Milford Sound Boat Cruises
No visit to Milford Sound is complete without a boat cruise around the fiord. This is an iconic New Zealand tourism experience and a Milford must-do.
Depending on whether you’re after a short scenic cruise or a longer more nature-focused option, there’s a range of boat cruises on offer in Milford Sound to suit your preferences. We partner with Southern Discoveries, who are known for their quality vessels and top-notch service.
Nature Cruise The Original - 1hr 45min cruise of Milford on a catamaran style boat
A local favourite, this is the most popular cruise with Milford Sound Lodge guests. Sail past iconic sights like Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls, feel the spray from the waterfalls as you cruise the fiord towards the Tasman Sea.
Passionate skippers will provide entertaining nature commentary from the wheelhouse, while the boat hosts are on hand for a chat and to answer any questions. Get a picture of abasking New Zealand fur seal or relax in our spacious cabin with a hot drink. This is one experience you do not want to miss!
Why choose a Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Whatever the weather, our refurbished lounges offer amazing views through large viewing windows
- With 360º views, the spacious outdoor decks are perfect for photographers
- Our passionate skippers delight in sharing their knowledge with entertaining commentary
- Option to add a delicious, freshly prepared picnic lunch. The To Kai Buffet is available on selected departures
- FREE tea and coffee
- Duration 1hr 45mins - 2hrs
Discover More Includes a longer Milford Sound Cruise, Smaller Vessel and Nature Guides onboard
Introducing the Discover More Milford Sound cruise tailored for those who enjoy unhurried exploration. Spend over two hours cruising Milford Sound with an onboard nature guide to point out spectacular waterfalls and spot iconic wildlife.
Cruise at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to appreciate the awe-inspiring fiord formation carved by ancient glaciers while the cruise follows the full length of the fiord. Meet and chat to the skipper with an open wheelhouse. Wildlife sighting can include New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and even the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
Perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with this breathtaking natural wonder.
Why choose a Milford Sound Discover More Cruise
- Time to slow down and take it all in, with a deeper Milford experience
- Expert insights and stories from a dedicated onboard nature guide
- Year-round wildlife sightings-New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and if you're lucky the rare Fiordland crested penguin
- Open wheelhouse-meet and chat with the skipper
- Spaclous outdoor covered viewing deck with comfortable seating and uninterrupted views
- Delicious, freshly prepared picnic lunch included on 12.30pm departure
- Option to add picnic lunch on 9.30am & 2.45pm departure
- FREE tea and coffee
- Duration 2hrs-2hr 15mins
Ready to Book a Boat Cruise?
You can add activities to your accommodation booking. Click the Book Now button below to book your accommodation and add on your preferred boat cruise.
Looking for an accommodation and activity package? See our Packages for all inclusive deals.
Whatever the weather
Every cruise on Milford Sound rewards passengers with spectacular scenery and unique wildlife encounters.
- Sunny days provide sensational views of the snow covered peaks and glacial ice fields towering hundreds of meters above you.
- Cloudy / misty days provide moody vistas with glimpses of peaks and waterfalls, creating a totally enchanting feel.
- Rainy days are something to experience with waterfalls plunging from all directions, some sending spray hundreds of metres out into the fiord.
- Learn more about the incredible array of Marine Life that call Milford Sound home.
Things to consider when booking your cruise
- Vessel Size – Boats come in all different shapes and sizes, from small and cozy to large and luxurious and everything in between.
- Length of Cruise – The distance each cruise covers is always the same, but on longer duration cruises there are more opportunities for the vessel to take its time exploring attractions or viewing wildlife. The shortest cruise take just over 1 3/4 hours; the longest is 3 hours.
- Timing of Cruise – Morning and late afternoon cruises almost always have space available. Daytime cruises fill up very quickly. We suggest booking in advance to secure the cruise departure time that you prefer.
- Discovery Centre – There is the option of visiting the Discovery Centre, allowing you to venture below the surface of the fiord to experience the rare marine flora that occurs in these cold, dark waters. (Some cruises include this option in their price while others have an additional cost for the visit.)
