Te Anau to Queenstown via Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch
About
Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland National Park on this premium small group tour from Te Anau to Queenstown, featuring a boutique cruise on Milford Sound. Begin your journey with a morning pickup in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz van and enjoy breathtaking sights like Mirror Lakes and the impressive Darran Mountains. At Milford Sound, experience an intimate cruise showcasing iconic Mitre Peak and local wildlife. Afterward, savor a picnic lunch amidst the scenery before a scenic drive back to Queenstown, with plenty of photo opportunities included along the way.
Duration: Approximately 10 hours, fully guided
- Up to 15 travelers in the group
What to expect
- 1Te AnauYour tour begins in the tranquil lakeside town of Te Anau, home to New Zealand’s second-largest lake. After a short exploration and the chance to spot local wildlife, we head to Te Anau Downs, the starting point of the famous Milford Track, where you’ll hear captivating stories and admire stunning lake views. Passes by without stopping
- 2We enter Fiordland National Park and make your first major stop at Eglinton Valley.…We enter Fiordland National Park and make your first major stop at Eglinton Valley. With glacier-carved landscapes that look straight out of a movie, this valley sets the scene for the dramatic journey ahead 10 min
- 3Mirror Lakes WalkA short walk leads us to Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day, the reflections of the Earl Mountains in the still waters are so perfect they seem surreal. 15 min
- 4Lake GunnNext, we visit Lake Gunn, a peaceful alpine lake named after an early explorer. The scenery is ideal for a photo stop and to enjoy a moment of quiet among the mountains. 10 min
- 5We continue alongside the roaring Hollyford River, stopping to admire Falls Creek and…We continue alongside the roaring Hollyford River, stopping to admire Falls Creek and the impressive, thundering waterfall that feeds it. 5 min
- 6Homer TunnelWe pass through the remarkable, hand-carved Homer Tunnel. Emerging on the other side, be prepared for jaw-dropping views and (on rainy days) hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs. Passes by without stopping
- 7Milford SoundWe arrive at world-renowned Milford Sound, where you’ll embark on a boutique cruise with Cruise Milford. Enjoy a more intimate and informative experience on a smaller boat, getting up close to fur seals, towering cliffs, and spectacular waterfalls. During the cruise, marvel at the iconic Mitre Peak, a soaring mountain rising dramatically from the water. One of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks. 2 hrs
- 8Pops View Look OutAfter your cruise, we begin the return journey. Your first stop is Pop's View, offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps near the start of the Routeburn Track. Your guide will share ancient Māori stories connected to these lands 10 min
- 9Te AnauWe return to Te Anau for a short break before continuing your scenic drive toward Queenstown 5 min
- 10As we follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu, we encounter the winding Devils Staircase, a…As we follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu, we encounter the winding Devils Staircase, a dramatic stretch of road with epic views perfect for photography Passes by without stopping
- 11Lake WakatipuThe drive continues along Lake Wakatipu, offering sweeping vistas of the lake and The Remarkables mountain range. Several photo stops are included to capture the majestic beauty Passes by without stopping
- 12QueenstownYour journey concludes in the adventure capital of New Zealand – Queenstown. Your guide will point out highlights as we arrive in the vibrant lakeside city. Passes by without stopping
Photos
Reviews
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What’s included
- Picnic Lunch - Kindly advise of dietary requirements
- Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own)
- Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
- Boutique Milford Sound Cruise
- Hotel pickup in Te Anau (select locations only)
- Hotel drop off in Central Queenstown
Not included
- Picnic lunch for infants (0-3)
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Space for luggage - 1 large & 1 small per person
- A picnic lunch is provided, kindly advise any dietary requirements at time of booking
- *You will receive an email with important pickup information in the days prior, please read this information. *To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup time.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Meeting & pickup
Please meet us at the bus stop at 94 Te Anau Terrace, by the public restrooms.
*If no pickup is selected at time of booking, you will be allocated our default meeting point. You are welcome to update this at any time. If your location isn’t listed, please choose your nearest available option & meet us there. *Pick-ups begin up to 10 minutes before the tour departure time. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside by this time. *Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance. *Our guides make multiple stops and may arrive within a 10-minute window. To ensure a timely departure, we recommend being ready 5–10 minutes early, as we are unable to wait for late guests. *Pick-up locations are carefully planned for each tour and may vary by day. If your pick-up location changes, kindly inform us in advance.