Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Rated one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand.
Join our boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound the "local" way.
We limit passenger numbers on all cruises to half of the boats capacity (capacity 150 passengers) to guarantee an uncrowded and much more personal experience.
Let us show you our backyard on this once in a lifetime experience.
Relax with complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits and enjoy the skipper’s live commentary while marvelling at the breath-taking scenery.
The smaller size of the vessel enables us to get you up close and personal with the local wildlife like New Zealand Fur Seals, dolphins and the very rare Fiordland Crested Penguin (spring/early summer). A “Glacial Facial” under the Sterling Falls is an experience not to be missed.
Available options
Day Trip from Queenstown
Duration: 12 hours<br/>Packed Lunch Box included
Cruise only
Award-winning customer service: Received TripAdvisor Best of the Best award for New Zealand experience in 2019 & 2020<br/>Duration: 2 hours: all cruises have a duration of 1hr 45min<br/>free coffee, tea and biscuits<br/>Full length of Milford Sound: We cruise down the southern side of the fiord, turn around in the Tasman Sea and travel back on the northern side <br/>Boat: Our two boats hold 150 passengers- all cruises are limited to 75 to guarantee an uncrowded experience<br/>uncrowded experience: Join our uncrowded boutique small boat cruise on Milford Sound. We limit passenger numbers to 1/2 of our capacity
What's included
Complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits on-board all sailings
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
The best thing about Milford Sound Cruises is that the weather doesn’t matter! On a sunny day, it is beautiful and on a wet day it is spectacular! Fiordland has some of the worlds highest waterfalls and they are a popular feature of Milford Sound. In all weather, you will see water cascading down massive cliffs into the sea.
Milford Sound is in the Fiordland National Park, which is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site which covers 26,000km² and encompassing four national parks. It is widely considered to be one of the World’s top travel destinations.
At Cruise Milford we know that you will have a wonderful and truly memorable day out on your Milford Sound cruise. We love sharing the natural beauty of this special place to visitors and your captain will inform you about the Sound, it’s history and wildlife.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Mitre Peak is the most photographed mountain located in New Zealand
3
Uncrowded cruise with uninterrupted views of this UNESCO World Heritage area.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
Explore beautiful Milford Sound up close and personal
What's not included
No food sold on-board the cruise
Parking fee- $10 per hour (Payment can be made at the parking stations on site with card only).
Available languages
Written guide
DE
EN
FR
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
594 reviews
5★
545
4★
39
3★
6
2★
1
1★
3
Tripadvisor
4.9
2,191 reviews
5★
2025
4★
132
3★
26
2★
5
1★
3
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please feel free to bring your own food and drinks on-board the cruise.
Please note proof of age for children is required upon check-in at Milford Sound.
For any extra information regarding the drive, transport or the cruise please contact us via phone or email.
The main car park at Milford Sound costs $10 per hour. Payment can be made at payment stations on site. This Car park area is approximately a 10 minute walk to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal building.
A free car park is available on the corner of Milford Road and Deepwater basin, the walk from here to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal building will take approximately 40min.
Disability Parking can be found outside the main Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and is wheelchair accessible.
Office hours for bookings assistance: 8am to 8pm
Meeting point
Cruise Departure Point: Cruise Milford NZ counter(second counter on the left)
Address: Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound, Fiordland
Paid Car park-10 minute walk/free car park-40 minute walk to the Milford Sound Terminal
Dates: Every day of the year (excluding Christmas Day: 25 December)
Important notes
• Thank you for booking your Milford Sound experience with us. Please be ready for check in 25-minutes prior to your departure time at the Cruise Milford counter (second counter on the left inside the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal). Please note proof of age is required upon check-in at Milford Sound.Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port.
About Fiordland & Milford Sound
Fiordland is a remote and breathtaking region in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. Known for its dramatic fiords, towering cliffs, and lush rainforests, it offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. Milford Sound, one of the most famous fiords, is a must-visit for its stunning waterfalls and rich marine life.
Top Attractions
Milford Sound
A stunning fiord known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and rich marine life. It's one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand.
Nature
2-4 hours for a cruise, longer for hiking
Moderate to expensive for cruises
Routeburn Track
One of New Zealand's Great Walks, offering breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and alpine meadows.
Adventure
2-4 days
Moderate (hut fees apply)
Douglas Island Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary for native wildlife, including rare birds and seals. Accessible by boat from Milford Sound.
Nature
1-2 hours
Included in most Milford Sound cruises
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hangi
Traditional Māori meal cooked in an earth oven, featuring meats and vegetables.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be adapted for dietary restrictions
Seafood Chowder
Creamy soup made with locally caught seafood like fish, mussels, and crayfish.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood, may contain dairy
Popular Activities
Hiking
Jet boating
Kayaking
Wildlife tours
Scenic cruises
Photography
Wildlife watching
Māori cultural experiences
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
This is the warmest and driest time of year, with long daylight hours. It's ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
12°C to 20°C
54°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12 (Daylight Saving Time: GMT+13)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Fiordland is generally safe, but the remote and rugged terrain requires caution.
Important Precautions:
- • Carry a map and compass for hiking
- • Be prepared for rapidly changing weather
- • Inform someone of your hiking plans
Getting there
By air
- Queenstown Airport • 250 km from Fiordland
By bus
Queenstown, Te Anau
Getting around
Public transport
Buses connect major towns and trailheads but may have limited schedules.
Taxis
Limited
Rentals
Car
Neighborhoods
Te Anau
Milford Sound Village
Day trips
Kepler Track
40 km from Te Anau • 1-3 days
Another of New Zealand's Great Walks, offering stunning views of mountains, lakes, and forests.
Dart River Wilderness Jet
100 km from Te Anau • Full day
Jet boat tours through the Dart River and Glenorchy, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting.
Festivals
Fiordland Jazz Festival • February
Pro tips
- Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance, especially during peak season
- Pack layers and waterproof gear; weather can change rapidly
- Fill up your gas tank in Te Anau as stations are scarce in Fiordland
- Carry a map and compass; cell service can be unreliable in remote areas
- Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
