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Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on Premium Glass-Roof Catamaran

1. Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on Premium Glass-Roof Catamaran

Climb aboard 'Gem of the Sound', the newest vessel to cruise in the fiord, for a Milford Sound nature cruise. Capture the best views of the incredible fiord with three-levels of indoor and outdoor seating, unique glass roofs, and large viewing decks. Be welcomed on board by a friendly crew and marvel at one of the most stunning places on earth. Relax in the comfortable booth seating with stylish decor and ambient lighting. High-definition cameras project outdoor footage live onto TV screens throughout the vessel - so no matter where are, you won't miss a thing. Admire New Zealand fur seals basking on rocks and feel the spray of cascading waterfalls. Look out for playful dolphins and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin. Travel the length of the fiord and out into the Tasman Sea, to see why Captain Cook failed to discover Milford Sound after charting the Fiordland National Park.

Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

2. Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

Enjoy a fun and leisurely day trip to admire the glacial features, wild flora and fauna, and picturesque backdrops of the world-famous fiord at Milford Sound. Start with pickup for the bus journey to Te Anau. Your driver will share their local knowledge as you stop along the way to see spectacular scenery. Marvel at views of waterfalls, wildlife, and the rainforest. Soak up the sights from any of the three indoor and outdoor viewing decks during your cruise and join your jovial crew at the bow as you nose under Stirling Falls for a free shower in some of the world's freshest water.  Benefit from complimentary tea service is available for the entire cruise and espresso coffee, snacks cakes. Additional drinks can be purchased from onboard cafe / bar.

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise

3. From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise

Start your day in central Te Anau as you board a modern tour bus and begin to explore Fiordland's stunning natural beauty. Knowledgeable local guides will share everything their homeland has to offer through informative commentary, scenic photo stops, and short nature walks. Cruise the full length of Milford Sound, and take in the spectacular scenery as mountains plunge into the deep waters of the Fiord. Ancient rainforests give way to towering waterfalls dropping from hanging valleys sparkling into the ocean below.  Milford Sound is abundant with unique birds and wildlife. See seals lounging on the rocks and playing in the shallows. On occasion dolphins, whales, and the very rare Fiordland Crested Penguin visit the sounds providing privileged photo opportunities.  Enjoy the fantastic scenery and nature walks in order to fully admire the true wilderness and grand vistas of Fiordland National Park. Hop on board Milford Sound's only premium glass roof catamaran for a 2-hour scenic cruise. Enjoy a picnic on board while you take in the scenery from a different perspective.

Milford Sound: Coach and Cruise Day Trip From Queenstown

4. Milford Sound: Coach and Cruise Day Trip From Queenstown

Travel to Milford Sound for an extended nature cruise on a day trip from Queenstown. Experience one of the most beautiful drives in the world in the comfort of a state-of-the-art coach. After meeting at a central location in Queenstown, you'll board the luxury coach and journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu into rolling countryside through to Te Anau. Take a short break, then continue along the spectacular alpine route of the Milford Road. Enjoy photo stops and short walks along the way. Relax on an extended nature cruise of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea and admire the fiord’s wildlife, waterfalls and mountains along the way. A specialist nature guide will provide live informative commentary. You can also bring your own lunch or purchase snacks and drinks (cash only) on-board. Following the cruise, board the coach for your return journey to Queenstown that allows for bathroom breaks. Be dropped off back in Queenstown at around 7:45 PM.

Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Tour from Queenstown

5. Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Tour from Queenstown

Discover New Zealand's renowned Milford Sound on this tour from Queenstown. Take in the sighs in style aboard a Mercedes minivan equipped with Wi-Fi, bottled water, and large viewing windows. Expereince the stunning scenery of Milford Fjord on scenic cruise.  Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in Queenstown or central meeting points along the route. Enjoy plenty of stops along the way to Milford. Board a boat for a 2-hour cruise along the fjord, where you can feast your eyes on the spectacular sights and go under waterfalls. Allow your local guide to provide you with informative commentary while you absorb the lush surroundings views. Along the way, you'll see everything from cascading waterfalls, mirrored lakes, and awe-inspiring mountains to fur seals and dolphins.  Stop at a beech forest where you can take a leisurely stroll. Travel back to your hotel in Queenstown at the conclusion of your tour. 

From Queenstown: Premium Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip

6. From Queenstown: Premium Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip

Visit Doubtful Sound on a full-day trip from Queenstown. Board a luxury bus and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, through the rolling countryside to Manapouri. Enjoy informative commentary along the way from your driver. From Manapouri, cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm. Then board a coach to cross the alpine route of the Wilmot Pass, through some of Fiordland National Park’s most dense rainforest. On reaching Deep Cove, climb aboard a modern catamaran for a 2.75-hour cruise, exploring the waterways of this serene and isolated fiord. See waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. Your knowledgeable nature guides will provide you with engaging and informative commentary throughout.  You'll be treated to the sound of silence when the vessel’s engines are turned off. Experience floating on the fiord, with only the rush of waterfalls and birdsong to break the silence. Bring your own lunch, or purchase snacks on board in the vessel’s cafes. If you would like to preorder a picnic lunch, feel free to contact the activity provider directly after booking. When it rains in Fiordland, the landscape is especially dramatic. The scenery is spectacular, and you will stay dry and comfortable from your vantage point on the catamaran. At the end of your cruise, return over Wilmot Pass by coach and cruise across Lake Manapouri before the bus journey back to Queenstown.

