Day trips from Queenstown

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
• Carry warm, weather-appropriate clothing and a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change quickly on the water.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Bring cash or an EFTPOS/credit card onboard for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.

Accessibility

• Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.
• There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.

Additional information

• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.
• Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Inclusions #

• 1-hour 45-minute to 2-hour Milford Sound cruise

• Expert skipper commentary

• Complimentary tea & coffee

• Wildlife spotting opportunities

• Access to outdoor viewing decks

• Indoor heated lounge area

• Multi-language audio guide app

Scenic flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)

• 35 minutes each way flying time

• Guaranteed window seats

• Expert pilot commentary

Exclusions #

• Other food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain and outdoor activities.
• Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
• Carry a refillable water bottle and any personal medications you may need.
• Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
• Bring cash or an EFTPOS/credit card onboard for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

• Large luggage and suitcases are not permitted on the coach or cruise.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed on the coach or cruise vessel.
• Alcohol and illegal substances are strictly prohibited during the tour.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and boarding/disembarking from vehicles and boats.

Additional information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions; the itinerary may be adjusted for safety or comfort.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Infant seats are available on request; please inform the operator in advance if required.
• Meals are not included unless specified in your ticket variant; you may bring your own snacks or purchase food at designated stops.
• Restroom breaks are provided during the journey, but facilities may be limited in remote areas.
• Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure. Late arrivals may not be accommodated.
• The duration of the tour is approximately 12–13 hours, including transfers.

Inclusions #

• Full-day tour of Milford Sound with return transfers from Queenstown

• Guided nature walks and scenic stops en route

• Expert driver guide commentary

• 1-hour 45-minute fjord cruise

• Boutique small boat cruise of maximum 15 people (if option selected)

Exclusions #

• Other food and beverages (available to purchase onsite)

Shorter travel, calmer crowds, the Te Anau advantage.

• Everything you get: Return coach from Te Anau with expert driver-guide, early cruise slots to beat peak crowds, scenic stops at key viewpoints, live commentary, and a relaxed 8 to 9-hour schedule that pairs well with glowworm cave visits.
• Why choose this: Best for families and planners who want less time on the road and more time in Milford Sound. Starting closer means a smoother, calmer day with fewer travel hassles.
• Upgrades: Opt for an intimate small-group tour and a small-boat boutique cruise for a more personal experience.

Inclusions #

• Full-day guided tour of Milford Sound from Te Anau

• 2-hour Milford Sound scenic cruise

• English-speaking driver/guide

• Return transfers from Te Anau with stops for short walks

• Live commentary on board

Exclusions #

• Lunch & refreshments (available to purchase onsite)

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions can change quickly.
• Bring a rain jacket or waterproof outerwear, as the area is known for frequent rainfall.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
• Carry a refillable water bottle and snacks, as options may be limited during the tour.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the scenic views.

What’s not allowed

• Smoking is not permitted on the coach or cruise vessel.
• Alcohol and illegal substances are strictly prohibited during the tour.
• Large luggage and suitcases are not allowed; bring only a small day bag.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The tour may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility due to steps and uneven surfaces.

Additional information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions; cruises may proceed in rain or shine.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.
• Restroom facilities are available on the coach and cruise vessel.
• The itinerary and stops may vary depending on weather and road conditions.
• Infants aged 0–4 may travel free of charge but must be included in your booking.
• Meals are not included; please bring your own food or purchase at available stops.
• The experience includes return transfers between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

See Fiordland twice: by air and by water for the best of both views.

• Everything you get: Full day tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown, return or one-way scenic flights with window seats, pilot commentary over the Alps and glaciers, small-boat cruise for close waterfalls, airport transfers, and weather-first scheduling.
• Why choose this: Best for time-smart travelers. Swap a 13h coach ride for a 5h fly-cruise, delivering Milford’s greatest hits with panoramic views and photos from two angles.
• Upgrades: Go all-flight for maximum savings of time, or mix coach + flight to explore Milford Road’s scenic stops.

