Milford Sound Cruise: Stunning Views & Optional Picnic or Buffet
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Get closer to Milford Sound's natural wonders aboard our spacious, purpose-built catamarans. Enjoy more room to move around, with incredible views from our outdoor viewing decks or cosy interior cabins.
Get closer to the famous waterfalls and towering cliffs of Milford Sound, plus expert commentary sharing fascinating insights into the local wildlife and geological formations. Download our free app for commentary in eight languages.
Includes options to pre-order a freshly prepared picnic lunch or choose the To Kai buffet on selected departers. With 70+ years of expertise, we deliver unforgettable journeys in this breathtaking landscape and ensure a premium experience for all.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All passengers please advise country of origin at the time of booking
Car Parking: On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark at a fee of $10 per hour. Please allow 10 minutes to walk from the main carpark to the Milford Wharf Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you can park free of charge at Deepwater Basin Carpark and walk over to Freshwater Basin to the Cruise Terminal. This walk is approximately 30 minutes in duration, so additional time will need to be allocated in order to do this comfortably and arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to your cruise for check-in.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Multi-lingual app for commentary available: App Store and Google Play search Southern Discoveries
Lunch (if option selected)
Sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound for up to 2 hours
Live commentary provided by the skipper
FREE tea and coffee are provided to all passengers
Hotel pickup and drop-off
On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark at a fee of $10 per hour.
What To Expect
Your journey starts here, check in with friendly staff at least 15 minutes prior to departure.
Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park is in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for the glacier-carved fiords of Doubtful and Milford sounds. A beech forest trail on the sandy Milford shore offers views of towering Mitre Peak. Nearby, the craggy Earl Mountains are reflected in the glassy surface of Mirror Lakes. On the Cleddau River, the Chasm Walk passes over bridges with views of powerful waterfalls.
Options
1.15pm Nature Cruise & Buffet
1.15pm Nature with Buffet: 1hour 45min Milford Sound Nature Cruise with a freshly made buffet onboard
1.15pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
1:15pm Nature with Picnic: 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise with a freshly packed Picnic Lunch.
3.15pm Nature Cruise only
Milford Sound Nature Cruise for 1 hour 45 mins with complimentary tea and coffee.
3.45pm Nature Cruise only
3.45pm Nature Cruise only
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
3.45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
3.45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
11.15am Nature Cruise only
1hr 45min Nature Cruise
11.15am Nature Cruise & Buffet
11.15am Nature with Buffet: 1hour 45min Milford Sound Nature Cruise with a freshly made buffet onboard
11.15am Nature Cruise & Picnic
11.15am Nature with Picnic: 1hour 45min Milford Sound Nature Cruise with a freshly packed Picnic Lunch.
1.15pm Nature Cruise only
1:15pm Nature Cruise: 2 Hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise with Complimentary Tea & Coffee.
12:45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
12.45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Buffet
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Buffet
3.15pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
Milford Sound Nature Cruise for 1 hour 45 mins. Includes a freshly prepared Picnic Lunch and complimentary tea and coffee.
10.30am Nature Cruise & Picnic
2 Hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise with complimentary tea and coffee.
12.45pm Nature Cruise only
12.45pm Nature Cruise only
10.30am Nature Cruise only
Milford Sound Nature Cruise for 2 hours. Includes complimentary tea and coffee
1.30pm Nature Cruise only
1.30pm Nature Cruise only
Reviews
203 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Milford sounds cruise and buffet
Annette C,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We did the cruise on a winters day. It was cold and windy. Still a great trip and would recommend doing the trip even when it was raining. We had the buffet meal, which was very yummy too.
every mile was worth it
965raynahc,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From Queenstown to Milford Sound on 31st Oct, our guide Keith, really made the journey special. His knowledge about the area and its history was impressive, and he was super friendly, which made the long drive enjoyable. The scenery on the way to Milford Sound is breathtaking—I couldn't believe how beautiful everything was. Keith pointed out interesting spots along the way and shared stories that brought the landscape to life. When we finally reached Milford Sound, it was just as stunning as I had hoped. The waterfalls and mountains were jaw-dropping!
This is a must do!!
X9998GWsoniab,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an incredible day! The Milford Sound is an amazing place to visit, no matter what the weather conditions are. Our bus driver, Greg, was informative, engaging and witty. We were picked up from Queenstown and Greg shared local knowledge during the whole journey and made the day run smoothly. The skipper on the boat was very knowledgeable of the Sound and its history. The buffet lunch was plentiful and delicious - would recommend this option.
Double standards
Mukeshdadia,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Took Southern Discoveries Milford Sound Coach and Nature Cruise on 14 Oct 2025. Coach reg ended in 512. Generally driving and cruise were good When we boarded the coach we were asked to sit at the back as front seats were taken up and 'people had paid extra for those seats'. Later during the trip driver moved several passengers to the front. He had seen my wife's arm was in a sling yet did not make any effort to move her to the front where it would have been easier for her to get on and off at various stops. He also announced that on the return journey we should not change seats. We do not understand why he lied about people having paid extra. Did he not realise we could easily see he was moving particular passengers forward? Driver took upon himself to segregate his clients and this action was disgusting. He seems to be years behind in his thinking.
A truly beautiful and remarkable experience.
georgez802,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00In totality it was an awesome experience. Everything from the word go was meticulously planned and executed. Mr.Pumbaa, our coach driver cum guide was simply a truly remarkable and informative gentleman. He was very concerned about the passengers safety, he drove the coach abiding to speed regulation while continuously explaining the history of the places we passed by in depth. It was a real pleasure cum privilege to have Mr. Pumbaa, who was a turning point in making our journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back a truly memorable one.
What an amazing experience!!!
Lisa S,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely stunning views and experience. We had fantastic weather and even though it was -2 degrees the sun and the wildlife kept us warm and distracted. Seals, Dolphins, Crested Penguins and we think 2 Albatross made for an awesome trip. Just loved it. Even the trip from Te Anua to the Sound was very scenic and enjoyable.
Great Driver, great experience!!!
Compass16097122929,
Sep 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day, (long). Picked up by coach by Greg and spent about 2 and 1/2 hours being entertained and informed by his banter which made the trip seem quicker. Beautiful scenery and very interesting and informative. The only annoying part was when other passengers did not listen to instructions on when to get back to the bus after stops which held us up. (This was no reflection on the driver or the company. Both very professional. We would highly recommend the experience. Maybe next time, throw some dolphins in the water first. 🤣
More information
mariehW3248XP,
Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Need to tell those that drive to Milford Sound that the car park is 15 minutes walk to terminal and parking your car cost $10 per hour
MEMORABLE MILFORD SOUND
goldsaquian,
Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The bus pick up from Queenstown was prompt, the bus driver /tour guide Stan was very eloquent and humorous which madevthe long drive much comfortable. Milford Sound was breathtaking, the catamaran was huge and the buffet food was gastronomically delightful. The staff were very accommodating and helpful.
Was great but by booking through Viator I paid for buffet lunches and they only booked me and my mum for the cruise only
Kristie P,
Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Was great but by booking through Viator I paid for buffet lunches and they only booked me and my mum for the cruise only I would not recommend booking through them! I can not stress it enough
From NZ$165.00
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