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Day Trip

7. From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Day Trip

Discover Milford Sound on an 8-hour adventure with round-trip transport from Te Anau and a 2-hour cruise through the fiord. If you are looking to explore both Milford and Doubtful Sounds, it is worth staying one or two nights in Te Anau. There is plenty to do plus you will save yourself the long journeys to and from Queenstown. At Milford Sound, climb aboard the leisurely nature cruise for an informative, interactive, and relaxed experience. A specialist guide will provide live informative commentary and you can admire the fiord’s wildlife, waterfalls, and mountains. Enjoy lunch on board the cruise — you may bring your own lunch or purchase snacks and drinks (cash only) on the vessel. Be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during your visit; the landscape is especially dramatic when it rains in Fiordland. Enjoy the spectacular views from a dry, comfortable vantage point on board the vessel. Following the cruise, immediately board the luxury coach for the return journey to Te Anau, arriving between 4:30 PM and 5:45 PM, depending on the season.

Milford Sound Cruise

8. Milford Sound Cruise

Self-drive through the Fiordland National park to cruise the stunningly iconic Milford Sound. This fiord is the most accessible of Fiordland National Park’s 14 fiords and can be reached by road. Allow 5-6 hours (one-way) driving time from Queenstown and around 3-hours (one-way) from Te Anau.  Check-in at Milford Sound Visitor Terminal then climb aboard a purpose-built vessel for a leisurely, informative, and interactive experience. Admire the towering Mitre Peak rising straight out of the sea. Cruise the fiord, riding near waterfalls and listening to the informative commentary about the region.  Your experienced skippers customize the cruise route on the day depending on the weather and wildlife sightings to ensure you see the best of Milford Sound. Keep a lookout for wildlife, including seals, dolphins and penguins. The vessels have spacious decks, comfortable seating, and large viewing windows.  Sit back and take in the magnificent views of Milford Sound. The landscape is especially dramatic when it rains in Fiordland. Enjoy the spectacular landscape from a dry comfortable vantage point on board the vessel. You are more than welcome to bring your own picnic on board, or you can purchase food and non-alcoholic drinks on board the vessel using cash.

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Tour with Lunch

9. From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Tour with Lunch

In the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is known as one of New Zealand’s top scenic attractions. On this day tour from Queenstown, jump on board an air-conditioned coach and be entertained with commentary from your driver/guide. After passing through the 1.2-kilometer-long Homer Tunnel, descend into Milford Sound. Here jump on board a boat to cruise along the fjord. Take in the famous sights, like the uniquely-shaped Mitre Peak and the glacier-scarred rock. Keep an eye out for marine life like dolphins, seals, and penguins too. The fjord is dotted with waterfalls that tumble through the valleys and crash into the sound far below, making the scenery in Milford Sound spectacular, rain or shine.

Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau

10. Fiordland: Jet Boat & Nature Walk Experience from Te Anau

Begin your adventure in the heart of Te Anau, a short walk from most accommodation. After check-in, rest at a picnic table to enjoy free WiFi and a charging station to make sure all your devices are good to go. Hop on the bus for a short ride through local farmland to the Queen's Reach boat launch on the Waiau River.  Gear up with spray jackets and life vests before an exhilarating ride down the Waiau River. Lined by ancient beech tree forest this river is featured in The Lord of the Rings as the Anduin River. Contrast high-speed spins with pauses along the river in some amazingly tranquil places. Spot some trout in the crystal-clear water and have time to take plenty of photos. Learn about the area's unique environment and fascinating history from your knowledgeable local guide. Emerge onto the breath-taking Lake Manapouri, surrounded by glacier-carved mountains. Experience a sense of wonderment as you sit in awe of their beauty and grandeur. Go ashore to explore the ancient surrounds on a short walk.

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What people are saying about Fiordland

We were very lucky to have a perfect summer day. The whole day went smoothly and we had a fantastic experience in this majestic part of the world. Could not recommend more highly!

This was a great day out, with amazing scenery and wildlife. All the crew were very helpful and knowledgeable. Would recommend from queenstown it is a long day so just be prepared

It was a beautiful way to end the two weeks in NZ. The vessel was modern, spacious, clean and comfortable. Highly recommended!

Excellent day with amazing cruise and great coach driver

The whole experience was incredible and unmissable