Travel from Queenstown to Te Anau on a fully guided small group journey through Fiordland, with a boutique Milford Sound cruise included along the way. You’ll be collected from your Queenstown accommodation in a premium Mercedes-Benz van, then follow the edge of Lake Wakatipu with views of The Remarkables and the winding road through Devil’s Staircase.

The route continues to Te Anau, where there is time for a break beside Lake Te Anau, before heading on to Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track. Entering Fiordland National Park, your guide stops at Eglinton Valley, then at Mirror Lakes for a short stroll to see reflections of the Earl Mountains. Depending on conditions, there may also be stops at Lake Gunn, Falls Creek and in the Darran Mountains, where kea are sometimes seen.

The drive then passes through the hand-built Homer Tunnel before descending toward Milford Sound. Here, you board a smaller boat for a less crowded cruise with a more personal commentary. On the water, look for New Zealand fur seals on the rocks, sheer rock faces, rainforest-fed waterfalls and Mitre Peak rising above the fiord.

After the cruise, the return journey includes views of the divide in the Southern Alps near the start of the Routeburn Track, before drop-off at your central accommodation in Te Anau.

1
Queenstown

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.

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2
Lake Wakatipu

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

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3
Devil's Staircase Lookout Point

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.

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4
Te Anau

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.

30 minutes
5
Eglinton Valley

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.

10 minutes
6
Mirror Lakes Walk

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.

10 minutes
7
Lake Gunn

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.

10 minutes
8
Falls Creek Falls

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.

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9
Darran Mountains

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.

10 minutes
10
Homer Tunnel

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.

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11
Milford Sound

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.

2 hours
12
Mitre Peak

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.

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13
Pops View Look Out

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.

10 minutes
14
Te Anau

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.

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Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound inc Cruise & Lunch

Tour Overview

What's Included

Not Included:

What To Expect

Queenstown

Lake Wakatipu

Devil's Staircase Lookout Point

Te Anau

Eglinton Valley

Mirror Lakes Walk

Lake Gunn

Falls Creek Falls

Darran Mountains

Homer Tunnel

Milford Sound

Mitre Peak

Pops View Look Out

Te Anau

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Pickup details

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy