Overview
Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s iconic landscapes carved, according to Maori mythology, by Tuterakiwhanoa using his magical caw, or axe. Tu started from the southern coast of the South Island, moving north and perfecting his technique in the process. On this full-day Milford Sound Discovery Small Group Tour + add Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau in New Zealand, we invite you to marvel at Tu’s final and most magnificent creation, Milford Sound. It’s the crowning jewel of Fiordland National Park, and one of the most visited destinations in New Zealand.
Leaving Queenstown and Frankton, we follow the curves of Lake Wakatipu – the third largest lake in New Zealand – along a stretch of road known as the Devil’s Staircase. The view from across the lake is jaw-dropping: Get your camera ready to capture sheer, often snow-capped cliffs that plunge down into the water.
Moving deeper south, we soon veer west where the ever-changing scenery of tussock land, mountains, and fast-moving braided rivers greet us at every turn. It doesn’t take a lot of imagining why this region was chosen as the filming location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Before long, we’re entering the charming lake-side town of Te Anau where you get your first true glimpse of the soaring mountains of Fiordland forming a stunning backdrop to New Zealand’s second largest and third deepest lake.
The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound stretches 119km but you’ll likely feel the trip is too short to thoroughly absorb the visual delights you encounter along the way. You don’t need a lot of imagination to feel like you’re traveling back in time to the region’s wild days, especially as your guide will be at hand to share with you fascinating legends and stories about the area’s past. You will also enjoy experiential stops at the beautiful Mirror Lake and The Chasm, and other scenic areas along the route.
The local birdlife is an attraction in its own right and likely to pique your interest as the beautiful places you pass by. A popular feathered character from this area is the brazen alpine parrot, the Kea, whose high-pitched, drawn out call echoes throughout the valley as it flies past showing a hint of green orange plumage.
Coming out of the tunnel, you will be greeted with a sharp descent into the valley before reaching the water’s edge. A view of hundreds of waterfalls on all sides welcomes you, giving you a taste of the adventure that is yet to come.
Meandering down the valley, we finally arrive at the boat terminal where you join a vessel for your two-hour cruise of the magnificent Milford Sound. This is a land of superlatives, so prepare to be blown away by unimpeded views of gushing waterfalls and the iconic Mitre Peak, the most photographed mountain in New Zealand. Feast your senses with mind-blowing land and seascapes that have become globally recognisable after making major appearances in wildly popular films like Lord of the Rings, Alien: Covenant, and Wolverine.
We partner with a cruise company known for giving their guests an unforgettable journey in an incredibly unforgettable place. Fuel up with free lunch (fish and chips) onboard, recline on bean bags, enjoy the service of a friendly crew, and experience it all from a boat that can get you to within a few feet of wildlife and powerful waterfalls for those internet record-setting photos.
Your cruise inevitably comes to an end, but your tour continues for a bit longer. On the return journey, we take a detour so you can stretch your legs on a scenic and easy 20-minute return walk to the Lake Marian waterfalls. Getting there requires minimum effort. Cross the swing bridge above the rush of pristine waters of the Hollyford River and you arrive at the Darran Mountains. Then take the 10-minute stroll along the bush-clad track, arriving at the lake and standing before the tumbling waterfalls, which are some of the most pristine waters in the world. Eventually, time comes for you to cross the bridge over the river and slowly make your way back to civilisation and the present day.
Our guides abide by the philosophy that “It’s all about the journey, not just the destination”. And nowhere does that sentiment apply more than in Milford Sound. We’re more than just a taxi service. We ensure that your needs, no matter how small, are met to your satisfaction, and you are taken care of every step of the way. An enriching experience that will benefit you in a personal way is what we hope to leave you with on this journey.
