Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch

Here is the starting point

Queenstown - Milford

• 1. Queenstown – Tour Departure
• Your day begins with a convenient pickup at or near your accommodation in Queenstown. Settle into your seat in our premium minibus and meet your local guide—someone who’s not only well-versed in the area’s natural and cultural heritage but also passionate about sharing it. As we leave Queenstown behind, your guide will introduce the route and point out notable landmarks.
• 2. Lake Wakatipu
• 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.
• 3. Southland Rural Landscapes
• 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.
• 4. Te Anau – Lakeside Break
• 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.
• 5. Fiordland National Park Entrance
• 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.
• 6. Eglinton Valley – Glacier-Carved Wonder
• 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.
• 7. Mirror Lakes – Reflective Beauty Walk
• 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..
• 8. Hollyford River & Falls Creek
• 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.
• 9. Darran Mountains – Alpine Vistas
• Climbing higher, we enter the heart of the Darran Mountains. We’ll pull over at a lookout point to take in the panoramic views of these dramatic granite peaks. Keep your eyes open for kea, New Zealand’s curious alpine parrots.
• 10. Homer Tunnel – Engineering Marvel
• 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.
• 11. Milford Sound – Nature Cruise
• Arrive at Milford Sound and board your boutique nature cruise. Enjoy a 1 hour 45 minute cruise including a picnic lunch, 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.
• 12. Stirling & Bowen Falls – Up Close with Nature
• During the cruise, experience the majesty of Stirling and Bowen Falls—two of Milford Sound’s most iconic waterfalls. If the conditions are right, your skipper may nose the boat right into the spray!
• 13. Mitre Peak – The Icon of the Sound
• Admire the towering Mitre Peak, rising nearly 1,700 metres from the fiord. Its distinctive triangular shape makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in New Zealand.
• 14. Return Journey – Scenic Relaxation
• After the cruise, rejoin your guide for the journey home. While there are fewer stops on the way back, you’ll have time to unwind and enjoy more of the region’s sweeping scenery, with comfort stops along the way.