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Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

2,147 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 2,147 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
99% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
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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from $187.19 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Cruise the Milford Sound fiord on a two hour nature boat cruise.
Option to upgrade to a glass-roof van for a gold-class experience
Premium Vans
After your cruise, our guide will transport you on a relaxing drive back to Queenstown
Milford Sound is famous for waterfalls - how many will you see?

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.
13 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand and a must-see for any traveller. Whether seen in sunshine or rain, the incredible views are guaranteed to leave you awestruck. This is a small group tour for travellers seeking an all-inclusive, uniquely-kiwi, personalised trip to Milford Sound. 

We keep things personal using our fleet of modern Mercedes vans. Enjoy your journey with only 15 people, in a vehicle with premium features such as leather seats, panoramic scenic windows, Wi-Fi and Spotify.

Let your Altitude Tours guide entertain you with in-depth knowledge of the area, as we travel from Queenstown through Te Anau and into the Fiordland National Park on the famous Milford Road. Enjoy many scenic photo stops at both famous locations, as well as our guide's favourite off-the-beaten-track spots.

Enjoy a 2-hour small uncrowded cruise while taking in the incredible beauty that Milford Sound has to offer! You can also add on a picnic lunch to enjoy onboard.

What's Included

  • Tea and coffee Tea & coffee available on the 2 hour nature cruise
  • WiFi on board
  • Convenient pick up and drop off locations around Queenstown
  • Bottled water To reduce single-use plastic, we do not provide water bottles. We recommend anyone travelling NZ to have their own reusable water bottle. There are several locations to refill during the day.
  • Additional Snacks
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Please note that your selected pickup location may not be exact; we will pick up either at or near your requested location. After you book, our team will contact you to provide your exact pickup location details. If you are unsure of the best pickup point, please inform the activity provider of your accommodation, and we will advise the most suitable pickup location.The departure time applies to the central Queenstown pick-up, however, times can vary, depending on your location.

What To Expect

Lake Wakatipu (Pass By)

Start your day by meeting our friendly local guide at or near your Queenstown accommodation. You'll travel in style in a premium Mercedes van designed for touring with only 16 seats onboard. The first leg of our journey to Milford Sound transports you from Queenstown through the picturesque Southland farming country and the charming town of Te Anau, where we'll make a brief stop by the lakeside for refreshments.
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Lake Te Anau

Lake Te Anau is in the southwestern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. The lake covers an area of 344 km², making it the second-largest lake by surface area in New Zealand and the largest in the South Island. It is the largest lake in Australasia by fresh water volume.
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Admission Ticket Free

Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

From here, we welcome you to the Fiordland National Park and the renowned Milford Road. This corridor to the fjord unveils a different side of New Zealand, with its majestic mountains, winding rivers, and the cheeky Kea bird. Throughout the journey, your guide will make multiple stops for photo opportunities, short walks, and will entertain you with fascinating local facts and stories.
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3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Eglinton Valley

See the picturesque Eglinton Valley
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mirror Lakes Walk

Enjoy a beautiful short nature walk and view the famous Mirror Lakes
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Homer Tunnel

The Homer Tunnel is a 1.2 km long road tunnel in the Fiordland region of the South Island of New Zealand, opened in 1953. New Zealand State Highway 94 passes through the tunnel, linking Milford Sound to Te Anau and Queenstown, by piercing the Darran Mountain range at the Homer Saddle
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Admission Ticket Free

Milford Sound

Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a 1hr 45min nature cruise that takes you beneath the towering peaks of the fjord. This small boat cruise, accompanied by a knowledgeable onboard nature guide, allows you to explore the edges of the fjord, revealing its impressive waterfalls and unique wildlife, which may include dolphins, penguins, fur seals, and native birdlife.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Te Anau

After your cruise, rejoin the van to commence the return journey to Queenstown. Sit back, relax, and take in the views. This day tour spans approximately 12-13 hours, and our smaller vehicles and attentive guide ensure your comfort and entertainment throughout the journey.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Queenstown

On arrival back into Queenstown, your guide will return you back to the same location they picked you up from, or you can choose to be dropped in Queenstown.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please bring walking shoes, warm clothes and rain jacket.
  • There is an option to include a packed picnic lunch. The default choice is chicken, however you can request a vegetarian lunch until 5pm the day prior.
  • Please bring a reusable waterbottle on tour with us. There are multiple locations to refill during the day.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

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

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Activity code: C-3287_ZQN

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.91
2,147 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 2,147 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1,990
4 stars
131
3 stars
17
2 stars
5
1 star
4

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On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: Will I get seasick on Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise?
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.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Tea and coffee. Tea & coffee available on the 2 hour nature cruise.
  • WiFi on board.
  • Convenient pick up and drop off locations around Queenstown.
  • 2-Hour nature cruise on Milford Sound.
  • Off-the-beaten track scenic photo stops en route.
  • Knowledgable and friendly local driver/guides.
The following is NOT included:
  • Bottled water. To reduce single-use plastic, we do not provide water bottles. We recommend anyone travelling NZ to have their own reusable water bottle. There are several locations to refill during the day.
  • Additional Snacks.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise is as follows:

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Tea and coffeeTea & coffee available on the 2 hour nature cruise
  • WiFi on board
  • Convenient pick up and drop off locations around Queenstown
  • 2-Hour nature cruise on Milford Sound
  • Off-the-beaten track scenic photo stops en route
  • Knowledgable and friendly local driver/guides
  • Bottled waterTo reduce single-use plastic, we do not provide water bottles. We recommend anyone travelling NZ to have their own reusable water bottle. There are several locations to refill during the day.
  • Additional Snacks

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please bring walking shoes, warm clothes and rain jacket.
  • Please be aware that Milford Sound is a 5 hour drive from Queenstown (one-way with sightseeing stops). This is a full day excursion, and including the 2 hour cruise on the fjord, allow approximately 13 hours door to door.
  • There is an option to include a packed picnic lunch. The default choice is chicken, however you can request a vegetarian lunch until 5pm the day prior.
  • Please bring a reusable waterbottle on tour with us. There are multiple locations to refill during the day.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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Lowest Price Guarantee

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We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

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If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

Refund Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • City Boat Tours promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of City Boat Tours.

Free Cancellation

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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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On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

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