Private Tour
Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Rated one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand.
Join our boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound the "local" way.
We limit passenger numbers on all cruises to half of the boats capacity (capacity 150 passengers) to guarantee an uncrowded and much more personal experience.
Let us show you our backyard on this once in a lifetime experience.
Relax with complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits and enjoy the skipper’s live commentary while marvelling at the breath-taking scenery.
The smaller size of the vessel enables us to get you up close and personal with the local wildlife like New Zealand Fur Seals, dolphins and the very rare Fiordland Crested Penguin (spring/early summer). A “Glacial Facial” under the Sterling Falls is an experience not to be missed.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please feel free to bring your own food and drinks on-board the cruise.
Please note proof of age for children is required upon check-in at Milford Sound.
For any extra information regarding the drive, transport or the cruise please contact us via phone or email.
The main car park at Milford Sound costs $10 per hour. Payment can be made at payment stations on site. This Car park area is approximately a 10 minute walk to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal building.
A free car park is available on the corner of Milford Road and Deepwater basin, the walk from here to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal building will take approximately 40min.
Disability Parking can be found outside the main Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and is wheelchair accessible.
Office hours for bookings assistance: 8am to 8pm
What To Expect
Milford Sound
The best thing about Milford Sound Cruises is that the weather doesn’t matter! On a sunny day, it is beautiful and on a wet day it is spectacular! Fiordland has some of the worlds highest waterfalls and they are a popular feature of Milford Sound. In all weather, you will see water cascading down massive cliffs into the sea. Milford Sound is in the Fiordland National Park, which is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site which covers 26,000km² and encompassing four national parks. It is widely considered to be one of the World’s top travel destinations. At Cruise Milford we know that you will have a wonderful and truly memorable day out on your Milford Sound cruise. We love sharing the natural beauty of this special place to visitors and your captain will inform you about the Sound, it’s history and wildlife.
Mitre Peak
Mitre Peak is the most photographed mountain located in New Zealand
What‘s Included
Complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits on-board all sailings
No food sold on-board the cruise
Parking fee- $10 per hour (Payment can be made at the parking stations on site with card only).
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Day Trip from Queenstown
Duration: 12 hours Packed Lunch Box included
Cruise only
Award-winning customer service: Received TripAdvisor Best of the Best award for New Zealand experience in 2019 & 2020 Duration: 2 hours: all cruises have a duration of 1hr 45min free coffee, tea and biscuits Full length of Milford Sound: We cruise down the southern side of the fiord, turn around in the Tasman Sea and travel back on the northern side Boat: Our two boats hold 150 passengers- all cruises are limited to 75 to guarantee an uncrowded experience uncrowded experience: Join our uncrowded boutique small boat cruise on Milford Sound. We limit passenger numbers to 1/2 of our capacity
Reviews
3,165 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day
Lea C,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was great. The crew were friendly and Milford Sound did not disappoint. The booking was easy and as we had our own transport parking was easy.
Excellent
Wander59690257374,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best cruise of lifetime and great crew members onboard
Seeing a fjord in New Zealand
Jean T,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The cruise is interesting, and the viewpoints are magnificent. 1 hour and 30 minutes is perfect! You should plan for parking to be $10/hour from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
The best of the best!!
medwards456,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an AMAZING experience! My husband and I booked the day before (winter is much less busy than summer) and had the time of our lives. The price is so fair, the crew was amazing and so helpful, and the views are nothing less than spectacular. Truly cannot think of a better place to lock the keys into our van at than this! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fantastic cruise at Milford Sound
Debbie T,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Today was just perfect. Can't describe how fantastic and breathtaking the scenery of the mountains and magical waterfalls was. A smaller number of passengers was really nice taking it easy to move all around the boat to have different views, whether it be inside on a lounge or outside on seats or standing to be taken in with the amazing surrounds. Help yourself to tea, coffee and biscuits was a lovely bonus and kept you warm as the weather can be quite cold at times. Wear layers, beanies, coats and gloves as it is quite bitter, cold at times. We highly recommend this cruise. Good value for money.
Very enjoyable and well-organized tour
karizzam2026,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was excellent from start to finish. Our tour guide Danny was very friendly, professional, and made everyone feel comfortable. His commentary was informative and easy to understand, and everything throughout the day ran very smoothly because of him. I also really appreciated the small group size in the tour, which made the experience feel more personal and relaxed. Overall, a very enjoyable and well-organized tour. Highly recommended!”
We went on a quiet and...
Ian C,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We went on a quiet and rather sunny day. Very peaceful and beautiful scenery! Lovely crew that offered a lot of photo opportunity’s and had some funny commentary.
Great Experience!
Annapa M,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed boarding with Cruise Milford. The cruise looks small compared to others, so we got the feeling of warmth and it's easy to go around.
Milford Sound is beautiful
Bianca C,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Definitely worth doing. Great crew. Good, comfortable boat. Free tea and coffee available. Inside and outside seating.
Exceptional Service, Great Commentary, and Iconic Views
Jigme T,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I am beyond impressed by the views of Milford Sound! The skipper and the staff on board made the experience extra special with their great commentary over the mic, and the crew even offered to take photos of us at all the main attractions. The wife was very happy with the trip! We would definitely come back, especially during the rainy season to see the waterfalls at full flow, and we would book with this same company again. Highly recommended!
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Operated by Cruise Milford New Zealand Ltd.