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NEW Walter Peak & Milford Sound Tour: A Complete Itinerary
- Alice Neilson - Fiordland Enthusiast & Writer
- May 4
- 10 min read
Milford Sound Luxe Tours has launched a unique three-day backcountry tour connecting Queenstown to Milford Sound. This exclusive offering is currently the only guided tour operating through the spectacular Von Valley between Queenstown and Te Anau, giving explorers access to landscapes inaccessible to most self-driving tourists.
This immersive journey is designed for travellers who want to experience more than just the highlights. It's for those who wish to slow down, feel completely detached from everyday life, and truly absorb the diverse landscapes that make New Zealand special.
Spanning three days, the tour showcases multiple environments within a relatively small geographic area, from the dry, rugged terrain of Central Otago to the lush rainforests of Fiordland National Park. This guide provides a comprehensive day-by-day breakdown of this new backcountry adventure.
Key Takeaways
Three-day all-inclusive tour including transport, accommodation, and select meals
Unique access through Von Valley and Mount Nicholas Station
Includes historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship journeys and a two-hour Milford Sound cruise
Premium Mercedes Sprinter van customised to accommodate just 10 guests for maximum space and comfort
Strategically timed for a quieter Milford Sound experience with a morning 10:30 AM cruise
Local guides provide authentic insights into New Zealand's farming and natural heritage, as well as knowledge of stunning photographic scenery
Carefully designed start and end times accommodate hotel check-out/check-in and flights
Queenstown to Milford Sound Tour Options
Day Trip Options
Many visitors attempt to experience Milford Sound as a day trip from Queenstown. While this is possible, it’s a busy 12-13 hour round-trip with limited time for stops and getting fully immersed in the environment.
These tours typically involve early morning departures and late evening returns to Queenstown, with minimal stopping time along the Milford Road.
These tours are suited to those who just want to get the visit done in a day, have limited time, and don’t mind being in larger groups.
For those who want to do the day trip in a small group, Luxe does have an option for this as well, see here: Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown
The Backcountry Alternative
For those who want a truly immersive experience, Luxe’s new Backcountry Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown via Walter Peak provides a compelling alternative for those who are explorers at heart.
This three-day journey allows guests to absorb the changing landscapes and access areas off-limits to most visitors due to rental car rules and no other tours operating.
By including a two-night stay in Te Anau, the tour allows time to explore the lakeside town and also enables a more relaxed approach to experiencing Milford Sound. This timing also allows for a quieter, less crowded cruise experience and more meaningful stops along the Milford Road.
Most importantly, this tour takes you through remote backcountry stations and valleys that are more difficult to most self-drivers or conventional tours, offering perspectives on New Zealand that few visitors ever experience.
Day One: Queenstown to Te Anau via Walter Peak & Backcountry
Morning Departure: The Historic Earnslaw
The adventure begins at 11:00 AM in Queenstown, where guests board the RealNZ TSS Earnslaw steamship with their luggage for a 45-minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
The beautiful Earnslaw is the oldest operating passenger steamship in the Southern Hemisphere and has been carrying passengers across the lake since 1912, providing a glimpse into New Zealand's maritime history.
The scenic journey offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and shoreline, setting the stage for the adventure ahead. Onboard, guests can view the engine room and learn about the vessel's storied past.
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Upon arrival at Walter Peak, guests are greeted by working farm dogs and the stunning lakeside setting. The homestead provides a warm welcome with reserved lake-view tables for Luxe Tours guests to enjoy a gourmet barbecue buffet lunch.
The lunch spread features a variety of options including meats, seafood, vegetables, salads and desserts. Special dietary requirements are well accommodated, with over 30 different dietary needs catered for, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
After lunch, guests enjoy a farm demonstration including sheep shearing and working dogs in action, providing insight into New Zealand's agricultural heritage and the daily workings of a high country farm station.
Von Valley and Mt Nicholas Station
At approximately 1:30 PM, the Luxe Tours guide arrives with the premium Mercedes Sprinter van. This custom-designed all-wheel drive vehicle, normally seating 17 passengers, has been modified to accommodate just 10 guests.
The seats are wider than in standard tour vans, with USB charging ports and ample legroom. This spacious configuration allows guests to travel in comfort over the next three days.
Your guide, a local with extensive knowledge of the backcountry roads and history, will begin the journey up toward Von Valley and Mt Nicholas Station.
After leaving Walter Peak, the van climbs above the turquoise waters of Lake Wakatipu, offering spectacular views back toward Queenstown and the surrounding mountains.
The tour passes by the Mt Nicholas Station Homestead, and your guide will stop to share stories of the station's development and farming practices. There might also be some Mt Nicholas Station family-made honey here for guests. This stop provides genuine insight to the people who live and work in these remote areas.
