Milford Sound Cruise
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy uninterrupted views of glacier-carved cliffs on your Milford Sound cruise aboard mdoern, spacious and comfortable catamarans.
With spacious seating indoors, an open sun deck up top and a covered deck at the rear, your cruise comfort is guaranteed.
Visit the onboard Café Bar for an array of substantial hot and cold snacks, or simply savour a local wine or beer as you bask in the beauty of the surrounds.
The famously friendly skipper and crew are on hand to share their wealth of local knowledge, take those all important photos and join you on foredeck for the big finale as the bow noses close to Stirling Falls!
Available options
AfternoonCruise DEPART MILFORD
Milford Sound Cruise: Cruise departs Milford Sound at 2:30pm, with check in 45 minutes before at the Pure Milford desk<br/>Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes<br/>Milford Sound: Cruise travels the length of Milford Sound fiord to the mouth of the Tasman Sea, and returns along the opposite side<br/>Modern Catamaran
Midday Cruise DEPART MILFORD
Milford Sound Cruise: Check in starts 45 minutes beforehand at the Pure Milford desk (first on the right hand side as you enter the terminal)<br/>Tea & Coffee<br/>Milford Sound: Cruise travels the length of Milford Sound fiord to the mouth of the Tasman Sea, and returns along the opposite side<br/>Modern Catamaran
Morning Cruise DEPART MILFORD
Milford Sound Cruise: Check in starts 45 minutes beforehand at the Pure Milford desk (first on the right hand side as you enter the terminal)<br/>Duration: 2 hours<br/>Tea & Coffee: Complimentary tea, coffee and hot water is provided on board the cruise<br/>Milford Sound: Cruise travels the length of Milford Sound fiord to the mouth of the Tasman Sea, and returns along the opposite side<br/>Glass Roof Catamaran
Early Cruise DEPART MILFORD
Milford Sound Cruise: Check in starts 45 minutes beforehand at the Pure Milford desk (first on the right hand side as you enter the terminal)<br/>Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes<br/>Tea & Coffee: Complimentary tea, coffee and hot water is provided on board the cruise<br/>Milford Sound : Cruise travels the length of Milford Sound fiord to the mouth of the Tasman Sea, and returns along the opposite side<br/>Modern Catamaran
1:30pm Cruise DEPART MILFORD
Milford Sound Cruise: Check in starts 45 minutes beforehand at the Pure Milford desk (first on the right hand side as you enter the terminal)<br/>Duration: 2 hours<br/>Tea & Coffee: Complimentary tea, coffee and hot water is provided on board the cruise<br/>Milford Sound: Cruise travels the length of Milford Sound fiord to the mouth of the Tasman Sea, and returns along the opposite side<br/>Glass Roof Catamaran
What's included
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Milford Sound Cruise
Coffee and/or Tea
Detailed itinerary
1
Step aboard our magnificent three deck catamarans, and enjoy a scenic cruise along spectacular Milford Sound.
Get up close and personal with the fiord's towering mountains, sheer cliffs and hanging valleys as the boat hugs the edges of the fiord throughout the two hour cruise. Feel the spray from the waterfalls that cascade from an ancient rainforest high in the mountains and look out for New Zealand fur seal colonies and occasionally dolphins swimming nearby.
The cruise goes the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea and return down the opposite side. During the exploration you will pass iconic landmarks such as Bowen Falls, Mitre Peak, Copper Point, Fairy Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Dale Point, Seal Rock and of course Stirling Falls.
What's not included
Parking Fees
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
99 reviews
5★
84
4★
4
3★
7
2★
2
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.7
134 reviews
5★
116
4★
8
3★
2
2★
2
1★
6
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Piopiotahi Milford Sound is a place of exceptional natural beauty, carved by glaciers and surrounded by towering peaks and lush rainforest. As part of Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s most remote and rugged region, this incredible environment also brings with it a range of natural hazards. While our team takes every measure to operate safely and keep you informed, it’s important that you are aware of potential risks so you can be prepared and confident during your visit.
Meeting point
Pure Milford desk is on the right hand side as you enter the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal
Important notes
Please arrive for check in at the Milford Sound terminal 30 minutes before cruise departure. You will need a boarding pass to board the boat. The check in desk is on the right hand side as you enter.
Parking at Milford Sound is paid at the cost of $10 per hour. This can be paid for before or after your cruise at parking meters in the car park or terminal. These facilities are run by Milford Sound Tourism Ltd.
We recommend bringing cash for the onboard Cafe / Bar as a stable connection for credit card transactions is not always reliable.
About Fiordland & Milford Sound
Fiordland is a remote and breathtaking region in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. Known for its dramatic fiords, towering cliffs, and lush rainforests, it offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. Milford Sound, one of the most famous fiords, is a must-visit for its stunning waterfalls and rich marine life.
Top Attractions
Milford Sound
A stunning fiord known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and rich marine life. It's one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand.
Nature
2-4 hours for a cruise, longer for hiking
Moderate to expensive for cruises
Routeburn Track
One of New Zealand's Great Walks, offering breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and alpine meadows.
Adventure
2-4 days
Moderate (hut fees apply)
Douglas Island Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary for native wildlife, including rare birds and seals. Accessible by boat from Milford Sound.
Nature
1-2 hours
Included in most Milford Sound cruises
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hangi
Traditional Māori meal cooked in an earth oven, featuring meats and vegetables.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be adapted for dietary restrictions
Seafood Chowder
Creamy soup made with locally caught seafood like fish, mussels, and crayfish.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood, may contain dairy
Popular Activities
Hiking
Jet boating
Kayaking
Wildlife tours
Scenic cruises
Photography
Wildlife watching
Māori cultural experiences
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
This is the warmest and driest time of year, with long daylight hours. It's ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
12°C to 20°C
54°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12 (Daylight Saving Time: GMT+13)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Fiordland is generally safe, but the remote and rugged terrain requires caution.
Important Precautions:
- • Carry a map and compass for hiking
- • Be prepared for rapidly changing weather
- • Inform someone of your hiking plans
Getting there
By air
- Queenstown Airport • 250 km from Fiordland
By bus
Queenstown, Te Anau
Getting around
Public transport
Buses connect major towns and trailheads but may have limited schedules.
Taxis
Limited
Rentals
Car
Neighborhoods
Te Anau
Milford Sound Village
Day trips
Kepler Track
40 km from Te Anau • 1-3 days
Another of New Zealand's Great Walks, offering stunning views of mountains, lakes, and forests.
Dart River Wilderness Jet
100 km from Te Anau • Full day
Jet boat tours through the Dart River and Glenorchy, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting.
Festivals
Fiordland Jazz Festival • February
Pro tips
- Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance, especially during peak season
- Pack layers and waterproof gear; weather can change rapidly
- Fill up your gas tank in Te Anau as stations are scarce in Fiordland
- Carry a map and compass; cell service can be unreliable in remote areas
- Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
