Queenstown & Fiordland Majestic Cruises & Back Country Adventures

This carefully crafted holiday has been designed to showcase the very best of the South Island. Cruise through the awe-inspiring fiords, journey into the magnificent back country, and soak up the unforgettable scenery that has made this region world-famous.

Around every corner awaits another incredible view, another memorable experience, and another reason to fall in love with the South.

No visit to Queenstown would be complete without enjoying its outstanding food and wine. We’ll visit renowned wineries, sample some of New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noir, and indulge in delicious local cuisine while surrounded by stunning alpine landscapes. From charming Arrowtown to vibrant Queenstown, you’ll discover welcoming hospitality, boutique shopping, fascinating history and exceptional dining.

Leaving Queenstown behind we venture forth into its spectacular neighbour – Fiordland. Home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery, this extraordinary region is renowned for its towering mountains, ancient rainforests, pristine lakes and magnificent fiords. It is a place that simply has to be experienced to be believed.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Area, Fiordland National Park is one of the last great wilderness regions on Earth. Here you’ll discover the dramatic beauty of Milford Sound, the tranquil splendour of Doubtful Sound, the picturesque lakeside towns of Te Anau and Manapouri, and landscapes that have captivated travellers from around the world for generations.

This tour has been designed for those who want to experience Fiordland’s grandeur in comfort. Rather than tackling challenging hikes, we’ll explore the region by scenic roads, travelling through breathtaking back country that many visitors never get to see. We’ll cruise both the world-famous Milford Sound and the serene Doubtful Sound, allowing you to appreciate these remarkable fiords from the very best vantage point.

To ensure we experience each destination at a relaxed pace, we’ll spend three nights in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland, and three nights in vibrant Queenstown, giving you time to soak up the atmosphere, scenery and hospitality of both regions.

Every day promises unforgettable landscapes, unique experiences and countless photo opportunities. From towering peaks and mirror-like lakes to hidden valleys and winding alpine roads, this is a journey filled with moments you’ll remember long after you’ve returned home.

For your comfort, we’ll be travelling in a luxury touring vehicle featuring extra legroom, wider seats and a more relaxed touring experience. As we have chosen comfort over capacity, so places are strictly limited.

If Queenstown and Fiordland have always been on your bucket list, now is the perfect time.

Whether this is your first visit or your fifth, Queenstown and Fiordland never fail to impress. Sit back, relax and leave the planning to us as we take you on an unforgettable spring escape filled with spectacular scenery, wonderful company and memories you’ll treasure long after you return home.

Secure your seat today and join us on what promises to be one of our most spectacular spring tours yet.

See full itinerary details below.

Fly to Queenstown –   Departing the Tauranga airport and an ETA into Queenstown at approx. 1.30Pm.

Queenstown is known as an Alpine resort town and its like no other in New Zealand. On arrival – settle into your hotel and then enjoy an afternoon to wander and explore your surroundings in the town centre. We are situated right on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, and there is a fabulous walkway along the shore and up into the gardens where the spring bulbs will be popping their heads up though the ground. The Queenstown shops are also very close to our hotel, are open much later compared to other towns in NZ, so you may wish to peruse these.

Or just relax in the hotel, which has a cosy fireplace and a spa pool.

6pm Together we will all enjoy a lovely Dinner in house.

Overnight in Novotel Hotel – Queenstown for 2 x nights

A full free day to explore Queenstown at your leisure.

There are so many things to do in Queenstown so I thought it would be nice for you to do what is of most interest to you – We are staying within walking distance of so many things including the Saturday market. The waterfront has multiple attractions on offer, there is always entertainment along the waterfront, you might like to go up the Gondola and enjoy lunch or a drink and the fantastic views, some of the famous shops to look out for are Ferg’s Bar for a drink and a famous Fergburger, check out the Belowzero icebar – which is amazing, or if you wish to have an organized adventure – I can book something for you – maybe a Scenic flight or a Lord of The Rings Day Tour. We will be doing some of the other adventures tomorrow – so choose wisely. There are busses which run to the Remarkable’ s shopping centre and markets of course the bus also runs to Arrowtown. Free for seniors & $2 for others. Its such an easy place to get around with just so much to see & do.

This evening I encourage you to check out some of the local restaurants /cafes close by or even dine again in house – the choices in Queenstown are unlimited. You have a free evening to dine wherever you wish.

Dinner is at your leisure & your own expense tonight.

This morning we can sleep late – enjoy leisurely breakfast in house then head over to catch the famous TSS Earnslaw Steamship from Queenstown to Walter Peak Station.

Step back in time when you climb aboard our 111-year-old vintage vessel. The TSS Earnslaw is the oldest commercial passenger-carrying steamship in the Southern Hemisphere and still leisurely ferries passengers from Queenstown, across Lake Wakatipu, to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Settled by Europeans in the 1860s, Walter Peak is now a preserved rural destination, restored and open for guests to explore its beautiful shores. Admire the view of Queenstown across the bright blue lake, under mountains, and nested in forests before heading out on one of the High Country Farm’s many adventures.  You will get to enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch at the Homestead Restaurant.

After lunch we will be met by our guide, who will introduce us to the raw, untouched back country roads and rainforest of the region. He will have his premium luxe Mercedes vehicle which has extra leg room and comfortable seats for the journey.

We will travel from Walter Peak station to Mount Nicholas Station and the Von Valley, on route to Te Anau. You will enjoy incredible scenery and high-country farming. It’s always an adventure to traverse the roads less travelled.

Time permitting, we will go to the movie theatre in Te Anau and watch a very special short movie called ‘Ata Whenua- Shadowland’ – One of my favourites to watch. It’s just a short spectacular 32-minute cinematic documentary that showcases the breathtaking Fiordland World Heritage wilderness, it’s a fabulous visual introductory to the region

We will dine at the Movie Theatre café – I am sure you won’t be wanting a large meal his evening after enjoying a wonderful BBQ lunch at Walter  Peak Station

Dinner will be at your own expense.

We overnight in the Te Anau Distinction hotel & villas for next 3 nights.

Buffet breakfast in house. It’s an early start to the day. 7:30am – We begin our adventures to Milford Sound.

Located a few hours from Te Anau, this remote fiord is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring destinations in Aotearoa. Tucked deep within Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a breathtaking natural masterpiece renowned for its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and serene, mirror-like waters. Often referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World”, a title famously bestowed by author Rudyard Kipling, Milford Sound captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes sculpted by glaciers over thousands of years. Mist-shrouded peaks like Mitre Peak rise nearly 1,700 meters straight from the water, while wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and penguins add to the magic of the experience.

We will have a few stops enroute to Milford Sound to soak up the beauty & vastness of the region. On arrival we will board the Milford Haven cruise boat and enjoy what’s called the Nature tour, which is focused a little more on seeing animals in the wild  as well as enjoying the beautiful scenery, and waterfalls.

After the cruise we will stop at PioPio restaurant in Milford for a beautiful leisurely lunch with a choice of entree, main and 1 x drink. We want you to soak up the sereneness of this wonderful region.

After lunch we return to Te Anau – and we will make some more scenic stops on route.

Some stops which are made throughout the scenic drives are

1. Te Anau Downs
2. Fiordland National Park
3. Eglington Valley
4. Mirror Lakes
5. Knobs Flat
6. Hollyford Valley
7. Monkey Creek
8. Short bush walk to enjoy the beech forest with robins & pīwakawaka
9. Secret waterfalls known only by locals

 Drop off to hotel – enjoy a wee rest or a drink at the bar before dinner.

 You are free to dine wherever you like this evening – at your own cost.

You can sleep a little longer this morning. Enjoy another full buffet breakfast before our 9am start to our adventures today.  Just a short drive to Manapouri, where we join the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise & tour.

Doubtful Sound is one of New Zealand’s most remote fiords, and it offers a rare wilderness few get to experience. Cruise along Doubtful Sound’s 40km stretch of pristine waterways surrounded by untouched nature, towering peaks and powerful waterfalls. In New Zealand’s deepest fiord, you’re exploring the home of abundant native wildlife, like bottlenose dolphins, NZ fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins.

Cruise across Lake Manapouri

Enjoy a 45-minute scenic cruise across the stunning, island-studded Lake Manapouri. This peaceful journey offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush rainforest, setting the stage for the wilderness ahead.

Journey over Wilmot Pass

Disembark at West Arm and board a coach for the 45-minute drive over Wilmot Pass, ascending 671 meters through dense rainforest. This extraordinary road, flanked by towering peaks, provides stunning views of Pātea Doubtful Sound when conditions permit. On clear days, the panoramic vista is unforgettable; on misty days, the fiord takes on an ethereal, mysterious beauty. Be sure to pause for photos and appreciate whatever nature reveals.

Discover Pātea Doubtful Sound on a wilderness cruise

Embark on a two-and-a-half-hour cruise through the untouched waters of Pātea Doubtful Sound, a fiord three times longer and ten times larger than Milford Sound. Navigate the tranquil waterways aboard a purpose-built catamaran, designed for comfort and panoramic views of the towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and hidden inlets. The ever-changing landscape ensures no two days in Doubtful Sound are the same. Look out for incredible wildlife like dolphins, fur seals, and even penguins.

We have included a picnic style lunch box  for you whilst onboard. Snacks and drinks are also available for purchase onboard.

We will return to hotel approx.  4:30pm, where you can explore the surroundings on Te Anau centre or rest before dinner

6pm Dinner in house altogether this evening.

Today – after breakfast, we will take the low road (Main Highway)  back to Queenstown, travelling via Mossburn, Kingston, The Devils Staircase, Jacks Point and back to where we begun this journey at the Novotel hotel. It is a very picturesque highway, particularly whilst following alongside Lake Wakatipu.

Enjoy your last afternoon in Queenstown before we head out this evening for one last hoorah.

5.30pm  We will  visit a place called Ayrburn – Queenstown’s newest most delicious food & wine destination playground, recently awarded one of NZ’s Michelin Stars. We will enjoy a fabulous last night together. 

Overnight Novotel – Queenstown 

After one final breakfast together, we transfer to the airport for our flight home.

While our tour may be ending, we hope the memories, laughter, and friendships you’ve made will stay with you for years to come.

Safe travels and thank you for considering to travel with us.

If you have any questions please call  07 572 4118.