Von Valley
The journey takes travellers through the spectacular Von Valley, which stretches for approximately 50 kilometres from Lake Wakatipu toward Te Anau. This secluded valley features rugged, rocky terrain with steep mountain slopes.
The tour follows the Von River, eventually crossing part of it via a ford – a shallow river crossing that showcases the van's all-wheel drive capability.
The tour also passes a historic homestead dating back approximately 200 years. Your guide will share the stories of the early settlers who made their lives in this remote area, providing context for New Zealand's farming heritage.
Mountain Viewpoints
The van climbs to an elevation of around 600 metres above sea level, where guests enjoy panoramic views across the Von Valley. This vantage point offers exceptional photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the scale and serenity of the landscape.
Mt Nicholas Station
After time to soak in the views, the tour descends back into the valley and through Mt Nicholas Station, where things can get busy with the "locals". Encounters with farm animals – sheep, cows, and nose-ringed bulls – are common. Wild birds, including falcons and harrier hawks, may also be soaring overhead.
Guests will experience driving through a true, authentic New Zealand working farm. For those who want to get a hands-on experience, they can open the farm gates for us to pass through!
The Rain Shadow Effect
The dramatic landscape here begins to showcase the contrast between the different environments you'll experience throughout the tour – from the dry, rocky terrain to glimpses of more lush areas in the distance.
As the journey continues, guests witness a fascinating geographical phenomenon – the rain shadow effect. This occurs when
mountain ranges block rain-bearing weather systems, creating dramatically different environments on either side.
To the left, you'll see the dry, rugged landscape characteristic of Central Otago. To the right, you’ll see the gradual transition to the greener, more lush environment on the Fiordland side.
This visual demonstration of how mountain ranges influence climate and vegetation is one of the tour's truly unique elements. Rather than just hearing about this effect, guests experience it firsthand as the landscape transforms before their eyes.
Mavora Lakes
The tour visits South Mavora Lake, where guests can stand on the river bridge and take in the stunning views. This picturesque location marks the transition into native beech forest environments, serving as an introduction to the type of forest that will feature in the next day's journey to Milford Sound.
As the journey continues toward Te Anau, the landscape becomes increasingly green and lush, with deer farming areas showcasing another aspect of New Zealand's agricultural diversity.
Arriving in Te Anau
Before reaching Te Anau, the tour may stop at the Sprig & Thistle Cafe, run by two sisters who produce their own wool products. This charming stop offers refreshments and the opportunity to view or purchase locally made wool items.
The tour arrives in Te Anau at approximately 5:00 PM, where guests check into their Distinction Hotel accommodation, just a one-minute walk away from Te Anau’s main street.
Your guide will provide you with a list of food options and personal recommendations for dinner.
Day Two: Milford Sound Day Tour
Morning Departure and Cruise
After enjoying a buffet breakfast (included in package) at the hotel, guests are collected at approximately 7:30 AM for Luxe’s 5-star-rated Milford Sound Tour.
The tour arrives at Milford Sound in time for a 10:30 AM cruise aboard the Milford Haven. This timing is ideal – most day tours from Queenstown don't arrive until 12:30-2:00 PM, meaning a significantly quieter and more peaceful cruise experience.
The two-hour cruise takes guests the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea, with excellent viewing of waterfalls, wildlife, and the iconic Mitre Peak. Food options are available for purchase onboard for those wishing to enjoy a meal during the cruise.
The morning timing also typically offers calmer water conditions, enhancing the tranquility of this world-renowned natural wonder.
The Milford Road
After the cruise, guests are collected by their guide for the return journey to Te Anau. With most day-trippers just now arriving at Milford Sound, the return drive features quieter roads and viewpoints.
The tour includes afternoon tea with coffee, tea, and a cafe muffin snack, 9-10 scenic stops, and a short comfortable nature walk. Your guide will select the best options based on weather conditions and group interests, ensuring a personalised experience.
Popular stops include Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley, and Monkey Creek, each offering distinctive landscapes and photo opportunities. The nature walk provides a chance to experience the ancient beech forest and native birdlife up close.
This portion of the tour showcases Fiordland National Park's remarkable biodiversity and geological features. Your guide will share insights about the park's formation, its unique wildlife, and the conservation efforts that protect this precious ecosystem.
Return to Te Anau
The van returns to Te Anau by approximately 4:30 PM, giving guests free time to explore the town or enjoy additional activities, such as the Te Anau glowworm tour, float plane, or visiting the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary to see the rare takahē bird.
For any additional Te Anau activities that require bookings, Luxe can help arrange these for you.
Day Three: Return to Queenstown
Final Day Journey
After a second buffet breakfast (included in package) at the hotel, guests check out and are collected for the return journey to Queenstown.
