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Milford Sound Cruises

Nature Cruise

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from $165.00

Your ultimate Milford Sound sightseeing vessel

Get closer to incredible waterfalls

Buffet Lunch on 11:15am, 1:15pm and 1:30pm Cruise

Your ultimate Milford Sound sightseeing vessel

Get closer to incredible waterfalls

Buffet Lunch on 11:15am, 1:15pm and 1:30pm Cruise

About

Get incredibly close to nature, including the famous Stirling Falls. From the large open-top deck or comfy interior cabins, enjoy our most popular Milford Sound cruise.

Up to 2-hour cruise
Spacious cabins and unobstructed views through full-height windows
Commentary from our passionate skippers
Keep an eye out for seals on the rocks, or if you are lucky, dolphins and penguins in the water
Includes FREE tea and coffee
Licenced bar on board
"To Kai" Buffet available on the 11:15am, 1:15pm and 1:30pm Nature Cruise
Picnic lunch available for purchase
Upgrade to the Cascade Room: Available on the 11:15am and 1:30pm cruises for an additional $99 per person. Enjoy a private room with a premium food and drinks package, limited to just 20 guests per departure
Add-on coach transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau or flight transfer from Queenstown
Gift vouchers are available for our Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Buy now if you don't know your travel date and you don't want to miss out!
Download the Southern Discoveries app for multilingual commentary for our cruise experiences
Southern Discoveries Ltd wishes to notify our customers about the natural risks and hazards prevalent in Milford Sound, the remote location where our operations are situated. Detailed information of these risks and hazards can be found here.
Due to New Zealand liquor laws, we are unable to serve alcohol on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day all day. ANZAC Day up to 1pm

from $165.00

1h 45 mins - 2hrs

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Enjoy entertaining commentary from our passionate team

Catch a glimpse of Milford's amazing wildlife

155 metre high Stirling Falls dwarfed by surrounding mountains

Get up close and personal with Stirling Falls

Experience majestic towering mountains

Map

Cruise

Lunch

Choose from our "To Kai" Buffet or Picnic Lunch

"To Kai" Buffet Lunch

“To Kai” means Your Food. Enjoy a Kiwi-style buffet featuring hot and cold dishes and fresh salads, all prepared on board by our chefs using the best local produce.

Picnic Lunch

Our freshly prepared picnic lunches include a sandwich, snacks, fruit and sweet treats, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Drinks are not included to help reduce single-use plastics, so please remember to bring your reusable water bottle.

Upgrades

Enjoy the VIP treatment with our Cascade Lounge upgrade

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

Enjoy priority boarding, a dedicated host, spacious seating, and a private viewing deck, along with 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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Transport

from Queenstown
from Te Anau
from Milford Sound
from Wanaka

Coach

Premium glass-roof coach departs early allowing you to arrive relaxed and ready for your Milford Sound cruise. Expert coach drivers provide time for photo stops and short walks along the Milford road journey.

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Coach + return scenic flight

Jump on an early morning coach trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Return by scenic flight enjoying amazing views of the mountains and valleys of the Southern Alps and Fiordland National Park.

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Coach + return scenic heli

Depart Queenstown by coach; enjoy the sights and photo stops on the road to Milford Sound. Return by helicopter flight experiencing spectacular views across the Southern Alps.

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Scenic Heli + Cruise

Enjoy a spectacular return scenic helicopter trip that includes our Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Experience the spectacular Fiordland mountains and Southern Alps from above. Departs from Queenstown.

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Scenic flight + cruise

Spectacular scenic flight with Air Milford. Depart Queenstown for a 4-hour return journey including our Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Enjoy expansive views of the Southern Alps and Fiordland mountains.

Self Drive

Make your own way to Milford Sound and enjoy the spectacular Milford road at your own pace. You will find car parking at two locations in Milford Sound within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

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Coach

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Self Drive

Make your own way to Milford Sound and enjoy the spectacular Milford road at your own pace. You will find car parking at two locations in Milford Sound within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

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Scenic flight + Cruise

Depart Wanaka with Southern Alps Air for an incredible scenic flight over the Southern Alps before landing in Milford Sound for your nature cruise.

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Self-Drive

Make your own way to Milford Sound and enjoy the spectacular Milford road at your own pace. You will find car parking at two locations in Milford Sound within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

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"Insane."

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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20% off Discover More Cruise

Make the most of Milford Sound on our Discover More Cruise – our longest cruise on the fiord. With extra time on the water, you’ll journey further, get close to waterfalls and wildlife, all while enjoying expert insights from the nature guide. For a limited time, this unforgettable experience is available at a special discounted rate.

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SAVE $20 on Queenstown Wine Tour

Embark on a small group Queenstown Wine Tour and enjoy $20 off this exclusive experience. Visit four boutique cellar doors, savour premium tastings, and enjoy a delicious light platter. With luxurious transport and stunning Central Otago scenery, this is a wine adventure not to be missed!

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FAQ

Do you provide disabled/wheelchair access?

