6 Days • 5 Nights
Queenstown & Milford Sound
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll ride the Skyline Gondola, jet boat the Shotover River and taste the Gibbston Valley wines in Queenstown, then journey through spectacular Fiordland to cruise beneath Milford's mile-high cliffs, with seals, dolphins and waterfalls. Mountain passes, mirror lakes and lakeside sunsets fill the days.
With a central hotel and the key experiences arranged, it is Queenstown's best plus the wonder of Milford Sound.
Trip Highlights
- The Skyline Gondola and the Queenstown view
- A Shotover Jet boat ride
- A Gibbston Valley wine tasting
- A cruise on the majestic Milford Sound
- The sheer cliffs and waterfalls of Fiordland
- Seals, dolphins and mirror lakes
- The TSS Earnslaw steamship
- Adventure plus natural wonder
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Arrive in the adventure capital and settle in, with a welcome dinner.
The Skyline Gondola for the view, then the famous Shotover Jet through the river canyons.
A Gibbston Valley wine tasting and Arrowtown, then a TSS Earnslaw cruise to the Walter Peak farm with a gourmet dinner.
A full-day journey through spectacular Fiordland to cruise the majestic Milford Sound beneath its cliffs and waterfalls, overnighting in Te Anau.
A relaxed morning in Te Anau, perhaps the glowworm caves, then back to Queenstown for a final lakeside evening.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Queenstown airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers
- 4 nights Queenstown (split), 1 night Te Anau
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a TSS Earnslaw steamship dinner
- The Skyline Gondola and a Shotover Jet boat ride
- A TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak farm and a Gibbston Valley wine tour
- A full-day Milford Sound excursion and cruise
- All listed activities and entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from New Zealand
- NZeTA and International Visitor levy fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional adventure activities where not stated
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Visitors from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before travelling, which includes the International Visitor levy. Others need a visitor visa; we can advise
- Currency: The currency is the New Zealand Dollar. Queenstown is largely cashless, with cards and contactless payment accepted almost everywhere
- Seasons reversed: Queenstown is in the southern hemisphere, so summer (December to February) is warm and long for hiking and lakes, while winter (June to August) brings skiing and snow to the surrounding peaks
- Adventure & safety: Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital, with bungy, jet boats, skydiving and more. All operators are strictly regulated and safe, but activities are weather-dependent and some carry age or health restrictions
- Four seasons in a day: Mountain weather changes quickly, so pack warm and waterproof layers even in summer, along with strong sun protection for the intense alpine UV
- Driving: New Zealanders drive on the left, and the roads around Queenstown are scenic but winding, especially the Crown Range and the route to Milford Sound; allow plenty of time
- Milford Sound: The day trip to Milford Sound is long (a full day by road) but spectacular; a scenic flight or coach-cruise-fly option can shorten it, weather permitting
- Sandflies: Fiordland and Milford Sound have persistent sandflies, so bring insect repellent for that excursion
- Best time: Queenstown is a year-round destination — summer for hiking, lakes and wine, autumn for golden colours, and winter (June-September) for skiing and snow
- Tipping & power: Tipping is not customary in New Zealand. Power is 230V with the Australian-style type I plug, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a TSS Earnslaw steamship dinner or a wine-country lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Queenstown's superb dining scene.
Are transfers and activities arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, sightseeing and the named activities are arranged for you, and Queenstown's compact centre is easy to explore on foot in between.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA, applied for online before travel. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
Summer (December-February) is best for hiking, lakes and wine, autumn for golden colours, and winter (June-September) for skiing. Queenstown is a wonderful year-round destination.
Is the adventure activity optional?
Yes — Queenstown offers everything from gentle scenic cruises to bungy and skydiving. We include core experiences and you choose your own adventures to match your appetite, from mild to wild.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels, activities and add-ons like Milford Sound, Wanaka or a ski package can all be tailored. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How far is Milford Sound from Queenstown?
Milford Sound is a full-day round trip by road (around four hours each way) through spectacular Fiordland, or a shorter scenic flight or coach-cruise-fly combination — all of which we can arrange.
Can we fly to Milford instead of driving?
Yes — a scenic flight or a coach-cruise-fly combination shortens the long day and adds an unforgettable aerial view of Fiordland, weather permitting. We can arrange it.
Will we see wildlife on Milford Sound?
Very likely — fur seals bask on the rocks, and bottlenose dolphins and, in season, penguins are often seen from the cruise, along with the fiord's spectacular waterfalls.
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