Milford Sound |

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, this magical fiord is our home – and we’d like to share our backyard with you.

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.