Your morning departure from Queenstown begins with a scenic lakeside drive south, unfolding into the lush alpine farming country of Southland before the unforgettable drama of Fiordland takes hold. After refreshments on the shores of Te Anau — New Zealand's second largest lake — your experienced driver-guide leads you through astonishing scenery at every bend, with hand-picked photography stops where short walks reveal hidden waterfalls, placid lakes and snow-capped peaks cloaked in native bush. On arrival at Milford Sound's harbour, you board your nature cruise for a 2.5-hour journey through scenery unchanged since Captain Cook's first arrival — towering mountains, ancient rainforest, abundant wildlife and a stillness that stays with you long after you leave. The tour returns to Queenstown by road in your luxury vehicle, or you can opt for a scenic flight direct from Milford's airstrip.