Guest Review: Our Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown
- Mark & Tracy Christmas
- Nov 6
- 5 min read
Our names are Mark & Tracy and we toured with Luxe Tours in October 2025.
When planning our New Zealand trip, we knew we wanted to visit Milford Sound.
We based ourselves in Queenstown, and after assessing our options for visiting Milford Sound, we decided a guided tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound would allow us to relax and fully appreciate the journey, rather than focusing on the drive.
This review of our Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown reflects our honest experience with Luxe Tours, which exceeded expectations, turning what could have been an exhausting day into one of the highlights of our New Zealand adventure.
Our Key Takeaways:
The small group experience (13 guests max) made all the difference, allowing us to avoid large crowds and enjoy peaceful moments in nature.
Having a knowledgeable local guide transformed our understanding and appreciation of the region.
The comfort of the luxury Mercedes van made the long journey enjoyable rather than cramped and uncomfortable.
Luxe Tours' attention to detail, from seating arrangements to meals and timing, created a seamless experience.
The combination of the road journey and cruise gave us the complete Milford Sound experience.
Choosing Luxe Tours for Our Queenstown to Milford Sound Journey
We chose Luxe Tours based on their small group approach and the excellent reviews highlighting their knowledge of the region. The booking process was straightforward, and we were impressed with the responsiveness when we requested front seats due to travel sickness concerns.
Luxe Tours arranged pickup from a location just a short walk from our accommodation in Queenstown, making the early morning start as convenient as possible.
From our first interaction with our guide Adrian, we knew we'd made the right choice. His professionalism and enthusiasm were apparent from the moment we met him until we shook his hand to say goodbye.
Meet Adrian - Mark & Tracy's Tour Guide from Queenstown
The Journey to Milford Sound
Our day began at 7:00 am when we boarded the Luxe Tours van. It is a spacious Mercedes Sprinter van designed for 13 guests maximum, but our tour group only had 10 passengers.
The vehicle design clearly showed that Luxe had gone the extra mile, with ample legroom and excellent visibility from every seat. As requested, we were accommodated with front seats to help with travel sickness, which we greatly appreciated.
What made this Milford Sound tour from Queenstown special wasn't just the destination but the experience along the way.
Adrian's knowledge of the area was impressive, especially for such a young guide. He shared interesting insights about the landscape, history, and ecological significance of the areas we passed through, transforming what could have been just a long drive into an educational and entertaining experience.
One major advantage of the small group became apparent at several stops along the route, where we were able to avoid the large bus groups.
At one location, we encountered over 500 people from large tour buses crowding the viewpoint.
Adrian simply drove a few hundred metres down the road to a quieter spot, where we could enjoy the same beautiful scenery in peace and appreciate the tranquillity of the surroundings.
The Milford Sound Cruise Experience
Upon reaching Milford Sound, we felt refreshed and ready for our two-hour cruise. Adrian shared a valuable tip to use the restrooms on the boat before disembarking to avoid the long queues once back on land.
He then guided us through the terminal and onto our boat, where we enjoyed another thoughtful touch from Luxe Tours, with our hot meals waiting for us.
We enjoyed delicious mince and cheese pies with juice and cheesecake for dessert. These meals are a special arrangement just for Luxe guests, who have the option to order them when booking.
The cruise itself was nothing short of spectacular. Milford Sound's beauty was truly astounding, and we were blessed with sensational weather, making the experience even more magical.
The only moisture we felt was the refreshing mist from the waterfalls, which were cascading down almost everywhere. The recent rainfall had intensified the waterfalls, creating a stunning show as we cruised through the fjord.
No photographs could fully capture the beauty of Milford Sound, but the memories will stay with us forever.
The Return Journey and Afternoon Refreshments
The drive back was more direct but still included strategic stops to stretch our legs and admire the scenery. We had muffins for afternoon tea, one sweet option and one savoury.
Other passengers with dietary requirements were also well catered for, with gluten-free and vegan options available.
The road to Milford Sound is winding, long, and can be challenging in places, but we felt completely safe with Adrian at the wheel. He even took the time to explain the vehicle's safety features, including the specialised braking system designed for strong winds, which reassured everyone on board.
As we reflect on our Milford Sound tour, the journey back to Queenstown gave us time to appreciate how the entire day was thoughtfully planned to balance travel time with enriching stops and experiences.
Final Thoughts on Our Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown
Our day with Luxe Tours lasted from 7:00 am to 7:45 pm, which was a long day, but one filled with unforgettable experiences. Yes, we returned to our accommodation feeling tired and ready for a dip in the hot tub, but our minds were buzzing with the incredible memories we'd made.
The knowledge and expertise Adrian shared enhanced our appreciation of everything we saw.
The comfort of the vehicle made the journey enjoyable rather than exhausting. And the small group format allowed us to experience Milford Sound away from the crowds, connecting with the natural environment in a more meaningful way.
We couldn't fault Luxe Tours on any aspect of our experience. From the booking process to the final drop-off at our accommodation, every detail was handled professionally and with genuine care for our enjoyment.
Thank you, Adrian, for your outstanding guidance, and to everyone at Luxe Tours for creating such a wonderful day for us. For anyone considering a Milford Sound tour from Queenstown, we wholeheartedly recommend Luxe Tours.
See the tour Mark & Tracy experienced from Queenstown
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Milford Sound tour from Queenstown?
The full-day tour runs for around 12-13 hours, including scenic stops along the way, the Milford Sound cruise, and rest breaks. Luxe Tours departs early in the morning to avoid the busiest traffic times and returns to Queenstown by 7:30-8 pm.
What should I bring on a tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown?
We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a day pack with your camera/phone, water bottle, and any personal items. Milford Sound is in a high-rainfall area, so even on sunny days it’s smart to be prepared for changing conditions.
Where can I read reviews of the Milford Sound tours?
You can find guest reviews of our Milford Sound tours displayed across our website, with a rotating selection of recent reviews featured at the bottom of most pages. For a broader collection of guest experiences, visit our full live reviews page to see what other travellers have said about their journeys with us. This page pulls in reviews from the likes of Google and TripAdvisor.
