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 2-hour 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 onboard.
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
2-Hour nature cruise on Milford Sound
Knowledgable and friendly local driver/guides
A packed picnic lunch is included as part of your tour.
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
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
Reviews
324 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Our driver and guide, Malav, proved to be not only affable but extremely knowledgeable.
Pat L,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00proved knowledgeable about the sites, geology, the plant life and history during the long van ride to Te Anau and the National Park. His narrative was not only entertaining but extremely informative to those of us in a new country viewing unusual scenery. He engaged individually with all members of the group which served to acquaint us with each other and opened individual conversations. Additionally, his driving skills were excellent and we arrived often several minutes early at our various stops. He kept us informed about the possibility that we may need to make a decision on our flying versus driving return options. Malav guided us to the cruise boat, gave us a tip on which side of the boat to sit on for the best views, and met us at the end of the cruise and advised us what our flying options were at that time. We flew! I’d grade Malav’s overall performance among the most complete and professional of those I’ve experienced.
Ten thousand water falls!
Navigate489305,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a rainy day but we had a most beautiful experience at Mill ford sound excursion. Our driver Will was very informative, friendly and helpful, good driver as well! He made sure we are meeting at right point and get on the boat timely. Saw so many beautiful water falls in a one day! It was our high light of our New Zealand trip!
Great trip to Milford Sound
marjorie758,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfectly organized, great guide (thank you Carol!), good lunch, beautiful cruise, topping it off with an absolutely stunning helicopter flight back to Queenstown!
Milford Sound a must trip
lawson55elizabeth,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spectacular guide, Nicole Who knew what she was doing g the whole trip as the rain poured down. Perfect weather she said to see the Milford Sound. Plenty of stops for snacks and necessities and a comfortable van ride . The Sound was amazing with many look out spot opportunities , avoiding the bus crowds. Lunch and great driving through all the curvy roads . Thank you for a great memory Nicole
Our trip got cancelled by anonymous guy but again we got another slot in 10 mins and we complete our tour
908nageshs,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had fun and caring experience with family. Our Guide AMY was way to experienced and showed us all the scenic beauty of Milford.
Fabulous Milford Sound tour
elspethg2026,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous day. Wet weather meant we didn’t fly back to queenstown but upside was the waterfalls were amazing. Our driver/guide Greenacre was really helpful and enthusiastic.
Milford Sound Adventure
kathleenlY2691WQ,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The drive to Milford sound was beautiful. The guide was great. The boat trip was stunning and the flight by plane back to Queenstown extrodinary. It was definitely the best
Altitude Tours - Milford Sound and Scenic Flight
JPH1900,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely amazing day with the Altitude Tours team on a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Chelsea was our guide, and she was fun and interactive, and entertained all of us with her stories while she drove. She was thoughtful and intentional with her stops to break up the trip, and was very helpful. Once we arrived and transferred to the boat for the cruise, the views are unbelievably stunning. Once back on land, we chose the scenic flight back to Queenstown, which was also fantastic (and also accelerates the trip back) and gives you another 45 minutes of beautiful views of this truly unique part of the world. Don’t miss this. It’s why people go to the South Island.
Wonderful experience
JSSHasBeenThere,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gina was wonderful and helped us create a most memorable day! Even with 6 kiddos under the age of 10 and 10 hours of driving we still had an amazing time! This is a must do if you visit Queenstown. Thank you Gina and Altitude Tours.
A must do experience
Arty2111,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience. McAmy was brilliant and brought the whole trip to life. She was so knowledgeable. We had a 5 hour drive including various stops for photos and coffee. Wonderful sights. Then a 2 hour boat ride with amazing views. Then the scenic flight home with pilot Jim. Beautiful views. All in all a really great day
From NZ$899.00
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Operated by Altitude Tours Milford Sound Experience