Fiordland Cruise & Caves

• Full-day Milford Sound cruise
• Half-day glowworm caves guided tour & cruise

• 4 Nights quality hotel accommodation in Te Anau

• 5 meals, including daily breakfast

• Tour guide on Days 2 & 4

• Return transfers from Te Anau meeting point to Milford Sound
• Return transfers from Te Anau meeting point to Glowworm Caves

Welcome to Te Anau, the perfect township to base yourself in to explore the glacier-carved wilderness that is Fiordland National Park. Make your way to Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau, a delightful hotel that overlooks the majestic mountain range and sparkling Lake Te Anau, and only a short stroll along the lake into town. Check-in is available from 2pm.

Enjoy your afternoon and evening at leisure.

Optional Transfer: Queenstown to Te Anau - $60 per person
Operated by: TrackNet Shuttle Transfer
Departs Queenstown at 10:30
Arrives Te Anau at 13:00
Please refer to your final documentation for the confirmed times.

Overnight: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Meals included: None

(Start at 10:00 and end at 16:30)

This morning you will make your own way to the Te Anau Visitors Centre located at 86 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau where you will be collected to experience one of New Zealand’s iconic wonders – Milford Sound. Travel by small coach through the Fiordland National Park with multiple photo opportunities and walks through the heart of Fiordland.

As you arrive at Milford Sound, embark on your cruise aboard either the Milford Haven or Milford Marine and experience what’s been called the “eighth wonder of the world”. The best thing about Milford Sound Cruises is that the weather doesn’t matter! On a sunny day, it is beautiful and on a wet day it is spectacular! Fiordland has some of the world's highest waterfalls and they are a popular feature of Milford Sound. In all weather, you will see water cascading down massive cliffs into the sea.

Exploring the length of the fiord you’ll learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of specialist nature guides onboard. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins. The experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you’ll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day. A “Glacial Facial” under Sterling Falls is an experience not to be missed.

Enjoy a seasonal packed lunch before disembarking and returning to the Te Anau Visitors Centre by premium coach where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today you will have the day at leisure to explore the township of Te Anau, alternatively, you can choose to join an optional tour.

Optional Tour 1: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise $450 per person
(Start at 09:00 and end at 16:00)
Includes: Transfers from Te Anau and seasonal packed lunch
Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord; three times longer than Milford Sound and a surface area ten times larger with twisting arms. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.

There’s no direct road access, so the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road. We’ll pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.

Once you arrive, you will board the Patea Explorer for a 3-hour (approximately) cruise on Doubtful Sound - a spectacular pristine fiord. During the cruise, our knowledgeable and friendly skipper or nature guide will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Optional Tour 2: Fiordland Jetboat $170 per person
(Start at 10:00 or 14:00)
Includes: Transfers from Te Anau, 90-minute jet boating and 15-minute guided nature walk
Please refer to your final documentation for the confirmed times.

Overnight: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

(Start at 10:15 or 14:00)

Make your way by foot to the RealNZ Visitor Centre located at 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau where you will join your Glowworm Caves Guided Tour & Cruise. Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau on one of the purpose-built scenic cruise vessels. At the entry to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you join your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, the friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and their history. This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards, the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.

Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by hundreds of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary. At the end of the tour you will be returned to the visitors centre where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure.

Overnight: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you can enjoy a late check out of 12:00 after which you make your own onward travel arrangements.

Optional Transfer: Te Anau to Queenstown $60 per person
Operated by: TrackNet Shuttle Transfer
Departs Te Anau at 11:30
Arrives Queenstown at 14:15
Please refer to your final documentation for the confirmed times.

Meals included: Breakfast

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return. 

CANCELLATION POLICY

Covid-19 Booking Policy

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 26th May 2024.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $530 is applicable. 

Departure Dates

2023

October: *15, *22, *29
November: *12, *19, *26
December: *3, *10, *17

2024

January: *7, *14, *21, *28
February: *4, *11, *18, *25
March: *3, *10, *24, *31
April: 7, 14, 21, 28
May: 5, 12, 19, 26

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Surcharges

Please note:

• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $150 per person.

Milford Sound Cruise

It is the perfect time to experience spectacular Milford Sound. From thundering waterfalls to sky-high mountains and lush rainforests, Milford has it all. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces. Informative, participative, and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest. Cruise in style on board the newly refurbished Milford Haven. More than a boat, the Milford Haven boasts a large rooftop deck with 360-degree views of the fiord. If the Milford Haven is not able to operate on the day, we use the Milford Mariner which is a purpose-built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruise the fiords.

Accommodation Used

3-Star (self-rated)

Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed no later than two weeks prior to travel.

Extra Nights

Not available at check-out. 

Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.

• Valid for Children 5 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Triple Share

Not Available.

Bedding Configuration

Twin or Double Bedding (subject to availability).

Optional Tours / Activities

Day 1: Bus Transfer Queenstown to Te Anau - $60 per person

Transfer on a shared bus, through TrackNET. Please note that passengers will need to make their own way to the bus stop which is centrally located at: 43 Camp Street, Queenstown.

Final times will be confirmed in your travel pack documentation.

Day 5: Bus Transfer Te Anau to Queenstown - $60 per person

Transfer on a shared bus, through TrackNET. Please note that passengers will need to make their own way to the bus stop which is centrally located at: 1 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau  

Final times will be confirmed in your travel pack documentation.

Optional Tour 1: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise $450 per person

(Start at 09:00 and end at 18:00)
Includes: Transfers from Te Anau and seasonal packed lunch
Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord; three times longer than Milford Sound and a surface area ten times larger with twisting arms. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.
There’s no direct road access, so the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road. We’ll pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.
Once you arrive, you will board the Patea Explorer for a 3 hour (approximately) cruise on Doubtful Sound - a spectacular pristine fiord. During the cruise, our knowledgeable and friendly skipper or nature guide will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. 
 
Optional Tour 2: Fiordland Jetboat $170 per person 
(Start at 10:00 or 14:00)
Includes: Transfers from Te Anau, 90-minute jet boating and 15-minute guided nature walk 
Final times will be confirmed in your travel pack documentation. 
 
Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions.
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). 
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

• Visa fees and requirements 

• International/Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Optional gratuities/tipping 

• Optional activities/tours 

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

Tour Guide: 

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Fiordland is a wilderness environment which can be very unpredictable and change dramatically, very quickly; the proximity of towering mountains and the ocean makes for conditions and temperatures that can vary markedly during any day, plus there can be a lot of rain at times. Summer months average around 20°C but in the alpine areas it can still get very cold, with the combination of wind and rain. It is not unusual to experience 4 seasons in one day! 

OTHER

Fitness Level Required / Mobility:

Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so, unfortunately, our tours are currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile. 

Please note: A general level of fitness will be required. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Sightseeing :

Please note: In the event entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary where possible, may be adjusted or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

A tourist visa is not required for those travelling on an Australian passport to New Zealand.

Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

It is also important to note that some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.

Please Note: Due to limited availability, passenger name and date changes are strictly prohibited for this offer. This overrides the Schedule of Fees in our standard Terms & Conditions. Please read the Refund and Cancellation policy prior to purchase as strict conditions apply after purchase.

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

 • Changes - $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been advised to Qantas Tours, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Travel Offer you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Travel Offer due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. Qantas Tours has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event, Qantas Tours is unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.