Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise
Overview
Available languages
13 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. Thisglobally award winning small group tour is for travellers seeking an all-inclusive, uniquely-kiwi, personalised trip from Queentown to Milford Sound and back.
Our fleet of modern Mercedes vans are fiited with leather seats, panoramic scenic windows, Wi-Fi and Spotify. Enjoy a small-group journey with 15 people maximum for ultimate comfort and undivded attention from your guide.
Let your Altitude Tours guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge of the area, as you travel from Queenstown into the Fiordland National Park on the famous Milford Road. Enjoy many scenic photo stops at both famous locations, as well as your guide's favourite spots.
Enjoy a 2-hour boutique uncrowded cruise and picnic lunch while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer!
Additional Info
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Please bring walking shoes, warm clothes and rain jacket.
Please be aware that Milford Sound is a 5 hour drive from Queenstown (one-way with sightseeing stops). This is a full day excursion, and including the 2 hour cruise on the fjord, allow approximately 13 hours door to door.
A packed picnic lunch is included in your experience. The default choice is a 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
Packed picnic lunch is included
WiFi on board
Convenient pick up and drop off locations around Queenstown
Knowledgable and friendly local driver/guides
2-Hour nature cruise on Milford Sound
Off-the-beaten track scenic photo stops en route
Tea & coffee available on the 2 hour nature cruise
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
6am Summer Departure & Lunch
Nature Cruise: This tour includes a 1 hr 45 min nature cruise on Milford Sound.
Packed Picnic Lunch : This option includes a packed picnic lunch box. The default selection is chicken, with options to change to vege.
Standard Van: This tour is conducted in our standard premium Mercedes touring vehicles.
Pickup included
7.30am Departure & Lunch
Nature Cruise: This tour includes a two hour nature cruise on Milford Sound
Packed Picnic Lunch: This tour includes a packed picnic lunch. The default option is chicken; please get in touch if you would prefer a vegetarian
Standard Van: Our 7.30am departure is conducted in out standard premium Merceds touring vans
Pickup included
6.30am Glass Roof Van & Lunch
Cruise : This tour includes a 1 hr 45 min nature cruise on Milford Sound
Packed Picnic Lunch: This tour includes a packed picnic lunch. The default option is chicken; please get in touch if you would prefer a vegetarian
Glass Roof Mercedes Sprinter: This option connects to our 6:30am departure which offers a guaranteed glass-roof top van.
Pickup included
Reviews
2,402 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Views!
Jack B,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Overall, the trip is a long day, but very well worth the effort! Although the van used in the trip is not the one pictured (no skylight), it was still a pleasant ride. Although it doesn’t explicitly say the van would have one, I can’t say that I’m happy being somewhat misled. Despite the one cosmetic hiccup, the van was still decently comfortable with satisfactory legroom and onboard amenities such as decent Wi-Fi. Pick up was on schedule and straightforward, and Ami was full of information about New Zealand’s natural world, as well as being able to converse for almost 12 hours straight! Milford Sound and the Fiordlands National Park is a must see item when visiting the Queenstown area. The experiences, views and roads are nothing short of breathtaking. The next time I’m in New Zealand, I’ll gladly go on another tour, no questions asked!
Best small group tour experience to Milford Sound!
Road38114577404,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Thomas, was a pro and gave us an awesome day. We had a smaller group and he immediately made us feel like we were all friends once we hit the road. Thomas had great stories and info to share, and got us to all the best stops and onto our cruise right on time. I opted to take the plane back and would 100% recommend if you can swing it - a perfect way to get a different vantage point of the breathtaking landscape! I traveled solo on this trip and felt totally comfortable.
Worthwhile
Lonita A,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The driver and tour guide, James, arrived eight minutes before the set time, so I did not have to wait long. In a later pick up, I saw that the driver waited until the specified time and then did all he could to determine what might be keeping the customer from arriving on time. I appreciated his desire to make sure no one missed their pick-up. James did a wonderful job as a tour guide. He gave interesting facts as he drove but did not feel the need to talk through the whole drive, which I appreciated. He was humorous and knowledgeable. He drove safely, while also making sure we got where we needed to be at the correct time. He stopped once for us to use the toilets and wander through some cafés and souvenir shops. Then he stopped at least three more times for photo opportunities. The provided lunch of a chicken sandwich with vegetable salad and a brownie was okay. The Milford Sound (or more correctly fjord, as is mentioned often on the bus and the cruise) cruise was beautiful. The captain also gave interesting facts and pointed out things of interest. Once the cruise was complete, James drove us back with only one stop to get us back as soon as possible. I left at 7:22 am and returned to the same place at 7:45-ish pm. It was a long day and I was ready to be off the bus, but I am thankful I did the tour. It would have taken me much longer to drive there and back as someone who doesn’t know the roads or the best places to stop along the way. I would suggest wearing layers. I found the bus ride a bit chilly and the cruise even more so on the overcast day I went. The bus seats were not the most comfortable. It could be worse, but it annoyed me that the seats were so high that I was only able to rest my toes on the floor (I’m 5 foot 6 inches).
Milford Sound via Altitude
Jarka G,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amy was our tour guide. She was very knowledgeable regarding the sites that we visited. She was personable and friendly and was able to answer any questions asked of her. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend Altitude company to anyone looking to explore New Zealand sites.
Amazing day trip to Milford Fjord
joannepP8260QG,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic day trip from Queenstown. Our guide Adita was amazing and a great driver. The boat tour was stunning. Doing the small group tour is the way to go!
The Law cousins’ review
clairelP1107SU,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide - Do - was a joy! Very personable and informative. Highly recommend this tour and hopefully, you’ll benefit from Do’s stories!
Worth the Time!
Karen M,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a very long day but so worth it! Milford Sound is majestic and beautiful! I’m so happy I made the trip.
Best on a rainy day! All...
Elisa G,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best on a rainy day! All the locals said the best day for Milford Sound was when it was raining and we couldn't agree more. Waterfalls were so BEAUTIFUL! Our tour guide Malav was AMAZING! He was knowledgeable and knew the best spots to stop for great photo opportunities. Well worth the glass roof van and more importantly, the small group experience! Thank you Altitude Tours!
Milford sounds bus/ fly
elpisv2026,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A terrific experience we took the small bus group tour on the way there and opted for the plane ride back. Best of both worlds with the stops on the way and scenic flight home
Amazing experience! The...
shivani m,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience! The tour guide shared stories along the way which were super intriguing and he made the journey as comfortable for us as possible. Thank you!
From NZ$379.00
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Operated by Altitude Tours Milford Sound Experience