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
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.
11.15am Nature Cruise only
1hr 45min Nature Cruise
12:45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
12.45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
1.15pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
1:15pm Nature with Picnic: 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise with a freshly packed Picnic Lunch.
3.45pm Nature Cruise only
3.45pm Nature Cruise only
1.15pm Nature Cruise & Buffet
1.15pm Nature with Buffet: 1hour 45min Milford Sound Nature Cruise with a freshly made buffet onboard
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
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 only
Milford Sound Nature Cruise for 2 hours. Includes complimentary tea and coffee
1.15pm Nature Cruise only
1:15pm Nature Cruise: 2 Hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise with Complimentary Tea & Coffee.
12.45pm Nature Cruise only
12.45pm Nature Cruise only
10.30am Nature Cruise & Picnic
2 Hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise with complimentary tea and coffee.
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Buffet
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Buffet
3.45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
3.45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
3.15pm Nature Cruise only
Milford Sound Nature Cruise for 1 hour 45 mins with complimentary tea and coffee.
1.30pm Nature Cruise only
1.30pm Nature Cruise only
Reviews
198 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
What an amazing experience!!!
Lisa S,
Sep 8, 2025
- 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.
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
- 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
Milford Sound in the sunshine.
Richard M,
Mar 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great views. Crew was very friendly. Bring a jacket. It was chilly and breezy on deck, even in the summer.
Fantastic sites, great commentary, beautiful buffet.
Melissa K,
Mar 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00Get there early to book in and line up. If you have the buffet you won’t be disappointed. This happens first thing so join the line and find a table. Be prepared for rain with wet weather jacket so you can be on the top deck for the best sites. If it rains you will get the most wonderful show of extra waterfalls.
Very beautiful, it feels...
Brajesh K,
Jan 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very beautiful, it feels like you are in heaven. Nice drive from Queenstown to Milford sound. Very good experience.
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Operated by Southern Discoveries