Discover Milford Sound on the original red boats.

Discover Cruises Discover Coach & Cruise from $259.00

Discover Scenic Flight & Cruise from $749.00

Discover Coach, Cruise & Scenic Flight Discover Wine Tour from $269.00

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Milford Sound Coach & Discover More

from $285.00

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Depart Queenstown / Te Anau

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

from $179.00

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Depart Milford Sound

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise with return flight

from $908.00

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Depart Queenstown / Te Anau

Queenstown Wine Tour

from $269.00

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Depart Queenstown

Milford Sound Coach, Farm Tour & Nature Cruise

from $369.00

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Depart Queenstown

Specials & Combos

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Upgrade your cruise with the Captain's VIP Lounge experience

Upgrade your Milford Sound Nature Cruise with exclusive access to the Captain's VIP Lounge — a relaxed, intimate space for just 20 guests.

Enjoy priority boarding, a dedicated host, spacious seating, and a private viewing deck, along with a food & beverages included. You’ll also have full access to all other areas of the vessel as you explore the fiord at a more comfortable pace.

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Milford Sound Premium Heli Cruise Heli & Captain's VIP Lounge Experience

Begin your journey with a scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, including an unforgettable alpine mountain landing above Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes.

Upon arrival to Milford Sound, enjoy a premium Nature Cruise experience with priority boarding, a private onboard lounge, hosted food and beverage service, and your own private balcony — a seamless and elevated way to explore Milford Sound.

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COMBO & SAVE

There is so much to see and do in Queenstown and Milford Sound. We don't want you to miss a thing so we've combined our Queenstown and Milford Sound experiences so it makes it easy to book and even better, saves you money! Check out our COMBO PAGE .

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Travel Info

Getting to Milford Sound

from Queenstown

from Te Anau

Self drive

General informationAbout the area

About Milford Sound

About Queenstown

About Te Anau

Trip Advisor reviews

Excellent cruise and staff! Great Experience! Breathtaking Amazing trip along Milford Sound Best tourist experience ever! Awesome day on the water! Epic Adventure! Highlight of our holiday

Go further, get closer and discover more with us

We're the original Milford Sound cruise company
We're locally and family owned here in New Zealand
We're deeply committed to conservation and our community
We offer the most ways to cruise Milford Sound including our amazing Nature Cruise & Milford Track combo.

Learn about Southern Discoveries

Updates

New Multi-Language Coach Commentary App

Visitors to Milford Sound can now experience the informative Milford Sound coach commentary through a multi-language app. It's free for all and can be downloaded on either the Apple Store or Google play.

Available in English, Chinese (Simplified),French, German, Japanese, Korean (South Korea), Portuguese & Spanish

Driving Conditions - Important Information

Driving to Milford Sound is the trip of a lifetime. But be prepared! Check out the latest road conditions here.
Nervous about driving? Hop aboard one of our coaches from Queenstown or Te Anau with our experienced coach team. Find out more. Book ahead, these fill up fast!

Save the stress by allowing more time to get to Milford Sound

The road to Milford Sound is stunning! It's a visual feast of spectacular waterfalls, mountain ranges, and wildlife. Due to roadworks, we are advising guests who are driving in to allow an extra half hour to make it to Milford Sound. Drive times are expected to be 2.5 from Te Anau and 4.5 from Queenstown.

FAQ

What’s the difference between the Milford Sound cruises?

We provide some of the best Milford Sound cruise deals in New Zealand. To compare our day trips, check out our Cruise Comparison table, where you can see our range of cruises and the vessels.

Do you have a webcam in Milford Sound?

Yes, you can view how the weather and day looks. Check out our webcam here.

What is included in a Milford Sound cruise?

A typical Milford cruise includes a scenic journey through towering cliffs, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. Wildlife sightings, informative commentary, and onboard amenities like indoor seating and panoramic viewing decks make our cruise Milford Sound experiences memorable in any weather.

Can I combine a Milford Sound cruise with other activities?

Absolutely. One of our most popular options is the Nature Cruise combined with the Milford Track walk. It’s a great way to enhance your Milford Sounds cruise experience and discover more of Fiordland’s natural beauty.

What are the best Milford Sound cruise options with Southern Discoveries?

We offer a range of cruise options to choose from, including the Nature Cruise and the Milford Track combo. Our vessels are designed for comfort and sightseeing, and you can compare options using our Cruise Comparison table to find the best Milford Sound cruise for your preferences.

Do you offer any Milford Sound cruise deals?

Yes, we regularly provide competitive cruise deals for those looking to explore this breathtaking fiord. Check our Specials page or speak to our team to learn about current offers, group pricing, or combo packages.

Is the Milford cruise suitable in all weather conditions?

Yes, a Milford cruise is spectacular in all weather. In fact, rainy days often create hundreds of temporary waterfalls, making the landscape even more dramatic. Our vessels are equipped with sheltered viewing areas, so you can enjoy cruises in Milford Sound no matter the forecast.

What weather can I expect in Milford Sound?

Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in the world, with an impressive annual rainfall of around 7 metres. During peak rains, up to 250 millimeters can fall within 24 hours, creating countless temporary waterfalls that spill dramatically down the cliffs, some reaching heights of up to a thousand meters, along with many permanent waterfalls.

This abundance of rain is what makes the waterfalls and lush rainforest here so spectacular. Temperatures vary by season, with summer (Dec – Feb) averaging highs of 19°C (66°F) and winter (Jun – Aug) averaging around 9°C (48°F). Our vessels offer spacious indoor areas with comfortable seating, allowing you to enjoy the scenery in any weather. This abundance of rain is what makes the waterfalls and lush rainforest here so spectacular. Temperatures vary by season, with summer (Dec – Feb) averaging highs of 19°C (66°F) and winter (Jun – Aug) averaging around 9°C (48°F). Our vessels offer spacious indoor areas with comfortable seating, allowing you to enjoy the scenery in any weather.

How likely are we to see wildlife in Milford Sound?

Although we cannot guarantee wildlife viewing, it is very likely that you will see the New Zealand fur seal, and likely more than just one or two! Dolphins are often sighted swimming alongside cruise vessels. Two species of penguins make the Sound their home at various times throughout the year. Little blue penguins and the Fiordland crested penguin - known at the Tawaki. Often hard to find and see, it is always a delight to spot them when we do.

More FAQ's

Get in touch

in New Zealand

0800 264 536

Overseas

+64 3 441 1137

reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz

Discover Milford Sound on the original red boats.

Find an experience

Specials & Combos

Travel Info

Go further, get closer and discover more with us

Updates

New Multi-Language Coach Commentary App

Driving Conditions - Important Information

Save the stress by allowing more time to get to Milford Sound

#southerndiscoveries

FAQ

Get in touch