Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch from Queenstown
Overview
Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise with Cruise Milford, the number 1 Trip Advisor rated cruise company, and picnic lunch from Queenstown. There is no better way to see this most famous of attractions.
Highlights:
• Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
• Fiordland National Park
• Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak
• Wildlife Spotting
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.
Highlights:
• Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
• Fiordland National Park
• Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak
• Wildlife Spotting
While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and little details that set our tours apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.
Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety.
Inclusions
- Small Group & Fully Guided Tour
- Cruise Entry
- Lunch - Picnic Lunch
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Entry/Admission - Mirror Lakes Walk
- Entry/Admission - Eglinton Valley
- Entry/Admission - Milford Sound
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
Stop At: Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown New Zealand
Departing Queenstown we wind our way around Lake Wakatipu, with amazing views of ‘The Remarkables’ Mountain Range and the lake, stopping for photos is a must.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Devil's Staircase Lookout Point, 2911 Kingston Rd, Kingston 9793 New Zealand
Continuing around the lake we will pass through Devil’s Staircase. This elevated windy part of the road is famous for dramatic photos and setting the scene for the day to come.
Stop At: Lake Te Anau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
After more amazing mountain, river and farmland views we arrive in Te Anau, home to Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second largest lake. While in this idyllic town we will stop for a break and maybe meet some of the local animals or wildlife. Continuing along the lake we stop at Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track, to hear the stories and admire the views.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Eglinton Valley, Milford Sound New Zealand
Leaving Te Anau and entering Fiordland National Park we stop in Eglinton Valley. With views worthy of Lord of the Rings, this valley follows the path of an ancient glacier through Fiordland. One of the first major attractions as you enter the park, it really sets the scene for a journey that only get more impressive the deeper you get.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Mirror Lakes Walk, Milford Road, , Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Our next stop on this epic adventure is Mirror Lakes for a short stroll to see the famous reflections of the Earl Mountains. Get the right day, take a good picture and no one with be able to tell which way is the right way up for the photo.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Lake Gunn, State Highway 94, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Continuing along the Milford Road we come across Lake Gunn. Named after a famous explorer and popular for fishing, often we will stop at Lake Gunn for some photos and to enjoy the peace.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Hollyford River, Southland 9382, New Zealand
A short drive away we start passing the Hollyford River a gorgeous and powerful river full of large boulders and rapids. Feeding into the river at Falls Creek is the first of our extremely impressive waterfalls of the area, one of many to come.
Stop At: Darran Mountains, Southland 9679, New Zealand
Climbing in altitude we go deeper into the Darran Mountains and these views require another stop to admire and take photos. We are also entering the area where Kea (the world’s largest alpine parrot) like to live. Start keeping an eye out for these large, cheeky and colourful birds that never fail to thrill and entertain when found.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Homer Tunnel, 94 S.h., Milford Sound New Zealand
To make our way back down towards the sea we enter the mind-blowing hand-built Homer Tunnel, hearing the incredible history and stories. Emerging from the tunnel the valley descends sharply towards Milford Sound and on a rainy-day hundreds of waterfalls cascading down the mountain side.
Stop At: Milford Sound, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand
Following the valleys to the sea we arrive at Milford Sound where you will board your cruise with Cruise Milford (the No. 1 Cruise operator in Milford Sound on TripAdvisor).
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Milford Sound, Milford Sound, Southland Region, South Island
The Cruise Milford experience offers a boutique cruise on a smaller boat which is less crowded and a crew that offers a much more informative and personal tour of Milford Sound. The smaller boat means you get closer to the wildlife and nature including the New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks, massive rock faces rising for hundreds of metres out of the sea and the waterfalls cascading from an ancient rainforest high in the mountains. This cruise is unbeatable.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Pops View Look Out, Milford Sound New Zealand
Next we pull over to admire the elevated amazing views of the divide in the Southern Alps, close to the start of the Routeburn Track. While here the guide will tell you the stories of ancient Maori explorers.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Sadly we must start to head back to Queenstown but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and many stops and breaks along the way.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Mitre Peak, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
While on the boat cruise you will be able to marvel at the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak, the iconic Milford Sound mountain, with its steep triangular peak rising high up above the reflective waters of the Milford Sound.
