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Thrifty Tours

Overnight Milford Sound Explorer

After arriving in Queenstown, you will be transported to your accommodation and then set off to enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. The following morning, your journey to Milford Sound begins by departing from Queenstown, travelling past Lake Wakitipu and Lake Te Anau and along the famous Milford Road as you soak in the incredible scenery. Upon arrival in Milford, you'll head to the Milford Wharf, where the Milford Mariner cruises the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, leisurely exploring the many points of interest along the way. There is plenty of time to view the cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests, towering mountains and playful wildlife, and explore the fiord up close by either kayak or tender boat. The vessel returns to the calm and shelter of Harrison Cove for your overnight stay. Enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner inspired by Fiordland. The next morning, after enjoying breakfast, you are transported back to the adventure capital of Queenstown, where you will spend another night enjoying the town, and the famous Skyline Queenstown. Catch the fully enclosed gondola to the summit for a remarkable panorama of the city's surroundings. Wander the outdoor viewing decks then enjoy a gourmet buffet meal in the Stratosphere Restaurant. Finally, on the morning of the fourth day, you are transported to the airport to depart Queenstown. Haere rā!

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Tour summary and feature
Quick Itinerary Details

Independent tour (bus & coach)

This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,475 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Queenstown

4 days/3 nights

Hotel 3 star

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 121 times in the last 7 days

Tour Inclusions

- Private Transfer Queenstown Airport to your Accommodation
- Private Transfer Queenstown Accommodation to Airport (LSQ)
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
price pp from
NZD$2,475
twin share/double
Tour at a glance

Day 1: Kia Ora, Welcome to Queenstown!
Accommodation: QT Queenstown Hotel

Day 2: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise
Accommodation: Overnight Boat in Milford Sound

Day 3: Return to Queenstown, Enjoy the Evening
Accommodation: QT Queenstown Hotel

Day 4: Depart Queenstown, Haere rā!

Tour full itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Overnight Milford Sound Explorer - Day 1
Welcome to Queenstown

Renowned for its adrenaline inducing activities Queenstown is synonymous with adventure. Parked on the shores of Lake Wakatipu this small alpine town is nestled below soaring vistas of The Remarkables Mountain Range. While arguably the brightest gem in New Zealand’s crown, Queenstown offers far more than an action-packed getaway. Spend time on the Gibbston wine trail and end with a meal at Michelin star chef Josh Emett’s restaurant, Rata. Take a trip down memory lane on a 100 year old steamship the TSS Earnslaw. Soak in the scenery on your walk around the lake, or venture further afield into Fiordland National Park. Head over the hill to resort town Wanaka, or re-live scenes from Lord Of The Rings by four wheel drive. But - if you really do want that rush - head out on the Shotover Jet, dive off the Nevis Bungy, freefall on the Canyon swing or Zip line the Gondola. Just be sure it's done on an empty stomach  – don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Private Transfer Queenstown Airport to your Accommodation

On arrival you will be met by a private driver and delivered to your Queenstown accommodation.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Enjoy the ambience of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, New Zealand cheeses, tea, and coffee. After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.

Your accommodation: QT Queenstown Hotel

Incomparable views over the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and breathtaking peaks of the Southern Alps set the scene at QT Queenstown. Sitting pretty in nature’s playground, this lush lakeside resort emulates nostalgic alpine and après-ski ambiance – perfect for the pleasure seeking adventurer.
Overnight Milford Sound Explorer - Day 2
Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise

The Milford Mariner offers you a very special dinner, bed and breakfast experience on Milford Sound. Onboard the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. Accompanied by a nature guide you can go exploring in the tender craft and kayaks or simply relax on deck. After the day's activities, you enjoy a delicious evening buffet in the spacious saloon before retiring to your private cabin.
The vessel itself was designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow to reflect Fiordland's heritage.
Departing from Queenstown, you'll learn about the local area and travel past Lake Wakitipu and Lake Te Anau and along the famous Milford Road as you soak in the incredible scenery. Upon arrival in Milford, you'll head to the Milford Wharf, where the Milford Mariner cruises the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea leisurely exploring on the way many points of interest, there is plenty of time to view the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife and the experienced nature guide on board will be able to answer any questions you may have. After reaching the open sea, subject to weather and favourable conditions the sails are hoisted for a period. The vessel returns to the calm and shelter of Harrison Cove for your overnight stay.

Your accommodation: Overnight Boat in Milford Sound

Onboard the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. After the day's activities, you'll enjoy a delicious evening buffet in the spacious saloon before retiring to your private cabin.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Milford Sound Explorer - Day 3
Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise return to Queenstown by coach

Your Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise returns to Milford at 9:15am. Return along the wonderful Milford Road by luxury coach passing through Te Anau to Queenstown.

Gondola and Buffet Dinner with Skyline Queenstown

With breathtaking views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, the Skyline Complex is a must-do. Catch the fully enclosed gondola to the summit for a remarkable panorama of the city's surroundings. Wander the outdoor viewing decks then enjoy a gourmet buffet meal in the Stratosphere Restaurant.

Your accommodation: QT Queenstown Hotel

Incomparable views over the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu and breathtaking peaks of the Southern Alps set the scene at QT Queenstown. Sitting pretty in nature’s playground, this lush lakeside resort emulates nostalgic alpine and après-ski ambiance – perfect for the pleasure seeking adventurer.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight Milford Sound Explorer - Day 4
Private Transfer Queenstown Accommodation to Airport (LSQ)

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Queenstown airport to meet your flight.

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Dec 28, 2024
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Dec 29, 2024
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Overnight Milford Sound Explorer

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