Question 1

What is the van like on this tour?

Accepted Answer

Our van on this Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour is limited to 13 guests. Every other tour company with this same van takes 15 - 17 guests. We have removed a row of seats in our van to make it extra spacious and comfortable. That's why we are called Luxe!

This van has been specially designed for this longer day tour:
- Only 13 guests
- 60% more legroom
- 20% wider seat
- Reclining seats

Everybody has a window seat, great leg room, bag storage space, good air conditioning and clear audible commentary.

Question 2

I get travel sickness, can I request a front seat?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. When booking online, leave us a note in the "special requirements" box, or otherwise simply email our bookings team bookings@luxetours.co.nz after you place your booking to let us know.

Question 3

Can you pick us up from our accommodation?

Accepted Answer

We pick up from accommodations that are located in Queenstown town centre, or along the main road out of Queenstown towards Frankton. This road is called "Frankton Road".

When you book online on our website, there are accommodation options listed. If your accommodation is not listed, select "Make Contact" or simple email us at bookings@luxetours.co.nz to find out the best place for us to pick you up.

In some cases, depending on your accommodation, there will be a 1 - 5min walk involved to get to a pick up point.

Question 4

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Guests can cancel this tour up to 5-days prior for a full refund for any reason. 
Guests can also purchase 'Last-minute cancellation coverage' which allows you to cancel within 5-days to go for a full refund, no questions asked.

For guests who have added on a flight, if the flight is cancelled due to weather, you will be fully refunded for that portion of the tour and return in the tour van instead.

Question 5

Do you recommend children come on this tour?

Accepted Answer

We love having children on our tours, it often adds a fun & enjoyable dynamic to our tours for everybody on board however we do not recommend bringing young children under the age of 5 on this tour from Queenstown due to the length of time driving.

We recommend that you do a Milford Sound Tour from Te Anau instead as it is half the time in the vehicle driving, and more time outside.

Question 6

How long is this tour?

Accepted Answer

Any Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour is about 12-hours.

Time in van driving: 9 hours in total. 4.5 hours each way including pickups/dropoffs.
Time on cruise: 2 hours in total.
Time out in nature, scenic stops & photography: 2.5 hours in total

If you are looking for a bigger experience & tour from Queenstown, consider our Milford Sound Tour via Walter Peak, departing from Queenstown which is three days in total.

Question 7

What cruise does Luxe Tours partner with?

Accepted Answer

We partner with RealNZ and use the 'Milford Haven' boat, and have built a strong relationship due to three key factors:
Their focus on conservation & sustainability. 
Safety record and organisation. 
Their overall experience in Milford Sound and world class knowledge of the area.

See our Milford Sound Cruise details here

Question 8

What food is available on this tour?

Accepted Answer

We provide a morning cafe muffin snack with several options to choose from when booking - Sweet, Savoury, Gluten Free or Vegan.

There is also the option to pre-order a restaurant meal for your Milford Sound cruise at extra cost. This is delivered to your reserved table onboard the cruise within the first 10-mins.

We also provide chilled water throughout the day.

Question 9

How many people do you take on your tour?

Accepted Answer

Our van on this Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour is limited to 13 guests. Every other tour company with this same van takes 17 - 21 people. We have removed a row of seats in our van to make it extra spacious and comfortable. That's why we are called Luxe!

Question 10

Do you avoid large crowds during the tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is one of our strongest reviewed high scores from previous guests. Our guides do their best to get the right mix of enjoying popular nature stops but not being surrounded by hundreds of tourists.

Question 11

Will Luxe Tours still travel with only a few guests?

Accepted Answer

Yes 100% guaranteed departure unless weather or safety has closed the Milford Road. We would never want to ruin your day you have travelled across the world to experience by cancelling.

Question 12

Are your guides truly local?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All our guides for this tour live in this area and have a very deep knowledge of Milford Sound and importantly the Milford Road. They are very experienced in driving in all conditions on the alpine road and getting you to the best local and even their own favourite spots that you will love.

Question 13

Will I see all the photo/nature spots I see online?

Accepted Answer

Yes and more. Because we are a smaller group tour that doesn't use a large bus, we are able to fit into other areas and see even more special locations.

As an example, we even have a beautiful spot that some of our own staff use for fishing & camping at that is off the main road, away from the crowds and next to a crystal clear, stunning river. This is where we enjoy our yummy morning tea.

Question 14

Are there any big walks that I have to do?

Accepted Answer

No there is not. You can choose which walks to join us on as described below:

Mirror Lakes - this is a two minute walk from the van to the beautiful Mirror Lakes. It is a board walk track with handrails. Rating: Very easy.

Lake Gunn Nature Walk - This is a very easy 20 minute return walk through the forest on flat ground. We pop out at a lake which is lovely on a clear, calm day. Rating: Very Easy.  We only do this walk if time allows.
 
Milford Sound - We drop you directly to the front door of the cruise terminal. You will not need to walk around the foreshore as visitors who drive themselves will have to.

Question 15

What is included in your tour price?

Accepted Answer

Pick up & drop off at your accommodation. 
Luxury van with spacious seating and leg room, arm rests, climate control and filtered air conditioning, overhead bag space, privacy tinted glass & more. 
Guided tour with expert & specially trained drivers for the Milford Road, up to 8 photo stops  (depending on weather).
2-Hour Milford Sound guided cruise with RealNZ aboard their Milford Haven boat. 
Chilled complementary water. 
Other ammenities for comfort such as a towel, umbrella, hand warmers & onboard entertainment.
A few extra special treats!

Lunch & food can be added as an addition, including full menu options aboard your cruise.

Question 16

How many people are on the cruise boat?

Accepted Answer

The boat that we use in our partnership with RealNZ has capacity for 400 guests, however to give our guests the best possible experience, RealNZ has committed to only taking 150 on each cruise. This ensures you have ultimate comfort and space to move around the boat to take advantage of different viewing platforms.

Our hundreds of previous guests have all commented that they never felt crowded and they had a lot of choice of where to go on the boat.

We also have reserved seating & tables for Luxe guests so that you never miss out.

Question 17

What is our point of difference?

Accepted Answer

Simply put - our coach, quality of service and local guides. We have the best small group coach of anyone on a Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown. Our guides are exceptional in their service & care and are very adaptable to the day in front of them because of how well they know the road to Milford.  They avoid large crowds all day long!

Tour FAQs

Frequently asked questions