Day Tours from Queenstown or Te Anau

Join this small group tour to Milford Sound from Te Anau and relax while fully immersing yourself in this unique area. With more than 12 stops for photos and walks along the way, we make sure you get to see it all.
Our driver guides will share their local stories and information so that you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this remarkable area.

We pick you up from right outside your accommodation (pick-ups also available from private addresses in Te Anau). Keeping the group size to 16 passengers makes this tour very personal and enables our guides to really show you everything the Fiordland National Park has to offer. This tour stops at least 12 times along the way for photo opportunities and walks through the heart of Fiordland.

The best thing about a day at Milford Sound is that the weather doesn’t matter! On a sunny day, it is beautiful, and on a wet day, it is spectacular! There are only 2 permanent waterfalls at Milford Sound, on a rainy day hundreds of temporary waterfalls can be seen cascading down the steep cliff faces.

Relax on-board the cruise with complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits and enjoy the skipper’s commentary while marveling at the breathtaking scenery. The smaller size of the vessel enables us to get you up close and personal with the local wildlife, like New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and the very rare Fiordland crested penguin (spring/early summer). A “Glacial Facial” under the Stirling Falls is an experience not to be missed. We drop you back in Te Anau just in time for dinner between 4-5.30 pm.

Departs: 8am (Sep-Apr) / 7.30am (May-Aug)
Returns: Between 4-5.30pm

Why we partner with Cheeky Kiwi Travel in Queenstown

Cheeky Kiwi is Queenstown’s #1 rated tour company on TripAdvisor. Every tour is led by a passionate local guide and run in a premium Mercedes vehicle, with a maximum group size of 15 passengers.

Because Cheeky Kiwi operates small groups (max 15 passengers) rather than large coaches, it can reach secluded spots between Queenstown and Milford Sound that big buses can’t access — giving guests a more authentic, less crowded experience of the region.

Its Milford Sound day tour was ranked the #1 activity in New Zealand in 2026, and the 5th highest-ranked day cruise product in the world on TripAdvisor.

Key facts:

• Ranking: #1 rated tour operator on TripAdvisor, Queenstown
• Milford Sound day tour: #1 activity on TripAdvisor in New Zealand (2026); 5th highest-ranked day cruise product worldwide
• Guides: Local, passionate, knowledgeable guides
• Vehicles: Premium Mercedes Benz fleet
• Group size: Small groups, maximum 15 passengers
• Access advantage: Reaches secluded locations unavailable to bigger operators

• CMNZ Ltd. offers a 100% refund of the ticket price if the cancellation is made more than 24 hours before the booking time.
  
• Cancellations made within 24 hours of the booking time may not be eligible for a refund.
  
• All transactions are processed in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).
  
• Due to exchange rate fluctuations, the refund amount may differ slightly from the original charge.
  
• CMNZ Ltd. is not responsible for any exchange rate differences or bank/credit card fees incurred during the refund process.
  

Your safety and experience are our top priority.

If your trip is cancelled due to weather, road closures, or events beyond our control (e.g., extreme conditions or natural events), you can:

• Receive a 100% refund, or
• Reschedule to another available day that suits you.

CMNZ Ltd. cannot be held responsible for cancellations caused by circumstances outside our control, including acts of nature, strikes, or other major disruptions.

This is a full-day tour. The total duration is 13 hours.

The tour is open to all ages.

Under New Zealand law, children under 7 years must use an approved child restraint. Guests’ age and weight should be shared at booking so an appropriate seat can be provided.

There are at least 12 stops along the journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound. These include scenic photo points, short walks, local points of interest, and commentary by guides.

The Small Group Tours from Queenstown and Te Anau include a packed lunch. Please advide dietary requirements a time of booking

During the cruise portion, guests enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and biscuits, along with live skipper commentary as you take in the scenery and wildlife.

You may see:

• Waterfalls (e.g. Stirling Falls)
• Seal colonies (New Zealand fur seals)
• Dolphins
• Fiordland crested penguin (especially in spring / early summer)
• Dramatic fiord terrain, hanging gardens, cliffs & more

1. The tour departs from Queenstown and travels via road with multiple scenic stops.
2. Hotel pick-ups are available from selected accommodation addresses.
3. After the cruise, Return to Queenstown is 7.30pm, return to Te Anau between 5-6pm

Unfortunately our smaller vehicles are not wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate some walking aids. Please get in touch with our reservations team to discuss.

There are no toilets on-board the vehicles but there are numerous stops along the way where restroom facilities are available. There are toilet facilities in the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and on-board your cruise.

• Dress in layers, as weather in Fiordland is changeable
• Bring a waterproof jacket / rain gear
• Comfortable, non-slip shoes
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Camera or phone for photos
• Any extra snacks or drinks (beyond what is provided)
• If you have special dietary needs, mention them at booking time (if lunch is involved)

If tour is canceled with more than 24hrs notice a 100% refund will be issued

Because this is a boutique small-boat style cruise, it allows getting relatively close to waterfalls (such as Stirling Falls) and wildlife like seals and dolphins, offering better photo opportunities and a more immersive experience.

No — wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, as these are wild, free animals subject to nature. While many tours emphasize common visibility (seals, dolphins), there is always a chance some species (like penguins) may not appear on any given day.