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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
What‘s Included
Plenty of stops and photo opportunities
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
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
Mercure Queenstown Resort
21 Sainsbury Road, Fernhill Queenstown New Zealand
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery Collection
10-18 Brunswick Street, Queenstown New Zealand
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown New Zealand
Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown
38 - 54 Lake Esplanade, 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
Options
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
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
Reviews
349 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must see in South Island
480bradleyd,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the sprinter van out and flew back - if you can - this is the way to go - the trip out with Chase was very pleasant n- take about 4 hours but he broke it up quite a bit so you could get out and stretch. Lots of great views along the way that we stopped for a bit and walked around. The Milford sound boat ride was incredible - really a must stop in NZ. We had a beautiful day but still a little chilly so dress accordingly. We took a fixed wing plane back to QT which was key - the long drive home would probably have dragged. We arrived back at our hotel by 4pm. The ride out was very comfortable - no one got car sick and the plane ride was free of any significant turbulence so no motion sickness at all.
A Milfound Sound journey to remember.
Patricia B,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chelsea our driver and guide was fantastic. Her in-depth knowledge was outstanding. She’s a very considerate young lady and managed the group well. She’s a good driver and we felt very safe. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. Will certainly refer your company to other travelers. Well done 🤩🤩
Very long day but absolutely worth it !!
X8739QXlindaf,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very early start,6.15, but on the way to Milford Sound our guide, Chelsea, stopped at lots of places along the way and gave us loads of information. We had an option to buy flights back instead of about 3/4 hours in the bus after and decided to go for it( we'll only be here once) and that was a fab decision. The cruise had been lovely but this let us see things from another perspective.
Stunning! Spectacular! Worth the long bus trip
Carol F,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely stunning! Worth the long bus ride. The boat ride through the Sound was spectacular! Wished we could have cruised longer. Driver was excellent, informative and entertaining, safe driver.
Excellent day trip!
Drayton F,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Milford Sound tour is amazing, the lookout stops and cruise was well worth doing! The tour host & driver was Will, he was witty and knowledgeable. Will’s driving was safe & professional. We thoroughly enjoyed our day.
Marvellous Milford Sound Experience
J6628MMjulieh,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the whole experience. Chelsea, our guide was friendly, knowledgeable and was able to find all the best places to stop for photo opportunities. The whole day went smoothly and was an unforgettable trip from start to finish. We would highly recommend Altitude Tours, Cruise Milford and Glenorchy Flights.
Altitude Tours with James was informative and fun!
graces593,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yesterday's tour with James from Altitude Tours was absolutely fantastic! James was a brilliant guide - his knowledge of the area was impressive, and he made sure we got to and from Milford Sound safely. The small boat ride was a real thrill, especially when we cruised under the waterfall and got drenched! And what a bonus to see two juvenile New Zealand fur seals on the boat! It was a truly memorable experience. Thanks to Altitude for a great day out!
Milford sound day trip
Mary B,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tremendous views on the way MS fjord was amazing Small plane ride home wuick and w whole new perspective of the Southern Alps
Fabulous Adventure.
brucekK2729KA,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Our guide Will was informative and entertaining. A long ride there and back, but very scenic. Plenty of stops for photos, snacks, and toilet breaks. The boat tour was excellent. It was a rainy day but due to this the waterfalls were in full display. Unfortunately that meant our return trip via small plane was cancelled, but we were refunded the difference. I highly recommend this tour.
A Visit to Milford Sound
pahurley6,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Will picked us up right on time for the tour. We were scheduled to travel to Milford Sound via coach, cruise the sound and return to Queenstown by plane. The scenery on the way to the Sound was beautiful. Will did a maginificent job of guiding along the way, sharing all sorts of interesting information about New Zealand and Fiordland National Park. He was very witty and engaging! The weather in Milford Sound was VERY wet, but the scenery was amazing. Will made sure we enjoyed the trip, all while explaining that a wet and rainy visit to Milford Sound is just the way nature intended. We were unable to fly back to Queenstown due to the rainy weather, but Will got us back home via the coach without delay. All in all, this was the best tour of our trip so far. Our travel agent booked tours with high-quality, very reputable companies. Altitude was no exception. As noted above, Will was awesome and the coach was modern, clean and comfortable.
From NZ$899.00
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Operated by Altitude Tours Milford Sound Experience