Milford Sound cruises 2026 · all operators compared

All day cruises start at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and run the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea and back, past Bowen Falls, Mitre Peak, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls. You are on the water for 1 h 40 to 2 h. The route is the same for every operator; boat size, departure times and on-board experience are not.

Not driving yourself? The same cruises are sold with a coach from Queenstown or Te Anau; see day tours. If you want the fiord to yourself, stay the night on board: overnight cruises.

Day cruises from the Milford terminal

You get to Milford Sound yourself (by car or on your own coach) and board at the Visitor Terminal.

Mitre Peak Cruises

2-Hour Small-Boat Cruise

Smaller boats with 60 or 75 places. Extra 15:55 departure from October to April.

Duration: 2 hours on the water
Language: English (skipper commentary)
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 179 ★ 4.8 (3,237 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Smaller purpose-built boats with 60 or 75 places
Last departure at 15:55 from October to April, with soft afternoon light
Close approaches to cliffs and waterfalls, according to Mitre Peak
Complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate on board
Marked wheelchair-accessible on GetYourGuide

About this tour

Mitre Peak Cruises runs smaller purpose-built boats with no more than 60 or 75 places per cruise. Mitre Peak says they go further and get closer to the cliffs and waterfalls, and reviews mention getting close to the falls.

The 2-hour route runs the full length of the fiord past Bowen Falls, Mitre Peak, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls to the Tasman Sea, then returns. From October to April the cruise departs at 08:50, 11:10, 13:30 and 15:55; from May to September at 11:00 and 13:30. The 15:55 departure gives softer afternoon light.

Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are included, but no food is served, so bring a snack.

What's included

2-hour small-boat cruise (60 or 75 places)
Skipper commentary in English
Complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate
Milford Sound visitor levy

Not included

Food (bring your own snacks)
Alcoholic drinks

Meeting point

Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, State Highway 94. Parking near the terminal costs NZ$10 per hour.

What to bring

Waterproof jacket
Camera
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent

Know before you go

Bring a waterproof; waterfall spray reaches the outside decks.
No food on board; bring your own snacks in a bag.
Notify staff at check-in if a passenger has a disability so they can arrange early boarding.
Wheelchair users: use the terminal restrooms before boarding.
Winter (May–Sep) drops to two departures: 11:00 and 13:30.

Not allowed

Smoking
Drones
Alcohol and drugs

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Pure Milford

Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

1 h 45 on a modern catamaran with outdoor decks and live commentary.

Duration: 1 h 45
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 166 ★ 4.7 (1,127 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Modern catamaran with large windows and outdoor viewing decks
HD cameras show live outdoor views on screens inside
Live commentary from the skipper
Food and drinks on board

About this tour

Cruise only: you make your own way to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal. The boat is a modern catamaran on three levels with indoor and outdoor seating, large windows and spacious viewing decks. HD cameras show the view outside live on screens in the cabin, so you miss nothing from a seat indoors either.

The 1 h 45 cruise runs the length of the fiord out to the Tasman Sea, with live commentary from the skipper, including why Captain Cook sailed past Milford Sound without finding it. Fur seals, dolphins and, with luck, Fiordland crested penguins are possible. Food and drinks are available on board.

Parking at the terminal is charged by the hour. Accessibility: the lower deck of the Gem of the Sound can be reached by wheelchair and has an accessible toilet and the café-bar. On the Maiden of Milford the toilets are down a steep staircase; accessible toilets are available in the terminal.

What's included

Scenic cruise
Live commentary

Not included

Parking at the terminal (charged per hour)

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Southern Discoveries

Nature Cruise — Grand Views

Catamaran with a multilingual app. Optional buffet or picnic lunch.

Duration: 1.5–2 hours on the water
Language: English (skipper commentary), Multilingual app in 8 languages
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 159 ★ 4.7 (851 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Full-length cruise from the Visitor Terminal to the Tasman Sea and back
Purpose-built boat with an indoor seating area
Multilingual commentary via the operator app (8 languages)
Optional picnic or buffet lunch (must be added at booking)
Close-in approach to Stirling Falls

About this tour

The Nature Cruise is Southern Discoveries' main cruise: 1.5 to 2 hours on the water from the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, where all its cruises depart.