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
Stop At: Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown New Zealand
Departing Queenstown we wind our way around Lake Wakatipu, with amazing views of ‘The Remarkables’ Mountain Range and the lake, stopping for photos is a must.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Devil's Staircase Lookout Point, 2911 Kingston Rd, Kingston 9793 New Zealand
Continuing around the lake we will pass through Devil’s Staircase. This elevated windy part of the road is famous for dramatic photos and setting the scene for the day to come.
Stop At: Lake Te Anau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
After more amazing mountain, river and farmland views we arrive in Te Anau, home to Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second largest lake. While in this idyllic town we will stop for a break and maybe meet some of the local animals or wildlife. Continuing along the lake we stop at Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track, to hear the stories and admire the views.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Eglinton Valley, Milford Sound New Zealand
Leaving Te Anau and entering Fiordland National Park we stop in Eglinton Valley. With views worthy of Lord of the Rings, this valley follows the path of an ancient glacier through Fiordland. One of the first major attractions as you enter the park, it really sets the scene for a journey that only get more impressive the deeper you get.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Mirror Lakes Walk, Milford Road, , Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Our next stop on this epic adventure is Mirror Lakes for a short stroll to see the famous reflections of the Earl Mountains. Get the right day, take a good picture and no one with be able to tell which way is the right way up for the photo.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Lake Gunn, State Highway 94, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
Continuing along the Milford Road we come across Lake Gunn. Named after a famous explorer and popular for fishing, often we will stop at Lake Gunn for some photos and to enjoy the peace.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Hollyford River, Southland 9382, New Zealand
A short drive away we start passing the Hollyford River a gorgeous and powerful river full of large boulders and rapids. Feeding into the river at Falls Creek is the first of our extremely impressive waterfalls of the area, one of many to come.
Stop At: Darran Mountains, Southland 9679, New Zealand
Climbing in altitude we go deeper into the Darran Mountains and these views require another stop to admire and take photos. We are also entering the area where Kea (the world’s largest alpine parrot) like to live. Start keeping an eye out for these large, cheeky and colourful birds that never fail to thrill and entertain when found.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Homer Tunnel, 94 S.h., Milford Sound New Zealand
To make our way back down towards the sea we enter the mind-blowing hand-built Homer Tunnel, hearing the incredible history and stories. Emerging from the tunnel the valley descends sharply towards Milford Sound and on a rainy-day hundreds of waterfalls cascading down the mountain side.
Stop At: Milford Sound, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand
Following the valleys to the sea we arrive at Milford Sound where you will board your cruise with Cruise Milford (the No. 1 Cruise operator in Milford Sound on TripAdvisor).
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Milford Sound, Milford Sound, Southland Region, South Island
The Cruise Milford experience offers a boutique cruise on a smaller boat which is less crowded and a crew that offers a much more informative and personal tour of Milford Sound. The smaller boat means you get closer to the wildlife and nature including the New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks, massive rock faces rising for hundreds of metres out of the sea and the waterfalls cascading from an ancient rainforest high in the mountains. This cruise is unbeatable.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Pops View Look Out, Milford Sound New Zealand
Next we pull over to admire the elevated amazing views of the divide in the Southern Alps, close to the start of the Routeburn Track. While here the guide will tell you the stories of ancient Maori explorers.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Sadly we must start to head back to Queenstown but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and many stops and breaks along the way.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Mitre Peak, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
While on the boat cruise you will be able to marvel at the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak, the iconic Milford Sound mountain, with its steep triangular peak rising high up above the reflective waters of the Milford Sound.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved.
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Children aged 7 years and below are required by law to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (See Exclusions) Please advise at time of booking.
