Two people exploring lush native forest.

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Nature Experiences

Discover real native New Zealand flora, fauna and wildlife on our incredible nature experiences. Take a short cruise from Queenstown across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Choose from a Garden to Table Experience to guide you through the lush gardens or a Farm Tour to explore the working rural environment and animals.

Further south, discover the pristine natural wonder of Stewart Island. Discover the local nightlife and head out to spot the tokoeka (Rakiura kiwi), cruise out and walk the neighbouring island and bird sanctuary, UIva Island, or spend time in the village and hop from sandy beach to forest path.

In Te Anau, float beneath a glittering starry sky as you delve beneath the Murchison Mountains and discover the hidden Glowworm Caves.

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Destination

Milford Sound
Doubtful Sound
Queenstown
Te Anau
Stewart Island

Duration

Daytime

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Guest walking through lush native forest.

Stewart Island

Ulva Island Explorer

Return sea cruise to Ulva Island through Paterson Inlet

Guided walk through native forest and along beaches, spotting rare birds

Insight on the island’s wildlife and unique natural environment

2.5 hour small-group guided experience

From NZD

$145

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Family feeding a Highland cow at Walter Peak Farm.

Queenstown

Walter Peak Farm Tours

Includes return scenic cruise across Lake Whakatipu

Meet the farm animals and see the sheepdogs in action

Enjoy freshly baked morning or afternoon tea

3 hour 45 minute return experience

From NZD

$139

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Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises

Self-drive or book a coach from Te Anau or Queenstown

Explore the untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound

Look out for dolphins, seals and rare seabirds

9 hour full day experience

From NZD

$359

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Milford Sound

Milford Sound Signature Cruise

Self-drive to Milford Sound for departure

2 hour scenic fiord cruise

Local guides sharing wildlife stories

Fresh cabinet food & barista coffee onboard

From NZD

$175

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Te Anau

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau

Guided walk through limestone caverns

Witness luminous glowworms light up the dark

2.5 hour, small group experience

From NZD

$145

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RealNZ coach travelling along a coastal road beside a sandy beach.

Stewart Island

Stewart Island Village & Bays Tours

Explore Oban township and scenic coastal roads

Learn local history, culture and island life

Enjoy photo stops and sweeping harbour views

1.5 hour guided experience

From NZD

$59

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Queenstown

Walter Peak Garden to Table Experience

Includes return scenic cruise across Lake Whakatipu

Guided tour through the gardens at Walter Peak Farm

Lakeside high tea made with homegrown ingredients

3 hour 45 minute return experience

From NZD

$159

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Stewart Island

Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounters

Two tailored experiences to choose from

Guided bush walk in search of wild kiwi

Learn about Rakiura’s unique wildlife and environment

4 hour guided experience

From NZD

$269

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Guests walking through dense native forest.

Stewart Island

Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk

Scenic cruise across Halfmoon Bay to Oneke

Whakatau (welcome) and visit to the Oneke whare (meeting house)

Guided coastal and native bush walk

3 hour small-group experience

From NZD

$199

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Stewart Island

Stewart Island Day Trip

Return scenic flights from Queenstown

Stewart Island Ulva Island and Village & Bays Tours

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Nature Experiences FAQs

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Are there any natural hazards and risks I should be aware of when visiting Milford Sound?

Piopiotahi Milford Sound is one of the world's most spectacular environments, and it comes with natural hazard risk. A large earthquake or tsunami is extremely unlikely during your visit, especially a short one. Even so, these hazards do pose a risk to life, and once you are there, your options to stay safe are limited.

What to do: If an earthquake feels LONG or STRONG, Get GONE. Move up and away from waterways (the fiord and rivers) as quickly as possible. If you see or hear a landslide, do the same.

Find out more: realnz.com/en/plan/natural-hazard, civildefencesouthland.govt.nz/piopiotahi-milford-sound & af8.org.nz

How long does it take to travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound?

The road from Te Anau to Milford Sound takes around 3 hours to drive, allowing for breaks and photo stops along the way. If driving, make sure you fill your vehicle with petrol in Te Anau before travelling to Milford as there are no petrol stations at Milford Sound or en route. For more details, refer to our Driving Times webpage.

What is the best time of day to visit the Glowworm Caves?

It’s always dark inside the caves, so you’ll be able to see the glowworms on any departure. Daylight hours do vary significantly in NZ so for evening tours it may be dark for the cruise across Lake Te Anau to reach the caves, or on your return. Just choose a departure which fits best with your itinerary.

What happens if the weather changes and we can’t fly out from Milford?

Your travel agent or the outlet where you purchased your Milford Sound trip will refund the flight component of your ticket. You will return to Queenstown by coach.

What are the best months to go to Queenstown?

The best months to visit Queenstown are during winter (June-August) for skiing and snowboarding or summer (December-February) for hiking and outdoor activities. Winter offers snow-covered landscapes and a range of winter sports, while summer provides warm weather perfect for exploring the region's natural beauty.

What is Queenstown best known for?

Queenstown is best known for its adventure tourism, offering activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating, and white-water rafting. Renowned as the adventure capital of the world! It caters to adrenaline seekers with a wide range of thrilling experiences.

How long is the ferry to Stewart Island?

The ferry to Stewart Island from Bluff takes 1 hour, though the time may vary depending on sea conditions. Morning and afternoon departures are available to suit your schedule.

How long should I spend on Stewart Island?

Stewart Island offers an unforgettable experience best savoured over a two to three-night stay. Delve into the island's hidden beaches, forest walks, and inlets and explore the small township of Oban. For an immersive adventure, consider trekking a section of the Rakiura Great Walk or embarking on a scenic cruise to Ulva Island, Rakiura’s natural birdlife sanctuary. Island promises a getaway worth putting on your New Zealand itinerary.