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Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch

26 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 26 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Queenstown, New Zealand

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

13 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Embark on an intimate small-group adventure from Queenstown to Milford Sound—one of Aotearoa’s most iconic natural wonders. This fully guided day trip is more than just a destination; it’s an experience crafted with care, comfort, and connection in mind. Travel in our premium Sprinter, designed for a relaxed pace and optimal viewing, with plenty of time to stop, explore, and soak up the landscape. From majestic alpine valleys to cascading waterfalls and native wildlife encounters, every moment of the journey is part of the magic.

What's Included

  • Lunch Enjoy a Picnic Lunch onboard the Milford Cruise
  • Snacks
  • Private transportation

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup point
    Pickup details

    1. Bus Stop in front of Rydges Hotel (44 Lake Esplanade) - 6:40 am 2. Bus Stop in front of Crowne Plaza Queenstown (93 Beach Street) - 6:50 amPlease wait in the reception area.

    OR
    Meeting point

    Camp Street
    Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    What To Expect

    Lake Wakatipu (Pass By)

    We travel alongside the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu, winding our way through dramatic alpine landscapes. The Remarkables mountain range offers a breathtaking backdrop—perfect for an early photo opportunity to start the day right.
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    Kingston (Pass By)

    Pass through the charming settlement of Kingston, known for its historic railway. Your guide will share stories of the area’s heritage as we continue south.
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    Southland Region (Pass By)

    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.
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    Te Anau

    Arriving in Te Anau, we pause for a comfort stop. Grab a coffee, enjoy a short lakeside stroll, or meet some of the local ducks beside the sparkling waters of Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second-largest lake. We pull in at Te Anau Downs. From here, you’ll look across the lake to where the famous Milford Track begins. Your guide will share the history of this world-renowned walking trail and its early explorers.
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    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Fiordland (Pass By)

    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.
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    Eglinton Valley

    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.
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    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Mirror Lakes 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.
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    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Hollyford Track

    Follow the route of the Hollyford River, a fast-flowing alpine stream lined with dense native forest and giant boulders. We pause for a moment to admire its energy and raw beauty.
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    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Homer Tunnel (Pass By)

    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.
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    Milford Sound

    Arrive at Milford Sound and board your boutique nature cruise with Cruise Milford, TripAdvisor’s top-rated operator. Enjoy a 1 hour 45 minute cruise 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.
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    2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 8 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).This tour 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. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-482599P8

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    26 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 26 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    26
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

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    On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • LunchEnjoy a Picnic Lunch onboard the Milford Cruise
    • Snacks
    • Private transportation
    • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
    • WiFi on board
    • Enjoy a 1 hour 45 minute cruise with fewer passengers and an onboard nature guide. You’ll get up close to waterfalls, towering cliffs, Mitre Peak, and wildlife.
    • Air-conditioned vehicle
    • Water (Please bring a reusable Water Bottle)

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Please provide us with your dietary requirements
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

    Report Product Issue

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    Free Cancellation

    Activity name

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • This tour 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.

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