Milford Sound Extended Cruise with Southern Discoveries
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join your longest and most immersive Milford Sound cruise, giving you over two hours to experience everything that makes this destination famous around the world. An expert Nature Guide travels with you throughout the journey, sharing fascinating insights about the landscape and helping you spot wildlife like seals, dolphins, and rare penguins. Your spacious vessel, with both indoor cabins and covered outdoor viewing decks, gives you plenty of room to move around and find the perfect photo spot in any weather. Get close to thundering waterfalls, learn the stories behind the scenery, and take your time soaking in the views. With multiple language options via app and free tea and coffee onboard, this cruise is designed for those who want the most complete Milford Sound experience.
Available options
2.45pm Cruise only
12.30pm with picnic lunch
Picnic Lunch
9.30am Cruise only
What's included
Picnic Lunch (if selected)
Multi-lingual app for commentary available: App Store and Google Play.
Indepth sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound for up to 2 hours 15 mins
FREE tea and coffee are provided to all passengers
Nature Guide onboard
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Travel the length of the fiord
2
Stop 2
Pass by
163 metres high
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Mitre Peak is 1692 metres
4
Home to native, rare and endangered wildlife
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Fiorldland is a remote region known for its rugged landscape.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
151 metres high
What's not included
Milford Sound Car Park costs $10 (if self-driving)
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
PT
KO
JA
ZH-CN
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Please check in at the Southern Discoveries Desk within the Milford Sound Visitor Centre. Car Parking: On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark. You can park free of charge at Deepwater Basin Carpark and walk over to Freshwater Basin to the Cruise Terminal.
Important notes
• Please ensure you provide a contact phone number for your booking.
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
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
