Queenstown

Beyond Queenstown

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

Badge of ExcellenceQueenstown, New Zealand

Milford Sound BBQ Experience full day from Queenstown incl Scenic Flight

From $448.77

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

10 hours
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Milford Sound is an unmissable destination in the South Island, and you can experience it at its best on this easy small-group tour from Queenstown. Traveling there in a luxury bus with panoramic scenic windows, you can focus on the views rather than have to drive. Whatever the weather, Milford Sound is always beautiful. Return to Queenstown by air, saving time and maximizing the scenic views.

Spot wildlife and dramatic mountains and waterfalls from the cruise
Experience the magic of a fixed-wing flight back to Queenstown
Enjoy a combination cruise and flight tour of Milford Sound
A small-group tour means you can enjoy this popular place peacefully

What's Included

Knowledgable and friendly local driver/guides
2-Hour nature cruise on Milford Sound
A breathtaking fixed-wing scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown
WiFi on board
Convenient pick up and drop off locations around Queenstown
Small group tour helping you escape the crowds

Additional Snacks
Bottled water

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Please note that your selected pickup location may not be exact; we will pick up either at or near your requested location. After you book, our team will contact you to provide your exact pickup location details. If you are unsure of the best pickup point, please inform the activity provider of your accommodation, and we will advise the most suitable pickup location. The departure time applies to the central Queenstown pick-up, however, times can vary, depending on your location.

What To Expect

Lake Wakatipu (Pass By)

Lake Te Anau

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Eglinton Valley

Admission Ticket Free

Mirror Lakes Walk

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Homer Tunnel

Admission Ticket Free

Milford Sound

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Milford Sound Scenic Flights

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Queenstown (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 3 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Please bring walking shoes, warm clothes and a rain jacket.

The flight back is weather dependant and in the case where flights are cancelled due to weather, you will return to Queenstown by van and be refunded your flight portion of your ticket.
There is an option to include a packed picnic lunch. If you choose to add this, the default choice is chicken, however you can request a vegetarian lunch until 5pm the day prior.
Please bring a reusable waterbottle on tour with us. There are multiple locations to refill during the day.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Ginger_T

Our bus driver Chelsea was great, safe driver & very informative! The cruise was so nice! The water was beautiful. We did the airplane trip back & that was amazing also! Great views & such easy takeoff & landing! Very memorable & enjoyable!

Reviews

5.0

141 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 141 reviews

Never give up about the weather in Milford Sound!

Philippe_F, Apr 2024

Going on site with the bus under the rain, starting the cruise under the rain and be able to see the weather changing in a few minutes... Just wonderful, magic moment! I was to another place and totally under the charme of the nature I was seing! Our guide was keeping confidence even until the start of the cruise and was saying that the weather could change in a few minutes! It was an incredible day with interesting information from the guide! I recommend!

Response from Host, May 2024

Thank you for letting us share the magic with you! Hope to host you next time you are in Queenstown.

Perfect way to see the sounds

Myra_L, Apr 2024

Seeing Milford Sound this way was perfection. Many stops during the shuttle ride there with great commentary made for excellent viewing and learning. The cruise was amazing, and the flight back made for astounding views!!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

A wonderful review to read, and amazing you were able to do the flyback! A stunning way to see the whole area. Thank you for the great review.

Once in a "LIFE TIME EXPERIENCE"!!PERFECT.

Blair_T, Apr 2024

Drive down with stops between and Tommy the driver was excellent. 100%Milford with the waterfall close up to the boat, followed by the best flight.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Its sound like you had a great trip! I'm glad you were able to enjoy the flight back to Queenstown!

A must see activity!

Abbey_C, Apr 2024

Truly unbelievable, such a great time! Kevin was incredibly knowledgable and made the trip very special. One of the best parts of my trip, thank you so much!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Im so glad that Kevin was able to enhance your experience! After all the guide is half the experience. :)

A must see trip

Leslie_Z, Mar 2024

Our tour guide was awesome, he made the trip so special. I would give the tour 6 stars if I could. He took his time to explain all details that made the trip a once in a life time experience. It’s a full day so you have to make time but it’s worth it

Response from Host, Apr 2024

I am so glad that you enjoyed your tour guide! They do say that the tour is only as good as the guide. :) We are glad we were able to show you to Milford Sound!

Great tour - well worth it!

Patricia_D, Mar 2024

Wonderful tour - our driver Chelsea was a delight. We were very impressed with how smoothly everything went. Of course, the weather cooperated and we were able to fly back to Queenstown, which was also terrific. Highly recommend!!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

How great that the weather allowed you to flyback to Queenstown! What a great way to end your day!

Awesome day out

Adam_W, Mar 2024

This was a fantastic day. Andy the driver was amazing, he was friendly, funny and was an incredibly smooth driver. Wilt from Glenorchy air was an absolute legend, with his smooth flying, and fun and insightful commentary. The boat cruise is a must do in NZ! The food was a bit underwhelming, it’s just a sandwich and a few snacks for those that are interested, but food out there is limited and at a premium.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

I am happy to hear that you had a great time with Andy and Will! Thank you for the feedback regarding the lunch, we will work on this!

Absolutely must do!

Chrystal_F, Mar 2024

What an incredible day! We were picked up in Queenstown by our lovely Driver Andy. The 14 seat Mercedes was comfortable with most seats having available usb ports to charge your phone while enjoying the complimentary wifi. The bus trip to Milford Sound was pleasant and we made multiple stops to stretch our legs, take in the views and sample the local delights. The pictures I captured at Mirror Lake are stunning and the reflections on the lake truly amazing! The cruise on Milford Sound was magical and being on a smaller vessel made it that more enjoyable. Multiple seating options available and recommended to move about. We received a packed lunch which consisted of a chicken sandwich, chocolate square, health slice, peach and small bag of chips. Complimentary tea, coffee, water and biscuits were made available inside. Highly recommended taking a flight back, which we did, as you gain further appreciation for the landscape. Michael our pilot pointed out points of interest which both sides of the aircraft had the opportunity to take snaps and video. Will do this again!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thanks you for taking the time to write this review! Its sound like you had an amazing day and we are so glad that we could be a part of that experience. :)

Fabulous!

sdallicat, Mar 2024

Tommy was an outstanding tour guide. He made sure that everyone had a great time. It was a rainy day, so the flights back were cancelled, but the rain made the experience even better with all the waterfalls. A must do for anyone visiting the South Island.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for your feedback! We're delighted to hear that you had a fabulous experience with Tommy, even with the rainy weather. Milford Sound's beauty truly shines, rain or shine. We appreciate your 'must-do' recommendation.

Great experience!

Tamara_M, Mar 2024

Do was an amazing guide! The trip was fun, informative and beautiful. We had great stops to take in the beauty and learned a lot of New Zealand. The boat tour of Milford Sound was fantastic and we loved the flight home! I’m t was the best of both worlds to take the small group bus there and fly home for the aerial views.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience, Tamara! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great time on our Milford Sound tour with Do. It's fantastic that you enjoyed both the journey via road and the scenic flight home. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back on another adventure!

Unforgettable day!

Brooklyn_H, Feb 2024

Thanks Nev (our guide) for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Milford Sound is stunning, no question about that. Altitude Tours allowed us to experience the fjord by land, sea, and air with this tour. I highly recommend taking the bus there, because Nev was a fantastic guide and gave us tons of great information and commentary, as well as jaw-dropping photo stops on the drive. Then, opt for the scenic flight home if you can; it cuts the travel time back, and you get to see the mountains from an entirely different angle.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for sharing your unforgettable day with us! We're thrilled Nev made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks for the high recommendation and advice on flying back!

Easy way to do Milford Sound

Joseph_K, Feb 2024

Would highly recomend. The Sprinter was comfortable, had wifi and made enough stops on the long journey that it wasn't uncomfortable. Tommy our driver was friendly and gave an interesting commentary on the way. It was raining and whenever we stopped he ran to the back to get you an umbrella if you wanted one. Communication with Altitude before had was quick and friendly. Pick-up and drop off were convenient and timely. We were scheduled to fly back, but the weather cancelled all flights. We were refunded the difference the next day.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for the recommendation! We're delighted to hear that you found our Milford Sound tour easy and comfortable and that Tommy's friendly service truly made the journey even more enjoyable. Thanks again!

Stunning!

