Milford Sound
Private Charters

Private Charters

Transform your Milford Sound adventure into an exclusive, personalised journey. Charter our luxury coaches for seamless scenic transfers or reserve our premium vessels for intimate cruising through the fiord's dramatic landscapes. Elevate your experience with our VIP high tea service, featuring artisanal treats, fine teas, and bubbles served in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage wonder. Whether it's a romantic escape, corporate retreat, or special celebration, our private charters offer unmatched flexibility and luxury. Design your perfect Milford Sound experience with personalised service that exceeds expectations.

Milford Sound Private Charters

From exclusive vessel hire and luxury coach transport to indulgent VIP high tea, tailor a bespoke journey through one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes - perfect for special events, group travel, or unforgettable celebrations

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Fly, Cruise & High Tea

Indulge in an exclusive Milford Sound adventure with our Fly, Cruise & High Tea package. Enjoy a private scenic flight, a luxurious nature cruise with VIP lounge access, and a choice of elegant high tea or a gourmet cheese board.

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Coach & Nature Cruise – 15% Off Select Departures

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries' Coach & Nature Cruise. On select departures from Queenstown or Te Anau, enjoy a scenic journey in a premium glass-roof coach, followed by a nature cruise on a modern vessel with full-height windows. Until the end of August, use the promo code to save 15% on select departures.

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August Special - 20% off our Milford Sound Nature Cruise

August is the time to enjoy our stunning Milford Sound Nature Cruise, with a special offer of 20% off all nature cruises this August. Take in spectacular scenery, spot wildlife, and experience the magic of Milford Sound for less. Don’t miss this special limited-time offer.

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SAVE $40 on Queenstown Wine Tour

Embark on a small group Queenstown Wine Tour and enjoy $40 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.

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 you operate on Christmas Day?

All day trips from Queenstown and Te Anau operate on different schedules. Please refer to the individual trip for dates and times. Most Queenstown to Milford Sound experiences operate on Christmas day, but are subject to schedule updates and weather.

Will I see wildlife?

Milford Sound has an abundance of wildlife and is home to New Zealand fur seals and bottlenose dolphins year-round. Rare Dusky dolphins are known to visit the fiord and the world’s rarest penguin, the Fiordland Crested Penguin/Tawaki visits Milford during breeding season (August - November) and moulting season (March/April). While there is wildlife here, we can’t guarantee sightings as these are wild animals in their natural habitat.

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’s the difference between the cruises?

We provide some of the best Milford Sound cruise deals in New Zealand. To compare our day trips, check out our Cruise Comparison table, where you can see our range of cruises and the vessels.

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.

Is there somewhere to get a coffee or snack in Milford?

Yes, Discover Milford Sound Information Centre & Cafe is the perfect place to grab a coffee or a hot snack before or after your cruise. It's located beside the main carpark and is a short 15-minute walk to the Visitor Terminal.

Is there parking in Milford Sound?

Yes, there is paid car parking at the Milford Sound public car park. We advise getting there early as the car park does fill quickly in summer months. Parking is $10 per hour. Allow 10 - 15 minutes to walk to the Milford Sound Cruise Terminal.
Alternatively, there is free parking at Deep Water Basin with a complimentary shuttle. If you take the free shuttle, we recommend allowing up to an hour, as it doesn’t run on a fixed schedule. Alternatively, it’s about a 45-minute walk from Deep Water Basin to the cruise terminal.

Are there sandflies?

Yes, there are sandflies. To avoid being bitten, bring mosquito spray with you and wear long-sleeve clothing and trousers. Mosquito spray is available for purchase from the Cafe & Information Centre.

Do you have a webcam in Milford Sound?

Yes, you can view how the weather and day looks. Check out our webcam here.

How long does it take to drive from Queenstown to a Milford Sound cruise?

It typically takes around 5 hours to drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Please allow extra time for road works and the Homer Tunnel traffic lights.

How long does it take to drive to a Milford Sound cruise from Te Anau?

We advise to allow 2.5 hours to drive from Te Anau to a Milford Sound cruise. There are various scenic stops along the way so we recommend allowing plenty of time.

Where is your desk?

Inside the Visitor Terminal. Once inside turn right and you will see the Southern Discoveries front desk.

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.

Can I get a refund for my booking?

We have a 24-hour cancellation and amendment policy, so as long as you notify us more than 24 hours before departure we can amend your booking to another day or cancel for a refund.

Which tour is best for kids?

All of our Queenstown to Milford Sound day trips are suitable for children.

What should I bring on my Milford Sound tour from Queenstown?

It’s a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, warm clothing and to wear comfortable shoes for your Milford Sound day trip. We also have ponchos available for purchase so you can enjoy a glacial facial under Stirling Falls.

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.

Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?

Milford Sound is the wettest place in New Zealand and one of the wettest places in the world! Many visitors are shocked to know that this true world wonder actually measures its rainfall in metres (and not millimetres like most of the world.) In fact, in 2016 Milford Sound received over nine metres of rain! Doubtful Sound is also rainy with an average of 3-6 metres of rain per year. Both fiords are magnificent to visit in rainy weather due to the significant amount of waterfalls. The fiords come alive with water streaming down sheer cliffs - a magical sight not to be missed.

How likely are we to see wildlife in Fiordland?

Although we cannot guarantee wildlife viewing, it is very likely that you will see the New Zealand fur seal, and likely more than just one or two! Dolphins are often sighted swimming alongside cruise vessels. Two species of penguins make Milford Sound their home at various times throughout the year. Little blue penguins and the Fiordland crested penguin - known at the Tawaki. Often hard to find and see, it is always a delight to spot them when we do.

How long does it take to travel to Milford Sound?

It takes approximately five hours to get to Milford from Queenstown depending on the time of year and road conditions. It takes approximately two hours to get to the Sound from Te Anau. You can drive a car or campervan or take a coach tour. We always recommend allowing plenty of time to get to Milford as the journey there is as spectacular as the cruise itself.

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Get in touch

in New Zealand

0800 264 536

Overseas

+64 3 441 1137

reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz