For over 100 years, tourists have flocked to the stunning Milford Sound. Now, for the first time, they can enjoy a premium business-class experience. Milford Sound attracts nearly 900,000 visitors annually, making it one of New Zealand’s top destinations for both domestic and international tourists.
In an exciting new partnership, Real NZ, one of New Zealand’s most trusted and established tourism brands, has teamed up with innovative Altitude Tours to offer a fresh and luxurious way to explore Milford Sound. Together, they have crafted an experience that previously was not available.
The journey to Milford Sound will be in custom-built Mercedes 15-seater vehicles featuring high-end interiors. Passengers can enjoy in-seat multimedia, increased legroom, reclining seats, a glass roof, and mini-bar amenities. Additionally, they are exploring the inclusion of locally woven Māori blankets and other cultural and location-based storytelling elements to enhance the journey.
Once at Milford Sound, guests will embark on a 2-hour nature cruise on a boat limited to just 45 passengers. The cruise includes a designer food and drinks menu, and the seating configuration has been reimagined to resemble an airline lounge, complete with comfortable seating, artwork, and a spacious, stylish design. After the cruise, guests can return to Queenstown by road or upgrade to a scenic flight by fixed-wing plane or helicopter.
“We are creating a unique experience that will keep people away from the crowds and enable them to explore and learn about Milford Sound and its environment. We want to provide a depth of experience and make sure the day tour from Queenstown is as immersive as possible,” Says Nigel Hobbs of Altitude Tours.
This innovative product was unveiled at the Trenz tradeshow in Wellington in early May 2024 and will officially launch on October 1, 2025.
Altitude Tours, a TIG Tourism company, has been a standout tourism operator in relation to experience design, winning the NZ Tourism Awards in 2022 for Innovation around products and also the best visitor experience in New Zealand at the 2023 awards.
