Water activity

Milford Sound Cruise

4.7 / 5

89 reviews

Activity provider: RealNZ
Water activity

Milford Sound Cruise

Activity provider: RealNZ
Likely to sell out

From US$ 67.86 per person

Likely to sell out
Eco-certified

Journey closer to nature on this cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Discover unparalleled landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and inquisitive wildlife on a 2-hour tour.

About this ticket

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Host or greeter
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces
  • Cruise the full length of the fiord, past Mitre Peak and St Anne’s Point Lighthouse
  • Enjoy commentary from specialist nature guides
  • Benefit from great views from both the outdoor decks and indoor lounge
  • Spot bottlenose dolphins, seals and penguins
Full description
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.
Includes
  • 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
  • English-only commentary by knowledgeable nature guides
  • Drinks from the licensed bar on board (cash only)
  • Milford Sound visitor parking fees

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. Please arrive 20 minutes before your departure time. Allow plenty of time for parking and walking to the visitor terminal.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Camera
  • Rain gear
  • Insect repellent

Know before you go

  • If there are any changes to your departure time, the local partner will endeavour to contact you as quickly as possible
  • You might like to spend the night in Te Anau as the trip to Milford and back from Queenstown can be tiring. Leave plenty of time to stop at the many scenic trails and lookouts along the way
  • Bring sensible clothing and footwear for cool and wet weather to fully appreciate your visit
  • Driving conditions during winter (May to September) can be difficult and extreme care is needed. During winter it is mandatory to carry snow chains in your vehicle, available for hire from most petrol stations
  • Parking fees apply as per the Milford Sound Tourism LTD
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 89 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Service
    4.7/5
  • Organization
    4.7/5

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Star rating:

Yes I've done that many times with tour groups, mostly on the Sovereign. It was the usual tour with the same jokes. There is a lot more that could be talked about. Looks like each nature guide learns the same old stuff from the previous one. I was astonished that the guide though the pattern on the glacial-scraped rocks was due to the rock melting?? Really? A moving sheet of ice generates thousands of degrees?

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March 30, 2023

The Cruise was fantastic!! We were lucky enough to have a stunning day. The Boat was beautiful as we had one of the older style boats. It was an amazing experience, lots of stunning views, fantastic commentary and not at all crowded. So worth every cent!!

March 30, 2023

I would say we have been very lucky as the weather has almost be perfect. We loved our tour. We had our little baby boy (11 month old) with us and he loved it too as there are many opportunities to crawl around and the stuff was very family friendly. Also that there is a separate tour guide (not the captain) which explains all about the evolution of the Sounds is a big plus. Overall: highly recommend!

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March 30, 2023

Product ID: 117864