Milford Sound Day Tour with Lunch from Queenstown

based on 584 reviews

Duration:12 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Location: Queenstown, South Island

From $168.41

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Discover one of the best things to do in South Island New Zealand as you embark on a full-day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. You'll travel through Fiordland on a luxury coach tour before continuing to explore via a renowned Milford Sound cruise, enjoying a picnic lunch on board. Join us for an unforgettable day in Fiordland National Park!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. GreatSights
Tour departs from this location
2. Lake Wakatipu
oLake Wakatipu is the longest lake in New Zealand and the third largest. Wakatipu is a Maori word meaning, ‘Hollow of the Demon’. The lake has an unusual rhythmic rise and fall in the water level, approximately 12cm every 5 minutes. In Maori legend this strange rhythmic rise and fall of the water level, is said to be the beating heart of a monster from the deep depths of the lake.
3. Kiwi Country
Te Anau is known as the Walking Capital of the World. The mountains to the left are the Kepler Mountains, home of the Kepler Track, one of the popular walking tracks in the area. Te Anau is the gateway to Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park. The town has a permanent population of approximately 2,500 people but this fluctuates greatly in summer when the town gets an influx of fishermen, hunters, outdoor pursuit seekers and holiday makers. It’s a popular holiday destination. We stop here for morning & afternoon breaks and comfort stops.
4. Eglinton Valley
Eglington Valley is named by Quintin MacKinnon, who named the valley after the Earl of Eglington of Scotland. We will be following the Eglington River whose source is the small lake of Lake Fergus, which is situated in the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. The glacial valley of the Eglington is not only a truly magnificent place for photos, but also a perfect place to put the size of this valley into perspective. The distance from this road to the base of the tree-line; out to the left is 2.4km. An extremely large glacier was responsible for clearing out this valley thousands of years ago. Everything in this region is huge so it is very easy to lose perspective of this as we travel through the mountains
5. Mirror Lakes Walk
Mirror Lakes where most of the time the nearby mountains are reflected in the lakes. Being small, the lakes have less chance of being roughened by the winds compared to their larger counterparts and the large quantity of tannins leached from the soil into the waters give these lakes a much clearer mirror effect than many of the other lakes in the region. It is here you have the opportunity to walk along a boardwalk listening for Bellbirds and Tui’s which are protected native birds, whilst watching Black Scaups dive for food on the bottom of the lake between the various species of beech trees. These forests are said to be 135 million years old. We will drop you off at one end of the walkway and you can re-join the coach in 10 minutes at the far end of the board walk if you wish to go for a walk.
6. Mitre Peak
Located on the shore of Milford Sound. It is one of the most photographed peaks in the country. Part of the reason for its iconic status is its location. Close to the shore of Milford Sound, in the Fiordland National Park in the southwestern South Island, it is a stunning sight. The mountain rises near vertically to 5,560 feet (1,690 m), i.e. just over a mile, from the water of Milford Sound, which technically is a fjord. The peak is actually a closely grouped set of five peaks, with Mitre Peak not even the tallest one, however from most easily accessible viewpoints, Mitre Peak appears as a single point. Milford Sound is part of Te Wahipounamu, a World Heritage Site as declared by UNESCO.
7. Homer Tunnel
As we head up towards the Homer Tunnel, on the right hand side you can see the remains of a camp including the oven in which the meals and bread were cooked. The shed to the left was designed to house the snow plough and was built in 1983. After its construction it was found that the doorway had not been made wide enough and the plough was not able to be housed there. It is now kept at the camp at Knobs Flat. The building today is known as the Chapel as it is one of the few areas of this region that has never been affected by avalanche.
8. Monkey Creek
Monkey Creek is named after one of three Government employees entrusted yearly to camp here and find a path through the mountains. Eventually his monkey like climbing skills allowed him to find a path, which though not particularly safe, was used for many years for guided walking tours. It is here we have the opportunity to drink the water or full your water bottles. Because this water is flowing directly from the mountains it is one of the few remaining places it is safe to taste fresh water without contamination and you realise without chemicals doesn’t really have a taste but is extremely refreshing. Be careful filling your water bottles because the water is very cold. Also don’t be surprised if a Kea or two drop in to say hello!
9. Milford Sound
Our Premium Cruise vessel has been specifically designed to capture the views of Milford Sound with its unique glass roof and large viewing decks. The ‘Gem of the Sound’ offers an outstanding experience never seen in Milford Sound with an exceptional level of comfort and hospitality. A selection of snacks and noodles can be purchased on board along with a wide range of drinks from New Zealand and around the world. Visit the stunning Milford Sound on board an equally premium vessel that will look after you and your unique experience.
10. Kiwi Country
Te Anau is known as the Walking Capital of the World. The mountains to the left are the Kepler Mountains, home of the Kepler Track, one of the popular walking tracks in the area. Te Anau is the gateway to Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park. The town has a permanent population of approximately 2,500 people but this fluctuates greatly in summer when the town gets an influx of fishermen, hunters, outdoor pursuit seekers and holiday makers. It’s a popular holiday destination. We stop here for morning & afternoon breaks and comfort stops.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Quest21037438373
The journey to Milford Sound was truly awe-inspiring and almost surreal. The views are undeniably heavenly, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Our tour guide, Stu, led us on this adventure via bus. However, the bus itself was quite cold for both my partner and me. Nonetheless, the ship ride was excellent, accompanied by informative commentary. It would have been beneficial if the instructions were clearer. Unfortunately, the lunch provided, served in boxes, was not particularly impressive.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-13 10:40:11

