Q&A: Everything to Know About Our Milford Sound Tours
- Alice Neilson - Fiordland Enthusiast & Writer
- Nov 11
- 9 min read
Visiting Milford Sound is a highlight for many travellers to New Zealand’s South Island.With so many tour options available, it’s natural to have questions about how everything works, from booking and payment to what’s included on the day.
So here we’ve compiled this helpful Luxe Tours Q&A guide, bringing together the most common questions our guests ask, so you can understand our tours and choose the experience that best suits your travel plans.
Key Takeaways:
Three tour options: Day tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau, plus a 3-day experience to Milford Sound from Queenstown via Walter Peak
All tours include a 2-hour Milford Sound cruise aboard the RealNZ Milford Haven
Small-group comfort: max 13 guests on day tours, 10 on the 3-day tour
0%-deposit buy now, pay later booking flexibility
Luxury Mercedes vans with spacious interiors, comfortable leather bucket seats, large windows, and climate control air conditioning
Complimentary refreshments on all tours, with meal add-on option available for the cruise
Who is Luxe Tours?
General Questions About Luxe Tours
Do your tours include a cruise?
Yes, all tours include a 2-hour cruise on board the Milford Haven boat with our cruise partner RealNZ.
Do you have buy now, pay later?
Yes! You can book any of our tours with a 0% deposit and pay in full later. We simply require payment by 5 days before the tour day. This gives you flexibility in planning your adventure without immediate financial commitment.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is designed to be flexible and traveller-friendly:
Day tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 24 hours before the tour day
The 3-day tour can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 72 hours before the tour day
I get travel sickness, can I request a front seat?
Yes, you can request a front seat, and we will do our best to accommodate you. In most cases, you will be guaranteed a front seat. If multiple people on the tour request a front seat, you will be rotated out fairly so everyone who needs it is accommodated.
We have many stops on our tours, so there are plenty of opportunities for fresh air breaks to help with travel sickness. The small-group format also allows flexibility for extra fresh-air stops if needed.
What food is available on the tours?
Day tours include unlimited chilled water, lollies, tea and coffee, and a large café muffin. There is also the option to add on a hot meal for the cruise, which you can add on at the time of booking.
The 3-day tour includes BBQ buffet lunch on day 1, buffet breakfasts on day 2 & 3, tea and coffee and large café muffin on day 2, and a snack platter on day 3.
How long are your tours?
The Te Anau to Milford Sound day tour is 9 hours total, including the cruise.
The Queenstown to Milford Sound day tour is 12 hours total, including the cruise.
The 3-day tour via Walter Peak is 3 days total, leaving Queenstown on the Earnslaw steamship at 11 am on day 1 and returning to Queenstown on the Earnslaw by 2:30 pm on day 3.
How far out should I book a tour?
For the day tours, we recommend booking at least 2 weeks to a month in advance to ensure the day you want is available.
For the 3-day tour, we recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance. This is due to only taking 10 guests, so there are limited spots on this tour.
How many people will be on the tour?
All our tours are small group tours. Day tours carry maximum 13 guests, and our 3-day tour carries maximum 10 guests.
Do you have minimum numbers to go ahead?
No, all tours are guaranteed to go ahead, no matter the numbers. The only time a tour is cancelled is due to the Milford Road being closed.
Do you recommend kids to go on the tours?
We welcome kids on all Luxe tours, and we enjoy having the young ones along for the ride. For families with children under 4 years old, we strongly suggest taking the Te Anau tour to Milford Sound, as it has the least driving involved and many opportunities for getting out and exploring.
How can I add the lunch option to the cruise?
You can add lunch to the cruise portion of the tour by starting the booking process on our website, and you will be directed to add lunch to your booking.
Why should I choose Luxe Tours?
Luxe Tours stands out for our premium small-group coaches, exceptional local guides, and attention to detail. We operate the newest and most spacious vans of any Milford Sound operator, customised with extra legroom, wider seats, and panoramic windows.
Our guides are known for their care, professionalism, and deep knowledge of the area. They plan each day dynamically to avoid crowds and ensure every guest enjoys a relaxed, memorable experience.
Queenstown to Milford Sound Day Tour Questions
Where does the tour pick me up from?
We offer pickups from most central Queenstown accommodations and from locations along the main route out of town toward Frankton (Frankton Road).
When booking online, you’ll see a list of available pickup points. If your accommodation isn’t listed, simply select “Contact to assist” during checkout or email us at bookings@luxetours.co.nz, and we’ll confirm the most convenient meeting spot.
Depending on where you’re staying, your pickup point may be just a short 1–5-minute walk from your accommodation.
What is the van like on this tour?
Our luxury Mercedes van for the Queenstown to Milford Sound tour takes a maximum of 13 guests, compared with 16-17 on similar vehicles used by other companies. We’ve removed a row of seats in our van to create extra space and comfort.
The van has been purpose-built for long-distance touring, featuring:
60% more legroom and 20% wider seats than standard Mercedes tour vans
Reclining leather seating with armrests
Individual air-conditioning vents and clear onboard commentary
Large windows, so every guest gets excellent views throughout the journey
Under seat storage for day bags
You’ll have plenty of space to stretch out, relax, and take in the scenery throughout the journey.
What is included in the tour from Queenstown?
