tour to anyone going to Milford Sound!!
Don't Miss This Trip
V6391ARsusant,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide, WILL, absolutely made the ride to and from the Milford Sound a delight. He had us all introduce ourselves, threw out trivia for points, was knowledgeable about the trip, and completely funny and engaging. He was also a very good driver. He shared stories about his life and family that added real flavor to our understanding of New Zealanders. It was a cloudy day, and we did have rain, but the waterfalls at Milford Sound were even better because of the rain! Our flight back got cancelled but we enjoyed the sunset and views from the bus on the way back and we only stopped once for a bathroom break which made the trip back 3 hours driving verses 5.5 on the way out with bathroom/food/scenic stops. We were hesitant about going with the rain forecasted and length of trip out, but we are so happy we went and much of that goes to our guide, WILL!! Thank you, Will! Sue, Susan, and Carolyn.
Great Trip even though Weather Cancelled Flight
PurdueBoiler94,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent Milford Sound trip, and Will was a fantastic guide. He kept the day fun and informative, sharing great insights while adapting plans to make sure we saw as much as possible despite changing weather. His strong working relationships with other guides clearly paid off—we benefited from timely stops and great viewpoints. Knowledgeable, upbeat, and genuinely focused on the experience. Highly recommend!
A long day but amazing memories to last forever
Johne192,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you're planning a trip to Milford Sound, Altitude Tours is the way to go! We spent 13 hours return trip on the road from Queenstown, but our fantastic driver made the day feel easy and enjoyable with his great humour and local knowledge. From the scenic stops along the way to the stunning cruise through the waterfalls, every moment was meaningful. A long day? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Highly recommended for anyone visiting New Zealand!
Related Experiences
Operated by Altitude Tours Milford Sound Experience