The route runs the length of Milford Sound: past Bowen Falls, under Mitre Peak, past Copper Point and Seal Rock to the Tasman Sea, and back via Stirling Falls. The skipper narrates in English; the free Southern Discoveries app plays commentary in eight languages through your own headphones.

Practical: tea and coffee are free. A picnic lunch (vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free on request) or the To Kai buffet can be added and must be booked at least 24 hours ahead. Check in at the terminal 20 minutes before departure.

What's included

Nature Cruise of 1.5 to 2 hours from the Visitor Terminal
Indoor seating area and outdoor deck
Multilingual commentary app (8 languages)
Complimentary tea and coffee
Optional picnic or buffet lunch, must be added at booking

Not included

Alcoholic drinks (licensed bar on board)
Return transport to/from Milford Sound

Meeting point

Southern Discoveries counter in the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, where all its cruises depart. Arrive 20 minutes before departure for check-in.

What to bring

Warm layers
Waterproof jacket
Camera
Booked lunch voucher if applicable

Know before you go

Milford weather changes fast. Bring rain gear even if the forecast is dry.
Lunches must be added 24 h before travel; picnic options include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free.
Phone reception is minimal. Download your voucher offline.
Meals for infants are not included.
Cruises may be cancelled in extreme weather; free cancellation up to 24 h in advance.

Not allowed

Smoking on board
Drones

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

RealNZ

Classic or Signature Cruise

Character boats with a licensed bar. Signature: live commentary from a nature guide.

Duration: 1 h 40 (Classic) or 2 h (Signature)
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 143 ★ 4.7 (605 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Close to the cliffs and under the spray of a waterfall
Character-filled boats with indoor and outdoor seating
Commentary from the crew, looking out for wildlife
Licensed bar with barista coffee, local beer and NZ wine

About this tour

Cruise only: you get to Milford Sound yourself by car or coach. Choose between two styles. The Classic cruise lasts 1 h 40 on one of RealNZ's spacious boats built for comfort and stability, with multilingual commentary through the RealNZ Milford Sound app. The Signature cruise lasts 2 hours on one of RealNZ's character vessels, with commentary from the guides on board. Both run the full length of the fiord, close to the cliffs and into the spray of a waterfall.

There are departures throughout the day. On board there is a licensed bar with barista coffee, local beer, New Zealand wine and snacks; you can also bring your own lunch.

Practical: allow 5 to 6 hours' drive one way from Queenstown and about 3 hours from Te Anau. Check in 30 minutes before departure; check-in closes 15 minutes before. In winter (May to September) snow chains are mandatory on the Milford Road. Terminal parking is charged.

What's included

Milford Sound cruise
Live commentary from nature guides

Not included

Food and drinks (available on board)

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Cruise Milford

Small-Boat Cruise + Coach

Family-owned operator, 75-passenger cap on the boat. Also bookable as cruise only.

Duration: 1 h 45 (cruise only) or up to 12 h (with Queenstown coach)
Language: English (skipper commentary)
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 169 ★ 4.8 (1,158 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Family-owned day-cruise company
At most 75 passengers per departure on a boat surveyed for 150
1 h 45 cruise with skipper commentary
Coffee, tea and biscuits included
Full route past Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls, out to the Tasman Sea

About this tour

Cruise Milford is a family-owned day-cruise company. Its boat is surveyed for 150 passengers, but every departure is limited to 75, which leaves more deck space per person and clearer views at the waterfalls.

The 1 h 45 cruise leaves the Visitor Terminal, runs past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea and returns via Stirling Falls. The skipper narrates in English, and coffee, tea and biscuits are included.

Check in at the Cruise Milford counter in the Visitor Terminal. The GetYourGuide listing also has longer options that combine the cruise with transport from Queenstown or Te Anau.

What's included

1 h 45-minute Milford Sound cruise
Milford Sound visitor levy
Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits
Hotel pickup and drop-off (coach + cruise variant only)

Not included

Lunch and other meals
Alcoholic drinks

Meeting point

Cruise Milford counter in the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal. Check in 30 minutes before departure.

What to bring

Warm layers
Waterproof jacket
Camera
Snacks (optional)

Know before you go

Parking near the Visitor Terminal costs NZ$10 per hour.
Same-day walk-up availability is realistic outside peak season (Dec–Feb).
Phone reception in Fiordland National Park is minimal.
Coffee, tea and biscuits are included; other food is not.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Southern Discoveries

Discover More cruise, up to 2 h 15

Southern Discoveries' longest cruise, up to 2 h 15 with a nature guide on board. Tea and coffee are free.

Duration: Up to 2 h 15 on the water
Language: English (nature guide), App commentary in several languages
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 199 ★ 4.7 (40 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Up to 2 hours 15 minutes on Milford Sound
Nature guide on board for the whole cruise
Indoor cabins and an outdoor deck
Visit to the skipper in the wheelhouse

About this tour

The longest cruise Southern Discoveries runs: up to 2 hours 15 minutes from the Milford Sound Visitor Centre at Freshwater Basin. A nature guide comes along the whole way and talks about how the fiord was formed and the wildlife you may see, such as fur seals, dolphins and, with luck, Fiordland crested penguins.

The boats get close to Stirling Falls and the rock walls. You can visit the skipper in the wheelhouse. Tea and coffee are free; a picnic lunch (regular, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free) must be booked at least 24 hours ahead. You get to Milford Sound yourself, by car, coach or plane.

What's included

Cruise of up to 2 h 15
Commentary from a nature guide
Outdoor deck and covered seating inside
Tea and coffee
Picnic lunch, if added when booking

Not included

Transport to Milford Sound
Drinks and snacks from the bar

Meeting point

Southern Discoveries, Milford Sound Visitor Centre, Freshwater Basin.

Know before you go

Lunches must be booked at least 24 hours ahead.
Departures and boats can change; in unsafe weather the cruise can be cancelled.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

RealNZ

Premium cruise on the Sinbad

A 2 h 15 cruise on the renovated MV Sinbad, sold at half capacity, with reserved seats, champagne and canapés.

Duration: 2 h 15 on the water
Language: English (nature guide)
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 389 ★ 4.9 (28 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

MV Sinbad, refurbished with a Māori-inspired interior
Capacity capped at 50 per cent, reserved seats
Glass of champagne on arrival and canapés from local produce
Nature guide on board

About this tour

RealNZ's premium cruise runs on the MV Sinbad, a smaller vessel whose interior was recently refurbished with a Māori-inspired design. Only half the seats are sold, and your seat is reserved.

The cruise lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and runs the length of the fiord. You are welcomed with a glass of champagne, and canapés made from local produce are served on board. The skipper plans the route around the weather and recent wildlife sightings. The listing also has options with pickup, so the total time ranges from 2.5 to 12 hours.

What's included

2 h 15 premium cruise
Glass of champagne on arrival
Canapés
Commentary from a nature guide
Reserved seat

Not included

Further drinks and snacks (sold on board)

Meeting point

Milford Sound Visitor Terminal. Check in at least 20 minutes before departure. Parking at the main car park costs NZ$10 per hour and is about a 10-minute walk away; Deepwater Basin is about 25 minutes on foot.

Know before you go

Allow 45 minutes to an hour to park and walk to the terminal.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Overnight cruises

Board in the late afternoon, sleep on the fiord, back at the terminal the next morning.

RealNZ Milford Mariner

Overnight on the Milford Mariner

About 17 hours on board: kayaks, buffet dinner and breakfast, ensuite cabins.

Duration: 17 hours on board (16:00 boarding 09:15 next morning)
Language: English (nature guide commentary)
✓ Free cancellation up to 14 days in advance for a full refund.

from NZ$ 699 ★ 4.7 (70 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Sleeps 64 guests in private cabins with ensuite
Guided kayak or tender-boat outing after anchoring in a sheltered cove
Three-course buffet dinner and continental breakfast
Wake up on the fiord after the day boats have left
Departs at 16:00, back at the terminal at 09:15

About this tour

Board the Milford Mariner at 16:00 and cruise to a sheltered cove, where the boat drops anchor. The day boats have gone by then, and you head out with your guide by kayak or tender boat.

