Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
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.
Stop At: Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown New Zealand
Departing Queenstown we wind our way around Lake Wakatipu, with amazing views of ‘The Remarkables’ Mountain Range and the lake, stopping for photos is a must.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Devil's Staircase Lookout Point, 2911 Kingston Road, Kingston 9793 New Zealand
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.
Stop At: Lake Te Anau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
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 break 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.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Eglinton Valley, Milford Sound New Zealand
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Mirror Lakes Walk, Milford Road,, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Lake Gunn, State Highway 94, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Hollyford River, Southland 9382, New Zealand
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.
Stop At: Darran Mountains, Southland 9679, New Zealand
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Homer Tunnel, 94 S.h., Milford Sound New Zealand
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 hundreds of waterfalls cascading down the mountain side.
Stop At: Milford Sound, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand
Following the valleys to the sea we arrive at Milford Sound where you will board your cruise with Cruise Milford (the No. 1 Cruise operator in Milford Sound on TripAdvisor). The Cruise Milford 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.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Mitre Peak, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Lastly you take to the skies on the amazing scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown. Your friendly and knowledgeable pilot will provide commentary during the flight, pointing out hidden lakes and waterfalls and the history of the areas you're flying over. Flight admission included in tour price.
Duration: 40 minutes
See Availability.
The Station - Home of Adventure in Queenstown, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Traveler pickup is offered
Pickups are from the below hotels only. If your hotel is not listed, please select your closest alternative and meet us there. If you are not sure where your closest alternative is, please contact us in advance so that we can advise you.
If you have not yet booked a hotel then please select The Station (Home of Adventure) as your pickup location. You can update this once your hotel is booked by contacting us or amending your pickup directly through Viator.
Note: our pickups begin 15 mins before tour start time so please check your confirmation for the exact pickup time from your chosen location as these will vary.
Kamana Lakehouse 06:15 AM / 07:15 AM
Mercure Queenstown 06:12 AM / 07:12 AM
Heritage Hotel 06:17 AM / 07:17 AM
Rydges Lakeland Resort
QT Queenstown 06:20 AM / 07:20 AM
Hotel St Moritz 06:21 AM / 07:21 AM
Crowne Plaza 06:23 AM / 07:23 AM
Novotel 06:27 AM / 07:27 AM
Nomads Hostel 06:28 AM / 07:28 AM
Flaming Kiwi Backpackers 06:26 AM / 07:26 AM
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel 06:25 AM / 07:25 AM
Pinewood Lodge 06:24 AM / 07:24 AM
The Station Information Centre (default central pickup point) 06:30 AM / 07:30 AM
LyLo Queenstown 06:30 AM / 07:30 AM
Sofitel 06:30 AM / 07:30 AM
Aspen Lodge 06:31 AM / 07:31 AM
Ramada Queenstown Central 06:34 AM / 07:34 AM
Heartland Hotel 06:32 AM / 07:32 AM
Scenic Suites 06:32 AM / 07:32 AM
Holiday Inn Express 06:33 AM / 06:33 AM
Millennium Hotel 06:36 AM / 07:36 AM
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront 06:35 AM / 07:35 AM
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Lakeview 06:37 AM / 07:37 AM
Swiss Belsuites Pounamu 06:38 AM / 07:38 AM
Oaks Shores Resort 06:39 AM / 07:39 AM
The Rees 06:40 AM / 07:40 AM
Holiday Inn Frankton Road (Bus stop on Frankton Road) 06:42 AM / 07:42 AM
Sherwood Hotel (Bus stop on Frankton Road) 06:42 AM / 07:42 AM
Frankton Bus Interchange (near Queenstown airport) 06:44 AM / 07:44 AM
Sudima Five Mile 06:43 AM / 07:43 AM
Wyndham Garden 06:45 AM / 07:45 AM
Hilton Queenstown 06:46 AM / 07:46 AM
Ports
9 hours(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Infant seats available
Near public transportation
Stroller accessible
Not wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Children aged 7 years old and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be rented from us (with 24 hours’ notice).
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
A moderate amount of walking is involved.
