Touring Milford Sound From Queenstown: Premium Small Group Tour Overview and Review
Exploring the spectacular Milford Sound from Queenstown is one of the most amazing and unforgettable nature experiences that you can do when visiting New Zealand. Milford Sound is one of the most famous places of the country and attracts visitors and locals alike all year round. Whether you are a mountain lover, a hiker, or a nature enthusiast, Milford Sound is an absolute must-see when visiting Queenstown – the adventure capital of New Zealand! This article will provide an in-depth look at the Premium Small Group Tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound and offer our honest thoughts about this highly-rated tour. We will analyze every aspect of the tour, from what you can expect when going, to features and benefits and our overall opinion.
What Is The Premium Small Group Tour From Queenstown To Milford Sound In Queenstown, NZ?
The Premium Small Group Tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound is a full day trip from Queenstown to the world famous Milford Sound. This trip gives travelers a great insight into New Zealand’s outdoors with a visit to stunning nature and breathtaking vistas. The tour itself is run by an experienced, certified guide and includes a guided nature hikes, half day cruise and a luxurious lunch as well as pick-up and return to your accommodation. The tour departs daily from Queenstown and returns there at the end of the day. As far as the type of tour, this is best suited for fit and active tourists who are looking for a full-day of nature exploration.
Features And Benefits Of The Premium Small Group Tour From Queenstown To Milford Sound In Queenstown
The Premium Small Group Tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound offers a range of fantastic features and benefits that make it a great choice for active nature lovers. Here is a quick list of what it offers:
- A full day of hiking and other outdoor activities in one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand;
- Option for an optional cruise on Milford Sound;
- Typically small group sizes (max 25 people) for a more intimate experience;
- Completely guided tour by an experienced, certified guide;
- Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Queenstown
- Delicious luxurious lunch included in the tour price.
These are just some of the benefits included in this particular tour.
What Can I Expect On A Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour From Queenstown?
The tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Queenstown from approximately 8 am local time. From there, you will be traveling towards Milford Sound for about five hours by luxury air-conditioned vehicle. During the drive, you will be able to take in some of the most beautiful scenery New Zealand has to offer, including lovely valleys and glaciers – depending on the season and weather. After you arrive at Milford Sound, the day will be spent exploring some of the best nature experiences the region has to offer, such as guided bush walks, viewing wildlife and optionally going on a cruise of Milford Sound itself (costs not included). During the day your guide will also point out interesting information about the area as well as take you on some great hikes (there’s a steep uphill section towards the end). At lunch time, you will be served a delicious luxurious lunch included in the price at one of the area’s restaurants which even has amazing sea views. After lunch, you will have time for additional exploring of Milford Sound before returning to Queenstown. The duration of this trip is usually 12 hours from start to finish.
What We Thought About The Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour From Queenstown
In our opinion, the Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour from Queenstown is one of the best nature tours that you can do in New Zealand. The itinerary was well though thru, the guides were knowledgeable and experienced and the lunch that was included was really delicious – with amazing sea views too! We loved how we were able to explore the bush and experience stunning vistas without having to rush since there were only 25 people in our touring group and we could take our time. This allowed us to move at our own pace instead of trying to keep up with a large group. The option of taking a boat cruise was a nice feature too as it allowed us to cut back on our hiking time while still enjoying some spectacular views out in the open water – so it really suited people with different energy levels. The only minor criticism we could give this tour was regarding its length. Although the price is great for what you get and 12 hours sounds like enough time for such a tour; it still felt like we had to rush things a little bit towards the end in order to make it back to Queenstown in time for drop-off. Still, this only affected the latter part of the day and overall we actually managed to do everything we wanted during our tour, so it wasn’t that much of an issue and really should not discourage people from taking this incredible tour!
Book Your Own Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour From Queenstown Now With GetYourGuide!
If this tour sounds like something you would like to do when visiting New Zealand, then you’re in luck! You can easily book this incredible tour via GetYourGuide (https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t108139?partner_id=UWJ1LS2) which offers both secure payments and top-notch customer service. So what are you waiting for? Get out there, explore New Zealand and experience everything this incredible tour has to offer!
