Milford Sound Nature Cruise: Exclusive Journey through New Zealand's Fiordland National Park
4.6
214 Ratings
Milford Sound
Embark on an exclusive journey through New Zealand's Fiordland National Park on a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound and get up close to waterfalls and natural wonders. Book now!
Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre - Your journey starts here, check in with friendly staff at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
What's Included
  • Scenic Nature Cruise
  • Complimentary Tea and Coffee
  • Educational Live Commentary by Skipper
  • Optional Picnic Lunch
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark at a fee of $10 per hour.
Additional Information

Experience the awe-inspiring splendor of Milford Sound on a cozy boat tour conducted by a knowledgeable Nature Guide. On a smaller boat than what is typically used for Milford Sound tours, utilize both indoor and outdoor viewing areas for amazing pictures of this renowned South Island natural marvel, located within New Zealand’s World Heritage–recognized Fiordland National Park. Spend more time than most other tours on the water, getting nearer to the waterfalls and other natural elements that have earned Milford Sound its moniker, the Eighth Wonder of the World. Our boats have been designed specifically for observation, ensuring uninterrupted views from our towering observation windows and all-around viewing decks.

  • Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
  • Car Parking: On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark. Please allow 10 minutes to walk from the main carpark to the Milford Wharf Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you can park free of charge at Deepwater Basin Carpark and walk over to Freshwater Basin to the Cruise Terminal. This walk is approximately 30 minutes in duration, so additional time will need to be allocated in order to do this comfortably and arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to your cruise for check-in.
Location
Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre
Check in at our Southern Discoveries Milford Sound Visitor Centre, which is clearly visible as soon as you enter the Milford Sound Terminal - Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound Highway 94, Milford Sound 9679.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(214 Ratings)
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Paul_f
Apr 5, 2024
A great cruise - Great cruise, excellent commentary, friendly crew, enjoyed the complimentary cups of tea, the views/ sights were stupendous.
Review provided by Viator
Zhonghuijames_l
Mar 19, 2024
Your services are very... - Your services are very good and give us a good trip. Thanks. I will remember your brand and recommend to my friends.
Review provided by Viator
Kellybc7489ht
Mar 14, 2024
Lovely, a must do. - Beautiful spot and not crowded at all. Leave plenty of time for the drive and remember the tunnel closes for the night if you are driving back to Te Anau or Queenstown. Lots of buses on the road.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sdhalter
Feb 26, 2024
Amazing - This boat trip was incredible! It was on time, the cost was good, the views were amazing and we got to see the waterfalls and seals
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sally
Feb 12, 2024
Highly recommend - Excellent, efficient, informative, and a good length of time to view the amazing nature around. We didn’t go to the observatory as wanted to be outside. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edb328
Jan 15, 2024
Exactly the cruise we wanted - Excellent cruise. Left on time, returned on time. Nice interesting commentary along the way. Noticed that this cruise as opposed to some other boats on the sound went close to the seals, and to the waterfalls. Two hours is plenty of time to see the sound on a cruise like this.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ross_w
Jan 13, 2024
Holiday highlight - Easy to find information point. Helpful staff. Well equipped Boat. Stunning views that will stay with me forever.
Review provided by Viator
Masahikok213
Feb 19, 2024
The rain is powerful - We set off in heavy rain and a strong wind warning. The power of the waterfall and the strength of the wind were scary, but we were all excited and got soaked. It said that lunch was included, but it wasn't, so I guess it's only for group tours?  It's best to think of the underwater observatory as something you can go see if you really want to.  To enter the underwater observatory, you have to get off the boat and then board the next cruise boat to switch with the others to return, so it takes about an hour longer.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jag782
Feb 29, 2024
Views are incredible - This cruise was fine for what it was - a huge ship and several hundred passengers. Unfortunately we didn't really grasp it until we were lining up. We stayed on the top deck the entire time as the food service and bathrooms created an unpleasant odor and the views were unencumbered from this location. The cruise itself was efficient, as it made its way around the sound, to a few waterfalls and close to the edge where we could see seals. We couldn't really hear anything from the captain above the motors. We opted out of the observatory and did not eat lunch on board. If I were to do it again I would definitely opt for a substantially smaller boat/crowd. This cruise not venture very close to the ocean. We noticed other boats took passengers further out.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindsey_a
Jan 30, 2024
Came for the experience, but stayed for the views - Honestly it was nice to see this gorgeous area even though weather conditions were not great. It made for awesome waterfalls. I'd give the location 5 stars and the boat ride 2. I wish we hadn't done the meal option as everyone was crammed in a space like sardines and people were holding tables, you could barely get a seat unless you waited in the queue prior to leaving probably an hour or more ahead of time. It didn't feel personal at all and just like we were herded cattle.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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