The two vessels in Milford Sound with wheelchair access are the 'Pride of Milford' and 'Spirit of Milford' where access to the vessel is by ramp. Disabled toilet facilities are in the Visitor Terminal where all cruises depart from.

Do all boat trips take the same route?

Every cruise goes the full length of the fiord - subject to weather. Cruises stop in different places but each trip visits the major sights of interest including Stirling Falls and Harrison Cove.

What cruise is best for wildlife viewing?

Every cruise provides the opportunity to view wildlife, but we cannot guarantee sightings. Our Nature Cruise includes plenty of stops for viewing the amazing geology and occasional wildlife, our skipper and friendly boat hosts will be sure to point out any wildlife.

Do your lunches have vegetarian options?

Yes, picnic lunches can be ordered as vegetarian or vegan. You can select this when booking online.

Which cruise is best for kids?

All cruises are suitable for children.

What should I bring on my boat cruise?

Due to the changeable nature of the weather, it’s a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, warm clothing and to wear comfortable shoes. We also have ponchos available for purchase so you can enjoy a glacial facial under Stirling Falls.

What should I bring on my boat cruise?

Is there a Milford Sound cruise from Te Anau?

Yes, you can book a Milford Sound cruise from Te Anau with coach transport or self-drive options. The journey is around 2.5 hours and includes spectacular scenery and occasional stops en route.

What is included in the buffet lunch?

Our To Kai lunch includes a range of meats, salads and seasonal vegetables with hot and cold options available. We can cater to most dietary requirements - please note this on your booking. All our meat is certified halal.

What is included in the picnic lunch?

The picnic lunch includes a sandwich with chicken and salad, cheese and crackers, seasonal fresh fruit, crisps, a cookie and a small chocolate bar. We can cater to most dietary requirements – please note this on your booking.

What does a Milford Sound boat tour include?

Each cruise includes close-up views of waterfalls, cliffs, and native wildlife like dolphins and seals. Our boats have full-height windows, open-top viewing decks, and knowledgeable guides to enrich the experience.

Can I do a Milford Sound day trip with a cruise?

Yes, a day trip is one of the most popular ways to experience the fiord. Packages often include coach transport from Queenstown or Te Anau and a cruise with optional lunch and extras.

Is the Milford Sound cruise suitable for families?

Yes. Our cruise is family-friendly and includes onboard commentary, wildlife spotting, and plenty of comfortable seating options. Kids love the up-close views of waterfalls and dolphins.

Are Milford Sound boat trips suitable in all weather?

Yes. In fact, boat trips in Milford Sound are often even more dramatic in the rain, when hundreds of temporary waterfalls appear down the cliffs. All vessels have indoor seating to ensure comfort year-round.

Do you offer a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown?

Do you offer a Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown? No, our Milford Sound cruise doesn't depart from Queenstown but we do offer offer a day trip option that includes coach transfers with informative commentary. It’s a full-day trip that lets you relax and enjoy the stunning scenery en route to Milford Sound.

How does the Queenstown to Milford Sound coach & cruise work?

The Queenstown to Milford Sound coach and cruise includes return coach travel and a nature cruise. The drive takes about 5 hours each way, with stops for short walks and photo opportunities.

Can I book a Milford Sound tour from Queenstown?

Absolutely. A Milford Sound tour from Queenstown typically includes coach travel, a scenic cruise, and optional extras like lunch. It’s a full-day adventure ideal for visitors based in Queenstown or Te Anau.

Is there a Milford Sound coach from Te Anau?

Yes, you can book a Milford Sound coach & cruise from Te Anau with coach transport or self-drive options. The journey is around 2.5 hours and includes spectacular scenery and occasional stops en route.

How long is the Te Anau to Milford Sound coach?

The Te Anau to Milford Sound cruise experience includes a 2–2.5-hour drive and a 1.75–2.5-hour cruise, depending on the option you choose. It’s a great choice for travellers seeking a shorter travel day than from Queenstown.

How long is the Te Anau to Milford Sound cruise?

How long does it take to drive from Wanaka to Milford Sound?

The drive from Wanaka to Milford Sound takes around 5–6 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. It’s a full-day journey, so allow extra time to enjoy the scenery and plan for rest breaks.

Is it better to stay overnight before a Milford Sound cruise?

Yes, many travellers choose to stay overnight in Te Anau, which is about two hours from Milford Sound. This makes the trip less tiring and ensures you can join your cruise without rushing.

What is the best route to Milford Sound from Wanaka?

The most common route is via Queenstown and then on to Te Anau before continuing to Milford Sound. The road is scenic with many points of interest, but it’s important to check road conditions, especially in winter.

Where does the Milford Sound day cruise leave from?

Our nature cruise leaves from and returns to the wharf at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.

Do all boat trips take the same route?

Every cruise goes the full length of the fiord - subject to weather. Cruises stop in different places but each trip visits the major sights of interest including Stirling Falls and Harrison Cove.

What weather can I expect in Fiordland?

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.

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