Milford Sound
Searching for the best day trips to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau? Join Cheeky Kiwi Travel on a small-group return trip to Fiordland National Park, featuring a boutique cruise of Milford Sound and a picnic lunch. Led by our famously passionate guides and recognised with the prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ award from Tripadvisor, this tour offers you the chance to experience one of the world’s top-rated day tours, with everything organised for you!
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Milford Sound Tours
Booking a Milford Sound tour and cruise package with Cheeky Kiwi is super easy! You can book directly through our website – simply select your desired Milford Sound tour and follow the booking process. Alternatively, you can contact the Cheeky Kiwi team for assistance.
The Milford Sound cruise included in the Cheeky Kiwi Travel tour typically lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes. This cruise offers a comprehensive exploration of Milford Sound, allowing passengers to experience the stunning fjord, towering cliffs, waterfalls and local wildlife, including seals and occasionally, dolphins and penguins.
The cruise is part of a full-day tour that includes additional scenic stops and experiences along the route to and from Milford Sound, providing a well-rounded and immersive experience in Fiordland National Park.
We try to be as flexible as possible with changes and can generally accommodate most requests where availability allows.
If you have booked through an agent (Viator, KLOOK, Getyourguide etc), please amend your booking through them as they have your details and will collect and refund payments.
The drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound typically takes about 4 to 5 hours one way, covering approximately 287 kilometres (178 miles).
When you take a tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, the drive can take slightly longer due to additional planned stops at scenic locations and points of interest along the way. This includes stops at destinations like:
- Te Anau: A picturesque town by Lake Te Anau.
- Eglinton Valley: Known for its lush views and photo opportunities.
- Mirror Lakes: Famous for their reflective views of the surrounding mountains.
- Hollyford River and Falls Creek: With beautiful water features.
- The Chasm: A spectacular waterfall and rock formation.
These stops are designed to enhance the experience, offering opportunities for sharing local history and cultral insights, photography, short walks and enjoying the natural beauty of Fiordland National Park.
As a result, the overall journey with Cheeky Kiwi Travel might extend to around 5 to 6 hours one way, depending on the pace of the group and the weather conditions. This makes the total tour duration approximately 12 to 13 hours, including the cruise at Milford Sound and the return journey.
If you cancel 24 hours before your tour is due to depart, we will give you a full refund.
If you have booked through another booking agent (Viator, GetYourGuide, KLOOK etc), please cancel your booking through them in order to receive your refund.
If you need to cancel last minute (within 24 hours) or you are late for your pick-up time no refund will be provided. However, you can contact your travel insurer as they may be able to reimburse you.
We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal and bank transfers.
To book the Milford Sound tour package with a return flight to Queenstown, you can book directly via the Milford Sound Bus, Cruise and Tour page.
The drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours one way, covering a distance of approximately 120 kilometres (75 miles). This route passes through some of New Zealand’s most scenic landscapes, including Fiordland National Park.
When taking a tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, the journey can take a bit longer, typically around 2.5 to 3 hours one way. This extended duration is due to planned stops at various points of interest and scenic locations along the route. These stops include:
- Eglinton Valley: For stunning vistas and photo opportunities.
- Mirror Lakes: Known for their reflective waters.
- Hollyford River and Falls Creek: Offering views of impressive waterfalls and rivers.
- The Chasm: A short walk to see unique rock formations and waterfalls.
These stops are designed to enhance the experience, allowing for sharing of local history and cultural insights, photography, exploration and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The guided tour provides commentary and insights from experienced guides, making the journey more informative and enriching. This makes the total tour duration approximately 9 hours hours, including the cruise at Milford Sound and the return journey.
If you have any questions about our Milford Sound tours or need help with your booking, please email bookings@cheekykiwitravel.com or call us on the numbers below and our team will be happy to assist:
New Zealand Phone Number: 0800 CK BOOK (0800 252 665)
International Phone Number: +64 9 390 7380
Cheeky Kiwi Travel picks up guests on Milford Sound tours from the following Queenstown Hotels:
- Kamana Lakehouse
- Mercure Queenstown
- Heritage Hotel
- Rydges Lakeland
- Hotel St Moritz
- Crowne Plaza
- Novotel Lakeside
- Nomads Hostel
- Flaming Kiwi Backpackers
- Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
- Pinewood Lodge
- The Station – Home of Adventure
- LyLo Queenstown
- Sofitel Hotel & Spa
- Aspen Lodge
- Ramada Queenstown Central
- Heartland Hotel
- Scenic Suites
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites
- Millennium Hotel
- Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront
- Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Lakeview
- Swiss Belsuites Pounamu
- Oaks Shores Resort
- The Rees Hotel
- Holiday Inn Frankton Road
- Sherwood Hotel
- Frankton Bus Interchange
- Wyndham Garden
- Hilton Resort & Spa
- Jacks Point/Hanley’s Farm
Yes, we will set your pick-up location to the below locations and notify you.
Queenstown: The Station – Home of Adventure Building
Te Anau: Bus Stop, 94 Te Anau Terrace
If you want to amend your pick-up location for your Milford Sound tour, please contact: bookings@cheekykiwitravel.com
Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s Milford Sound tour has won multiple international awards. The Milford Sound tour from Queenstown was recognised with Tripadvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ award in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022. This is Tripadvisor’s highest accolade and is only awarded to the top 1% of experiences on the platform based on consistent, outstanding reviews and ratings from travellers.
Additionally, Cheeky Kiwi Travel has been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for five consecutive year. It also holds the Qualmark Gold Certification, which signifies high standards of service, environmental sustainability and social responsibility in New Zealand tourism.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel picks up guests on Milford Sound tours from the following Te Anau Hotels:
- Aden Motel
- Alpine View Motel
- Amber Court Motel Te Anau
- Anchorage Motel Apartments
- Arran Motel
- Bella Vista Motel Te Anau
- Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau
- Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
- Dunluce Boutique Accommodation
- Edgewater Te Anau
- Asure Explorer Motel Te Anau
- Fiordland Hotel
- Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments
- Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
- Lakefront Lodge Te Anau
- Lakeside Motel and Apartments
- Parklands Motel
- Radfords on the Lake
- Red Tussock Motel
- Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers
- Te Anau Lakefront Bed and Breakfast
- Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park and Motel
- Te Anau Lodge
- Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park
- The Village Inn
- YHA Te Anau Backpacker Hostel
- Te Anau Bus Stop
- Tasmans Holiday Parks – Te Anau
Yes, Cheeky Kiwi tours are designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for travellers of all ages, including solo travellers, families and seniors.
Our Milford Sound tour can accommodate travellers of all ages. Children under the age of 7 must be in a child safety seat, as it is a legal requirement in New Zealand. If you need a safety seat or booster seat these can be added during the booking process.
Yes, we offer private Milford Sound tours for those who prefer a more customised tour experience. These are subject to availability.
Our private tours are perfect for small groups or families looking to create a personalised tour itinerary with your choice of activities.
Learn more about our private tour options.
Check out our pick-up location list above and choose the closest pickup location to where you are staying. We will meet you outside the entrance.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel has Milford Sound tours departing daily from Queenstown and Te Anau.
We do not offer pick-ups from the airport. You can catch a taxi to the nearest pick-up location and our driver can meet you there.
In Queenstown, the closest pick-up location to the airport is the Frankton Bus Terminal.
Our drivers can drop you off near to the airport after the tour, where it will be easy for you to taxi the rest of the way.
The Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s Milford Sound tour includes a fully-guided small group tour, picnic lunch, free snacks and bottled water and a variety of experiences:
Milford Sound Cruise: A boutique cruise with the No.1 ranked Milford Sound Cruise operator, Cruise Milford. Known for its smaller, less crowded boats and personalised tour experience, this is the best way to truly experience Milford Sound.
Fiordland National Park Tour: The tour includes stops at key scenic spots like Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River and the Homer Tunnel.
Wildlife Spotting: Opportunities to see New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, various bird species and other wildlife.
Mitre Peak: Viewing the iconic Mitre Peak, a stunning mountain rising above Milford Sound.
The Chasm and Pop’s View Lookout: Scenic stops with dramatic views and photo opportunities.
Yes, we have room for luggage, There is enough room for one large case and one carry on bag per person on all tours.
Additional luggage will be an additional $40 per item and must be pre arranged with us before the day of your tour
Oversized items including bikes, surfboards and your pet can not be accommodated.
Yes, we can drop you at any central hotel location. Please check with your driver on the day.
Yes, Milford Sound cruise tickets are included in the tour price for all Cheeky Kiwi tours to Milford Sound. If you are interested in Milford Sound package tours with extra activities, Cheeky Kiwi has the following options available:
- Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Return Flight to Queenstown
- Fiordland Ultimate 2-Day Package Experience from Queenstown
In the very rare event that the weather is so bad we have to cancel a Milford Sound tour due to safety reasons, we will offer a full refund. Please wait for us to contact you and check your emails regularly, and if you do not hear from us then the tour is going ahead as planned.
If you have the opportunity to visit Milford Sound in rainy weather, you will be pleasantly surprised! There are several benefits to visiting Milford Sound in the rain, including:
- Spectacular Waterfalls: Heavy rain creates temporary waterfalls that cascade down the mountainsides, adding to Milford Sound’s dramatic beauty.
- Fewer Crowds: Bad weather often deters some visitors, which means the area can be less crowded and more serene.
- Unreal Scenic Views: Mist and low clouds create a mystical setting at Milford Sound, while contrasting stormy skies and the lush green landscapes create striking photo opportunities.
A picnic lunch is included on all Milford Sound tours with Cheeky Kiwi Travel.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please specify these when booking or email bookings@cheekykiwitravel.com to let us know in advance.
On all tours, the minibus stops multiple times where you can purchase food or you are welcome to bring your own. There are vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options available.
The tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown with Cheeky Kiwi includes several scenic stops along the journey, including:
- Lake Wakatipu: Scenic drive around the lake with views of The Remarkables.
- Devils Staircase: Dramatic, winding road offering epic photo opportunities.
- Lake Te Anau: Stop in Te Anau for a break and views of the lake; visit Te Anau Downs.
- Eglinton Valley: Stunning valley with glacier-carved landscapes.
- Mirror Lakes: Reflection views of the Earl Mountains.
- Lake Gunn: Peaceful stop for photos and nature.
- Hollyford River & Falls Creek: Views of the powerful river and impressive waterfalls.
- Darran Mountains: Photo stop with potential sightings of Kea (New Zealand’s alpine parrot).
- Homer Tunnel: Historic tunnel with dramatic views on the other side.
- Milford Sound: Boutique cruise, showcasing wildlife, waterfalls and Mitre Peak.
- Mitre Peak: Iconic peak visible from the cruise.
- The Chasm: (If time/weather permits) A scenic walk with impressive waterfalls.
- Pop’s View Lookout: Views of the Southern Alps and stories of Maori explorers.
The minibus also has regular stops for toilet breaks and opportunities to purchase extra snacks and souvenirs.
We require a minimum of 5 people for our tours to operate. If your tour has not reached minimum numbers, we will contact you a few days prior and either try and provide you with another option, or offer a full refund.
Why does my booking say “Pending”?
This means we are waiting to hear back from one of our partner operators, and will get back to you as soon as possible with a confirmation. Please note we may not be always able to confirm all booking requests, but we do our best to provide an alternative if we are unable to.
Why does my booking say “On hold”?
This means you are on our waiting list and we will contact you if a space opens up.
Are all reservations made through booking agents (Viator, Getyourguide, KLOOK etc) always confirmed?
If you have booked a Heli Hike or a scenic flight with us in Mt Cook or Milford Sound, we may contact you after you have booked advising the activity is sold out. This is because the booking software is not connected to the flight operator’s system and does not know if the activity is available. If you do not hear from us then you are good to go!
The return time to your hotel from a Milford Sound tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel varies depending on the starting point and specific itinerary. However, for a general idea:
From Queenstown: The tour departs in the morning at 6:30 AM or 7:00 AM and returns around 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM. This makes it roughly a 13-hour day, accounting for the drive, stops along the way, the cruise, and the return journey.
From Te Anau: Departures are at 7:30 AM in the summer, and 9:30 AM in the winter, with a return time of approximately 5:30 PM, making it about a 9-hour day.
These times can vary slightly based on weather conditions and road traffic.
The tour to Milford Sound from Te Anau with Cheeky Kiwi includes several scenic stops, including:
- Te Anau Downs: The starting point for the Milford Track, offering scenic views and local wildlife encounters.
- Eglington Valley: A stunning glacier-carved valley with picturesque views, often compared to scenes from Lord of the Rings.
- Mirror Lakes: Known for the perfect reflections of the Earl Mountains, providing a beautiful spot for photography.
- Lake Gunn: A peaceful lake named after an explorer, popular for fishing and scenic photo opportunities.
- Hollyford River & Falls Creek: A powerful river with large boulders and rapids, accompanied by the impressive Falls Creek waterfall.
- Darran Mountains: A high-altitude area offering breathtaking mountain views and the chance to spot Kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot.
- Homer Tunnel: A historic, hand-built tunnel that provides a dramatic entrance to the Milford Sound area, especially striking during rain with numerous waterfalls.
- Milford Sound: The tour’s highlight, featuring a boutique cruise with close views of wildlife, towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
- Mitre Peak: An iconic mountain with a steep, triangular peak rising dramatically above Milford Sound’s waters.
- The Chasm: A short bush walk to see powerful waterfalls and unique rock formations sculpted by the water.
- Pop’s View Lookout: An elevated viewpoint offering stunning views of the Southern Alps and the beginning of the Routeburn Track, along with stories of ancient Maori explorers.
The minibus also has regular stops for toilet breaks and opportunities to purchase extra snacks and souvenirs.
We have a fleet of modern Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans with up to 16 seats. All vans are equipped with air conditioning and some also have USB charging ports and WiFi.
Please note, there are no toilets on the bus, however all of our buses make frequent bathroom stops on all tour routes.
Our buses have our Cheeky Kiwi logo on the front and are very easy to spot!
Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s guides contribute significantly to the positive reviews, high ratings and multiple awards that the Milford Sound tours receive.
The guides on the Cheeky Kiwi Milford Sound tours are highly regarded for their passion, knowledge and engaging personalities. Here are some key characteristics and feedback about the guides:
Passionate and Knowledgeable: The guides are well-informed about the local area, history and natural environment. They provide insightful commentary on the landscapes, wildlife and cultural history of the Fiordland region, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
Friendly and Inclusive: They are known for being friendly and approachable, making the tour enjoyable and comfortable for guests. The small-group setting allows for a more personalised experience, where guides can interact with each guest individually. The small-group experience also encourages guests to connect and make new friends from around the world, adding a unique and social dimension to the tour.
Engaging and Entertaining: The guides share local histoy, cultural insights and their love of the area, keeping the journey authentic and engaging.
Safety and Comfort: All of our guides have passenger-endorsed drivers’ liscences, know the local roads and conitions and prioritise the safety and comfort of guests at all times.
Highly Rated: Many reviews praise the guides for their exceptional service with specific mentions of their helpfulness and ability to go the extra mile to make the tour truly unforgettable.
Cheeky Kiwi’s daily small group tours to Milford Sound depart from Queenstown and Te Anau at the following times:
Queenstown to Milford Sound:
- Tour departs at either 6.30am or 7.30am
Te Anau to Milford Sound :
- Tour departs at either 9.30am or 10.30am
We offer and pick-up and drop-off service from selected central hotels in Queenstown and Te Ananu. Check our hotel pick-up locations list to find your closest pick-up point.
When preparing for a Milford Sound tour, dressing appropriately and bringing essential items can greatly enhance your experience, regardless of the weather conditions. Here’s what you should consider:
Clothing
- Warm Layers: Milford Sound’s weather can be unpredictable and often cooler, even in summer. Packing some extra layers is helpful for adjusting to varying temperatures throughout the day. Bring thermal tops, sweaters and a warm jacket.
- Waterproof Jacket: Rain is common in Milford Sound and experiencing the fjord in wet weather offers the unique benefit of seeing hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. A waterproof jacket or raincoat will keep you dry and comfortable.
- Comfortable Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for walking and standing. Wet conditions can make paths slippery, so good footwear is essential.
- Hat and Gloves: A warm hat and gloves can be useful, especially in cooler weather or during early morning or late evening.
Accessories and Essentials
- eTicket or Booking Confirmation: This can be a digital or printed ticket.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can be strong, particularly if the sun breaks through. Sunglasses can also help reduce glare from the water, enhancing visibility and comfort.
- Camera or Smartphone: Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather, whether under clear skies or shrouded in mist. A camera or smartphone is essential for capturing these moments. In rainy conditions, waterproof covers can protect your devices.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially during warmer weather. While Cheeky Kiwi Travel provides water, it’s good to have your own supply on board.
- Personal Items: Bring any necessary personal items, such as medication, a small backpack and a waterproof bag for electronics.
- Insect Repellent: Can be useful in the warmer months or in forested areas.
- Cash: Useful for any additional purchases, such as souvenirs or extra snacks.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel proudly holds several certifications that reflect our commitment to quality, safety, inclusivity and sustainability. These include:
Qualmark Gold Certification: This prestigious accreditation is New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance mark, signifying that we meet the highest standards of excellence in service, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.
Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award: Awarded for five consecutive years, this recognition is based on consistently high ratings and reviews from our satisfied customers.
Tripadvisor ‘Best of the Best’ Award: As part of the annual Traveller’s Choice Awards, Cheeky Kiwi has also won the ‘Best of the Best’ award in 2022, 2023 and 2023. This is Tripadvisor’s highest recognition and is awarded to the top 1% of global listings.
In 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022 Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s Milford Sound Day Tour & Cruise won the ‘Best of the Best’ Award, ranking No.16 in the world in the ‘Sailing and Day Tours’ category.
Department of Conservation (DOC) Approved Operator: This certification ensures that we operate in a manner that protects and conserves New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.
Pridge Pledge: Cheeky Kiwi Travel proudly adheres to the Pride Pledge, ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all LGBTQ+ travellers.
COVID Clean Approved: We adhere to strict health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our guests and staff, earning the COVID Clean Approved status.
You can read recent testimonials from our guests on the Cheeky Kiwi Travel Reviews page.
To read more than 3,000 5-star reviews, search for Cheeky Kiwi Travel on Tripadvisor.
