5-Day South Island Tour from Queenstown: Milford, Stewart Island & Aoraki Highlights
A five-day private tour from Queenstown that threads Milford Sound, Stewart Island, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo into a compact, flexible route. Expect dramatic fjords, predator-free island walks, glacier-fed lakes and world-class stargazing with options to tailor intensity.
The Experience
Before You Go
Pack for layers
Temperatures vary widely—bring a waterproof shell, insulating midlayer, and quick-dry base layers for hikes and boat decks.
Motion-sickness prep
Foveaux Strait and Milford/Doubtful Sound crossings can be choppy—bring medication or sit mid-ship where motion is least.
Binoculars and camera
Wildlife and vast landscapes reward long lenses and binoculars—carry a small tripod for night sky photos at Tekapo.
Leave biosecurity to hosts
Ulva Island is predator-free—clean boots and gear before crossing to protect native birds like saddleback and kiwi.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Wilmot Pass pull-offs for rare rainforest-to-alpine transitions
- •High Country Salmon near Twizel for a quiet, fresh-water stop and great local cuisine
Wildlife
- •Kea (alpine parrot)
- •Stewart Island brown kiwi
Conservation Note
Ulva Island’s predator-free status is a flagship local conservation success—biosecurity and visitor restraint are essential to protect fragile native birds.
Stewart Island carries Māori history and the name Rakiura; coastal communities like Bluff developed around sealing, whaling and later commercial fishing.
Photographer's Notes
- • Milford Sound cruise rail for waterfalls and cliffs
- • Lake Pukaki shoreline with Aoraki/Mount Cook framed behind the turquoise water
- • Hooker Valley swing bridges for glacier-fed vistas
What to Bring
Waterproof shell/jacketEssential
Protects against sudden alpine rain and wind on fiords and passes.
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Grip and ankle support for boardwalks, short valley walks and uneven coastal trails.
Daypack with rain coverEssential
Holds layers, water, snacks and camera gear during on-foot excursions.
Binoculars and camera
Helps spot seabirds, kiwi at dusk and capture wide landscapes or night skies.
Common Questions
Where does the tour start and finish?
This private 5-day tour starts and finishes in Queenstown with hotel pickups and drop-offs arranged on booking.
Is the ferry to Stewart Island included?
A one-way ferry or flight option can be included if you select the corresponding ticket option when booking—check the "With Tickets" choices.
How strenuous are the walks on the tour?
Walks are generally short and low-grade—boardwalks on Ulva Island and Hooker Valley are accessible, but optional activities like alpine trekking require higher fitness.
Can we swap optional activities?
Yes—after booking the operator may allow swaps for alternatives like glacier hikes or skydiving subject to availability and route feasibility.
What wildlife might we see?
Expect native birds like tūī and saddleback, alpine kea near Aoraki, and on Stewart Island you may hear or glimpse brown kiwi at night.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund if canceled at least 6 full days before departure; 50% refund between 2–6 days; no refund within 2 days.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 days
Location
Queenstown, Otago
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in reasonable health who can manage short walks (30–90 minutes). Optional activities may require higher fitness.
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