Why choose this tour ?
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound during an intimate boat cruise led by a specialized Nature Guide. On board a smaller-sized vessel than typical Milford Sound cruises, enjoy indoor and outdoor observation decks that provide fantastic photo opportunities of this famous South Island natural wonder, inside New Zealand's World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park. Stay on the water longer than most other tours, and get close to the waterfalls and other natural features that give the sound its nickname, the Eighth Wonder of the World. Our vessels are all purpose built for viewing - providing you with unbeatable viewing capabilities from our full height viewing windows and 360º viewing decks.
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
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What makes Milford Sound Nature Cruise a unique experience ?
Your journey starts here, check in with friendly staff at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
Fiordland National Park is in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for the glacier-carved fiords of Doubtful and Milford sounds. A beech forest trail on the sandy Milford shore offers views of towering Mitre Peak.
Whatever the weather, our newly refurbished vessels offer unbeatable views through full height viewing windows. Make the most of out 360º decks which are perfect for that perfect photo. Our passionate skippers share their knowledge with lively and entertaining commentary. This is the perfect cruise for single travelers, couples and families with plenty of room to take in the views.
The stunning Lady Bowen Falls is Milford’s highest waterfall. It plunges 162m from a hanging valley into the head of Milford Sound and provides electricity for the Milford Sound township by feeding a small hydroelectric scheme, as well as being the water source for the settlement.
Mitre Peak is a beautifully dramatic mountain in the South Island of New Zealand, located on the shore of Milford Sound. It is one of the most photographed mountain peaks in the entire country.
Nestled behind the world famous Mitre Peak, the Sinbad Gully is characterised by extremely steep glacially carved walls punctuated by near vertical granite cliffs. These walls slowed pest invasion into the gully and as a result a number of unique native species remain in the Sinbad. Southern Discoveries is passionate about preserving Milford Sound’s beauty for future generations which is why it’s a key partner in a major conservation project – the Sinbad Sanctuary Project. The aim is to see the valley of New Zealand’s most photographed mountain (Sinbad Gully is at the base of Mitre Peak) become a sanctuary for native species.
Milford’s second-highest waterfall is the Stirling Falls, a staggering 151m in height – three times the height of Niagara Falls, but the 1,300m mountain behind displaces this incredible height. This is the famous waterfall that Hugh Jackman ‘jumped off’ in the movie Wolverine. The sheer drop of the Stirling Falls allows boats to get right underneath – it’s an incredible feeling to have the power of 151m worth of glacial water falling so close to you.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
- Car Parking: On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark. Please allow 10 minutes to walk from the main carpark to the Milford Wharf Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you can park free of charge at Deepwater Basin Carpark and walk over to Freshwater Basin to the Cruise Terminal. This walk is approximately 30 minutes in duration, so additional time will need to be allocated in order to do this comfortably and arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to your cruise for check-in.
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- 11.15am Nature Cruise & Picnic
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11.15am Nature Cruise & Picnic - 11.15am Nature Cruise only
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11.15am Nature Cruise only - 3.15pm Cruise & Picnic Lunch
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3.15pm Cruise & Picnic Lunch - 1.15pm Cruise & Picnic Lunch
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1:15pm Cruise & Picnic Lunch: 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise with freshly packed Picnic Lunch. - 10.00am Nature Cruise only
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10.00am Nature Cruise only - 1.30pm Nature Cruise only
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1.30pm Nature Cruise only - 3.45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
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3.45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic - 1.15pm Cruise only
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1:15pm Nature Cruise: 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise with complimentary Tea & Coffee - 10.00am Nature Cruise & Picnic
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10.00am Nature Cruise & Picnic - 10:30am Cruise only
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10:30am Nature Cruise - 2:45pm Nature Cruise only
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2.45pm Nature Cruise only
Milford Sound Nature Cruise Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Nature Cruise
- FREE Tea and coffee
- Live commentary on board from our passionate skipper
- Picnic lunch (if option selected)
Not Included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark at a fee of $10 per hour.
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Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Southern Discoveries.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Pacific/Auckland.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 239 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
From December 3 2021, we will be requiring vaccination certificates to be shown prior to joining any Southern Discoveries experience.
