Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
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.
Stop At: Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown New Zealand
Departing Queenstown we wind our way around Lake Wakatipu, with amazing views of ‘The Remarkables’ Mountain Range and the lake, stopping for photos is a must.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Devil's Staircase Lookout Point, 2911 Kingston Rd, Kingston 9793 New Zealand
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.
Stop At: Lake Te Anau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
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 break 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.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Eglinton Valley, Milford Sound New Zealand
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Mirror Lakes Walk, Milford Road,, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Lake Gunn, State Highway 94, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Hollyford River, Southland 9382, New Zealand
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 At: Darran Mountains, Southland 9679, New Zealand
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Homer Tunnel, 94 S.h., Milford Sound New Zealand
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 hundreds of waterfalls cascading down the mountain side.
Stop At: Milford Sound, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand
Following the valleys to the sea we arrive at Milford Sound where you will board your cruise with Cruise Milford (the No. 1 Cruise operator in Milford Sound on TripAdvisor).
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Milford Sound, Milford Sound, Southland Region, South Island
The Cruise Milford 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.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: The Chasm Walk, State Highway 94, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand
After your cruise do not fear the adventure is not over, there is the return journey with many more amazing stops. One of the stops during this journey (weather and timing dependent) is The Chasm. A spectacular bush walk and dramatic views of powerful waterfalls and water sculpted shapes in the rocks.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Pops View Look Out, Milford Sound New Zealand
Next 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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Sadly we must start to head back to Queenstown but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and many stops and breaks along the way.
Duration: 5 minutes
Pass By: Mitre Peak, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
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.
See Availability.
Traveler pickup is offered
Hotel Pick Up Points & Times:
Please be ready, waiting in your hotel lobby or at the pick up point at least 10 minutes prior to your pick up time listed below. Hotel pick-ups are from the below hotels only. If you do not see your pickup location please select the closest one to you to be picked up from.
15 minutes before tour start time: Kamana Lakehouse, Heritage Hotel, Mercure Hotel
10 minutes before tour start time: Crowne Plaza, Hotel St Moritz, Rydges Lakeland Resort
5 minutes before tour start time: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, Base Backpackers, YHA Central, Nomads Backpackers, Sofitel Queenstown, Queenstown Central Pick Up Point - The Station Information centre (Corner of Shotover & Camp street)
At tour start time: Scenic Hotel, Copthorne Hotel, Heartland Hotel, Millennium Hotel, Rees Hotel
15-25 minutes after tour start time: Frankton Bus Terminus (near Queenstown airport), Wyndham Gardens Hotel
20-30 minutes after tour start time: Hilton Hotel & Resort
2 hours 20 minutes after tour start time: Te Anau Bus Stop, 95 Te Anau Terrace, Te Anau
Ports
13 hours(approx.)
Not wheelchair accessible
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.
A moderate amount of walking is involved.
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Children aged 7 years and below are required by law to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can provided (with 24 hours’ notice).
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for travelers
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : Clark B
“When it rains in Queenstown, go to Milford Sound!” We had amazing waterfalls and sunshine at Milford Sound, so the advice was great. Long drive but small group allowed for frequent stops and photo ops. Brendon was our driver, and was awesom.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-03-25
Posted By : David_E
The trip was enjoyable. The van was a little cramped for a long drive but we had several stops. The boat ride was amazing. We took the plane ride option to return to Queenstown and it was thrilling to see the Sound from that perspective. Plus you get home 2-3 hours sooner.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-03-25
Posted By : Greta_L
We loved Reece! He was very knowledgeable and we could tell he loved his job. We would recommend this trip and are so glad we did it. Beautiful drive with lots of breathtaking views.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-03-23
Posted By : Carol N
The best day of our travels in the South Island of New Zealand. A small group with Sinchan , our very friendly, cheerful, informative and considerate guide and driver. The sights , stop offs , information, and food ( even catering to gf) were plentiful and perfect. The boat trip wasn’t too crowded. Highly recommend this tour.
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Posted On : 2023-03-21
Posted By : bobray5758
Our guide Sinchan was fantastic! What a wonderful experience. Our day started very cold, rainy and windy. Sinchan was not only an excellent guide but driver as well making me feel very safe. The weather cleared like a gift just as we were arriving at Milford. Throughout the day Sinchan kept us informed about the unique geology, climate, plants and animals of the area. This is a trip you must make if you are in Queenstown…the highlight of our time in New Zealand. Highly recommended!
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Posted On : 2023-03-21
Posted By : Sara C
I would highly recommend taking this tour with Cheeky Kiwis. Our guide Sinchan was fun, friendly and knowledgeable. It was a rainy day so we were lucky enough to see the waterfalls in all their glory. Book this trip you won’t regret it.
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Posted On : 2023-03-20
Posted By : rubyusman
George was amazing. He was extremely knowledgeable and took great care of us throughout the day. Totally recommend him.
The only thing I can suggest that wasn't quite up to the mark was the vehicle itself. As is expected that not all seats have the best view. I think, the company can do better to shuffle people around so everyone can enjoy the views. Perhaps people with the beat seats can on the way to the sounds can swap seats with people with worst seats on the way back. Also, it was a rainy day and the windows got fogged up, obstructing our view. I am sure technology has advanced enough so this can be locked at. We are in the bus for a very long time and making it better for everyone would make a huge difference.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-03-18
Posted By : 535kylas
Such a great tour guided by Sinchan, very knowledgeable and gave great detail while keeping it fun. Amazing views, wildlife, plenty of stops along the way. Opted for the scenic flight back from Milford to Queenstown which was incredible and would highly recommend if the opportunity is there.
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Posted On : 2023-03-16
Posted By : Kyla_S
Such a great tour guided by Sinchan, very knowledgeable and gave great detail while keeping it fun. Amazing views, wildlife, plenty of stops along the way. Would highly recommend
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Posted On : 2023-03-16
Posted By : Mobile02593025874
We were picked up by Cheeky Kiwi on time for our journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound with Cruise Milford. Our driver/guide for the day was Sinchan and I have to say was the best guide we have ever had. Sinchan was very knowledgeable throughout the day and we laughed so much especially on the journey back to Queenstown with his cheeky sense of humour. He remembered everyone's name of the 16 of us on the trip. I cannot recommend Cheeky Kiwi enough but especially Sinchan as the day would not have been as memorable without him and what could have been a very long day flew by.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-03-14
