Milford Sound

Milford Sound to Summit Experience

The Routeburn Track on a sunny afternoon, where would you rather be? Fiordland National Park

Best of Milford Sound by cruise, and hike to Key Summit

Make the most of your day in Fiordland with an unforgettable journey from Milford Sound to the mountains. Enjoy a peaceful morning cruise on the fiord before the crowds, then head to the Routeburn Track for a guided walk to Key Summit. With scenic stops along the way and expert local guidance throughout, this experience combines the very best of Fiordland by water and on foot, perfect for active travellers short on time but big on adventure.

Moderate
1hr 45 mins
3 hrs
400m
7 km
10 hrs

Small Group Trip

Per person ^NZ$455

Private trip

From ^NZ$1520

Journey to Milford Sound

Travel from Te Anau along the spectacular Milford Road with an experienced local guide, whose stories and insight bring Fiordland to life in any weather. Enjoy the comfort of a modern coach and a small group (maximum 8 people), with short scenic stops at Mirror Lakes and the Eglinton Valley to break the journey and experience these iconic spots in the early morning light.

Trips and Tramps van in beside road looking down towards Milford

Cruise Milford Sound

Set sail on a 1 hour 45 minute boutique cruise with Cruise Milford, gliding through the serene waters of Milford Sound. Take in towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the stunning fiord scenery, all in comfort and style before the crowds arrive.

The vessel’s intimate size lets you get close to Milford Sound’s wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals and playful dolphins. Don’t miss the chance to feel the spray of a “Glacial Facial” beneath Stirling Falls, an unforgettable experience.

Experiencing Milford Sound under a water fall is exhilarating

Afternoon hike on Routeburn Track

In the afternoon, we journey from the tranquil waters of Milford Sound to the alpine heights on a guided walk on the renowned Routeburn Track, a New Zealand Great Walk. Wander through lush native forest as we climb steadily towards Key Summit, with your guide sharing insights about the unique flora and fauna along the way. At Key Summit, enjoy sweeping panoramic views across Fiordland’s dramatic mountains, valleys, and distant peaks, a perfect reward for your afternoon adventure. In inclement weather, we head to the sheltered valley of Lake Howden before retracing our steps back to the Divide.

People enjoy a guided walk on Key Summit, Routeburn Track, Fiordland, photo by Miles Holden

Milford Sound
Routeburn Track
Te Anau
Eglinton Valley
Mirror Lakes

Meals

A picnic lunch is included, consisting of a chicken and salad filled roll, granola slice, cheese & crackers, chocolate, mixed nuts and a piece of fresh fruit. Most dietary requirements can be catered for if details are provided prior to the day of travel. Hot drinks are available on board the boat.

Schedule

This trip departs daily in summer 01 November to 31 March (excluding Christmas Day 25 + 26 December)

6.45 am Te Anau accommodation pick up, return aprox. 5.00 pm

Note return time will vary, depending on weather and group motivations on the day.

Pick up from all major Te Anau accommodation provided. Our default pick up is the Fiordland Community Events Centre, 20 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau. This offers plenty of free all-day parking for people located out of town or if accommodation is unknown at the time of booking.

What to bring

We recommend you bring comfortable walking shoes, day pack containing warm clothing including thermal hat and gloves, sunhat and sunglasses, waterproof jacket, filled reusable water bottle, and camera.

We Provide

We provide a professional driver/guide, all transport from Te Anau with accommodation pick up and drop off. A Cruise Mlford Sound Boat Cruise, lunch and guided walk on the Routeburn Track. Tea and coffee are provided on the boat and on the hike.

Rates

Our rates change annually from 01 October, please check the booking system to confirm the rate during your travel time.

Everyone - 8 + years

Sorry we do not cater for children less than 8 years on this experience.

PRIVATE ACTIVE EXPERIENCE

Experience Fiordland your way with a private, fully guided journey from Te Anau along the iconic Milford Road. Travel in comfort with your own expert guide, enjoying scenic stops and a personalised experience in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

Boutique Milford Sound Cruise

Join a small, shared cruise with Cruise Milford, where fewer passengers mean a more intimate experience on the water. Glide beneath towering peaks and waterfalls, encounter local wildlife, and feel the spray of Stirling Falls, all before the crowds arrive.

Private Guided Walk - Routeburn Track

Complete your day with a privately guided walk on the renowned Routeburn Track. Walk at your own pace through native forest to Key Summit, where panoramic alpine views provide a stunning finale to your Fiordland experience.

Need help deciding?
Feel free to get in touch, we're happy to help plan your perfect day.

If you have a larger group, 6 + people looking for a private trip, please contact us for a quote.