From Queenstown: Premium Milford Sound Tour with Cruise

Experience New Zealand at its best

If you are a nature history enthusiast looking to experience New Zealand’s landscapes from a different perspective, this premium Milford Sound tour might just be for you. Hop on a comfortable minibus from Queenstown and make your way to Lake Wakatipu where you get an unbeatable view of The Remarkables mountain. Then, you pass through the winding Devils Staircase road before stopping at the idyllic town of Lake Te Anau where you might spot some local wildlife.

Be one with nature

After Lake Te Anau, move on to Eglinton Valley to see the native beech trees lining the valley and the famous Mirror Lakes famous where you get to see the reflections of the Earl Mountains. You continue on the road to Lake Gunn, home to the South Island robins, tomtits and fantails before moving on Hollyford River, a river full of large boulders and rapids, which feeds into the river at Falls Creek falls. Then, you go deeper into Darren Mountains where you get to spot some colorful birds before winding down the hand-built Homer Tunnel, which leads to Milford Sound.

A cruise in New Zealand’s most famous fjord

Board a small boat at Milford Sound for a personal tour of Milford Sound. Catch a glimpse of New Zealand’s fur seals sitting on the rocks and waterfalls cascading from an ancient rainforest high in the mountains. This cruise is unbeatable. Get to see the clouds surrounding the triangular Mitre Peak before stopping at Pop's View Lookout where you get a bird’s eye view of the forest-cloaked Hollyford Valley. Then, head back to Queenstown on the minibus with many stops and breaks along the way.

Itinerary

• Start from Queenstown.

• The following stops will be included on the way to and back from Milford Sound.

Minibus

• Queenstown

• Lake Wakatipu

• Devils Staircase

• Lake Te Anau

• Eglington Valley

• Mirror Lakes

• Lake Gunn

• Hollyford River & Falls Creek

• Darran Mountains

• Homer Tunnel

Cruise

These are the sights you can look out for during the cruise:

• Milford Sound

• Mitre Peak

• Pop's View Lookout

• Return to Queenstown

From Queenstown: Premium Milford Sound Tour with Cruise

This guided sightseeing tour from Queenstown offers a premium experience of Fiordland National Park, including stops at Pop's View Lookout and Lake Te Anau, as well as the Remarkables mountains and Eglinton Valley. The tour features a relaxing cruise through stunning Milford Sound, where you will see waterfalls cascading down the mountain sides and iconic Mitre Peak rising from the waters. With an average group size of 15 people, this exclusive tour ensures a personalized experience for each guest. Tour highlights include narration in English, Mandarin, and Japanese, with access to all major landmarks and scenic routes. The total duration is approximately 9 hours, including travel time between POIs and a 2-hour cruise in Milford Sound. This tour covers over 150 miles of breathtaking landscapes in Southland, offering guests the unique opportunity to explore ancient Maori sites and stunning natural features such as glaciers, lakes, and peaks.

Explore Fiordland National Park's Pop's View Lookout

Your tour stops at Pop's View Lookout where you can admire panoramic views of Lake Te Anau. Established in 1960, this lookout is a favorite spot for photographers due to its picturesque vantage point overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains. The lookout itself spans an area of approximately 2 acres, featuring well-maintained walking paths that lead visitors through lush native forests. Guests often spend around 30 minutes here, taking in the stunning views and learning about the rich Maori history from their knowledgeable guides. Pop's View Lookout is unique for its historical significance as a site where ancient Maori explorers navigated these lands centuries ago, leaving behind numerous artifacts that are still being discovered today. The lookout offers visitors an unparalleled connection to nature and provides insight into the cultural heritage of New Zealand.

Marvel at Fiordland National Park's Remarkables Mountains

The tour continues through the snow-covered beauty of The Remarkables mountains, a range known for its rugged terrain and dramatic peaks. These mountains cover an area of over 100 square miles and are part of a larger conservation effort to protect New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. Visitors spend about an hour exploring this region, where they can observe the golden tussock grass that carpets much of the landscape. The Remarkables were first mapped in 1862 by early European explorers who named them for their striking appearance from afar. What makes these mountains particularly special is their role as filming locations for scenes from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, adding a layer of cinematic magic to the natural beauty already present here.

Discover Fiordland National Park's Eglinton Valley

Your tour takes you through the golden tussock grasslands of Eglinton Valley, a scenic area that has been featured in many films including "The Lord of the Rings." Established as part of Fiordland National Park in 1952, this valley covers an expansive area of over 80 square miles and is home to diverse wildlife such as rare birds and native plants. Visitors typically spend around two hours exploring Eglinton Valley, where they can walk along well-marked trails that wind through the lush vegetation and past cascading waterfalls. The valley’s unique triangular shape and its role in New Zealand's film industry make it a must-see for both nature enthusiasts and movie fans alike.

Tour Highlights

• Sightseeing at Pop's View Lookout
• 2-hour cruise through Milford Sound
• Audio guide available in English, Mandarin, Japanese
• Experience Remarkables mountains with stunning views
• Option to explore Eglinton Valley on foot
• Access to all major landmarks and scenic routes
• Convenience including snacks and refreshments throughout the day

Perfect for travelers seeking adventure, nature lovers, and film enthusiasts, this guided tour provides an immersive experience of Fiordland National Park's natural wonders and cultural heritage. The 9-hour format allows you to explore Pop's View Lookout, marvel at the Remarkables mountains, and discover Eglinton Valley, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Queenstown’s scenic beauty while enjoying exclusive access to these iconic locations.