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. 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.
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
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
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
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
Reviews
2,427 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Milford Sound & Fiordland Nat Park
Robertsons2023,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Full day out with a very informative host Amy Rain & lots of stops/photo ops along the way. Very scenic on the drive to Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound which was spectacular. Lunch provided was average at best.
Definitely add the fly back!!1
Heather E,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We did the coach tour out, boat ride, and flew back. By far the best part of the activity was the fly back. Our pilot was amazing!!! The boat tour was also wonderful. The coach tour did not have quite as much exploring of the Fiordland park (walking) as I had expected, but it was still great to actually see the park.
Nice walk
Paradise49964774958,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an excellent tour super well conducted by very attentive Amy. She gave interesting information, controlled the weather well at each attraction, drove safely, took photos, indicated the best places for a snack in Te Anau. The Van Mercedes with panoramic ceiling is quite comfortable, offered blankets on the go and air-cooled on the return. The small group expedited the beautiful stops along the route. The boat, Cruise Milford, was quite comfortable and stable, with a friendly and helpful crew. It was a beautiful day, we saw spikes and we went under the waterfall. The 12 hours were fine after all, with the beautiful landscapes and playlist of good taste. If I had to make any corrections it would be in the sandwich, too much bread for very little filling.
Day Trip to see Milford Sound
Lisa S,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Comfortable small group with great guide, James. Scenic stops helped break up the journey! Views are spectacular! Then you get to the Fiord! Gorgeous!
Highly recommend
Sonia P,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fab day and our guide Will was entertaining, knowledgeable and helpful. Made it v fun even in the endless rain. Milford Sound is gorgeous
Must see Milford Sound.
SusannZander,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Nicole was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and informative and made a ride so much more pleasant with her commentary. The bus was extremely comfortable The boat ride was smooth because we were on a catamaran which we enjoyed very much. We have the extra special bonus of seeing dolphins playing with each other.. The only suggestion I would have to improve. Things would be the lunch, which was just so so.
Marvelous tour of the Majestic Milford Sound!
20kathyg,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nicole 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
5.00The 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
4.00Great 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
5.00Had 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
From NZ$379.00
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