Inclusions #

• Full or half-day tour of Milford Sound from Queenstown (based on option selected)

• One-way coach to Milford Sound with return flight transfer to Queenstown (if option selected)

• Round-trip scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound (if option selected)

• 2-hour Milford Sound cruise

• Small-group experience

• Live commentary on board

• Complimentary tea, coffee, & water on cruise

• Guaranteed window seats

• Round-trip hotel transfers

Exclusions #

• Food and drinks (available for purchase onsite)

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
• Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and variable weather conditions.
• Bring a warm jacket, as weather in Milford Sound can be unpredictable and cool, even in summer.
• Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.
• Carry a water bottle and any personal medication you may need.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on the aircraft, coach, or cruise.
• Alcohol, illegal substances, and smoking (including e-cigarettes) are strictly prohibited on all transport and during the cruise.
• Drones and professional photography equipment are not allowed without prior permission.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility. Guests must be able to board and disembark from small aircraft, coaches, and boats independently or with minimal assistance.
• There are no wheelchair-accessible restrooms available during the tour.
• Passengers weighing 140kg (308lb) or more should make a note during booking. For helicopter activities, there is a weight limit of 116kg (255lb).
• A discrepancy exceeding 15kg (33lb) from the declared weight at check-in may lead to rescheduling, depending on availability.

Additional information

• All flights are subject to weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
• Infants must sit on laps; child pricing applies for children aged 2–11 years. Children under 2 years may travel free but must be included in the booking.
• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
• The itinerary and duration may vary depending on weather, traffic, and operational requirements.
• Food and drinks are not included unless specified in your ticket. You may bring your own snacks.
• Restroom facilities are available on the cruise vessel but may be limited during other parts of the tour.
• Please inform the operator in advance of any dietary requirements or medical conditions.
• The experience operates in all weather conditions except when deemed unsafe by the operator. Dress appropriately for changing weather.
• Flight activities are subject to availability and require confirmation with the airline partner. As dates may not always be available, guests will be informed accordingly. If the regular flight operator is unavailable, the tour operator may arrange an alternative operator, which could incur an additional cost.

Inclusions #

• Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour
• Knowledgeable nature guide
• Coach transfers from Te Anau to Manapouri
• 3-hour Doubtful Sound cruise
• Lake Manapouri cruise
• Coach trip over Wilmot Pass
• Complimentary tea & coffee

Exclusions #

• Food & beverages
• Drinks from the open bar

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking if requested at check-in.
• Dress warmly and in layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
• Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable, non-slip footwear.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Bring your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Large luggage and bulky items are not permitted on the cruise.

Accessibility

• The cruise is not wheelchair accessible. Guests with limited mobility may find access challenging.

Additional information

• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• The cruise operates in all weather conditions; cruises may be subject to change or cancellation in extreme weather.
• Milford Sound is a natural environment so wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• Commentary is provided during the cruise to enhance your experience.
• Infants aged 0–3 can join free of charge but must be included in your booking.
• Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, but is not assigned.

Inclusions #

• Up to a 2-hour extended cruise of Milford Sound

• Expert naturalist commentary

• Complimentary tea & coffee onboard

• Access to a licensed bar onboard

• Wildlife spotting guide

• Indoor and outdoor viewing decks

• Full-day tour to Milford Sound with round-trip transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau (based on option selected)

• Picnic lunch (check menu here) (if option selected)

Exclusions #

• Other food & alcoholic beverages (available to purchase onboard)

• Parking at terminal

Milford’s most personal road-to-sea journey in a small group.

• Everything you get: Return transport from Queenstown in a modern small-group minibus, frequent scenic stops in Fiordland National Park, and a boutique Milford Sound cruise. Includes a gourmet picnic lunch, surprise snacks, expert driver-guides, and fast-tracked boarding.
• Why choose this: Best for families and explorers who want more. With small groups, personal guiding, and tailored stops, you’ll enjoy a crowd-free journey that feels immersive, flexible, and deeply connected to New Zealand's Fiordland.

Inclusions #

• Full-day Milford Sound tour from Queenstown

• Small-group return travel by premium minivan

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at select stops

• Guided commentary by local English-speaking driver

• Scenic photo stops in Fiordland National Park

• Boutique Milford Sound sightseeing cruise

• Gourmet picnic lunch with snacks and water

Exclusions #

• Child safety car seat for children under 8 years old (NZ$20 per seat if not providing your own)

• Hotel pickup from unlisted properties

• Alcohol, drinks, or additional meals not listed

• 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

What to bring

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be some walking on your tour.
• Bring clothing for all weather conditions, including a rain or wind jacket.
• Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, camera, rain gear, insect repellent, and weather-appropriate clothing.

