Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound inc Cruise & Lunch

5.0 (29 reviews) 10 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

29 reviews

5.0

Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound inc Cruise & Lunch — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound inc Cruise & Lunch, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown to Te Anau, discovering the majestic Milford Sound in comfort and style. Designed for travelers who value more than just the destination, this fully guided small group tour blends luxury travel, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic Kiwi hospitality.

From the moment you’re collected at your Queenstown accommodation in a premium Mercedes-Benz van, your adventure begins. Led by our famously passionate guides, known for their storytelling and local insights, you’ll travel through some of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring scenery, with plenty of photo stops, short walks, and hidden gems along the way.

After your day exploring Fiordland National Park, you’ll finish with a hotel drop-off in Te Anau.

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At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Safety/booster seat for children aged 7 & younger (please advise if you prefer to provide your own)
Included: Bottled water
Included: Lunch: Kindly advise dietary requirements for each guest at time of booking
Included: Hotel pickup in Queenstown (select locations only)
Included: Hotel drop off in Te Anau (select locations only)
Included: Boutique Milford Sound Cruise

Not included

Not included: Picnic lunch for infants (0-3)
Not included: On-board restrooms: Restroom on board

Itinerary

Queenstown

Passing by

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.
Lake Wakatipu

Passing by

Departing Queenstown we wind our way around Lake Wakatipu, with amazing views of ‘The Remarkables’ Mountain Range and the lake.
Devil's Staircase Lookout Point

Passing by

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.
Te Anau

30 min

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 30 minute break, so you can stretch your legs, have your morning coffee, and something to eat, 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.
Stop 5

10 min

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.
Mirror Lakes Walk

10 min

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.
Lake Gunn

10 min

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.
Stop 8

Passing by

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 9

10 min

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.
Homer Tunnel

Passing by

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 you will see hundreds of waterfalls cascading down the mountain side.
Milford Sound

2 hours

Following the valleys to the sea we arrive at Milford Sound where you will board your cruise with one of our incredible cruise partners. This 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.
Mitre Peak

Passing by

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.
Pops View Look Out

10 min

On our way home, 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.
Te Anau

Passing by

Sadly we must start to head back to Te Anau but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and maybe some surprise stops along the way. You will be dropped to your central accommodation upon arrival in Te Anau.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

If not being collected from one of our hotel options, please meet your guide outside The Station - Home of Adventure/Marmolada Cafe

End point

Drop offs to central Te Anau accommodations available.

Pickup points

Tahuna Pod Hostel
Aspen Lodge Backpackers
Lylo Queenstown
The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments and Lakeside Residences
voco Queenstown by IHG
Copthorne Hotel And Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park Queenstown
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery Collection
Sherwood Queenstown
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa
Swiss-belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

and 13 more pickup points

*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 can begin up to 20 minutes before the tour departure time, depending on location. To ensure a smooth start, please be ready and waiting outside 5 minute prior to your specific pickup 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. We are unable to wait for late guests.

Using your ticket

*You will receive an email with important pickup information in the days prior, please read this information.

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 travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Kindly advise dietary requirements for each guest at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
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.
Due to uneven surfaces & a moderate amount of walking being involved, this tour is not recommended for travelers with severe mobility difficulties, or wheelchair users