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 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.
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.
Options
10.30am Nature Cruise & Picnic
2 Hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise with complimentary tea and coffee.
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
3.45pm Nature Cruise only
3.45pm Nature Cruise only
11.15am Nature Cruise & Buffet
11.15am Nature with Buffet: 1hour 45min Milford Sound Nature Cruise with a freshly made buffet onboard
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
1.15pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
1:15pm Nature with Picnic: 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise with a freshly packed Picnic Lunch.
1.30pm Nature Cruise only
1.30pm Nature Cruise only
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Buffet
1.30pm Nature Cruise & Buffet
11.15am Nature Cruise & Picnic
11.15am Nature with Picnic: 1hour 45min Milford Sound Nature Cruise with a freshly packed Picnic Lunch.
12.45pm Nature Cruise only
12.45pm Nature Cruise only
3.45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
3.45pm Nature Cruise & Picnic
1.15pm Nature Cruise & Buffet
1.15pm Nature with Buffet: 1hour 45min Milford Sound Nature Cruise with a freshly made buffet onboard
10.30am Nature Cruise only
Milford Sound Nature Cruise for 2 hours. Includes complimentary tea and coffee
11.15am Nature Cruise only
1hr 45min Nature Cruise
3.15pm Nature Cruise only
Milford Sound Nature Cruise for 1 hour 45 mins with complimentary tea and coffee.
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.
Reviews
216 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing way to see...
Colbey W,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing way to see Milford Sound! Perfect amount of time, great commentary and friendly staff. Loved how you could sit inside our outside and really get close to the scenery. 10/10 recommend!
Wonderful day trip and coach driver
Scenic19771742415,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time on our day trip from Queenstown to Milford. We stopped at a farm where you could pat and geed many animals. The staff were very friendly and helpful-thanks Chris for establishing your tourism farm!!! Our coach driver Jack was fantastic-I could not give Jack a higher approval for his demeanour, professionalism and fantastic knowledge of all areas we visited-Jack has set the bar very high indeed!! Raymond
Fascinating Fiordland
Seaside07824690429,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A brilliant day traveling to Milford Sound via Te Anau. Comfortable coach and a number of considerate stops to take in the extraordinary views and visit the bathroom. The tour guide Ellie was knowledgeable, humorous and kept us all well organized and on time. Guppy the driver was brilliant negotiating the scenic road. The Lady Bowen took us out to the Tasman Sea,which was stunning. We all loved the tour, gosh Fiordland is breathtaking. Do it you won't regret it.
Excellent Amazing exceptional
Syed Saif M,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an excellent trip with amazing Keith. Milford sound was great as expected but the trip to and back was amazing too . Bro knew all the right places to stop , knew both history and geography of the land and was just great to chat. Thanks !
Queenstown to Milford Sound with cruise and lunch - outstanding.
Wanderer34833213455,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound was luxurious. Driver and guide excellent. Coach departed on time. Cruise boat and on-board buffet also great with many dishes to select from. Southern Discoveries are an extremely professional operator and I would not hesitate to book another tour with them. Shout out to Patrick (driver) and Shale (guide). Two real professionals with a great deal of knowledge and experience. The close relationship Southern Discoveries has with Glenorchy Air provided a seamless return flight experience back to Queenstown from Milford Sound. Overall the best tour experience I have had.
Great experience!
Flyer11121242067,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had great weather and the views were stunning! The tour was the perfect length and the boat was very smooth. Courtney was very friendly and helpful taking pictures for everyone! Would recommend!
Milford Sound VIP Tour
GeneralShamu,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Cascade Room (VIP experience with buffet) and it was worth every penny. This area has its only private viewing deck away from the crowds and easy access to all the main parts of the ship. We happened to be the only ones in this area on our cruise so had it all to ourselves. The food quality was excellent as well.
Very enjoyable and scenic
Peter M,,Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00We went on a day where it rained but the weather cleared once we headed out. We went on the smaller vessel at 12:45 and the traffic to Milford Sound was ok and took about 2 hours from Te Anu. The cruise was just the right amount of time and got to see all the highlights. Everyone got out on the top deck as windows inside were a bit foggy due to the weather. A little bit pricey but you only probably come once in your lifetime.
Wonderful experience!
lisalC9338AC,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing bus ride to Milford Sound. Special shoutout to our driver Shale and your guide Ellie, they were both amazing!!!
Excellent boat ride...
Anita U,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent boat ride through stunning scenery. Buffet lunch was delicious. But the highlight was the scenery.
From NZ$165.00
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Operated by Southern Discoveries