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 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).
Options
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
Day Trip from Queenstown
Duration: 12 hours
Packed Lunch Box included
Reviews
2,838 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience!
124awaish,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing trip with breathtaking and spectacular views. The boat is smaller so was able to get right into Stirling falls which such an amazing experience. Lots and lots of space on the boat and very helpful and friendly crew!
Amazing day!
daleyb2025,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my second time doing the Milford sound with cruise Milford and once again nothing but good things to say. We had a different boat the second time and it was still a wonderful experience. The cookies and tea are such a nice touch and the whole family loved it. The whole staff is so kind and funny.
Trip on 10th Dec ‘25 | Great experience!
OnAir40280797328,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We visited on 10th Dec ‘25. Had a great experience, thanks to the team. They explained everything in detail. Special shout out to Leo Ambrosino for making our day special. We were on our honeymoon and he ensured we had a good time, surprising us with a glass of bubbles. Definitely recommend this family-owned cruise.
A must do experience on a smaller boat.
Sunshine41503511395,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day out on a smaller boat totally recommend it. Craig our skipper was awesome very funny. A must do with the whole family
Stunning cruise with Craig and Gorgie
Elainepmac,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Myself, my husband and my 14 year old daughter went on this cruise with Cruise Milford, It was brilliant and would absolutely recommend it. Craig and Gorgie were great craic and kept us entertained with their local knowledge and funny stories. It was a stunning morning, the water was calm and we even managed to see dolphins and a seal playing on the rocks. The boat wasnt busy either so plenty room to move about and see everything, What you waiting for? go and get it booked
The triple treat of dolphins, seals and a glimpse of sun!
Y5501EIchrisi,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a cracking day with Cruise Milford….didn’t disappoint with seals, dolphins, cascades a plenty but also some sunshine! The boat gets super close to the waterfalls for the full experience and Captain Chris was awesome! Give the man and his crew an extra biscuit…
Milford Sound small boat trip
Brent B,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A great sailing; the guide (captain) was friendly, informative and most of all funny. The smaller boat really made a difference when it came to how close you could get to the mountain walls and water falls.
The staff on the boat...
Holly S,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff on the boat were excellent! Even with the changes in the weather, we got to see so much. It was an amazing experience and would highly recommend!
Agréable moment
Matthew D,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The little boat experience was nice. It is still a price to get in (90€) but we were very lucky to have a beautiful sunny day. We went up to 10cm near the mountains, the captain is really good, he also explains things during the trip. It was sooo nice also to have cookies and tea whenever we want. The crew kept filling the bar, there were nice and smiling.
Best cruise in Milford Sound
Deborah S,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was absolutely amazing. Scenery and experience spectacular. Don’t miss this - small boutique cruise gives you the closest experiences. Captain and Moritz ( crew) were entertaining and hilarious at times.
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Operated by Cruise Milford New Zealand Ltd.