Milford Sound :
Encounter Nature Milford Sound Cruise

Get up close to nature on the most luxurious small boat in Milford Sound.

This is an intimate experience with numbers capped at 75, and on-board Nature Guides offering personal attention. Our smaller boat explores small nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail for 2hr 15min.

This ‘ecotour’ is perfect for close-up shots of seals, birds and other wildlife, including dolphins ‘riding’ the bow wave and the rarest penguin in the world, the Fiordland crested penguin.

The smaller boat helps you appreciate the sheer size and grandeur of the fiord’s cliff faces rising hundreds of metres out of the water, scarred here and there by tree falls.  You’ll get within touching distance of impressive geological features and close enough to catch and drink pure glacial water, or feel the full force from the powerful 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls (we’ve got jackets to keep you dry!).

Join the skipper on the bridge for a birds-eye view and see first-hand how the boat operates. Help yourself to free tea and coffee – delicious lunch options available on board.

Why the Encounter Nature Cruise?

• Most luxurious small boat
• Within touching distance of flora, fauna and wildlife
• Small passenger numbers, friendly Nature Guides
• Drink pure glacial water from a waterfall
• Free tea and coffee
• Spot seals basking on the rocks and sometimes dolphins and rare Fiordland crested penguins.

What to bring:

Non slip shoes, waterprooof jacket, warm sweater, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and camera with lots of memory card space!

Important information 

• Delicious meal options include an Obento Lunch; Gourmet Picnic Lunch; Picnic Lunch, Thali Indian Lunch pack. Please pre-order when you book. 
• Check out our summer cruise schedule and the winter cruise schedule 
• Check out the transport options to Milford Sound.
• Check out our other cruises - the Discover More Cruise
  and the Scenic Cruise
• Check out our Frequently Asked Questions