▲ Your journey begins in the charming Queenstown or Te Anau, aboard a glass-roofed bus that traverses lakes, valleys, and Fiordland National Park en route to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Upon arrival, board the Southern Discoveries nature cruise for an up-close view of the fjord's cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine rainforest scenery. The return trip follows the scenic highway back, offering a day of effortless immersion in the South Island's iconic natural landscapes.
▲ Board a glass-roofed sightseeing bus with comfortable and spacious seating, equipped with Wi-Fi onboard. These buses are designed to offer passengers panoramic views of New Zealand's beautiful countryside. The road to Milford Sound is renowned as one of the most scenic routes in the world, so be sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking mountain and lake views surrounding you. Please note that due to bus scheduling, glass-roof buses may not always be available.
▲ Departing from Queenstown, we meandered along Lake Wakatipu, admiring the magnificent views of the Remarkables mountain range and the lake. Passing through southern farmlands and alpine valleys, the road trip itself was a cinematic feast for the eyes.
▲ We arrive in Te Anau, home to Lake Te Anau, the second largest lake in New Zealand. In this idyllic town, we will take a short break and perhaps encounter some local animals or wildlife. After a refreshment break (at your own expense) in the morning, continue along the lake to Fiordland National Park.
▲ Leaving Te Anau, you'll enter the picturesque Eglinton Valley, home to ancient alpine forests and rushing waterfalls, one of the few glacial valleys in New Zealand accessible by road. Along the Milford Road, you can fully capture the stunning scenery, such as the breathtaking Mirror Lakes where on calm days the surrounding mountains are perfectly reflected on the still water surface; and the Knobs Flat, where glaciers have left deep imprints on the landscape.
▲ Continue traversing the main divide of the Southern Alps, marveling at the breathtaking skyline surrounded by majestic mountains. Make a stop at Monkey Creek to taste some of the world's purest spring water (but watch out for the mischievous kea—the local alpine parrot!). Then, pass through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2-kilometer-long passage carved through solid rock, crossing the mountain range before finally arriving at Milford Sound, with pristine forests along the way.
▲ In Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, board the southern discovery - Milford Sound cruise for a 1 hour 45 minute nature cruise to explore the magnificent scenery described by Rudyard Kipling as the "eighth wonder of the world". The cruise sails along the sound to the Tasman Sea, where you'll admire glacier-carved cliffs and cascading waterfalls plunging into the ocean.
▲ The cruise ventures deep into the fjord, offering close-up views of stunning sights like Stirling Falls. Some routes approach the waterfalls, allowing you to experience the awe-inspiring spray and mist from the deck. Along the way, you may also spot wildlife such as seals and dolphins.
▲ The cruise features a comfortable indoor seating area and an outdoor viewing deck, allowing you to freely choose different angles to enjoy the fjord scenery. Step onto the deck to directly experience the majestic views of mountains, fjords and waterfalls.
▲ You may choose to book freshly packed picnic lunches for easy enjoyment during the cruise, allowing you to dine while sightseeing for added convenience.
▲ You can also opt for a hot buffet on board, offering a wider range of dining options. The specific meal format is subject to the selected package.
▲ After the cruise, take the bus for the return journey, continuing to cross Fiordland National Park along the way. Mountains, grasslands, lakes, and valleys accompany you throughout the journey. Even after leaving Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, the return trip remains a scenic journey worth admiring.
▲ Friendly reminder: The images and stops along the route shown on the webpage are for reference only. The actual transfer vehicle, transfer method, itinerary sequence, and stay arrangements may be adjusted due to transportation, weather, road conditions, and operational arrangements on the day. Please refer to the electronic confirmation and actual arrangements on the day.