Milford Sound: Boutique Small-Boat Cruise

Top rated
4.836791 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.836791 out of 5 stars
723 reviews
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Milford Sound: Boutique Small-Boat Cruise
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.836791 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.836791 out of 5 stars
723 reviews

Explore Milford Sound on an award-winning boutique small-boat cruise that will get you closer to the cascading waterfalls and introduce you to the local wildlife. With limited passengers on board, you'll have the space to fully explore this magical place.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2 - 12 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Pickup optional
Please call us the night before your tour to re-confirm pickup location and time. Freephone (from NZ numbers only) 0800 MILFORD (645367).

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

A
Akanksha – New Zealand

It was awesome. The crew were super good and very kind. Worth the money. Encountered the bottle nose dolphins. Every thing was perfect. Amazing experience.

M
Matilda – Australia

This was an absolutely amazing experience! The boat was clean and lovely and not at all crowded (we did the 2:45pm cruise). The crew were well informed and very friendly. We even got to see dolphins and a seal pup! Absolute highlight of our trip to New Zealand.

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Highlights

  • Explore a fjord that was carved by glaciers over millions of years
  • Cruise past mountains rising straight out of the sea
  • Relax on a comfortable lounge-style sofas onboard

Full description

Your cruise will begin at one of the most scenic points of the journey. You can take in the magnificent view of Mitre Peak (New Zealand's most photographed mountain) and the Sinbad Gully. This place is home to the Kakapo (world's heaviest flightless parrot), which was once thought to be extinct but was rediscovered in 1948.

From there you will cruise past seal colonies and feel the spray of the waterfall as you travel directly under the Fairy Falls. Once the cruise reaches the Tasman Sea, you will get to see the hidden entrance to the Milford Sound (which Captain Cook missed twice on his explorations). On your return journey, you will find yourself underneath an even bigger waterfall, the Sterling Falls. If you feel like a world-famous "glacial facial", don't miss the opportunity here to do so.

Throughout your tour, nature guides will entertain you with local anecdotes, as well as offer extra information on the passing flora and fauna. They are also there to help you with taking photos and assist with any requirements you may have. Around November you will have the chance to spot the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.

Includes

  • Milford Sound visitor levy
  • Coffee, tea, and biscuits
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Food and drinks

Meeting point

Please check-in at the Cruise Milford counter (second on the left when entering the visitor terminal).

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Important information

Know before you go

  • The charge at the main paid car park is $10 per hour. This location is approximately a 10-minute walk from the visitor terminal. Payment can be made by card only at the parking stations on site.
  • Free parking is at Deepwater Basin Road Car Park (turn left after Milford Sound Lodge). This is approximately 30-40 minute walk to the Visitor terminal. Please allow enough time for this walk when planning your trip to be able to check-in at the correct time
  • There is limited phone reception and no WiFi in the Fiordland National Park.
  • Free coffee, tea, and biscuits are provided during the cruise and you are welcome to bring extra snacks and drinks along with you.
  • The cruise has a duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Mobility parking can be found outside the main Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and is wheelchair accessible.
  • For extra information and tips, you can call or visit the website.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 723 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

Customer photos

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A
Akanksha – New ZealandJune 8, 2025 – Verified booking
It was awesome. The crew were super good and very kind. Worth the money. Encountered the bottle nose dolphins. Every thing was perfect. Amazing experience.
M
Matilda – AustraliaJune 3, 2025 – Verified booking
This was an absolutely amazing experience! The boat was clean and lovely and not at all crowded (we did the 2:45pm cruise). The crew were well informed and very friendly. We even got to see dolphins and a seal pup! Absolute highlight of our trip to New Zealand.
K
Krisztián – HungaryMay 1, 2025 – Verified booking
Smaller boat, not overcrowded, enjoyable tour in the fjord.

Product ID: 267522

Activity provider:Cruise Milford NZ

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