Rather than retracing the exact route from day one, the return journey includes different stopping points. This provides fresh perspectives of the landscape and new photographic opportunities.
Farewell at Walter Peak
The tour arrives back at Walter Peak Station around 12:45 PM, where guests enjoy a farewell snack platter. There's time to explore the homestead before the Earnslaw's arrival.
The TSS Earnslaw then departs Walter Peak at 1:45 PM, concluding with arrival in Queenstown at approximately 2:30 pm.
Tour Details and Value
Inclusions & Luggage
This all-inclusive experience covers accommodation, breakfasts, day one buffet lunch and snacks, and all transportation including the TSS Earnslaw journeys. The tour is limited to just 10 passengers, ensuring personalised attention and comfortable travel.
Each guest can bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag/day pack. The custom Mercedes Sprinter van features extra wide seating, exceptional legroom, USB charging ports, and climate control air conditioning.
Local guides with intimate knowledge of the area provide insightful commentary throughout, sharing stories and information that bring the landscapes to life.
Tour Accommodation
The Distinction Hotel offers an ideal location, just one minute from Te Anau's main street restaurants and 30 seconds from the lakefront. Guests enjoy buffet breakfasts on both mornings of their stay.
Each booking has a private room for up to two people. Family and larger group accommodations can be customised upon booking.
Strategic Timing
The tour begins on day one at 11 am, which allows plenty of time for guests to check out of Queenstown accommodation.
The tour then ends at 2:30 pm on day three, allowing guests time to check into new accommodation, connect with afternoon flights, or collect rental cars for onward travel.
Pricing and Value
If it were possible to do this full trip as a couple self-driving, it would cost approximately $2400.
However, this complex journey is not one most visitors would be able to organise on their own. For international visitors particularly, organising such an itinerary independently would be nearly impossible, as the backcountry sections and access require local knowledge.
Currently, no other guided van tours operate through the Von Valley to Te Anau, making this experience exclusive to Luxe Tours, providing access to landscapes that most visitors never see.
The tour is priced from $1250 per adult. While this represents a premium experience, it offers exceptional value considering the exclusivity of the route and the all-inclusive nature of the package.
Toby and Katelyn, Milford Sound Luxe Tours owners, have poured their passion for the region into this itinerary. The tour reflects their local knowledge and desire to share the genuine character of the areas they love.
Who Is This Tour For?
This tour is designed for explorers who want to immerse themselves in the authentic character of New Zealand. It's ideal for those who appreciate both natural landscapes and cultural heritage rather than simply ticking off tourist highlights.
It’s for the travellers who want to experience the diversity of New Zealand's environments, from high-country farming stations to ancient rainforests and want to truly get "off the beaten track". The tour showcases both the agricultural traditions and the pristine natural areas that define New Zealand's identity.
This new Backcountry Milford Sound Tour represents a thoughtfully crafted journey through some of New Zealand's most remarkable landscapes. By combining iconic destinations with exclusive backcountry access, it offers a deeper, more authentic experience than conventional Queenstown to Milford Sound tours.
For those seeking to experience New Zealand beyond the usual tourist trail, this three-day journey offers the perfect balance of comfort, adventure, and immersion in both natural and cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring more than one suitcase?
Yes, additional luggage can often be accommodated if you let us know ahead of time. Please inform the booking team if you'll need to bring extra bags.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome on the tour. We don't provide car seats, but you're welcome to bring your own, and our guides will assist with installation. Our guides are very experienced with children and enjoy having them on tours. We find that kids often add a fun dynamic to the group.
Please consider that there will be approximately two hours of travel on day one and four hours on day two. If your children are comfortable with these travel times, they will likely enjoy the diverse experiences the tour offers.
Where are the bathrooms on the tour?
On day one, there are bathrooms at Walter Peak and two facilities along the Von Valley route, approximately every 45 minutes.
On day two, bathroom stops include facilities at Knobs Flat (about 45 minutes into the drive to Milford Sound) and the Milford Sound cruise terminal.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you're welcome to bring your own snacks and food items.
What food & drinks are included in the tour price?
Day One:
Buffet BBQ Lunch at Walter Peak
Chilled water bottle for guests to keep
Day Two
Buffet breakfast at hotel
Afternoon Tea, Coffee & large snack
Meals can be pre ordered at an extra cost for the Milford Sound cruise
Day Three
Buffet breakfast at hotel
Snack platter before heading back to Queenstown on the Earnslaw (approx 1pm)
Will there be wifi on the tour?
On day one, guests will have cellphone reception & Wifi until approximately 2pm. Once the tour heads into the Von Valley, guests will lose Wifi until approximately 4:30pm.
Guests will have wifi and hotel wifi while staying in Te Anau.
On day two to Milford Sound, guests will have patches of wifi along the Milford Road but very limited.
