Queenstown: Small-Group Tour to Milford Sound With Cruise

Exploring the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park is a must-do experience for any visitor to Queenstown. A small-group tour to Milford Sound offers the perfect opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty. From breathtaking vistas at Lake Wakatipu to the serene Mirror Lakes, this 13-hour adventure promises an unforgettable journey. But the real highlight lies in the Milford Sound cruise, where participants can witness the dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and perhaps even spot some of the area’s diverse wildlife. With knowledgeable guides to share insights, this tour provides a unique chance to uncover the rich history and wonder of this incredible destination.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Queenstown.

Key Points

• A small-group tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound, offering a 13-hour experience with a scenic cruise, stops at Devil’s Staircase and Mirror Lakes.
• The tour includes pickup from select Queenstown hotels, transportation, and a knowledgeable live guide providing insightful commentary in English.
• Highlights of the tour include dramatic vistas of jagged peaks, waterfalls, and tranquil lakes, as well as opportunities to spot native wildlife.
• Guests can enjoy a picnic lunch at the Mirror Lakes, showcasing stunning reflections of Mitre Peak and a delectable spread of local delicacies.
• The tour culminates in a 105-minute cruise through Milford Sound, offering the chance to see marine life such as New Zealand fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins, and playful bottlenose dolphins.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This small-group tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown offers travelers a comprehensive 13-hour experience, priced from £134.53 per person.

Departing daily from Queenstown at 6:30 AM or 7:30 AM during the peak season (July 27 – October 31), the tour includes a scenic cruise on Milford Sound.

The itinerary features stops at iconic locations like the Devil’s Staircase and Mirror Lakes.

Guests can enjoy a picnic lunch with views of Mitre Peak and Mirror Lakes, and the smaller cruise boat provides a more intimate experience.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour offers flexible booking and high customer satisfaction.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour takes guests on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park, with major stops at Lake Wakatipu, the Devil’s Staircase, and Te Anau, where travelers can enjoy a 30-minute break.

Next, the tour ventures into the Eglinton Valley for a 20-minute photo stop, followed by a 30-minute walk around the Mirror Lakes.

Guests then explore the picturesque Lake Gunn in Fiordland National Park and spend 30 minutes at the Hollyford River, spotting local wildlife.

The highlight of the day is the 105-minute cruise through the breathtaking Milford Sound, where visitors can witness dolphins and marine life in their natural habitat.

Pickup and Drop-off Details

The tour provides pickup from 18 select hotels in Queenstown, including popular options like The Rees Hotel, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Rydges Lakeland Resort, and Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa.

After the tour, guests can be dropped off at the same or different locations, allowing for maximum flexibility. This convenient service eliminates the need for participants to arrange their own transportation, making the overall experience more seamless and enjoyable.

The tour’s pickup and drop-off options include:

1. Convenient hotel pickups in central Queenstown locations.

2. Flexibility to return to a different hotel or location after the tour.

3. Hassle-free transportation throughout the day.

4. Elimination of the need to drive or navigate unfamiliar roads.

Tour Experience and Guide

A knowledgeable live tour guide provides insightful commentary in English throughout the journey, enhancing the overall tour experience. They entertain guests with stories and information about the stunning Fiordland landscapes passed along the way.

Guests can expect multiple photo stops to capture the scenic views of mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife. The guide assists with distributing the included picnic lunch, ensuring everyone enjoys the breathtaking vistas of Mitre Peak and Mirror Lakes.

They also provide historical and environmental context, deepening the participants’ understanding and appreciation of the Milford Sound region. The expert guidance and engaging commentary make this small-group tour a truly memorable experience.

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Scenic Views and Wildlife

Traversing the picturesque landscapes of Fiordland National Park, guests marvel at the dramatic vistas of jagged peaks, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil lakes that define the region’s natural beauty. Throughout the journey, the tour guide points out highlights, providing insights into the local wildlife and ecosystems.

Some of the notable sightings include:

1. Mitre Peak, an iconic 5,560-foot mountain towering over the serene Mirror Lakes.

2. Cascading waterfalls, such as the towering Bowen Falls, that tumble down the steep cliffs.

3. Sightings of native birds like the cheeky kea, New Zealand’s alpine parrot, and the graceful kereru, the native wood pigeon.

4. Opportunities to spot marine life, including playful dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds, during the Milford Sound cruise.

Picnic Lunch and Mirror Lakes

Midway through the tour, guests stop at the stunning Mirror Lakes for a picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings. Here, they savor a delectable spread while taking in the breathtaking reflections of Fiordland’s iconic Mitre Peak on the calm, mirror-like waters. The picnic lunch is a highlight of the tour, providing an opportunity to recharge and appreciate the natural beauty that Milford Sound has to offer. After lunch, guests embark on a short walk around the Mirror Lakes, capturing stunning photographs and soaking in the tranquility of the location.

Picnic Lunch Highlights
Fresh Sandwiches	Seasonal Fruits	Homemade Biscuits	Local Cheeses	Refreshing Beverages

Milford Sound Cruise and Dolphin Watching

Upon arriving at Milford Sound, guests embark on a captivating 105-minute cruise through the serene, yet dramatic fiord, offering ample opportunities to spot an array of marine life, including the iconic New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins.

As the boat glides across the mirror-like waters, the towering, verdant cliffs and cascading waterfalls come into view, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

The highlight of the cruise is the chance to witness the playful antics of the local bottlenose dolphins, as they effortlessly leap and frolic alongside the vessel.

The cruise provides a truly immersive and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the raw natural beauty and wildlife of Milford Sound.

• Captivating 105-minute cruise through Milford Sound

• Opportunities to spot New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins

• Breathtaking views of towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls

• Chance to witness the playful bottlenose dolphins

Important Information and Recommendations

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a camera, rain gear, insect repellent, and weather-appropriate clothing for the Milford Sound tour.

Children under 8 can use NZ$20 safety seats. However, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with back problems, non-folding wheelchairs, bikes, or electric wheelchairs. Alcohol and drugs are also prohibited.

The weather in Milford Sound can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers is crucial.

Customers have praised the tour’s guide quality, transportation, and value for money, with a high satisfaction rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Recap

This small-group tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound promises an unforgettable experience amidst Fiordland’s breathtaking landscapes.

Guests will enjoy a scenic cruise, learn about the area’s history and wildlife, and savor a delicious picnic lunch at the stunning Mirror Lakes.

With knowledgeable guides and a range of iconic stops, this 13-hour adventure offers an exceptional value at just £134.53 per person.

You can check if your dates are available here: