Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch

5.0 (147 reviews) 13 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

147 reviews

5.0

Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Embark on an intimate small-group adventure from Queenstown to Milford Sound—one of Aotearoa’s most iconic natural wonders. This fully guided day trip is more than just a destination; it’s an experience crafted with care, comfort, and connection in mind. Travel in our premium Sprinter, designed for a relaxed pace and optimal viewing, with plenty of time to stop, explore, and soak up the landscape. From majestic alpine valleys to cascading waterfalls and native wildlife encounters, every moment of the journey is part of the magic.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Excellent Quality Adventure Tours New Product Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 13 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 16 people
People per booking: 1–14
Guide: English
Operated by: Wild Kiwi Tours

Ages: Adults (7–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: Snacks
Included: Entrance fees: Enjoy a 1 hour 45 minute cruise with fewer passengers and an onboard nature guide. You’ll get up close to waterfalls, towering cliffs, Mitre Peak, and wildlife.
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Water (Please bring a reusable Water Bottle)
Included: Enjoy a Picnic Lunch onboard the Milford Cruise

Itinerary

Lake Wakatipu

Passing by

We travel alongside the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu, winding our way through dramatic alpine landscapes. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the adventure ahead and point out some hidden gems to look forward to.
Murihiku Southland

Passing by

As we cross into Southland, take in the wide-open spaces and lush farmland. Your guide will provide insight into the local farming lifestyle and how this region plays a key role in New Zealand’s agriculture.
Te Anau

30 min

We arrive in Te Anau, often called the gateway to Fiordland National Park, where we take a short break to enjoy a coffee and stretch our legs. Refreshed, we continue our journey towards the breathtaking Milford Sound.

As we pass Te Anau Downs, you’ll have views across the lake to the starting point of the legendary Milford Track. Your guide will bring the trail’s history to life, sharing stories of its early explorers and its place among the world’s great walks.
Stop 4

Passing by

We officially enter Fiordland National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the landscape instantly changes. Dense rainforest, moss-covered beech trees, and towering peaks welcome us into this remote wilderness.
Eglinton Valley

5 min

Stop and step out into the wide-open expanse of Eglinton Valley. This impressive glacial valley, with its flat floor and mountainous walls, makes for an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Mirror Lakes Walk

30 min

Take a short stroll to see the perfectly still Mirror Lakes, famous for their glass-like reflections of the Earl Mountains. On a clear day, it’s a photographer’s dream.
Hollyford Track

5 min

Not far along the road, we follow the course of the Hollyford River, its clear waters tumbling over massive boulders and racing through rapids. At Falls Creek, we’re treated to the first of many spectacular waterfalls in the region.
Homer Tunnel

Passing by

Journey through the iconic Homer Tunnel, carved by hand through solid rock. Learn the fascinating history of this feat of engineering as we prepare to descend into the dramatic Cleddau Valley.

Emerging from the tunnel, the road winds through a steep glacial valley. On rainy days, the cliffs come alive with hundreds of cascading waterfalls—a magical and unforgettable sight.
Milford Sound

2 hours

Arrive at Milford Sound and board your boutique nature cruise with Cruise Milford, TripAdvisor’s top-rated operator. Enjoy a 1 hour 45 minute cruise with fewer passengers and an onboard nature guide. You’ll get up close to waterfalls, towering cliffs, Mitre Peak, and wildlife such as seals and potentially dolphins or penguins.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Pickup 7.00am
Pickup 6.45am
Pickup 6.35am
Pickup 6.30am

End point

Pickup 7.00am
Pickup 6.45am
Pickup 6.35am
Pickup 6.30am

Using your ticket

Please provide us with your dietary requirements

Please provide us with phone and email address

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please provide us with your dietary requirements and please specify Chicken or Vegetarian for lunch option.