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Milford Sound Cruises

Nature Cruise

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from $179.00

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 Captain's VIP Lounge. Available on the 11:15am and 1:30pm cruises. $264 includes your Milford Sound Nature Cruise, a private room with a premium food and drinks package, limited to just 20 guests per departure, hosted service and exclusive outdoor viewing deck.
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 $179.00

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

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 Captain's VIP Lounge upgrade

Upgrade your Milford Sound Nature Cruise with exclusive access to the Captain's VIP 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

FAQ

How long does the Milford Sound Nature Cruise take?

The Milford Sound Nature Cruise takes up to 2 hours.

What is included in the ticket price?

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.

Are food and drinks available on board?

Food and drinks available onboard. We offer a To Kai buffet or picnic lunch. Buffet includes meats, salads and seasonal vegetables and picnic includes sandwich, snacks and fruit. Dietary requirements catered for on request.

How is the Nature Cruise different from the Discover More Cruise?

The Nature Cruise offers an immersive journey through Milford Sound’s stunning scenery for those wanting to get close to waterfalls, wildlife, and landscapes. The Discover More Cruise builds on this experience, providing deeper insight into the region’s natural history and wildlife with commentary from a dedicated nature guide on board.

Can I book the Nature Cruise with transport from Queenstown or Te Anau?

A Milford Sound tour from Queenstown or Te Anau includes comfortable coach travel and a scenic cruise through the fiord. It’s a full-day experience, perfect for those staying in Queenstown or Te Anau.

Is commentary available in other languages?

We offer a commentary app which is available to customers where they download and listen through their own headphones to the guided commentary in 8 languages.

Do the vessels have both indoor seating and outdoor viewing decks?

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.

Can I combine this cruise with other Milford Sound experiences?

Yes, we have a range of different products that you are able to combine the cruise portion with.

Is the vessel wheelchair accessible?

We have two vessels in Milford Sound with wheelchair access which 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.

How early should I arrive before departure?

You should arrive 20 minutes before departure at the Milford Sound Terminal for check in.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Yes, we allow free cancellation or amendments for up to 24 hours of reservation. Any cancellations or amendments within 24 hours of reservation: amendments, partial or full cancellations and ‘no show’ reservations will incur a 100% charge.

What time of year is best to do the Nature Cruise?

The Nature Cruise runs all year, with each season offering something special. Summer brings long, green days, while winter features snow-covered peaks and clear skies. Rainy days transform Milford Sound with countless waterfalls and dramatic scenery.

Do you provide live commentary during the cruise?

Yes, all cruises include live commentary from our knowledgeable skippers.

What makes the Captain's VIP Lounge experience different from standard seating?

The Captain's VIP Lounge elevates your Milford Sound experience by guaranteeing you a reserved seat on the vessel, unlike standard cruise seating, which is first come, first served. With a maximum of just 20 guests in the space, there’s plenty of room to move around and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll also have access to a private viewing deck, offering a quieter, more exclusive way to take in the stunning scenery. Enjoy priority boarding as well as an all inclusive food and beverage package.

Can I combine this cruise with other Milford Sound experiences?

Yes, we have a range of different products that you are able to combine the cruise portion with.

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