Cruisesat Milford Sound
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the majestic waters of Milford Sound. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of this iconic fjord.
Milford Sound Cruise: An unforgettable experience
A cruise in Milford Sound is the best way to discover this magnificent fjord. Cruises allow you to grasp and truly appreciate the immensity of the place, its mountains, and also to encounter the local wildlife. It’s an affordable option — around NZ$ 155 — and a quick one too, lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours, to explore one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural wonders.
Most companies also offer optional transport from Queenstown or Te Anau. If you’d like to learn more about the day trips to Milford Sound from Queenstown, feel free to visit our page dedicated to excursions from Queenstown.
High season
From December to February, cruises are often fully booked. Book at least 2-3 days in advance to guarantee your spot.
Tip
Book online to benefit from the best rates and avoid disappointment on site.
Duration
Most cruises last between 1h30 and 2h30, which is ideal to enjoy the landscapes without feeling rushed.
2-hour panoramic cruise
Embark on an exceptional 2-hour cruise in the heart of New Zealand's most spectacular fjord. Admire the vertiginous waterfalls, marine wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Premium 2h30 cruise with champagne and meal
Enjoy an exclusive experience aboard a luxury boat. Savor a gourmet meal accompanied by champagne while exploring the wonders of Milford Sound. A memorable moment awaits you.
Why take a cruise at Milford Sound?
A large portion of people who visit Milford Sound choose to take a cruise. So, you might wonder why this choice ? Est ce que c’est la meilleure option ?
Geographically, Milford Sound is a remote place with very limited access. Only one road leads there by car, and although it offers stunning scenery, you must take into account the travel time required to reach this corner of paradise. Once you arrive by car, you can get a partial view of Milford Sound, but it’s impossible to reach the heart of its immensity from the shore.
Indeed, because of its geography, a 15-kilometre-long fjord cannot be fully appreciated from land. Some mountains and waterfalls can only be seen by taking a cruise through the fjord.
This is why many companies offer cruises of varying lengths within the fjord, allowing visitors to admire this impressive, majestic, and sometimes mystical place—especially on days when mist and moisture drift through it.
By choosing to take a cruise in Milford Sound, you’ll be able to see a much larger portion of this incredible site and get closer to it than you ever could from the shore.
The main cruise companies at Milford Sound
Comparison table of the main companies operating at Milford Sound
| Company Cruise | Price | Duration | Strengths | Rating Reviews | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RNZ Real NZ Nature and Wildlife Cruises | NZ$ 155 | 2h |
| 4.6/5 430+ reviews | Book |
RNZ Real NZ Premium Cruise | NZ$ 389 | 2h30 |
| 5/5 20+ reviews | Book |
SD Southern Discoveries Nature cruise | NZ$ 149 to NZ$ 234 | 1h30 to 2h |
| 4.7/5 570+ reviews | Book |
CM Cruise Milford NZ Small boat cruise | NZ$ 169 | 1h45 |
| 4.8/5 770+ reviews | Book |
MP Mitre Peak Cruises Scenic cruise | NZ$ 169 | 2h |
| 4.7/5 2,000+ reviews | Book |
PM Pure Milford Catamaran cruise | NZ$ 155 | 1h45 |
| 4.7/5 900+ reviews | Book |
| Company Cruise | Price | Duration | Features | Rating Reviews | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RNZ Real NZ Nature and Wildlife Cruises | $77 | 2h | Attractive price | 4.6/5 430+ | Book |
RNZ Real NZ Premium Cruise | $193 | 2h30 | Meal and champagne | 5/5 20+ | Book |
SD Southern Disc. Nature cruise | $82 to $116 | 1h30-2h | Optional lunch | 4.7/5 570+ | Book |
CM Cruise Milford Small boat cruise | $84 | 1h45 | Small boats | 4.8/5 770+ | Book |
MP Mitre Peak Scenic cruise | $84 | 2h | Hot drinks included | 4.7/5 2,000+ | Book |
PM Pure Milford Catamaran cruise | $84 | 1h45 | Modern vessel | 4.7/5 900+ | Book |
Your cruise itinerary
Discover step by step what awaits you during your cruise at Milford Sound, from your arrival at the terminal to the magical moments on the fjord.
Arrival at Milford Sound Visitor Terminal
You arrive at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal located just a few minutes' walk from the parking areas. For parking information, please visit our practical page dedicated to parking at Milford Sound.
Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your cruise departure for check-in.
Find your cruise company's counter, present your ticket, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the fjord.
Boarding & Briefing
Board your boat. The crew welcomes you with a safety briefing and presents the cruise program.
Navigation to Mitre Peak
The boat navigates slowly along the rocky walls towards the famous Mitre Peak. The first waterfall is already in sight, the Bowen Falls. Your naturalist guide comments on the landscape and shares the fascinating geological history of the fjord.
Approaching the Waterfalls
Highlight moment! The boat approaches as close as possible to Stirling Falls and Fairy Falls. You can feel the power of the water and even get splashed if you want!
Take this opportunity to take spectacular photos and listen to the guide's commentary on these natural wonders.
Wildlife Observation
The cruise continues to the mouth of the fjord, where the Tasman Sea begins.
Active search for marine wildlife! Dolphins, seals, penguins and sometimes whales depending on the season.
Return & Disembarkation
Return navigation to the terminal with last photos and guide commentary. Disembarkation and free time to visit the information center or have a coffee.
⏱️ Total duration: 2h to 2h45
A complete and unforgettable experience that allows you to discover all the treasures of Milford Sound in optimal comfort, with passionate and experienced guides.
Frequently asked questions about cruises
Find all the answers to your questions about Milford Sound cruises to best prepare your visit.
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Complete your preparation with our other essential guides on Milford Sound
Hiking at Milford Sound
The best hikes to do at Milford Sound and in Fiordland National Park: Key Summit, Milford Track, Gertrude Saddle and more.
Where to stay at Milford Sound
Complete accommodation guide: Milford Sound Lodge, camping, overnight cruises and alternatives in Te Anau and Queenstown.
Milford Sound from Queenstown
How to organize your visit to Milford Sound from Queenstown: transport, excursions, practical tips for an unforgettable day in Fiordland.