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
3,124 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous experience Milford sounds
923junee,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience
An unbelievable experience
hoper345,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible experience! We went on the 2:45pm trip on the 18th April, every single staff member was an asset to the team, from the girl on the desk who helped me sort out a self inflicted issue, to the two girls on the boat who welcomed us, took photos and generally helped us have a great time, too the captain who shared interesting facts, was cracking jokes and steered the boat brilliantly, staying in the best areas a little longer to really soak in what we were seeing. This all complemented the absolute natural wonder that is Milford sound, it was breathtaking, awe inspiring and absolutely a blessing to visit.
Brilliant cruise and day out!
helenbL7260NW,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant day out and we were blessed with beautiful weather. We were picked up at our campsite by our coach driver Alan, who was a great guide and really knowledgeable on local history and nature. He kept us entertained on the journey there and back, stopping off at some interesting sights. It made the journey to and from the cruise a good experience also. A tasty lunch was provided and the cruise was comfortable and everything we hoped it would be. All in all a great experience and day out, we can thoroughly recommend it.
Very nice trip
lorelaig514,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very pleasant trip, nice staff, captain told many interesting facts about the fjord, complimentary coffee, tea and cookies, not too crowded Totally worth the money, would really recommend
The Cruise was great!
charliegH3358NR,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Cruise was great! With complimentary Tea, Coffee and Biscuits it’s ideal even when the weather is a bit colder. The Narration was very informative and I learned a lot about Milford Sound! The Cruise was about 1h45m Long and in that time you can see everything. We even got the Chance to see Dolphins which is a rare opportunity according to the guide. The staff was super friendly and the cruise was popular for a reason. The Boat was the perfect size for the Cruise since you can definitely see everything and get a better experience. We also got very close to the waterfalls and didn’t just have to take pictures from afar.
Awesome Scenery
andrewmichellem,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was an awesome day with stunning scenery
Very comfortable cruise
Peter K,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00There is plenty of room on the boat and it is very comfortable. It was raining the day we took the tour but this just added to the experience, we easily able to stay dry
Stunning cruise with the best crew.
Melissa D,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a morning cruise around Milford sound. It was amazing. Even though it was raining and foggy to start with the waterfalls were absolutely stunning and the crew were amazing in looking after everyone's needs. Would definitely recommend.
A great experience
Sac5 11,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cruise Milford was great. So much better to be in a smaller boat as you get closer to the action. I highly recommend!
Great day out
Peter W,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was first class service, on time, friendly staff, not over crowed, informative, clean and tidy vessel. Would highly recommend.
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Operated by Cruise Milford New Zealand Ltd.