Posted By : nzpover
The cruise part of this tour was great, but the bus part was not. Apparently the bus we were meant to be on got concrete on it at the Homer Tunnel so we had a replacement bus. I'm not sure if the original bus would have been roomier, but this bus was very cramped. The bus also broke down 3 times which meant we were under time pressure to get to the boat and couldn't make all the stops. The bus driver was very informative, but did make a few jokes that bordered on being racist.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-09 03:48:11

Posted By : christine_v
The water falls were magnificent. Despite the rain and cold the trip was fabulous. Adrian the driver made sure we all knew everything. The boat ride was unbelievable. We saw seals which was a bonus . The boat captain (from Tuatapere) was friendly and helpful. A long day but drop offs were great . Highly recommend.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-25 19:42:57

Posted By : Metch14
Wonderful day seeing all the spectacular views & places on the way. Little stops along the way for photos. Bus driver was friendly. Cruise on Milford Sound was surreal so beautiful. Enjoyed our lovely picnic lunch. Long day but so worth it.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-22 14:06:21

Posted By : Lori_D
We were booked for the 740 am tour and at we’re on separate bookings. My friend Patty got and email at 714 stating the tour was cancelled. I NEVER. Even received an email from viator or greats sights. No communication from the tour company or the booking company. Had I not been traveling with Patty boystak I wouldn’t have even known it was cancelled. There was another girl there traveling from Ireland that didn’t get the email until 1725. Bybthe time Patty Boystak received this email stating the tour was cancelled it was too late to book any other tours to Milford sound. So I woukd not have known anything becsie I didn’t get an email. I called the number for visitor and the gentleman said he was processing my refund and Patt Boystak refund and she got an email stating her refund was processed and I did not get an email for the refund as of now. I verified my email address to the gentleman.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-14 15:52:13

Posted By : Patrice_B
The tour being canceled at 715 and all other tours left already! No never again! Once in a lifetime 🤬😡😢
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-14 13:19:46

Posted By : Zyron_K
From Stu, the entertaining and highly informative bus driver who really made the long hours on the bus an enjoyable experience, to the scenery that is beyond words to describe, Milford Sound is truelly one of the Natural Wonders of the World. Should be on everyone's bucket list!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-13 00:07:54

Posted By : Passenger736116
I’m not sure which was more entertaining our bus driver Shailendra or the Milford Sound itself. Both were 10/10. The whole day was brilliant
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-08 03:53:15

Posted By : Nigel_H
We very much appreciated Shailendra’s commentary during the tour. Scenery worth the long drive and the boat trip on Milford Sound a unique experience. The picnic lunch was good and our pick up was well organised in practice although the written listing of hotel pick up times was confusing.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-07 23:33:12

Posted By : Carol_T
It was a very long drive from Queenstown but the tour bus was on time and driver professional. It was worth it if only to see the wonders of nature once in a life time.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-29 16:59:49