Tracey_H, Feb 2024

Our guide was Sinchan. He was wonderful, knowledgeable and considerate. The drive to Milford Sound was of course stunning. The stops along the way were wonderful and easy to navigate. The boat ride on Milford Sound was amazing! The views are spectacular and we had gorgeous weather, even though we were told that it is usually raining there. We saw waterfalls and seals and of course the natural beauty of the Sound. There are a couple of things I would pass along. Dress in layers no matter the time of year (it can get cold on the boat), bring a raincoat, and don't expect the planes to fly you back to Queenstown. We had a beautiful day but did not get to ride back to Queenstown on the plane. Sinchan drove us back in the van. All in all don't miss out on this experience!! Thank you.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for your review! We're thrilled you had a stunning experience with Sinchan on our Milford Sound tour. It's fantastic to hear you enjoyed the breathtaking drive, amazing boat ride, and perfect weather!

Terrific tour - well worth the price!

Tom_V, Feb 2024

It rained heavily on the bus ride up, and our guide Ash kept emphasizing that makes the views and waterfalls that much more spectacular. She was spot on - it cleared as we got close and the waterfalls were everywhere and amazing. Our plane ride back was cancelled due to weather back near town, but that was no big deal. Great tour & Ash was excellent. 100% recommend!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We're thrilled you had a terrific tour with Ash, and we're delighted to hear that the rain only added to the spectacular views and waterfalls. While the plane ride back was canceled, we're glad it didn't detract from your experience. Your recommendation means a lot to us, thank you for taking your time to leave a review!

Speechless

rayssa_c, Dec 2023

Amazing. The flight back, so worth it. Also, I think it is worth it going by van an then coming back by plane, so you can see both perspectives of the way.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Great recommendation, we wholeheartedly agree—experiencing Milford by road is a must! The views and unique experiences along the journey offer a completely different perspective compared to the sky and boat cruise. Each has its own special vantage. Thank you for sharing

Amazing experience

Abigail_F, Nov 2023

Everything about the trip was spectacular and was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. Getting the views from car to boat to plane gave an all around memorable way to see the mountains. Our tour guides for each section of the trip were helpful and provided interesting details about what we were seeing. Would highly recommend.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Wow! We are thrilled to have been a part of your NZ highlight. Thank you for your high recommendation, and we're grateful you chose Altitude Tours to create your lasting Milford Sound memories.

Highly recommended!

Amy_Y, Nov 2023

Our tour guide, Tim, was incredibly nice and accommodating, even in the pouring rain. Despite getting soaked himself, he made sure everyone was taken care of, offering umbrellas and taking pictures. Tim struck the right balance between providing information and giving us some downtime to rest. The pickup van was comfortable with cup holders – a big plus for those long car rides! I would definitely recommend this company.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

We're thrilled to hear about your great experience on our Milford Tour with Tim as your guide. We really value Tim's accommodating and thoughtful character and we are glad you enjoyed the comfort in our premium vans. We sincerely appreciate your recommendation, thank you for traveling with us!

Great small tour with great guides!!

Bethany_H, Nov 2023

This was overall a great adventure!! My friends and I were visiting NZ and knew we had to head to Milford Sound! After many hours of travel and driving, this experience gave us the most bang for our buck! we were able to experience the sound from 3 vantage points with some phenomenal tour guides! It started with a van ride complete with glass roof! When we stopped at some overlooks, we saw other giant tour buses with dozens of people pouring out! Between that and the great presence of Tommy, our van tour guide, we knew we made the right choice! After a breakfast and coffee stop along the way, we got to the cruise where we had a pretty decent packed lunch ready for us! We are buoyed the beauty of the sound with warm coffee in hand while the next tour guide skillfully pulled us up close to fur seals, water falls, and even some penguins!! Once we left the boat, we were then directed to our small plane portion, where Michael, our pilot, gave us the gorgeous tour of the sound all the way back to Queenstown!! One of the best experiences of my life and highly recommend to anyone considering it!!

Wonderful experience!

Linda_M, Sep 2023

This entire trip from booking to ongoing communication, to pick up to execution was excellent. James, our tour guide, and driver was absolutely fantastic!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Hi Linda - thank you so much for your review and kind words about James, will definitely pass this on to him!

Great tour!

Jayden_O, Jun 2023

Awesome guide, skipper and pilot! Very knowledgeable and friendly! Amazing scenery! Absolutely stunning part of the world!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thank you for such a great review! So glad you had an amazing day.