Taste of NZ Tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown New Zealand

Join us for a relaxed personal tour to Milford Sound. Enjoy this unique opportunity to have a delicious BBQ lunch inside the Fiordland National Park.

Milford Sound is arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand. Located in 3 million acres of the Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a "must-see" for any traveller - magnificent untouched native forest and bush, pristine waterways and lakes, glaciers and high peaks. Fiordland National Park is truly breath-taking, whether sunny or raining - when waterfalls flow like nowhere else. Let us show you an area of New Zealand that is famous for its dramatic scenery. We will reveal the facts, stories and myths of this exciting area, from the gold rushes of Otago through to the farming life of Southland and the wilderness of the Fiordland area.

Sit back and relax in our comfortable, modern coach and take in the experience. The beauty of this trip to Milford Sound is that around every corner is something new to wonder at.

In the world famous Fiordland National Park, we break for the BBQ lunch. While we prepare your tasty lunch, take a short walk and breathe in the fresh alpine air.

At Milford Sound, we link up with a spectacular scenic cruise, where the wonders of the area will unfold.

Itinerary

We pick you up from your accommodation in Queenstown at 7:10 am. As we drive out of Queenstown we will travel south along the side of the amazing 'Remarkables' mountain range and New Zealand's longest lake, 'Lake Wakatipu'.

The early history of the area, which was dominated by Gold mining will be explained to you as well. We then start driving toward Te Anau where you will see some of the most intensive sheep farming areas in NZ. Deer faming will be explained as we travel through the small township of Mossburn 'The Deer Capitol'.

We stop in Te Anau for approximately 30 minutes to give you time to wake up properly, have the breakfast that may have eluded you earlier or a coffee or take a brief walk by the lake. From Te Anau the scenery really begins as we drive north along the lake. Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island.

The Department of Conservation centre in Te Anau is where efforts are currently being made to save one of the worlds rarest birds, the Takahe. The Takahe was thought to be extinct but was rediscovered in the mountains above Lake Te Anau back in 1948. We'll also discuss New Zealand's unique natural wildlife and an even rarer bird the Kakapo.

We will introduce you to some of the early adventurers, such as Quinton Mackinnon who established the world famous Milford Track and Donald Sutherland who established the 'City of Milford'.

On entering the Fiordland National Park, which is the largest National Park in NZ, we travel up along side the Eglinton river to three mountain lakes at the head of the Eglinton valley. During this part of the journey we will make the fist of our many sightseeing stops that also allow for some great photo opportunities.

We have a couple of different locations for lunch and we'll endeavour to select the best spot on the day. These locations, the serene 'Cascade Creek' or the spectacular 'Gertrude Valley', provide the opportunity for an alpine bush walk while the driver/guide dons the apron and cooks the BBQ lunch. There are some fantastic walks in the area and this is a great opportunity to experience the beautiful alpine beech forest up close.

The lunch stop and walk is a good chance to get to know the other people on the bus.

If the weather is really inclement, we have shelter available at 'Knobs Flat'. While lunch is being prepared you can take a look at some interesting information in the base building, such as the photos and articles about the Homer Tunnel, Milford Road and the Avalanche control programme.

After lunch we head towards the Homer Tunnel, taking in some incredible mountain views while driving along side the crystal clear waters of the Hollyford river. We make some great scenic stops along this stretch of the road, at his time of day there are few other busses on the road. Once through the Homer Tunnel, we wind our way down the Cleddau Valley. At this time we will reveal why you are in an area called 'Fiordland' but are visiting a 'Sound'; the difference will be explained.

We arrive at Milford Sound to link up with the 2:00 pm Scenic Cruise. This is an 'off peak' period of the day therefore the boat is much less crowded. Being a large boat allows for plenty of space to move about and enjoy the spectacular landscape and wilderness of Milford Sound. Having had lunch on the way in to Milford Sound means no queuing for lunch on the boat, instead enjoy the views! The duration is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. There is complimentary tea and coffee on the boat or experience the fresh mountain water available. Keep a look out for seals and dolphins!

There is an opportunity for a stunning flight back to Queenstown at the conclusion of the cruise by fixed wing aircraft the flight takes approx 45 minutes. This experience truly is awe inspiring and gives you a chance to experience this magnificent area by land, sea and sky.

Bus Tour includes:
~ Pick up and drop offs from most accommodation outlets in Queenstown and the 'Pop Inn Café' in Te Anau.
~ Travel in a modern, fully air-conditioned 22 seat coach.
~ Full commentary by friendly and experienced driver/guide.
~ Classic Kiwi style BBQ lunch in The Fiordland National Park at the serene Cascade Creek or the spectacular Gertrude Valley.
~ The tasty BBQ lunch includes marinated beef kebabs, sausages, a range of salads, fresh bread and fruit juice.
~ Vegetarian options available.
~ Optional short bush or alpine walks at breaks.
~ Uncrowded 'off peak' cruise in Milford Sound at 2pm with 'Real Journeys' boat.
~ Complimentary tea & coffee on the boat.

Tour includes hotel pick-up. Rates are per person and in US dollars. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-719-8190.