Dinner is a three-course buffet, and cabins are private with an ensuite. Nature-guide commentary in English covers the fiord's geology and wildlife.

After a continental breakfast you cruise back and reach the terminal at 09:15. Drinks are sold on board, and overnight parking at Milford costs NZ$30.

Compared with the Fiordland Discovery Jewel, the Mariner sleeps 64 instead of up to 22 and has no hot tub.

What's included

Private cabin with ensuite
Guided kayak or tender-boat outing
Nature-guide commentary in English
Three-course buffet dinner
Continental breakfast

Not included

Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks (available on board)
Transport to/from Milford Sound

Meeting point

Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Southland 9679. Exchange your voucher at the RealNZ counter for your boarding pass. Check-in 30 minutes before boarding.

What to bring

Overnight bag with change of clothes
Waterproof jacket
Warm layers
Swimwear (if you plan to swim or use the kayak)
Camera

Know before you go

Water activities (kayak or tender boat) depend on the weather.
Kayaking is for ages 10 and up, according to RealNZ.
The boat anchors in a sheltered cove overnight.
Cancellation notice is 14 days, not 24 hours. Plan accordingly.
Overnight parking at Milford costs NZ$30; park in the designated areas.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

RealNZ Milford Mariner

Mariner overnight with coach

The Mariner night with a return coach from Queenstown or Te Anau as an option. Ensuite cabin or shared bunk room.

Duration: Overnight on the fiord; with the coach about 24 hours from Te Anau or 31 hours from Queenstown
✓ Free cancellation up to 14 days before, with a full refund

from NZ$ 839 ★ 4.7 (18 reviews)

Book on Headout

Full tour details

About this tour

You stay on Milford Sound after the day boats have left: kayak or tender-boat outing, a nature guide, canapés and a three-course buffet dinner, then breakfast on the fiord the next morning. When you book you choose the cabin (private ensuite or a bunk in a shared compartment) and whether you want the coach.

With the coach it starts in Te Anau (about 24 hours in total) or in Queenstown (about 31 hours). Without it you drive to Milford yourself and pay NZ$30 for overnight parking.

What's included

Overnight cruise with a specialist nature guide
Private ensuite cabin or a bunk in a shared compartment, chosen at booking
Canapés, three-course buffet dinner and breakfast
Kayak or tender-boat outing
Tea and coffee
Return coach from Queenstown or Te Anau, if you choose that option

Not included

Alcoholic drinks (sold on board, ID required)
Overnight parking at Milford

Meeting point

Milford Sound Visitor Centre, or the coach stop in Queenstown or Te Anau if you book a transfer. Check in at least 20 minutes before departure. Overnight parking at Milford costs NZ$30, and the walk from the car park takes 10 to 15 minutes.

What to bring

A small bag with what you need for one night
Warm layers, a waterproof jacket and non-slip shoes
Swimwear, insect repellent and sun protection
Toiletries and any medication
Photo ID with your voucher

Know before you go

Guests must be 5 or older.
Double and twin cabins need at least 2 guests; a single option costs more.
Tell the operator about dietary needs at least 48 hours before departure.
In severe weather the cruise can be cancelled or rescheduled.

Not suitable for

Wheelchair users
Children under 5

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Fiordland Discovery

Overnight on the Fiordland Jewel

22 guests in nine ensuite cabins, hot tub on the top deck. Late October to late April only.

Duration: About 17.5 hours: board mid-afternoon, disembark the next morning
Language: English (small-group crew commentary)

from NZ$ 1449 ★ 4.8 (135 reviews)

Book on Viator

Full tour details

Highlights

Up to 22 guests in nine cabins
Every cabin ensuite with a sea view
Hot tub on the top deck, open after dinner
Three-course dinner cooked by the chef on board
Kayaking and a tender boat excursion

About this tour

The Jewel is the small, boutique way to spend a night on Milford Sound. Viator lists a maximum of 22 guests, and the boat has nine ensuite cabins with sea views.