Your Queenstown to Milford Sound day tour includes everything you need for a comfortable, seamless experience:
Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation or a convenient central location
Premium Mercedes van with spacious seating, extra legroom, reclining seats, climate control, tinted windows, and overhead bag storage
Guided commentary from an expert driver-guide specially trained for the Milford Road
Up to 8 scenic photo stops along the way (weather dependent)
2-hour Milford Sound cruise aboard the Milford Haven with RealNZ
Complimentary refreshments, including chilled water, tea, coffee, and a large café muffin (sweet, savoury, gluten-free, and vegan options available)
Comfort amenities such as towels, umbrellas, and hand warmers
Optional hot meal add-on for the cruise (available when booking)
Meet our Queenstown to Milford Sound Guides
How much does the tour cost?
$399 per adult
$329 per child
How long is the tour?
The tour is approximately 12 hours total, including pick up from around 7-7:30 am, Milford Sound Cruise, and drop off around 7-7:30 pm.
Who is this tour suited for?
The Queenstown to Milford Sound day tour is perfect for visitors based in Queenstown who want to experience Milford Sound without the hassle of driving themselves.
It's ideal for those who appreciate comfort on longer journeys, want to learn about the region from expert guides, and prefer to travel in smaller groups rather than large coaches, with multiple stops and photo opportunities along the way.
Te Anau to Milford Sound Day Tour Questions
Where will I be picked up from for this tour?
If your accommodation is within the Te Anau township boundaries on Google Maps, we will be able to pick you up from your accommodation. If you are staying further out, you can contact us at bookings@luxetours.co.nz to arrange a pick-up location. You can easily and safely park your car in Te Anau for free for the day.
How long is the tour?
The tour is 9 hours long, including pick up from your accommodation around 7:30 am or 8:30am depending on the exact tour you choose, 2-hour Milford Sound cruise, and drop off at around 4:30pm or 5:30pm depending on the exact tour.
What is included in the tour?
We make sure every detail of your day is taken care of, so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey:
Pick-up and drop-off from your Te Anau accommodation
Spacious luxury Mercedes van with reclining seats, extra legroom, air conditioning, and tinted windows
Friendly, knowledgeable guides who know the Milford Road inside and out
Around 11 photo stops and 2–3 unique nature experiences (depending on weather)
2-hour Milford Sound cruise aboard the Milford Haven with RealNZ
Complimentary water, tea, coffee, lollies, and a large café muffin (sweet, savoury, gluten-free, or vegan options available)
Extra comfort touches like towels, umbrellas, and hand warmers
Optional hot meal for the cruise, available to add when you book
How much does the tour cost?
$339 per adult
$249 per child
What is the van like on the tour?
We operate two vans for the Te Anau tour. The first has 11 seats, but we only take 9 guests in it. The second van has 14 spacious seats, but we only take 13 guests in it.
Both vans have large windows, comfortable reclining leather bucket seats, spacious leg room, climate-controlled air conditioning, and on board commentary.
Who is this tour suited for?
The Te Anau to Milford Sound day tour is perfect for travellers staying in Te Anau. It's particularly well-suited for families with young children (including those under 4), as it involves less driving time and more opportunities to get out and explore. This tour is also ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts who want more time out in nature and immersed in the scenery.
Check out our tour to Milford Sound from Te Anau & Queenstown
3-day Tour via Walter Peak Questions
Where does the tour start?
The tour begins with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu, departing from the RealNZ Visitor Centre at Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown.
What is the van like on this tour?
The van has wide, spacious leather seats with plenty of legroom, large windows, with everyone guaranteed a window seat, air conditioning, reclining seats, and a very spacious interior limited to 10 guests, so you'll never feel cramped or crowded.
What is included in the tour?
2 nights of accommodation at the Te Anau Distinction Hotel & Villas, located on the lakefront and a 90-second walk to the start of the main street of Te Anau
Day 1:
Cruise on the Earnslaw to Walter Peak
Lunch (BBQ Buffet at Walter Peak Station)
Transport in luxury Mercedes van
Scenic stops
Guided commentary
Water bottle
Day 2:
Buffet Breakfast at hotel
Full day tour to Milford Sound
2-hour Milford Sound cruise
Afternoon tea (Large muffin & tea/coffee)
Day 3:
Buffet Breakfast at hotel
Transport back to Walter Peak on luxury van
Snack Platter Lunch at Walter Peak before returning to Queenstown on the Earnslaw
How much does the tour cost?
$1240 - $1649 depending on the time of year. Peak season comes with higher prices across all tours, activities, and accommodation in the Central Otago and Fiordland region due to the higher demand.
How long is the tour?
The tour is 3 days, beginning in Queenstown at 11am on day one and returning to Queenstown by 2:30pm on day three.
Will I have to share a hotel room?
Every booking has their own room. No guests will share a hotel room with another guest in a different booking, or someone they do not know.
Who is this tour suited for?
The 3-day tour via Walter Peak is perfect for travellers who want a comprehensive, unhurried experience of the Queenstown and Fiordland regions. It's ideal for those who prefer to avoid long single-day drives and want to enjoy the journey at a more relaxed pace.
This tour suits those looking for a inclusive & real explorer experience that combines iconic attractions (the Earnslaw steamship, Walter Peak, and Milford Sound) with quality accommodation and meals included.
It's particularly well-suited to international visitors wanting to maximise their time in the region without the stress of self-driving or planning multiple activities.
Choosing the right Milford Sound tour is key to making the most of your New Zealand adventure. Whether you’re based in Queenstown or Te Anau, travelling with young children or seeking a multi-day escape, Luxe Tours offers a premium small-group experience to suit your needs.
Our commitment to comfort, personal service, and local expertise ensures you’ll experience Milford Sound, and the remarkable journey to it, in the best possible way. With guaranteed departures, flexible bookings, and thoughtful touches throughout, we handle the details so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories.
