Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

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. This globally award winning small group tour is for travellers seeking an all-inclusive, uniquely-kiwi, personalised trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back.

Our fleet of modern Mercedes vans are fitted with leather seats, panoramic scenic windows, Wi-Fi and Spotify. Enjoy a small-group journey with 15 people maximum for ultimate comfort and undivided 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 1hr 45min boutique uncrowded cruise and picnic lunch while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer!

Additional Info

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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 1hr 45min cruise on the fiord, 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 water bottle on tour with us. There are multiple locations to refill during the day.

The cruise operator requires all passengers need to be able to board and disembark the vessel without assistance in case of an emergency.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

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 15 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.

Admission Not Applicable

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.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Packed picnic lunch is included

WiFi on board

Convenient pick up and drop off locations around Queenstown

Tea & coffee available on the nature cruise

Knowledgable and friendly local driver/guides

1hr 45min nature cruise on Milford Sound

Off-the-beaten track scenic photo stops en route

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

6.30am 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

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

Reviews

4.90

2,422 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2236

150

Marvelous tour of the Majestic Milford Sound!
20kathyg,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nicole was an excellent driver and guide. She was friendly, informative and gave us insightful suggestions. The van was comfortable and clean. The cruise was very beautiful and the captain’s commentary was educational and added to the enjoyment of the majestic Milford Sound. We saw a pod of bottle nose dolphins!!!
An amazing and complete nature experience.
Travelerdutchie O,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The bustrip was long but the stunning scenery makes every moment enjoyable. During the boattrip it was impossible to stop taking photos Chelsey was not only an excellent driver but also a clear and engaging communicator. Thanks to her deep knowledge of the area we had great stops and interesting information throughout the day. She is a natural guide. Thank you for an unforgettable New Zealand experience 🙏
Great day taking in the...
Kerri j,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00
Great day taking in the NZ scenery! Milford Sound was stunning even on an overcast day…the long drive was worth it!
Amazing Milford sound experience
ninamolinari30,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a very enjoyable day touring Milford sound and all the stops along the way. Stuart was a great tour guide and had lots of interesting information and made the day lots of fun. Would highly recommend
One and done
Love2travel4us,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
This was a long day, but nice. Beautiful views along the way. Our driver Nicole was awesome. And it was very nice to have someone else drive since it’s so much time in the vehicle (4.5 hrs there and 4 back). Overall, for us, it was not worth the cost or the whole day. This was one of our last full days on the South Island, so we’d already seen beautiful sights. It hadn’t been raining, so there was just the one waterfall. Again, it was pretty, but not worth a 12 hour day. The lunch provided wasn’t great- I wish we’d been given options. It was chicken salad, which I can’t do. The boat “cruise” itself was an old ferry that was moderately comfortable, but certainly not a glam experience. There was a hot water spout with instant coffee and tea. I think it’s one of those checkmarks in a list of “must-do” items for the South Island. But I wouldn’t do it again.
Altitude Tours are Awesome!
Shirley710,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Everything was flawless, from the pickup to the quick stops that eventually took us to Milford Sound. Jono was excellent at keeping us amused and educated about this part of New Zealand and its efforts to protect the birds. The absolute icing on the cake was the optional flight back to Queenstown. So memorable!
Lucky day, with great views and great guide
Niko M,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Had the best experience, both because the weather Was suprisingly good and views were all clear - but also because of our local guide Chelsea, which made some extra stops for taking pictures, highlighing grand view points across the way. All paired with some personal stories about the Region, flora, Fauna and whatnot. Making everyone feel very welcome and the Tour very personal (not a pure processing of Tourists). We had been able to see a large group of Dolphines and a baby seal on the cruise and all mountains without clouds, which made the trip extra special. Thank you for the great organisation and Tour execution!
Awesome
RAKdec,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an awesome day! Picked up on time, a beautiful drive to Milford with many stops for coffees, pies, toilet breaks. Exquisite scenery on a beautiful sunny day Our guide/ driver named Chelsea was so so so good: a mine of information, a pleasant character, an attentive driver and a lovely person. The cruise was so great and the captain informative and friendly.
Great way to see a...
evelyn T,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great way to see a beautiful national park and Milford sound. Long day on the road, but very comfortable with necessary stops, and scenic areas.
Fantastic Day Tour to Milford Sound NZ
J6676ZCpeterw,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Will , our tour guide was the ideal person to lead this tour , While entertaining us all on the way there and back he shared great knowledge about the places we visited along the way and made our day really enjoyable…. Thank you Will !!!