The difference from the Mariner is not the route but the scale. Dinner is a plated three-course menu prepared by the chef on board. There is a hot tub on the top deck for after dinner, and kayaks and a tender boat for exploring.

The season is short: the Jewel runs from late October to late April. Check-in is at 14:35 at the Fiordland Discovery desk in the Visitor Terminal, departure at 15:10. The Viator booking is non-refundable.

Who it is for: couples, and anyone for whom the night on the fiord is the trip rather than an item on it.

What's included

Ensuite cabin with sea view
Three-course plated dinner and breakfast
Kayaking and use of the tender
Crew commentary in English

Not included

Alcoholic drinks
Transport to and from Milford Sound

Meeting point

Fiordland Discovery desk in the Milford Sound Terminal. Check-in 14:35, departure 15:10; you return to the terminal the next morning.

What to bring

Overnight bag with a change of clothes
Rain jacket and warm layers
Swimwear for the hot tub and the swim
Camera

Know before you go

Non-refundable: Viator gives no refund and allows no changes once booked.
The Jewel operates from late October to late April only.
Nine cabins: book well ahead for December and January.
Children from age 6.
This cruise is booked through Viator, not GetYourGuide; the booking page will look different from the other tours on this site.

Not suitable for

Travellers with mobility impairments

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Cruise with coach from Queenstown or Te Anau

The same cruises with pickup, so you do not drive the Milford Road yourself. More options on the day-tours page.

Pure Milford

Coach & Cruise Full-Day

12-hour day with pickup in Queenstown or Te Anau, glass-roof coach, lunch included.

Duration: ~12 hours door to door
Language: English (driver + skipper commentary)
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 235 ★ 4.7 (4,326 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Pickup in central Queenstown or Te Anau
Glass-roof coach with photo stops along the Milford Road
Nature commentary from the driver and skipper
Cruise with Pure Milford on a boat with three viewing decks
Lunch included (not for infants)

About this tour

A 12-hour day from Queenstown with pickup in the centre of town; pickup in Te Anau is also possible. The coach has a glass roof and stops for photos along the Milford Road. GetYourGuide gives about 5 to 6 hours from Queenstown to Milford Sound, stops included.

The cruise is with Pure Milford, on a boat with three viewing decks. Pure Milford's fleet is the Maiden of Milford (open top deck) and the Gem of the Sound (glass roof); the listing does not say which boat a departure uses, so ask if the glass roof matters to you.

Lunch and tea or hot water are included (lunch not for infants); breakfast is not. Bring layers, a rain jacket and a camera.

What's included

Round-trip transport from central Queenstown
Glass-roof, air-conditioned coach
Driver commentary and scenic photo stops
Scenic Milford Sound cruise
Complimentary tea and hot water on board
Access to 3 viewing decks on the boat
Lunch (not for infants)

Not included

Breakfast
Additional drinks (available for purchase on board)

Meeting point

Central Queenstown pickup: the exact location and time are confirmed after booking. The tour departure time in your voucher is NOT the pickup time; pickup can be up to 45 minutes earlier depending on where you stay.

What to bring

Warm layered clothing
Waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Sunscreen
Insect repellent (sandflies at photo stops)

Know before you go

The tour departure time is not the pickup time. Check your confirmation for the pickup slot.
From Queenstown to Milford Sound takes about 5 to 6 hours with stops. Expect a long day.
The section near the Tasman Sea can be choppy in bad weather. See our seasickness guide if you are prone.
Milford has very little phone reception; save your voucher offline.
The listing does not say which boat (Maiden or Gem) a departure uses. Ask if the glass roof matters to you.

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

RealNZ

Coach + Cruise from Te Anau

Glass-roof coach, choose the Classic cruise or the Signature cruise with a live nature guide.

