What‘s Included

Meeting and Pickup

What To Expect

Reviews

• Didn’t get the glass top van I booked – disappointing but great guide

  Eliza V,

  Sep 15, 2025

  - Viator

  3.00

  I booked this Milford Sound tour for my family through Viator months in advance, and at the time the booking clearly included a glass top van. This was one of the main reasons I chose Altitude – the Viator listing and promotional images all showed a spacious glass top van, and I’d even seen a video of another traveler on this exact tour enjoying it. The idea of seeing the Milford Road through the glass top sounded spectacular, and it was a real selling point for us as a family. If I had known it wasn’t going to be a glass top van, I would have booked a different tour. To then turn up and be in a standard van was a huge let down, and I was incredibly disappointed not to receive what I booked. It now seems the glass top is offered only as an extra feature, but I can say with certainty it was included when I booked, and at no point was I informed of the change. The only option when I booked was if we wanted lunch included or not. Throughout the day, we kept commenting how amazing a glass top would have been on that stunning drive – it really would have transformed the experience. The van we did travel in was okay but very uncomfortable for such a long journey. The recliners dug into most of our thighs (even the smallest passengers were complaining), and with a fully booked van there wasn’t a spare seat to spread out into. Ten hours in those seats was tough. There were also no charging ports, which feels like a basic feature that should be standard for such a long day. On the positive side, our driver and guide Allegra was absolutely outstanding – the real highlight of the day. She was warm, funny, and engaging, with so much knowledge about the legends, history, and natural features of the area. She’s also an incredible driver – we felt safe the entire way and somehow the long drive felt shorter thanks to her energy and skill. What made the experience extra special were the thoughtful touches she added – for example, playing Time by Hans Zimmer as we drove through the Milford Tunnel. Little things like that showed how much she cared about making the journey memorable, and they were so appreciated. Allegra really is a credit to Altitude and the main reason I’ve rated this as high as I have. I also pre-ordered the packed lunch, which was excellent – a chicken sandwich, fresh salad, and a delicious brownie. While it isn’t necessary (there are places to buy food on the way), it was nice to have something ready-made and tasty. The cruise on Milford Sound itself was fantastic, and with the rain, the waterfalls and atmosphere were especially dramatic – Milford really puts on a show. Unfortunately, the weather also meant no flights back (not the company’s fault), though after the uncomfortable drive there we were really hoping for that option. Overall, Milford Sound and Allegra made the day memorable, but I can’t give more than 3.5 stars because I didn’t receive what I booked. Altitude (and Viator) need to be clearer about the glass top van now being an optional extra instead of advertising it as standard, and the comfort of the vans needs serious improvement. Allegra was outstanding and the absolute saving grace of this tour. But in the end, I didn’t get what I booked, and I feel ripped off.

• Best Queenstown Experience!

  Kristin l,

  Sep 14, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  My trip to Milford Sound was amazing. First of all, the weather was way better than expected - sunny in the morning, rainy a bit in the afternoon, snowy by evening, so we had a little bit of everything. Do, my tour guide, was such a great guide. Her driving was top notch, she gave lots of info that was easy to digest, played an epic soundtrack while driving that made the viewing experience all the better. Oh and we spotted a penguin, dolphins, and seals on the cruise. The day honestly couldn't have gone better. Highly recommend the tour as it was well worth the premium price!

• An experience I’ll never forget!

  Govinda C,

  Sep 8, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  Phenomenal day at Milford Sound! Nicole was fantastic entertaining knowledgeable and friendly. The tour itself was mind blowing it’s a very long day but very worth while. The bus is very comfortable for the long drive. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough.

• Best Experience of the trip!!

  Andrew S,

  Aug 16, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  We had the absolute pleasure of doing the Milford Sound tour from Queenstown today with Stuart as our guide, and we honestly could not recommend it more highly. From the very beginning, Stuart made the experience feel special – he wasn’t just a driver or guide, he was a true storyteller and host. His knowledge of the area, from the history and geology to the hidden local insights, was incredible. Every stop along the way was brought to life with his commentary, and he struck the perfect balance between sharing information, letting us enjoy the scenery, and adding in little bits of humour that made the long drive fly by. Stuart checked in often, made sure everyone was comfortable, and gave tips that made the whole day run so smoothly. The drive from Queenstown to Milford is long, but the breaks were planned perfectly. Stuart pointed out some amazing spots, offered to take pictures of everyone, and created such a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. The cruise itself at Milford Sound was breathtaking, but it honestly felt like the entire journey there and back was just as special. By the end of the day we felt like we’d seen and learned so much more than we expected. If you’re lucky enough to get Stuart as your guide, you’re in for a truly unforgettable day!

• Beautiful when raining

  Amanda P,

  Aug 13, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  I was worried that Milford Sound wouldn’t be enjoyable in the rain, but that’s when it comes alive with thousands of waterfalls! Such a lovely experience! Shout out to Chelsea, our driver and guide!