With its dramatic scenery and unique wildlife, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking regions.

Cruising along calm waters between sheer cliffs carved by centuries of ice erosion, immerse yourself in a mysterious world in an undersea viewing chamber and catch sight of majestic Mitre Peak and cascading waterfalls that thunder into the depths below. It’s no wonder Rudyard Kipling described it as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’.

Milford Sound is one of the wettest places on earth raining around 200 days of the year with an average annual rainfall of 7 metres. Rainfall can reach 250 millimetres in 24 hours and creates dozens of temporary waterfalls that cascade down sheer cliff walls – it’s a spectacular sight.

Southern Discoveries lets you discover Milford Sound your way with a variety of cruise options to suit your taste and timeframes. To get there, you can travel by car, coach or by air.

As the longest and most established operator in Milford Sound, we take pride in our conservation initiatives to preserve this magical fiord – our home – so we can share our backyard with you long into the future.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MILFORD SOUND
Milford Sound is a fascinating place filled with rainforests, waterfalls and an abundance of marine life. Learn more about why we love it so much!

Check out our Milford Sound blogs for more information about this nature sanctuary at the bottom of the South Island.

Here are some popular articles:

Five Facts About Milford Sound

A New Zealand trip simply wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to Milford Sound. Often called one of the most beautiful places on Earth, it’s a sight that shouldn’t be missed. But there’s more to it than just meets the eye…
Here are five interesting facts that you probably didn’t know about Milford Sound. Read more.

Six Unmissable Sights on a Milford Sound Cruise
Known for its towering mountains, steep cliffs, lush vegetation and breathtaking waterfalls, Milford Sound is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand. We’ve highlighted our top 6 sights that are essential when cruising Milford Sound. Read more

Where to Stay in Milford Sound
With so many spectacular sights in Milford Sound, it can be tricky to fit it all into one day. Extending your trip and staying the night at the Milford Sound Lodge is a fantastic way to experience everything the area has to offer. Read more.

Choosing a Milford Sound Tour
A Milford Sound cruise is a must-do in New Zealand, but knowing which tour to choose can be a difficult decision! With a few different companies operating in the area, as well as an array of other experiences to choose from, we share our top tips on selecting the best cruise for your holiday. Read More.

What’s the Weather Like in Milford Sound
The stunning scenery in Milford Sound is sure to leave you breathless. But don’t bank on blue skies while you’re there! On average, it rains more than 200 days a year in Milford. Don’t worry though – Milford Sound is still one of the best destinations to visit in New Zealand – rain or shine. Just remember your rain jacket! Read More.

Six Must-See Stops on the Road to Milford
The Milford Road offers a spectacular journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park. While the trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound is less than 3 hours, we recommend allowing more time to stop at the sights along the way. Our Milford Sound coach trips do this anyway and offer great commentary along the way! Here are our top 6 natural attractions that you don’t want to miss out on! Read More.

Our Covid 19 Coronavirus Response

Southern Discoveries are commited to reducing the impact of the Covid-19 Coronavirus 23 March 2020 Due to the Covid 19 situation and government directives, Southern Discoveries Queenstown, Te Anau and MORE

Easiest ways to visit Milford Sound

On the 3 February 2020 Milford Sound was hit with a large weather system which caused widespread flooding and significant damage to the Milford Road (the only access road to Milford Sound).

Encounter Nature Cruise

Pack your camera and join our expert nature guides on a special cruise that takes you closer to the natural beauty of Milford Sound. Our guides take the time to answer your questions while our smaller boat takes you close enough to catch the eye of a basking seal, dolphin, or even a rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Nature Cruise

Coffee with views of a towering waterfall? A delicious hot meal with a passing seal? Sit back, relax and enjoy the best of both worlds as our specialist nature guides introduce you to the natural wonders of Milford Sound aboard our fully catered and modern catamaran.

Scenic Cruise

Discover the natural wonders of Milford Sound in your own language aboard our spacious, modern catamaran. With 360º views, the open air viewing decks are the perfect spot for a selfie or relax and savour the views with a delicious buffet meal in the all-weather comfort of the observation lounge.

Cruise & Kayak

Imagine paddling through pure glacial water in a peaceful cove with the sound of birds singing. Experience the magic of Milford Sound up close on a guided kayaking adventure before coming face to face with the local marine life below the surface in New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory.

Cruise & Underwater Observatory

Cruising with Southern Discoveries is the best way to experience more of Milford Sound on top of the water, but why stop there? Upgrade your cruise to complete your day with a visit to our amazing, exclusively-operated, underwater observatory.

Coach & Cruise Day Trips

The magic begins as soon as you board our coach for a guided road trip to your cruise in Milford Sound. Settle back and enjoy the panoramic views and entertaining commentary as your driver points out the highlights, including the best photo stops and short walks along the way. You’ll arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to cruise.

Discover Milford Sound Information Centre & Café

Right in the heart of Milford Sound, it’s a warm and welcoming spot in which to settle in and enjoy some famous Fiordland hospitality served with spectacular views. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Milford Sound Lodge

Stay in Milford Sound and enjoy time to see the sights in a relaxed style. Just moments from the cruise terminal, you can get out on the fiord in the calm of the morning, or witness a Milford sunset.

Car & Campervan

If you’d prefer to make your own way to Milford Sound, the picturesque drive is a spectacular journey. Allow plenty of time for short walks, photo opportunities and rest stops along the way.