Double the adventure with our Special Deals!

Book Ahead & Save up to 20%

Milford Sound day trips and cruises provide a chance to explore its stunning cliffs, waterfalls, marine life, and rainforests. Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers, it's a must-see destination. Book in advance to secure your spot and enjoy savings with our special offers.

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Chinese New Year Celebration Cruise

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025, the Year of the Snake, with an unforgettable Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Savour a hot seafood platter, To Kai Buffet, and a glass of wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic drink while enjoying the luxury of reserved VIP room seating and breathtaking views of Milford Sound’s natural beauty.

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COMBO & SAVE

There is so much to see and do in Queenstown and Milford Sound. We don't want you to miss a thing so we've combined our Queenstown and Milford Sound experiences so it makes it easy to book and even better, saves you money! Check out our COMBO PAGE for some great combo deals.

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FAQ

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 buffet lunch?

Our To Kai lunch includes a range of meats, salads and seasonal vegetables with hot and cold options available. We can cater to most dietary requirements - please note this on your booking. All our meat is certified halal.

I’m an agent and want to start booking groups with you, who should I talk to?

Please contact sales@southerndiscoveries.co.nz

Do you pick up from local accommodation in Queenstown or Te Anau?

Yes! For Milford cruise and coach tours, we pick up from central Queenstown accommodation. Make sure you indicate your pick-up point when booking your coach online. Unfortunately we do not pick up from Te Anau accommodation and ask that you make your way to the Te Anau Visitor Centre. If you have not indicated a pick-up point for your Queenstown accommodation, the driver will expect you to check-in and board Queenstown Visitor Centre.

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