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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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).
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
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
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
2,620 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing day
Nikita E,
Aug 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00We loved this cruise. The staff were lovely and our family will remember the experience for years to come
A great cruise on a smaller boat
Susan T,
Aug 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00The smaller boat gives a much nicer experience, especially as it is not filled to capacity. There is always a spot on the boat from which to see the wonderful views. We were really lucky with the wildlife and saw fiordland crested penguins, fur seals and bottle nosed dolphins. It was a sunny day too. The staff were lovely and there were a few 'dad jokes' in the commentary to keep us entertained
Highly recommend!
Monika K,
Aug 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had an incredible afternoon cruising Milford Sound with Cruise Milford. The smaller boat size meant fewer people and a much more personal experience — we could easily move between the inside and outside decks without feeling crowded. The crew was professional yet warm, offering interesting commentary without overloading us with facts. The scenery is, of course, jaw-dropping — sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and even a few playful seals. The timing of the cruise was perfect for taking in the golden light on the way back. Everything ran like clockwork, from check-in to disembarkation. Highly recommend Cruise Milford if you want a more intimate and well-run Milford Sound experience.
Amazing
Lauren N,
Aug 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing was such a lovely calm experience, not rushed at all. We saw dolphins, seals and penguins!!
If you love nature,...
Peter P,
Jul 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00If you love nature, Milford Sound isn’t just a destination, it’s a revelation. This place doesn’t whisper beauty, it roars with it. Towering cliffs rise straight from inky waters, waterfalls pour from mist-shrouded peaks, and silence carries a weight that feels sacred. It’s where reality collides with fantasy, and myth lingers in the air. Standing there, you don’t just see nature , you feel it in your bones.
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Operated by Cruise Milford New Zealand Ltd.