Touring Milford Sound From Queenstown: Premium Small Group Tour Overview and Review – FAQs
Milford Sound is a world-renowned fjord located on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s surrounded by towering peaks, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Due to its spectacular beauty, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in New Zealand. Although it is possible to tour independently, many visitors opt for a premium small group tour. Here are some frequently asked questions about touring Milford Sound from Queenstown, a popular starting point for Milford Sound tours.
1. What are the benefits of a premium small group tour?
Premium small group tours of Milford Sound from Queenstown have many benefits compared to larger group tours or independent travel. Here are some benefits:
- Small group size: Premium small group tours typically have up to 16 people, which allows for a more personal and intimate experience with the guide.
- Flexible schedule: Premium small group tours are designed to maximize your time and provide maximum flexibility. Tours may start early in the day or leave later, depending on the weather conditions.
- Included lunch: Most premium small group tours include a delicious lunch, either on board the cruise or at a nearby location.
- Expert guide: Premium small group tours are typically led by knowledgeable and experienced guides who can provide valuable insights about the area’s natural history, flora, fauna, and more.
- Comfortable transportation: Premium small group tours usually utilize modern, comfortable vehicles to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
2. How long is the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound?
The road trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The distance between the two destinations is approximately 291 kilometers, and the drive takes about 4 to 5 hours (one-way). The duration of the drive may vary based on traffic, weather conditions, and the route taken.
3. What is there to see and do in Milford Sound?
Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural landmarks and offers visitors a range of activities and sights, including:
- Cruises: Milford Sound cruises offer visitors the chance to explore the fjord, taking in the spectacular scenery, wildlife, and waterfalls along the way.
- Kayaking: Visitors can rent kayaks and explore Milford Sound at their own pace, and get up close to nature.
- Hiking: With numerous walking tracks nearby, visitors can go on a range of hikes varying from easy to difficult.
- Scenic Flights: For breathtaking views of the Milford Sound region, scenic flights are highly recommended.
- Wildlife Watching: On a Milford Sound tour, there are abundant opportunities to witness dolphins, seals, and penguins in their natural habitat.
4. What is the best time to visit Milford Sound?
Milford Sound is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences and interests. Summer (December to February) is the peak season, with longer days, warmer weather, and more tourists. However, visiting in the shoulder season (September to November and March to May) offers fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and stunning autumn foliage. Winter (June to August) offers a completely different experience, with magical snow-covered landscapes and fewer tourists.
5. Are there any safety concerns when traveling to Milford Sound?
Milford Sound is a wild and natural environment with its own unique set of hazards. Visitors should be prepared and take appropriate safety precautions, including:
- Ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear for changing weather conditions (including rain and snow).
- Be cautious near cliff edges, rocks, and waterfalls.
- Follow designated walking tracks and respect wildlife habitats.
- Pay attention to any safety briefings provided by your guide or the cruise operator.
6. How should I choose a premium small group tour operator?
When choosing a premium small group tour operator to take you on a Milford Sound tour from Queenstown, there are a few factors to consider:
- Reputation: Look for a tour operator with a good reputation and positive reviews from previous customers.
- Experience: Choose a tour operator with years of experience in conducting tours to Milford Sound.
- Group Size: Ensure the tour operator offers a small group tour experience, typically between 10 to 16 people.
- Professional Guides: Check that the guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and professional.
- Flexibility: Choose a tour operator with a flexible itinerary that can accommodate changes in weather or other unforeseen events.
- Value for Money: Consider the price of the tour, what’s included, and compare it to other operators.
Conclusion
Touring Milford Sound from Queenstown is a must-do experience for any nature lover or traveler visiting New Zealand’s South Island. By choosing a premium small group tour operator, you can enjoy a more intimate and personalized experience, complete with knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and inclusions such as lunch. With a range of activities and sights on offer, Milford Sound is sure to be an unforgettable destination. Make sure you choose a reputable tour operator and follow safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
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