Small Group Travel & Cruise

Discover Milford Sound with our small-group journeys. Travel in a customised glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter vehicle, with panoramic views of Fiordland’s mountains and forests and easy interaction with your driver-guide. Sit back, enjoy the scenery, and let us handle every detail.

As Milford Sound’s original operator with 70+ years of experience, Southern Discoveries offers different ways to reach the fiord. Our small-group trips in a Mercedes Sprinter vehicle (maximum 12 guests) pair with the Discover More Cruise or the fully hosted Captain's VIP Cruise. Each vehicle features 12 leather seats, onboard Wi-Fi, USB and USB-C charging, and a refillable chilled water dispenser. Every Southern Discoveries experience comes with the same friendly team and local expertise...

Small Group Travel & Discover More Cruise

from $359.00

Travel from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound in a small group onboard a glass‑roof Mercedes Sprinter, enjoying incredible scenery, commentary, and a relaxed road journey. Then join the Discover More Cruise, our longest Milford Sound cruise, with an onboard Nature Guide and more time to immerse yourself in the remarkable Milford Sound landscapes.

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Small Group Travel & Captain’s VIP Cruise

from $439.00

An incredible fully hosted VIP Milford Sound experience. Travel from Queenstown in a glass‑roof Mercedes Sprinter then access the Captain’s VIP Lounge on a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. With priority boarding, a private onboard space, and all-inclusive food and drinks, this is for those who want a seamless and very special way to experience Milford Sound.

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Introductory Offer - Small Group Travel & Discover More Cruise

Be among the first to try Small Group Travel. Reach Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau in a glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter, just 12 guests, then settle in for our Discover More Cruise - the longest, most immersive cruise on the fiord. Enjoy $10 off per adult. Book by 30 September, travel any future date.

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Introductory Offer - Small Group Travel & Captain's VIP Cruise

Introducing Small Group Travel, fully hosted. Travel to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau in a glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter, just 12 guests, then settle into the private Captain's VIP Lounge - priority boarding, a private viewing deck and all-inclusive food and drinks. Enjoy $10 off per adult. Book by 30 September, travel any future date.

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SAVE 20% on Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Join us as Milford Sound's original cruise company, backed by 70 years of local experience. Enjoy stunning views from the open-top deck or through full-height windows as our friendly team brings you closer to the beauty of Milford Sound. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and penguins as we cruise beneath towering peaks and thundering waterfalls.

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FAQ

What is small group travel?

Small group travel is a more personal way to experience Milford Sound, with fewer guests on board and an unhurried pace. Rather than journeying in a large coach, you'll travel with a smaller group of like-minded explorers in a Mercedes Sprinter vehicle, with plenty of space, time and breathing room to take it all in. Explore the glass roof, 12 leather seats and every detail of our Small Group Travel vehicles with a 360° virtual tour https://nz360.net/26062701/

How many guests are in the group?

Our small group experiences carry a maximum of 12 guests in a Mercedes Sprinter vehicle. It's a sociable, friendly group size, small enough that you'll never feel lost in a crowd.

What vehicle will we travel in?

A Mercedes Sprinter vehicle fitted with 12 leather seats, a glass roof for skyward views of Fiordland, onboard Wi-Fi, USB and USB-C charging at every seat, and a refillable chilled water dispenser. It's a comfortable, contemporary way to journey between Queenstown and Milford Sound.

Who is small group travel best suited to?

It suits travellers who value space, time and a more personal pace. Couples, solo travellers, friends and small parties all enjoy small group travel, it's simply another way to experience Milford Sound, chosen for the kind of day you'd like to have.

Will I be travelling with people I don't know?

You may be, and many of our guests tell us this is part of the appeal. Small group travel naturally creates a friendly, sociable feel, and the shared experience of Fiordland tends to bring people together. If you've booked as a couple, family or small group of friends, you'll still travel as part of the wider group.

Where does the day begin and end?

Pickup and drop-off arrangements are confirmed at the time of booking. Our reservations team is happy to help arrange the most convenient meeting point, depending on where you're staying in Queenstown.

Is small group travel suitable for guests with limited mobility?

The Mercedes Sprinter vehicle has a step-in entry, and our cruise vessels are accessible for most guests. If you or anyone in your party has specific mobility needs, please let our reservations team know when you book and we'll happily talk through the day with you.

Are children welcome?

Yes, families are very welcome. Small group travel works well for families who'd prefer a quieter, more personal day out. Please share children's ages when you book so we can plan for everyone's comfort.

What should I bring, and what if the weather turns?

Comfortable layers, sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket are a good idea - Milford Sound is one of the world's wettest places, and the weather plays a big part in what makes it so spectacular. A camera or phone is a must, and we'll take care of the rest along the way.

How do I book, and what is your cancellation policy?

You can book directly through our website, by phone, or through a travel agent. Our cancellation terms are shared with your booking confirmation, and our reservations team is happy to walk you through them if you have questions before you commit.

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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