0:00

Small Groups

Small Group Travel & Captain’s VIP Cruise

Book Now

from $439.00

Fully hosted small-group journey

Private space on the vessel

All-inclusive dining

Fully hosted small-group journey

Private space on the vessel

All-inclusive dining

About

A fully hosted Milford Sound experience, combining small-group road travel with access to the onboard Captain’s VIP lounge; every detail is taken care of.

Small-group travel to Milford Sound with a maximum of 12 guests
Journey in a customised glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter featuring 12 leather seats and panoramic views
Onboard Wi-Fi, USB and USB-C charging, and a refillable chilled water dispenser
Driver-guide commentary throughout the Milford Road journey
Priority boarding onto the Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Access to the Captain's VIP Lounge, a private onboard cabin and the fiord's only private outdoor viewing deck, for a maximum of 20 guests
Dedicated host providing service throughout the cruise
Freedom to move around the vessel and explore public decks
All-inclusive hot and cold dishes with a range of beverages, including beer, wine and non-alcoholic options, served by your host
Cruise to the Tasman Sea, taking in Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls
Watch for NZ fur seals, Bottlenose dolphins and Fiordland crested penguins
Return travel from Queenstown or Te Anau
Download the Southern Discoveries app for multilingual commentary on our cruise experiences
Step inside our Mercedes Sprinters
Explore the glass roof, 12 leather seats and every detail of our Small Group Travel vehicles with a 360° virtual tour

from $439.00

Up to 12 hrs 30 mins

Book now

Scenic stops in Milford Sound

Priority boarding to the VIP Lounge

Awe-inspiring scenery

Hosted Nature Cruise on Milford Sound

All inclusive food & beverages

Map

Coach

Cruise

Lunch

Captain's VIP Lounge

Make yourself at home in the Captain's VIP Lounge, where a range of hot and cold dishes is served with a range of beverages (all-inclusive). Sit back, enjoy the food and take in the fiord as you cruise.

Transport

from Queenstown
from Te Anau

Small Group Travel

Travel in a customised glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter built for small-group travel with 12 leather seats, panoramic views overhead, Wi-Fi, USB and USB-C charging, and a refillable chilled water dispenser onboard.

Small Group Travel

"Awe Inspiring."

Cruise Specials

See all Specials

Combo & Save – Milford Sound Coach & Cruise and Fiordland Jet

Two epic days in Fiordland! Starting in Te Anau, take a coach journey to Milford Sound to meet your Milford Sound cruise. The next day, speed across Lake Manapouri and the Waiau River on a fun-filled jet boat ride.

Book Now More info

Combo & Save – Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Fiordland Jet

Two days, two boat trips, two unique adventures. Discover the best of Fiordland's lakes, fiords, and rivers with this Milford Sound Cruise + Fiordland Jet Boat Combo.

Book Now More info

Combo & Save – Milford Sound Coach & Cruise and Shotover Jet

Experience the best of Queenstown and Milford Sound in one unforgettable combo! Relax on a scenic Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise, then crank up the excitement the next day with the world-famous Shotover Jet adventure.

Book Now More info

FAQ

What is the Captain’s VIP Lounge?

The Captain’s VIP Lounge is Southern Discoveries’ exclusive Milford Sound experience. It includes a private indoor room and outdoor viewing deck onboard the vessel, with all-inclusive food and beverages and a dedicated host throughout the cruise.

How many guests are in the Captain’s VIP Lounge?

The Captain’s VIP Lounge is a private space, available to 20 guests, but you are also free to move around the wider vessel at any time.

What food and drinks are included?

All food and beverages are included as part of the Captain’s VIP Lounge experience, served by your dedicated host.

What does ‘fully hosted’ mean?

From the moment you board the Sprinter, every detail is taken care of. Your driver-guide manages the road journey, and at the wharf you are handed over to your dedicated host who looks after you through boarding, dining, and the cruise. There are no queues, no decisions to make — just enjoy the day.

Is this experience available without the Sprinter transfer?

Yes. The Captain’s VIP Lounge is also available as a self-drive option for guests making their own way to Milford Sound. Speak to our team for details.

Where does the tour depart from?

Choose a departure from Queenstown or Te Anau. Both options follow the scenic Milford Road with stops along the way.

Does the Sprinter vehicle have a glass roof?

Yes. The Mercedes Sprinter features a glass roof for panoramic views along the Milford Road, similar to our glass-roof coaches.

How long is the full-day experience?

The full day runs up to approximately 12.5 hours from Queenstown, or around 8–9 hours from Te Anau, including the road journey, scenic stops, and cruise.

How is this different from the coach experience?

All our Milford Sound journeys visit the same extraordinary destination with the same expert guiding. The Captain’s VIP Lounge adds a private onboard space, all-inclusive dining, and a dedicated host — paired with the smaller group Sprinter Road journey. It’s a different style of experience, designed for guests who enjoy a fully hosted day.

What should I bring?

Dress in warm layers and bring a waterproof jacket. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the scenic stops. Everything else is taken care of.

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