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
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
3,151 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Crew and cruise fantastic
Michelle B,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Crew and cruise were wonderful. A bit of banter and a whole lot of knowledge. Great that it was in no way crowded and views were magnificent
Don’t miss out!!
debmB2031IN,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience with very witty and informative commentary by skipper and owner. Very accommodating we missed the tour by accident and they fitted us in the next day no problem at all. Loved every minute of it. This is not to be missed!!
Highly recommend!
Emma H,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hands down the best guided tour I have been on. The staff were lovely and the tour guide boat driver was a 10 out of 10 for information with plenty of laughter with his jokes. Well done crew
Fantastic Milford Sound visit
Dream51938329257,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good trip. Friendly, informative & amusing skipper. Lovely clean boat and plenty of viewing areas. Not too crowded 😁
Friendly smaller boat
Passport02819123345,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful time. Super friendly crew, a good captain and guide.
Would book again 10/10
O8393JSmichellec,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I can’t compare this to another company, because I didn’t use another one. But I can say, if I were to do this again, I’d choose Boutique Cruise again. The fjord is beautiful, you’ll enjoy that regardless. I appreciated the coffee, tea, biscuits, and most of all, the captain’s sense of humor! Not too chatty, so it was still peaceful. But there are some things that deserve a good explanation and some that deserve a good dad joke. They absolutely delivered on both!
Exceptional!
Julie K,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing tour with Cruise Milford. This was part of our tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel and I think it was the best experience possible. The boat was lovely and not full, small enough to get close to the fiords yet big enough to feel safe. The captain was great and had amazing information to share on our journey. The deckhand was fun to visit with and made sure everyone was safe. I’d highly recommend!
Amazing time and able to...
Grace D,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing time and able to get so close to the waterfalls! Everyone was very kind and wanted to make sure I was having fun!
Nice small boat so it...
Dave R,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice small boat so it didnt feel crowded and you could always find a spot to get a good view outside or inside.
Highly recommend
Kimberley J,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience. Bit of rain was perfect to get the waterfalls flowing! Breathtaking views and amazing tour guide!
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Operated by Cruise Milford New Zealand Ltd.