What’s not allowed

• Non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed.
• Electric wheelchairs are not allowed.
• Bikes are not allowed.
• Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• Children under 8 years old are required to travel in a child safety car seat. These can be supplied for NZ$20 per seat or you may bring your own. Please advise the ages of children when booking.
• Kindly advise of any dietary requirements when booking.
• You will receive an email with important pickup details the day before your tour. Please read this carefully.
• This is a small-group tour by minivan.
• The weather in Milford Sound can be unpredictable; it is recommended to bring clothing for all weather conditions.

What to bring

• Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, a camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Wear suitable clothing and footwear for varying weather conditions, as you will visit a farm and board a cruise.

What’s not allowed

• Smoking is not permitted on any of the vessels.
• Appropriate child restraints are not provided by the activity provider. Please bring your own as without this you may be turned away and unable to travel.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is approximately 5 hours each way.
• Reservations may be amended to another date or time, subject to availability.
• The activity may be cancelled at any time due to unsafe weather conditions or maintenance.
• Scenic flights for the return journey are available on request, weather permitting.
• All vessels are fully licensed with a range of beverages and snack foods available for purchase.
• A free multi-language commentary app is available. Search 'Southern Discoveries' on the App Store or Google Play.

Inclusions #

• Glass-roofed coach transportation

• USB charging ports onboard

• Farm tour in Te Anau

• Morning tea on the farm

• Live commentary

• 2-hour Milford Sound cruise

• Tea and coffee

• Audio guide via app

• 30 sections of route commentary

• Picnic lunch (based on the option chosen)

• Buffet lunch (based on the option chosen)

Exclusions #

• Appropriate child restraints (must bring your own)

What to bring

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• Bring covered shoes or boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing or jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.
• Pack your medications—better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.
• Bring a cash-free payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.
• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

Milford Sound Cruise

• Bring covered shoes or boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing or jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.
• Carry warm, weather-appropriate clothing and a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change quickly on the water.
• Pack your medications—better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.
• Bring a cash-free payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.
• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.
• For the horse trekking experience, guests under the age of 7 years, under the height of 1.2m (3.94ft), and over the weight of 100kg (220.46lb) are not permitted.

Milford Sound Cruise

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.
• For the horse trekking experience, guests under the age of 7 years, under the height of 1.2m (3.94ft), and over the weight of 100kg (220.46lb) are not permitted.

Accessibility

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• The TSS Earnslaw, with its heritage design, may present some challenges for those with limited mobility or prams.
• The Farm Tour involves walking on gravel paths, which may be challenging for wheelchair users. Those with impaired mobility should consider their comfort level before participating.
• The restaurant for the BBQ dining is easily accessible, except for the short gravel path from the wharf, which may require assistance for some wheelchair users.
• Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.
• There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.

Milford Sound Cruise

• Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.
• There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.
• The TSS Earnslaw, with its heritage design, may present some challenges for those with limited mobility or prams.
• The Farm Tour involves walking on gravel paths, which may be challenging for wheelchair users. Those with impaired mobility should consider their comfort level before participating.
• The restaurant for the BBQ dining is easily accessible, except for the short gravel path from the wharf, which may require assistance for some wheelchair users.

Additional information

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• The cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to poor weather, you will have the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.
• The TSS Earnslaw is scheduled to undergo annual maintenance from May 19 to September 9, 2025.
• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.
• Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Milford Sound Cruise

• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.
• The cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to poor weather, you will have the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.
• The TSS Earnslaw is scheduled to undergo annual maintenance from May 19 to September 9, 2025.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.
• Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Inclusions #

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• 90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu
• Live commentary on the cruise
• Wheelchair accessible

Milford Sound Cruise

• 1 hr 45min Milford Sound cruise
• Expert commentary
• Complimentary tea & coffee
• Access to outdoor viewing decks
• Indoor heated lounge area
• Multi-language audio guide app

Exclusions #

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

Milford Sound Cruise

• Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)