Return scenic flight may be cancelled due to weather conditions. In this situation your return transport will be via mini bus and you will receive a partial refund.
Scenic Flight restrictions are 116 kg
Flights are always 'On Request' until confirmed with our partner airline
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience 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
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : harioma2015
We had a great time on the tour - even though we had a car rental throughout our time in Queenstown, choosing this tour couldn't have been a better choice considering that we got to sit back, relax while we drove down from Queenstown to Milford with guided commentary about NZ.
For the cost, it was well worth it for us with lunch, the drive and cruise all booked in together.
Our guide was super fun and we really had a great time!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-07
Posted By : WINGFU_C
Jeff very experienced guide n making the tour more entertaining. He also provide very valuable information about the history of NZ +the discovery of Milford Sound. We will highly recommend anyone travel to Queenstown to join this tour to experience the difference.
Great thanks to the Cheeky Kiwi team
Ron
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-05
Posted By : 587kirstena
Had a great time on the trip! The Milford Sounds and Fiordlands are an amazing experience that everyone going to this area should do!! The day was very long driving to Milford Sound and back. Due to weather, my flight was cancelled but the drive was scenic and comfortable. The tour guide was nice and knowledgeable keeping the ride interesting. He made sure we had plenty of stops to use the restrooms and stretch our legs without feeling rushed. Also had a few photo ops that we stopped for on the way there!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-28
Posted By : Yunmei_C
Due to the weather issue so they cancel our flight to Milford sound … instead we have the bus and cruise tour under a raining day… still it’s beautiful and the scenery is breathtaking under a raining foggy day!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-27
Posted By : Flyer09664056882
We were picked up on time from our pick-up spot. Dani, the tour guide with Cheeky Kiwi tours, arrived in an immaculately clean Mercedes Sprinter van. The seats were comfortable, and the temperature in the van was just right for the conditions. Dani was an engaging tour guide. She included interesting facts and historical information with a sense of humour and made sure that all guests were included throughout the trip. There were ample stops for photos with enough time at each place to take a look and stretch before continuing. Our fellow travellers were all considerate and polite. The cruise was pleasant. We had a mostly sunny day, and the scenery could never be spoilt by weather. Dani ensured our handover to the pilot was smooth. We were transferred by bus to the airstrip and enjoyed a flight back to Queenstown on a Kodiak 10 seat plane. It was a little bumpy due to the conditions. However, the pilot kept us informed of everything flight related as we went. She pointed out many land marks, taking us close to the falls as we left Milford. A thoroughly enjoyable day. We were back to town by 3:30. I would highly recommend this tour.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-15
Posted By : Rhonda_M
We really enjoyed out trip to Milford Sound. Our driver (Christina) and Tour Guide (Sarah) were knowledgeable and friendly and we made some really nice stops along the way. We also liked the boat and the staff on board - the captain was entertaining throughout. We also appreciated the smaller size of the boat and the tour bus as I don't enjoy overly crowded tours. We highly recommend taking the bus there and the flight back - not only do you save time, but the view from the sky is gorgeous and a great experience. Milford Sound was beautiful, and It was a wonderful experience.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-08
Posted By : VeronikaS1009
Fantastic tour to say the least. Well organized with proper bus stops for coffee/bathroom breaks, sightseeing spots and photographs, delicious lunch and of course absolutely stunning boat ride and a flight. Pure joy. Wonderful guides. Very relaxing yet reach and full filling tour. Must do!!!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-05
Posted By : lisadT658UV
Well organized tour. Views were spectacular and we met a lot of really nice people on the tour. Flight back to Queenstown had amazing views and some rough air!! Pilot earned his pay that day.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-26
Posted By : Ann_R
We had a wonderful day..from the entertaining and informative coach driver, to the spectacular cruise on the sound. Topped off by the scenic way back to Queenstown by air! Highly recommend this experience!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-26
Posted By : Guillaume_M
Excellent tour: small group, safe drive, great guide, good stops and information, good packed lunch, great cruise on small boat. Can't comment on the flight as it was not possible due to cloudy weather. This is the tour to take.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-22
