Milford Sound Cruise & Milford Sound Track 

A Milford Sound Nature Cruise (up to 2 hours). A self-guided walk on the world-famous Milford Track to Giant Gates Falls, including a short water taxi transfer from Deepwater Basin to Sandfly Point.

You’ll explore a scenic section of the Milford Track, often called “the finest walk in the world,” leading to the stunning Giant Gates Falls.

The return walk is approximately 11 km and takes 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace.

Yes, this section of the Milford Track is graded easy to moderate and is suitable for most visitors with a reasonable level of fitness.

We recommend sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, layered clothing, and a waterproof jacket. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

Meals are not included by default, but you can pre-purchase a Picnic Lunch or To Kai Buffet when booking. Free tea and coffee are available onboard the cruise.

Yes, there is a transport option are available from Te Anau.

No, the Milford Track walk is self-guided, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. For added insight, we offer multilingual commentary in seven languages through the Southern Discoveries app.

Check-in locations vary by departure time:
9:00 AM departure: Deepwater Basin Boat Ramp (for walk first).
10:30 AM departure: Milford Sound Visitor Centre (for cruise first).
Please arrive 20 minutes before departure.

Yes! Keep an eye out for native birds along the track and marine life such as seals, dolphins, and Fiordland Crested Penguins during the cruise.

The Cruise & Walk experience operates seasonally typically between October – April.

The trip runs in most conditions, but severe weather may result in itinerary changes or cancellations for safety.

No, there is no phone coverage on the track. Please ensure the Southern Discoveries multilingual commentary app is downloaded prior to arrival as the App will still work without phone coverage.

The walk is easy to moderate, suitable for most visitors with basic fitness.

Visitors to Milford Sound should be aware of various natural hazards when going to Milford Sound. Aotearoa New Zealand Powerful natural forces have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand over millions of years. Earthquakes and volcanoes lifted these beautiful islands out of the Pacific Ocean. They have created the dramatic landscapes we enjoy today. Natural hazards are part of life here. Around 20,000 earthquakes are recorded each year. Most are small and go unnoticed, but larger events can cause damage. Understanding the hazards and how to stay safe is an important part of planning your visit. Piopiotahi Milford Sound Dramatic and ever-changing, Piopiotahi Milford Sound is one of the world’s most spectacular and special environments. Its steep, glacier-carved mountains and deep fiord have been shaped by powerful geological forces over millions of years. The area is exposed to risk from a range of natural hazards. These can occur at any time, and some can happen without warning. Of all the hazards, large earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis pose the greatest risk to people at Piopiotahi Milford Sound. It is extremely unlikely that one will happen during your visit, especially for a short stay. However, there is a risk and the longer you spend there, the higher it becomes. Once you are there, your safety options are limited and it is important you understand the risks, before you go. Earthquakes at Piopiotahi Milford Sound Like the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand, small earthquakes occur regularly in Fiordland. We don’t feel them and they don’t bother us. These small movements are a normal part of how the land works and do not pose a risk to people. Sometimes, earthquakes in or near Fiordland are felt at Piopiotahi Milford Sound. They might shake objects on a shelf or rattle a window, but they do not cause major impacts or disrupt your visit. Occasionally, a stronger earthquake can trigger avalanches, rockfall or landslides. These can cause debris to fall onto roads, jetties and tracks, and may disrupt your travel plans if you happen to be nearby. Large earthquakes are rare, and extremely unlikely to happen during a short visit. But they will happen again. The Alpine Fault runs almost the entire length of the South Island and crosses the entrance to Piopiotahi Milford Sound. It can generate earthquakes of magnitude 8 or greater, occurring on average every 300 years. There is a 75% chance of this happening in the next 50 years (find out more at af8.org.nz). An earthquake of this size would almost certainly affect the narrow waterway and surrounding area. What to do in an earthquake: DROP, COVER and HOLD until shaking stops. Most injuries from earthquakes happen when you try and move during the shaking. The lower to the ground/floor you are, the less likely you are to be injured. Follow staff instructions and/or move up and away from waterways (the fiord and rivers) as quickly as possible. For more detailed information, please visit Emergency Management Southland or AF8.

Dress in warm layers and bring a waterproof jacket, Fiordland’s weather can change quickly, and the fiord is at its most dramatic in the rain. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the scenic stops, and don’t forget your camera.