- Scenic flight weight restrictions are 130 KG
- Dietary requirements for picnic lunch to be noted at time of booking
- Scenic flights cannot be confirmed without full names and weights of all travellers
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
kinadvisor
April 2023
Albert is friendly, knowledgeable, passionate about NZ, and a good driver. During the drive, he kept us informed, without being too chatty.
Albert is friendly, knowledgeable, passionate about NZ, and a good driver. During the drive, he kept us informed, without being too chatty.rbP2106TY
April 2022
Excellent service from Craig. You’ll never get bored with his stories about the geography. Be prepared to sing your National Anthem though
Excellent service from Craig. You’ll never get bored with his stories about the geography. Be prepared to sing your National Anthem though634erikaf
April 2022
We had an excellent day from the moment we were picked up in Te Anau to being returned safely back to our accommodation at the end of the day. The coach bus was comfortable and I enjoyed the lunch (chicken salad sandwich, apple, chocolate bar, mini muffin, bag of chips and water). Milford Sound w...
We had an excellent day from the moment we were picked up in Te Anau to being returned safely back to our accommodation at the end of the day. The coach bus was comfortable and I enjoyed the lunch (chicken salad sandwich, apple, chocolate bar, mini muffin, bag of chips and water). Milford Sound was beautiful, and the rain added an extra element to the day - there were countless waterfalls. Our guide Kreig was warm, friendly and incredibly knowledgable. He went the extra mile to make sure that we had a great day. Thanks to Kreig, we have some amazing photos to remember our day with - he knew how to use the camera on my phone better than I did. Thanks for a memorable day Kreig, and Cheeky Kiwi Travel.203kristak
April 2022
This was a great day out! Our guide Shane was very knowledgeable and shared information about local Māori iwi and legends, geology, botany and general local knowledge. He also stopped at great places along the way to see impressive sites and take photos. The cruise in Milford Sounds was equally a...
This was a great day out! Our guide Shane was very knowledgeable and shared information about local Māori iwi and legends, geology, botany and general local knowledge. He also stopped at great places along the way to see impressive sites and take photos. The cruise in Milford Sounds was equally as good; majestic sites, and great commentary. I'd recommend this day experience for New Zealanders and international visitors!Solomummatravels101
April 2022
Awe inspiring heights and gloomy wet weather proved to create pure magic with our “day of a thousand waterfalls” at Milford Sounds. Our guide Kreig right from the outset ensured we were comfortable and happy. He was extremely knowledgeable in the history of all the areas we visited (including th...
Awe inspiring heights and gloomy wet weather proved to create pure magic with our “day of a thousand waterfalls” at Milford Sounds. Our guide Kreig right from the outset ensured we were comfortable and happy. He was extremely knowledgeable in the history of all the areas we visited (including their Māori myths and legends), the flora and fauna, was an amazing photographer for the group going out of his way to get the best shot for people (even if it meant he got a bit wet), and of course was a safe and reliable driver! His rendition of the Māori NZ national anthem will definitely be held as a highlight, but of course nothing can compare to the beautiful Milford Sounds themselves. I am 100% glad that I chose Cheeky Kiwi Travel for this journey and will absolutely be back for more in the very near future - Aoraki Mt Cook looks like the next adventure I think!Kiwisizzle
April 2022
Wow! What an epic day! Shane, our tour guide was an absolute wealth of knowledge and is clearly very passionate about his job. He was friendly and witty and made the long trip so worthwhile. The actual tour was just breathtaking, from the Fiordland National Park to the Milford Sound cruise, every...
Wow! What an epic day! Shane, our tour guide was an absolute wealth of knowledge and is clearly very passionate about his job. He was friendly and witty and made the long trip so worthwhile. The actual tour was just breathtaking, from the Fiordland National Park to the Milford Sound cruise, everything was just perfect. Thanks for an unforgettable day. I highly recommend this tour for anyone.