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).
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
2,720 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Milford Sound Experience!
daleyb2025,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent way to experience the Milford Sound! We took the 9:45 am trip, and it was the perfect day. With this being a smaller tour we never felt like we had to fight our way to the best views. Truly, no matter where you were on the boat, you could see amazing scenery all around. The tea, coffee, and cookies were a lovely treat to snack on in the fresh air. The captain did an amazing job getting us good views of wildlife and spending plenty of time near the waterfalls! Can't recommend this company enough!
Highly Recommend
A7639FQmatthewg,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went with my girlfriend and a fellow WWOOFer and we had such an amazing time. the boat experience was excellent and we were able to see lots of wildlife as well. the captain was very good and was very informative.
A truely remarkable experience!
Maps00329711994,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I couldn’t recommend Cruise Milford highly enough! The smaller sized boat means no competing for good views - perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds. The staff were very professional, friendly, and informative. The variety of scenic views, wildlife, and education was brilliant and the amount of commentary given was perfect (in my opinion). Overall, an incredible experience!
Must do experience
rickcP952WO,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Captain Chris and Matej were exceptional. Great knowledge and skill. Loved the waterfall experience. So great. Thanks all. Recommend getting there early for the earliest ride you can manage.
just book it :)
annabB3518TO,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stephen and the Cruise Milford team were fantastic! If you’re looking for a smaller group tour this one is just perfect! I was worried we would be packed in with 100s of tourists and this was not the case. It was a wonderful small group experience!
Excellent experience and...
Juan V,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent experience and happy to have chosen the smaller vessel with fewer people. Made for an excellent experience.
Milford sound cruise smaller boats
deepuspannus,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stunning views, great wildlife freedom to move around the boat,tea and biscuits can't fault the trip with Captain Chris and Georga were excellent and knowledgeable even decent dad jokes
Great cruise
N782VUcharlotteg,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time on this cruise. Nelly was very helpful and friendly when we were booking. It rained while we were on our cruise but we are so glad we went as it was amazing. We would recommend this cruise company
Milford cruise
Shivali R,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My partner & I really enjoyed this cruise. Such a comfortable cruise with great staff. The captain also kept everyone entertained with he’s great jokes 😊
Must do
roisinv2014,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with Craig and Georgie. Smaller boat with plenty of space. Well worth the experience. Saw penguins and seals and beautiful scenery.
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Operated by Cruise Milford New Zealand Ltd.