Details
Pick Up locations and time:
5:45am: Heritage Hotel Mercure Hotel
5:50am: Rydges Lakeland Resort, St Moritz, Crown Plaza
5:55am: Queenstown central 47-49 Shotover St, Base Backpacker, YHA Central
6:00am: Scenic Hotel, Millennium Hotel, Copthorne Hotel
6:15 – 6:25am: Frankton (near airport) BP Frankton Rd 1094, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
6:35: Hilton
9am: Te Anau Central - 124 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600 (outside The Fat Duck Gastro pub)
Start: Queenstown (6am) or Te Anau (9am)
Finish: Queenstown (7pm) or Te Anau (4pm)
Includes:
- Return transport from Queenstown or Te Anau
- Guide
- Milford Cruise not included but can be added at the time of booking (extra cost)
Overview
Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s iconic landscapes carved, according to Maori mythology, by Tuterakiwhanoa using his magical caw, or axe. Tu started from the southern coast of the South Island, moving north and perfecting his technique in the process. On this full-day Milford Sound Discovery Small Group Tour + add Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau in New Zealand, we invite you to marvel at Tu’s final and most magnificent creation, Milford Sound. It’s the crowning jewel of Fiordland National Park, and one of the most visited destinations in New Zealand.
Leaving Queenstown and Frankton, we follow the curves of Lake Wakatipu – the third largest lake in New Zealand – along a stretch of road known as the Devil’s Staircase. The view from across the lake is jaw-dropping: Get your camera ready to capture sheer, often snow-capped cliffs that plunge down into the water.
Moving deeper south, we soon veer west where the ever-changing scenery of tussock land, mountains, and fast-moving braided rivers greet us at every turn. It doesn’t take a lot of imagining why this region was chosen as the filming location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Before long, we’re entering the charming lake-side town of Te Anau where you get your first true glimpse of the soaring mountains of Fiordland forming a stunning backdrop to New Zealand’s second largest and third deepest lake.
The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound stretches 119km but you’ll likely feel the trip is too short to thoroughly absorb the visual delights you encounter along the way. You don’t need a lot of imagination to feel like you’re traveling back in time to the region’s wild days, especially as your guide will be at hand to share with you fascinating legends and stories about the area’s past. You will also enjoy experiential stops at the beautiful Mirror Lake and The Chasm, and other scenic areas along the route.
The local birdlife is an attraction in its own right and likely to pique your interest as the beautiful places you pass by. A popular feathered character from this area is the brazen alpine parrot, the Kea, whose high-pitched, drawn out call echoes throughout the valley as it flies past showing a hint of green orange plumage.
Coming out of the tunnel, you will be greeted with a sharp descent into the valley before reaching the water’s edge. A view of hundreds of waterfalls on all sides welcomes you, giving you a taste of the adventure that is yet to come.
Meandering down the valley, we finally arrive at the boat terminal where you join a vessel for your two-hour cruise of the magnificent Milford Sound. This is a land of superlatives, so prepare to be blown away by unimpeded views of gushing waterfalls and the iconic Mitre Peak, the most photographed mountain in New Zealand. Feast your senses with mind-blowing land and seascapes that have become globally recognisable after making major appearances in wildly popular films like Lord of the Rings, Alien: Covenant, and Wolverine.
We partner with a cruise company known for giving their guests an unforgettable journey in an incredibly unforgettable place. Fuel up with free lunch (fish and chips) onboard, recline on bean bags, enjoy the service of a friendly crew, and experience it all from a boat that can get you to within a few feet of wildlife and powerful waterfalls for those internet record-setting photos.
Your cruise inevitably comes to an end, but your tour continues for a bit longer. On the return journey, we take a detour so you can stretch your legs on a scenic and easy 20-minute return walk to the Lake Marian waterfalls. Getting there requires minimum effort. Cross the swing bridge above the rush of pristine waters of the Hollyford River and you arrive at the Darran Mountains. Then take the 10-minute stroll along the bush-clad track, arriving at the lake and standing before the tumbling waterfalls, which are some of the most pristine waters in the world. Eventually, time comes for you to cross the bridge over the river and slowly make your way back to civilisation and the present day.
Our guides abide by the philosophy that “It’s all about the journey, not just the destination”. And nowhere does that sentiment apply more than in Milford Sound. We’re more than just a taxi service. We ensure that your needs, no matter how small, are met to your satisfaction, and you are taken care of every step of the way. An enriching experience that will benefit you in a personal way is what we hope to leave you with on this journey.
