What are some activities to do in Queenstown on Day 1?

On Day 1 in Queenstown, you can start with a stroll around Lake Wakatipu, have breakfast at one of the award-winning cafés, and then take a thrilling jet boat ride, a picturesque flight, or a bike ride on one of the nearby trails to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

What can you expect on an overnight boat cruise in Milford Sound?

On an overnight boat cruise in Milford Sound, you can expect to see stunning geography, towering cliffs, fur seals, waterfalls like Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, and if you're lucky, penguins, dolphins, and whales. The cruise often includes activities like kayaking, swimming, and diving.

How can you return to Queenstown from Milford Sound?

After your boat tour in Milford Sound, you can slowly return to Queenstown along the same road, taking plenty of shots along the way to capture the beautiful scenery. Once back in Queenstown, you can enjoy adventurous activities, picturesque vistas, or luxurious experiences.

Queenstown to Milford sound itinerary

Go New Zealand 2 years ago

The drive to Milford Sound is just as beautiful as the fiord itself. Prepare your camera for a trip through spectacular, out-of-this-world scenery on this world-famous tour.

Day 1: Queenstown to Te Anau

Start your day with a stroll around Lake Wakatipu and a hearty breakfast at one of Queenstown's award-winning cafés.

Following breakfast, take a thrilling jet boat ride, a picturesque flight, or a bike ride on one of the many nearby trails to take in the breathtaking scenery. Follow the route to Te Anau as it travels around the lovely bends of Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown. The environment is breathtaking, with lakeside vistas framed by the rocky face of The Remarkables, a spectacular mountain range. The shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest of the South Island's many lakes, are shortly reached across easy undulating landscape. The lengthy arms of the lake disappear into the imposing, densely forested Murchison Mountains on the western side. Te Anau is the major visitor base for exploring Fiordland National Park and a great place to stop on your way to Milford Sound. Spend a night here and see what the town has to offer.

Te Anau

Te Anau, New Zealand

Day 2: Overnight Boat Cruise, Milford Sound

Milford Sound's stunning geography and animals are best enjoyed on an overnight boat excursion. View fur seals sunning on rocks as you get up close to towering cliffs rising out of the deep blue water. Visit Bowen Falls, which are 160 meters high, and Stirling Falls, which cascade into the fiord like a gigantic shower. Keep an eye out for penguins, dolphins, and whales, which occasionally make it all the way into the fiords. Overnight trips often start in the mid-afternoon and include activities such as kayaking, swimming, and diving. Choose a day cruise with a return transport to Te Anau if you prefer.

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Southland 9679, New Zealand

Day 3: Milford Sound to Queenstown

After your boat tour, disembark and spend some time exploring the region. Slowly return to Queenstown along the same road, making careful to take plenty of shots along the way. Finish your trip with one of Queenstown's many adventurous activities, picturesque vistas, or luxurious experiences. When you return to Queenstown, relax in the hot pools or arrange a massage, then unwind with an evening at a cozy pub or a casual meal at a waterfront restaurant. If you're feeling up to it, check out Queenstown's nightlife and sample some of the region's superb wines and killer cocktails.