Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

Active
(693 reviews)
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Premium small group tour including boutique Milford Sound cruise onboard TripAdvisors No.1 rated cruise operator, Cruise Milford, and picnic lunch from Te Anau. There is no better way to see this famous attraction.

Highlights:
• Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford
• Fiordland National Park
• Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel and Mitre Peak
• Wildlife Spotting

While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Our tours are led by our famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Available options

Tour + Milford Cruise

Cruise at Milford Sound : Full tour departing Te Anau, with a "take your breath away" cruise at Milford Sound <br/>Picnic Lunch<br/>Cruise boat : Cruise with one of our partners at Milford Sound <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Water available & snacks provided
Picnic Lunch - please note dietary requirement at time of booking
Cruise Entry
Small Group & Fully Guided Tour

Detailed itinerary

1

Your tour starts in stunning idyllic town of Te Anau, after maybe meeting some of the local animals or wildlife we continue along the lake. Stopping at Te Anau Downs the starting point for the Milford Track you will be able to hear the stories and admire the views.

2
Stop 2

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.

3
Stop 3

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.

4
Stop 4

Named after a famous explorer and popular for fishing, often we will stop at Lake Gunn for some photos and to enjoy the peace.

Hollyford River & Falls Creek – 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.

5

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.

6

Next we pull over to admire the elevated amazing views of the divide in the Southern Alps, close to the start of the Routeburn Track. While here the guide will tell you the stories of ancient Maori explorers.

7

Climbing in altitude we go deeper into the Darran Mountains where the views require another stop to admire and take photos. We are also entering the area where Kea (the world largest alpine parrot) likes to live. Start keeping an eye out for these large, cheeky and colourful birds that never fail to thrill and entertain when found.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

To make our way back down towards the sea we enter the mind-blowing, hand-built Homer Tunnel while hearing the incredible history and stories. Emerging from the tunnel the valley descends sharply down towards Milford Sound and on a rainy-day hundreds of waterfalls can be seen cascading down the mountain side.

9
Stop 9

Following the valleys to the sea we arrive at Milford Sound where you will board your cruise! 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 meters out of the sea and the waterfalls cascading from the ancient rainforest high in the mountains. This cruise is unbeatable.

10
Stop 10

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.

11

Sadly we must start to head back to Te Anau but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and many stops and breaks along the way.

What's not included

Gratuities
Child seat for anyone child under age 7 - can be rented for $20 if booked 24 hours prior
Picnic lunch for infants (0 - 3)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9
237 reviews
5★
214
4★
15
3★
8
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
456 reviews
5★
445
4★
8
3★
1
2★
0
1★
2

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children 7 years and below are required to travel in a child safety car seat. If you don't have a car seat one can be provided (with 24 hours’ notice).
A moderate amount of walking is involved.
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.
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
If you have dietary requirements. Please kindly indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking

Meeting point

Please wait in front of the Lakefront cafe next to the public toilets. If your accommodation is yet to be confirmed, we ask that you select this location for now. You can update this later!

Important notes

Hotel Pick ups start 10 mins before the tour time. Please check your pick up time to ensure you do not miss your pickup. We are unable to wait for late guests.

You will be picked up in a minibus with Cheeky Kiwi Travel sign-writing on it.

About Fiordland & Milford Sound

Fiordland is a remote and breathtaking region in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. Known for its dramatic fiords, towering cliffs, and lush rainforests, it offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. Milford Sound, one of the most famous fiords, is a must-visit for its stunning waterfalls and rich marine life.

Top Attractions

Milford Sound

A stunning fiord known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and rich marine life. It's one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand.

Nature 2-4 hours for a cruise, longer for hiking Moderate to expensive for cruises

Routeburn Track

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, offering breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and alpine meadows.

Adventure 2-4 days Moderate (hut fees apply)

Douglas Island Wildlife Sanctuary

A sanctuary for native wildlife, including rare birds and seals. Accessible by boat from Milford Sound.

Nature 1-2 hours Included in most Milford Sound cruises

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hangi

Traditional Māori meal cooked in an earth oven, featuring meats and vegetables.

Dinner Contains meat, can be adapted for dietary restrictions

Seafood Chowder

Creamy soup made with locally caught seafood like fish, mussels, and crayfish.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood, may contain dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Jet boating Kayaking Wildlife tours Scenic cruises Photography Wildlife watching Māori cultural experiences

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

This is the warmest and driest time of year, with long daylight hours. It's ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.

12°C to 20°C 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English, Māori
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12 (Daylight Saving Time: GMT+13)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Fiordland is generally safe, but the remote and rugged terrain requires caution.

Important Precautions:
  • • Carry a map and compass for hiking
  • • Be prepared for rapidly changing weather
  • • Inform someone of your hiking plans

Getting there

By air
  • Queenstown Airport • 250 km from Fiordland
By bus

Queenstown, Te Anau

Getting around

Public transport

Buses connect major towns and trailheads but may have limited schedules.

Taxis

Limited

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Te Anau Milford Sound Village

Day trips

Kepler Track
40 km from Te Anau • 1-3 days

Another of New Zealand's Great Walks, offering stunning views of mountains, lakes, and forests.

Dart River Wilderness Jet
100 km from Te Anau • Full day

Jet boat tours through the Dart River and Glenorchy, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting.

Festivals

Fiordland Jazz Festival • February

Pro tips

  • Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance, especially during peak season
  • Pack layers and waterproof gear; weather can change rapidly
  • Fill up your gas tank in Te Anau as stations are scarce in Fiordland
  • Carry a map and compass; cell service can be unreliable in remote areas
  • Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 15-99
1
Childs
Age 4-14
0
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook