New Zealand Private Tours, Planned Especially For You.
Experience Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi from Queenstown
At New Zealand Private Tours, we understand the allure of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and its reputation as the 'eighth wonder of the world'. With its majestic fiords, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls that reach incredible heights of up to 1000 metres, this natural wonder never fails to leave visitors in awe.
For travelers seeking to experience this breathtaking destination from Queenstown, we have curated a list of the most popular ways to immerse oneself in the beauty of Milford Sound.
No matter which option you choose, experiencing Milford Sound is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Whether it's by air, or road, be prepared to be captivated by the remarkable landscapes and untouched wilderness that have made Milford Sound New Zealand's number one scenic destination.
Tour/Cruise/Tour
“The longest and most popular one day option”
Transport: Private Driver/Guide or group tour
Length: 575Km (357 miles)
Driving time: 10 hours
Cruise time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Total time: 12.5 Hours
Locations along the way: Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Holyford Valley lookout, Falls Creek, Monkey Creek, Homer Tunnel
-
Being the most popular way to experience Milford Sound from Queenstown its a day full of sightseeing and driving. Your driver/guide will stop at multiple locations along the Milford Rd for photos plus enlighten you of the rich and amazing history, flora, and fauna in the Fiordland National Park. Join a boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound without the crowds.
-
Lots of photo stops in the national park on the way to Milford Sound
Visit the town of Te Anau
Will run in almost all weather
Lots of informed commentary about the region
Best option if you don’t like flying in small planes or helicopters
Can choose to fly back once you are in Milford Sound
Most cost effective option
-
Long day at 12 plus hours
Have to start the day at 7am to meet the boat cruises
After the cruise you will be returning back the same way
If you a prone to motion sickness it’s long day on winding roads
Normally lots of other groups at the photo spots at the same time
Tour/Cruise/Fly
“The ultimate one day option”
Transport: Private Driver/Guide or group tour plus 7 to 14 seat fixed wing plane or helicopter
Length: 575Km (357 miles)
Driving time: 5 hours
Cruise time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Flight Time 1/2 Hour
Total time: 7 Hours
Locations along the way: Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Holyford Valley lookout, Falls Creek, Monkey Creek, Homer Tunnel
-
With a mix of a road tour plus a return flight to Queenstown, this is a fantastic way to see the Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park. Your driver/guide will stop at multiple locations along the Milford Rd for photos plus enlighten you of the rich and amazing history, flora, and fauna in the Fiordland National Park. Join a boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound without the crowds. After your cruise take a small plane or helicopter back to Queenstown with amazing view over mountains, glaciers, and untouched lakes.
-
Lots of photo stops in Fiordland National Park on the way to Milford Sound
Visit the town of Te Anau
Don’t have a 5 hour return drive
Only 1/2 hour back to Queenstown airport after the cruise
Lots of informed commentary about the region
See the National Park from the air
The small planes all have widow seats
Helicopters flight can have optional snow landings
-
Very weather dependent, sometimes you still have to return via road.
Have to start the day at 7am to meet the boat cruises
If you a prone to motion sickness it’s long day on winding roads plus flying in a small plane
Normally lots of other groups at the photo spots at the same time
More expensive than Tour/Cruise/Tour
Fly/Cruise/Fly
“The quickest way to see Milford Sound from Queenstown”
Transport: 7 to 14 seat fixed wing plane or helicopter
Length: 575Km (357 miles)
Driving time: 20 minutes to Queenstown Airport
Cruise time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Flight Time 1 Hour
Total time: 4 Hours
Locations along the way: Nil
-
This is a fantastic way to see the Milford Sound and the Fiordland National Park from the air, with with panoramic views of snow covered mountains and glaciers. Join a boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound without the crowds. Return to Queenstown via another flight path.
-
The complete experience including the cruise takes only 4 hours
Informed commentary about the region from your pilot
The best option if you have limited time
The fixed wing planes all have widow seats
Follow a different flight path when returning to Queenstown
Helicopters flight can have optional snow landings.
-
Very weather dependent.
There is a chance you miss visiting Milford Sound completely due to weather
No photo stops in Fiordland National Park
If you a prone to motion sickness from flying
More expensive than Tour/Cruise/Tour
Tour/Overnight Cruise/Tour
“The tour option we would choose”
Transport: Private driver or group tour
Length: 575Km (357 miles)
Driving time: 5 hours each day
Cruise time: Overnight
Total time: 2 Days
Locations along the way: Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Holyford Valley lookout, Falls Creek, Monkey Creek, Homer Tunnel
-
The ultimate way to experience Milford Sound from Queenstown
Your driver/guide will stop at multiple locations along the Milford Rd for photos plus enlighten you of the rich and amazing history, flora, and fauna in the Fiordland National Park. Join an overnight cruise and experience Milford Sound without the crowds. With a boutique atmosphere, an overnight experience aboard the Fiordland Jewel is the perfect mix of ultimate relaxation and adventurous exploration, with opportunities for kayaking and tender boat excursions, as well as well-deserved pampering with a soak in the top deck hot tub and delicious meals cooked by our onboard chef. Spending the night in this very special part of the world means truly taking in its splendour.
-
Lots of photo stops in the national park on the way to Milford Sound
Relaxed and less rushed tour
Visit the town of Te Anau
Will run in almost all weather
Less crowds at the photo stops in the National Park due to timing
Kayaking in Milford Sound
Private cabin with own ensuite
Only 22 guests on the boat
Hot tub under the stars
Option to fly back via fixed wing plane or helicopter.
The helicopter can take off from the boat for a very unique experience.
-
Takes a total of 2 full days
Only operates between November and April (Summer)
Limited numbers so pre bookings well in advanced are essential
After the cruise you will be returning back the same way with only one comfort stop in Te Anau unless you take a flight.
If you a prone to motion sickness it’s long day on winding roads plus sleeping on a boat
Least cost effective option
22 Person Overnight Cruise Option
60 Person Overnight Cruise Option
Experience Milford Sound from Te Anau
Te Anau is a vibrant lake side town with a population of 2800 and is known as a gateway to Fiordland National Park.
The region is home to endangered, flightless takahē birds and abundant trout in Lake Te Anau which is New Zealand’s second largest lake. Only a few hours drive from Queenstown it’s a great option is to stay in Te Anau and explore Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. With stunning accommodation, amazing day walks, trout fishing, plus glow worm caves being based in Te Anau will give you much more time to explore the region.