Discover Milford Sound and Queenstown on the original red boats.

Experience Milford Sound

Experience Queenstown

Updates

Winter 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.

All activities are still operating under the ORANGE traffic light

Kia ora! We are still operating all activities in Milford Sound and Queenstown. We have COVID precautions in place to ensure your safety and comfort.

For full details, see our most recent status update.

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Milford Sound
Discover More Cruise

from $107.10

Milford Sound

Our Discover More Cruise offers you an experience that is more authentic, more insightful and more personal. Cruise on a smaller boat while our friendly team show you the sights of Milford Sound. Your experience includes a visit to the underwater observatory, where you will descend 10 metres below the surface into a large viewing area where windows open your eyes to this underwater haven.

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Milford Sound
Nature Cruise

from $89.10

Milford Sound

Cruise on the original, locally owned and operated Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Get a glacial facial under Stirling Falls or chat to our skipper in the open wheelhouse

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Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise

from $44.10

Queenstown

Queenstown's longest lake cruise! Enjoy stunning views on Lake Wakatipu and the onboard Cafe. Add on our Wine & Cheese package that include a glass of Akarua wine and a Gibbston Valley cheeseboard. Departs twice a day on Fri - Mon inclusive and two departures each day. Come and explore Lake Wakatipu with us!

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Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise

from $149.00

Te Anau

Depart Queenstown or Te Anau. Take a guided adventure to Milford Sound with our friendly team offering 60 years of local knowledge. Sit back, relax and soak in the views on the incredible road to Milford Sound.

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Milford Sound Coach<br/>& Nature Cruise<br/>with return flight

Milford Sound Coach
& Nature Cruise
with return flight

from $538.00

Milford Sound

Depart by coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Enjoy a Milford Sound Nature Cruise then return on a scenic flight. Enjoy amazing views from the road and from above of the Southern Alps and Fiordland National Park.

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Milford Sound

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

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Discover

Queenstown

Trip Advisor reviews

Relaxing cruise with stunning scenery! Excellent trip, Great skipper The amazing sights of Lake Wakatipu Queenstown! Fantastic experience Amazing day trip out for all the family Great cruise, great experience, great crew.

Explore the area

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 explore Milford Sound including our amazing Underwater Observatory
We offer the most comprehensive and authentic lake tours in Queenstown

Learn about Southern Discoveries

FAQ

What’s the difference between the cruises?

Please check out our Cruise Comparison table, where you can see our range of cruises and the vessels. https://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/milford-sound/cruises-compare/

Do you have webcams in Milford Sound and Queenstown?

Yes, you can view how the weather and day looks in both destinations. Check out our Milford Sound and Queenstown webcams here.

What weather can I expect in Fiordland?

Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in the world with an average annual rainfall of 7 metres per year. Rainfall can reach 250 millimetres in 24 hours and creates dozens of temporary waterfalls (as well as several more permanent ones) that cascade down the cliff faces, some reaching a thousand metres in height. The high rainfall is why Milford Sound is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and rainforest. The temperature in Milford can vary depending on the season and can go from an average high of 19C (66F) in summer (Dec – Feb) to 9C (48F) in winter (Jun – Aug). All our vessels have spacious indoor areas with comfortable seating for cruising in all weather conditions.

Do you have Covid 19 restrictions in place?

Yes, we do when the government requires New Zealand to adhere to level 1 to level 4 restrictions. Find out what to expect on our cruise, coach and scenic flight experiences. Check out all the details on this page.

Do you pick up from local accommodation in Queenstown or Te Anau?

Yes! For Milford Sound coach and cruise products, we pick up from central Queenstown and Te Anau accommodation. Make sure you indicate your pick-up point when booking your coach online. If you have not indicated a pick-up point, the driver will expect you to check-in and board at the Te Anau Visitor Centre or Queenstown Visitor Centre or the Te Anau Visitor Centre.

Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?

Milford Sound is the wettest place in New Zealand and one of the wettest places in the world! Many visitors are shocked to know that this true world wonder actually measures its rainfall in metres (and not millimetres like most of the world.) In fact, in 2016 Milford Sound received over nine metres of rain! Doubtful Sound is also rainy with an average of 3-6 metres of rain per year. Both fiords are magnificent to visit in rainy weather due to the significant amount of waterfalls. The fiords come alive with water streaming down sheer cliffs - a magical sight not to be missed.

How likely are we to see wildlife in Fiordland?

Altough 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 Milford Sound their home at various times throughout the year. Little blue penguis 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.

How long does it take to travel to Milford Sound?

It takes approximately five hours to get to Milford from Queenstown depending on the time of year and road conditions. It takes approximately two hours to get to Milford Sound from Te Anau. You can drive a car or campervan or take a coach tour. We always recommend allowing plenty of time to get to Milford as the journey there is as spectacular as the cruise itself.

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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 and Queenstown on the original red boats.

Updates

Winter Driving Conditions - Important Information

All activities are still operating under the ORANGE traffic light

Find an experience

Sorry!

Milford SoundDiscover More Cruise

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise

Milford Sound Coach& Nature Cruisewith return flight

Discover

Milford Sound

Discover

Queenstown

Go further, get closer and discover more with us

#southerndiscoveries

FAQ

Get in touch

Milford Sound
Discover More Cruise

Milford Sound
Nature Cruise

Milford Sound Coach
& Nature Cruise
with return flight