Water activity

Milford Sound: Nature Cruise with Picnic Lunch

Activity provider:Southern Discoveries
Water activity

Milford Sound: Nature Cruise with Picnic Lunch

Activity provider:Southern Discoveries
Likely to sell out

From US$ 65.88 per person

Likely to sell out

Discover the wildlife and waterfalls of Milford Sound on a round trip nature cruise by purpose-built catamaran. Marvel at the majesty of Mitre Peak, get up-close to Stirling Falls as you cruise both sides of the fjord.

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.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1.5 - 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Discover Milford Sound on a 1-hour 45-minute nature cruise for excellent views of scenery and wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins
  • Feel the full force from the powerful 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls
  • Enjoy 360-degree views from the top deck of a purpose-built catamaran for panoramic photo opportunities
  • Choose to add a freshly prepared picnic lunch or bring your own packed lunch
  • Listen to lively and informative commentary on the fiord’s history, geology, and wildlife from your skipper in the open wheelhouse
Full description

Climb aboard a purpose-built catamaran in Milford Sound Cruise Terminal and set sail across the water to discover the unique wildlife of one of South Island's most picturesque attractions. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee onboard and pre-purchase a picnic lunch when booking. Journey down the south side of the fjord and out into the Tasman Sea, before returning up the north side of the fjord. Listen to fascinating commentary about the region from your skipper in the open wheelhouse and say hello to the native seals basking on the rocks as you pass them by.  Get within touching distance of impressive rock walls carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Feel the full force of the powerful 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls. The staff will roam the vessel available to answer your questions on the history, geology, and wildlife of the fiord along the way.

Includes
  • 1Milford Sound nature cruise
  • Complimentary tea and coffee
  • Picnic lunch (vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available)
  • Bottle of water
  • Access to top deck
  • Large viewing windows
  • Covered seating area
  • Nature commentary

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Milford Sound Visitor Centre, Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound, New Zealand. Be sure to allow 5 hours driving time from Queenstown and just over 2 hours from Te Anau or opt for a coach and cruise option departing from Queenstown or Te Anau (available to book on GetYourGuide).

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Important information

What to bring

  • Warm clothing

Know before you go

  • Always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during your visit. The landscape is especially dramatic during wet weather as rainfall creates dozens of temporary waterfalls that cascade down the cliff faces, some reaching a thousand meters in height
  • All vessels are fully licensed with a range of beverages plus a selection of snack foods. Note that smoking is not permitted on any of the vessels
  • Reservations may be amended to another date or time, subject to space and availability
  • Timetables, cruise departures, and vessels may vary. In the interest of your safety, the local operator may cancel any cruise at any time due to unsafe weather conditions or boat maintenance
  • Lunches must be booked at least 24 hours ahead of travel
  • Choose from a regular, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free picnic option that includes a sandwich, cheese and crackers (soup for vegan option), seasonal fresh fruit, crisps, cookie, small chocolate bar, and a bottle of water
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 402 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Service
    4.6/5
  • Organization
    4.6/5

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Star rating:

A very enjoyable experience. The sights and sounds of Milford Sound are amazing. So many waterfalls, including getting underneath some (and very wet!). Seals, birds and wildlife. Decent lunch. And they were so considerate of Dads mobility restrictions too. That’s that bit that made it special.

October 30, 2022

It was a rainy day, so there were more waterfalls than we could count. The captain was expert; his descriptions were very helpful. He was good at spotting things of interest, like a seal on the rocks, and steering close so we could get a good look and pictures.

October 26, 2022

I enjoyed the trip but honestly I would have liked to have done it on a rainy snowed day, not the dry, sunshine we had. Wanted more waterfalls. Highlight was going into the one waterfall. The picnic lunch said also a bottle water. Didnt happen. However an experience that should not be missed

October 3, 2022

Product ID: 63241