Private Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown
New Zealand Private Tours
What’s the best way to experience Milford Sound on a private tour from Queenstown?
One of the most rewarding ways to see Milford Sound is on a fully guided private day tour from Queenstown, where you can travel at your own pace and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
With New Zealand Private Tours, you’ll travel in comfort with your own experienced driver/guide, enjoying personalised commentary and flexible stops along the iconic Milford Road. There’s time to take in the scenery, learn about the region’s history and wildlife, and pause at the spots that catch your eye, without feeling rushed.
Once in Milford Sound, you’ll step aboard a boutique small-boat cruise, offering an up-close experience of the fiord away from the larger crowds. It’s a relaxed, well-paced way to experience one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking places, with thoughtful guiding and plenty of time to simply soak it all in.If you’d prefer to share the journey with a small group of fellow travellers, our sister company Remarkable Scenic Tours also offers a luxury Small Group Milford Sound Tour that delivers the same breathtaking scenery in a relaxed, social setting.
Tour/Cruise/Tour Highlights
Start Your Milford Sound Journey in Style
Your day begins with a friendly pick-up from your local private guide at your Queenstown accommodation. Settle into a comfortable European touring vehicle with plenty of space and big windows, perfect for soaking up the scenery as we head south.
The drive takes us through the wide-open farmlands of Southland and on to the lakeside town of Te Anau, where we stop for a coffee, a stretch of the legs, and a relaxed break before continuing into Fiordland.
Discover the Magic of Fiordland National Park
As we enter Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area, the scenery quickly becomes something else altogether. Think towering mountains, ancient rainforest, and clear, fast-flowing rivers.
Travelling along the iconic Milford Road, we’ll make plenty of scenic stops for short walks, photo opportunities, and those “just one more look” moments. Keep an eye out for the cheeky kea, New Zealand’s alpine parrot, often spotted near the roadside. Along the way, your guide shares stories about the land, Māori history, glacial landscapes, and local legends, bringing the journey to life as we make our way toward Milford Sound.
Cruise Through the Heart of Milford Sound
Our preferred way to experience Milford Sound is aboard the luxury Fiordland Jewel — a boutique vessel designed for comfort, space, and a more personal cruising experience.
Step aboard for a two-hour Milford Sound nature cruise and let the fiord work its magic. As you glide quietly across the water, your onboard nature guide brings the landscape to life, sharing stories and insights into the geology, wildlife, and unique environment of this remarkable place.
You’ll cruise past sheer granite cliffs, towering peaks, and waterfalls such as Stirling Falls, which tumble straight into the fiord. Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way — sightings often include bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and, if you’re lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
The Fiordland Jewel’s smaller size allows for a relaxed, uncrowded experience, giving you more time and space to take in Milford Sound at its very best.
Sit Back and Enjoy the Journey Home
After your cruise, you’ll rejoin your private guide and settle back into your comfortable touring vehicle for the return journey through the Southern Alps. It’s a chance to unwind, enjoy the changing scenery, and reflect on an unforgettable day in Milford Sound.
You’ll arrive back in Queenstown in the early evening, relaxed and well looked after, with memories that will stay with you long after the day is done.
Is a scenic flight worth it after visiting Milford Sound?
If you’d like to finish your Milford Sound day on a real high, an optional scenic flight back to Queenstown is a stunning way to do it. Instead of retracing the road, you’ll lift off over Fiordland and see just how vast and remote this part of New Zealand really is.
The 40-minute flight takes you over rugged mountain peaks, winding valleys, and alpine lakes that are otherwise inaccessible, offering a completely different perspective from the ground. It’s a peaceful, unforgettable way to soak in the scale of Fiordland, and often a highlight for many travellers.
The experience includes your flight and a seamless transfer back to your Queenstown accommodation, making it an easy and effortless upgrade. It’s not just a shortcut home, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime view that beautifully rounds off an already remarkable day.
Tour/Cruise/Tour Details
Transport: Private Driver/Guide 1 to 16 Guests
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
Option to fly back to Queenstown
Tour Costs
Private group: up-to 5 Guests: $2200 NZD not including cost of boat cruise.
Private group: 6 and 11 Guests : $2600 NZD not including cost of boat cruise.
Private group: 12 and 18 Guests : $3100 NZD not including cost of boat cruise.
Milford Sound 90 Minute Cruise including hot Buffett lunch : $230 NZD Per Person (larger boat)
Milford Sound Boat Cruise only: From $165 NZD Per Person
Luxury Milford Sound Boat Cruise with two course plated lunch : $349 NZD Per Person
Optional Return Scenic flight: $560 NZD Per Person
The Ultimate Luxury Milford Sound Tour Option
Experience the beauty of Fiordland in style with New Zealand Private Tours. This video showcases a private Milford Sound tour from Queenstown, travelling through spectacular alpine scenery before boarding the luxurious Fiordland Jewel for a boutique cruise through the iconic fiord. Glide past towering waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and lush rainforest while enjoying gourmet dining and personalised service. For those wanting to linger longer, there’s also the option to stay overnight on board and wake to the tranquillity of Milford Sound at sunrise — an unforgettable New Zealand experience.
Experience Milford Sound from Queenstown on a Private Overnight Tour
Discover the magic of Milford Sound on a private overnight tour from Queenstown — the most immersive and luxurious way to explore New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonder.
Travel with your personal guide along the stunning Milford Road, stopping for scenic photo opportunities and short walks through Fiordland National Park. Then, step aboard a boutique overnight cruise for an unforgettable journey deep into the heart of the fjord.
Spend the evening surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene waters. Enjoy kayaking or a tender boat excursion, soak in the top-deck hot tub, and indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared by an onboard chef. Wake up to the peaceful stillness of Milford Sound — a moment few travellers ever get to experience.
Whether you're after adventure, romance, or a deep connection with nature, this private overnight tour promises a once-in-a-lifetime escape into New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes.