Fiordland & Milford Sound , New Zealand

2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

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(1472 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a two hour cruise traversing the deep waters of Milford Sound, located in Fiordland. Your cruise will take you past St Anne’s lighthouse and out into the Tasman Sea. Informative guides point out scenic highlights along the way, such as the Bowen Falls (dropping 160 metres seaward), Sinbad Gully (a classic example of a hanging valley), snow-capped Mount Pembroke, and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself, towering 1692 metres from the ocean floor.

Available options

Summer Mid Morning Cruise

Winter Morning Cruise

Summer Late Cruise

Late Afternoon Cruise

Summer Morning Cruise

Morning Departures

Early Afternoon Cruise

What's included

Free tea and coffee on board

Free for children under 3

Smaller boats makes for a more ‘up close’ tour

Detailed itinerary

Your 2-hour sightseeing cruise will depart from the Milford Sound Visitor Center.

You will traverse into the deep waters of the Milford Sound and will have a chance to enter Milford Sound from the outside, approaching it just as the first settlers did at the end of the 18th century.

Stop 3

Experience the stunning Milford Sound

Stop 4

With more rainfall than any other part of New Zealand, Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound provide spectacular scenery whatever the weather conditions.
Milford Sound is located at the northern most end of Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand.

Stop 5

Having a smaller launch (approximately 20 metres) allows your cruise to navigate closer to the shoreline, getting up close to the incredible surroundings. Purpose-built for Milford waters, your boat has great viewing platforms should you encounter the local fur seal colonies – once nearly hunted to extinction, the rare Fiordland crested penguins or pods of dusky dolphins.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Available languages

Written guide

DE CMN JA EN FR ES

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

175 reviews

5★

147

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

1,297 reviews

5★

1154

4★

100

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please arrive at the terminal building 30 minutes prior to your departure time for check in

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund

Please be advised that we finish boarding 5 minutes before departure

Meeting point

- Departure Point: Milford Sound Visitor Centre
- Please arrive at the terminal building 30 minutes prior to your departure time for check in.
- Please be advised that we finish boarding 5 minutes before the departure time.

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