Southern Discoveries is expanding its Milford Sound experience portfolio with two new small-group journeys, with bookings open ready for an October launch.
Known for its iconic red boats and more than 70 years of operating in Milford Sound, the company says the move reflects ongoing investment in how visitors experience the destination.
The two new experiences form part of Southern Discoveries’ broader shift toward more personalised, small-group and higher-value journeys, while retaining its fully guided, end-to-end delivery.
Southern Discoveries chief executive officer Kerry Walker says the new experiences reflect how the company continues to evolve the way guests travel to Milford Sound.
“We’ve been operating in Milford Sound for decades, and our experiences continue to evolve over time,” says Walker. “These new small-group journeys give guests more choice, while keeping the journey with one operator from beginning to end.”
“Owning the full guest journey, including transport and cruise, is a key point of difference for us, and the introduction of new Mercedes Sprinter vehicles allows us to deliver these experiences in smaller groups and with a more personalised style of travel,” says Walker.
The company will launch its ‘Small Group Travel & Discover More Cruise’ as a full-day journey from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound, combining return transfers in a Mercedes Sprinter with the Milford Sound Discover More Cruise.
The other new product, ‘Small Group Travel & Captain’s VIP Lounge’, represents a new direction for the operator and the most premium experience it has offered to date. The journey combines transfers in a Mercedes Sprinter with exclusive access to the Captain’s VIP Lounge onboard Pride of Milford, currently the only fully private cabin on any Milford Sound cruise. Guests receive priority boarding, an all-inclusive lunch and drinks offering, a dedicated onboard host, private cabin and outdoor viewing areas.
Walker says the Captain’s VIP Lounge experience reflects a deliberate shift toward fully hosted, higher-value experiences.
“Captain’s VIP is something we’re genuinely excited about,” says Walker. “It’s fully hosted and designed to remove friction from the day, including having a private space onboard the cruise, while still delivering the same local knowledge and care our team is known for.”
Walker says expanding guided travel options can also influence how visitors choose to travel to Milford Sound.
“Providing both large-scale and small-group options encourages more visitors to leave the car behind,” says Walker. “With our experienced drivers handling a road that demands full attention, guests can keep their focus on the scenery instead.”
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