Duration: 7 h 30
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 245 ★ 4.7 (799 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Glass-roof coach from Te Anau with photo stops and short walks on the Milford Road
Full-length cruise on Milford Sound
Choice of Classic cruise (multilingual app) or Signature cruise (live nature guide in English)
Seals, dolphins and penguins possible

About this tour

A 7.5-hour day trip from the RealNZ visitor centre on the Te Anau lakefront. The glass-roof coach takes about two and a half hours to Milford Sound, with photo stops in the Eglinton Valley, at the Mirror Lakes and at Monkey Creek, and short walks along the way.

You choose the cruise when booking. The Classic cruise lasts 1 h 40 on one of RealNZ's larger boats built for comfort and stability, with multilingual commentary through the RealNZ Milford Sound app. The Signature cruise lasts 2 hours on one of RealNZ's character vessels, with a live nature guide (in English) and barista coffee and local craft beer at the bar. Both run the full length of the fiord; seals, dolphins and penguins are possible.

Food and drinks are not included: bring your own lunch or buy food at the licensed bar on board. Check in 30 minutes before departure. RealNZ may use a different coach or boat for operational reasons.

What's included

Glass-roof, air-conditioned coach from Te Anau
Cruise of 1 h 40 or 2 h
Commentary: app (Classic) or live guide (Signature)

Not included

Food and drinks (licensed bar on board)

Meeting point

RealNZ Te Anau Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Cruise plus a walk on the Milford Track

A boat takes you to Sandfly Point, the end of the Milford Track, for a walk to Giant Gate Falls. Then you cruise the fiord. Both start at Milford Sound.

Southern Discoveries

Nature Cruise + Milford Track walk

A self-guided walk of up to 11 km on the Milford Track to Giant Gate Falls and a cruise of up to 2 hours, all from Milford Sound.

Duration: 7.5 hours
Language: English (live on the cruise), App commentary in 8 languages
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 254 ★ 4.6 (147 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Boat transfer from Deepwater Basin to Sandfly Point
Self-guided walk on the Milford Track to Giant Gate Falls, 11 km return
Nature Cruise of up to 2 hours
Walk first at 9:00 or cruise first at 10:30

About this tour

Two things in one day, both starting at Milford Sound, so you need your own way there. You choose whether to walk first (9:00) or cruise first (10:30).

For the walk a boat takes you in about 10 minutes from Deepwater Basin to Sandfly Point, the end of the Milford Track. From there you walk on your own through rainforest to Giant Gate Falls and back, 11 km in up to four hours. The track is well marked; basic fitness is enough.

The Nature Cruise lasts up to 2 hours and runs out to the Tasman Sea. Tea and coffee are free and there is a licensed bar. A picnic lunch can be pre-ordered.

What's included

Boat transfer Deepwater Basin to Sandfly Point and back
Up to 4 hours on the Milford Track
Cruise of up to 2 hours
Tea and coffee on board

Not included

Walking guide (the walk is self-guided)
Transport to Milford Sound

Know before you go

Bring your own headphones for the app on the cruise.
Bring sunscreen and insect repellent for the track.

Not suitable for

People with limited mobility or wheelchair users
People with heart or breathing problems
People over 80

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Fiordland Trips and Tramps

Guided Milford Track hike + small-boat cruise

A guided walk of about 3.5 hours on the Milford Track to Giant Gate Falls, then a 2-hour small-boat cruise. Te Anau pickup as an option.

Duration: 7 to 11 hours
Language: English
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

from NZ$ 379 ★ 4.7 (75 reviews)

Book on GetYourGuide

Full tour details

Highlights

Guided walk on the Milford Track, at most 12 walkers per guide
Arthur River, Lake Ada and Giant Gate Falls
Water taxi to and from Sandfly Point
2-hour nature cruise on a small boat

About this tour

In the morning a water taxi takes you from Deepwater Basin to Sandfly Point, the end of the Milford Track. With a guide you walk along the Arthur River to Lake Ada and Giant Gate Falls, best seen from the swing bridge: 11 km in about 3.5 hours, mostly flat with rocky sections. After a short break at the terminal you spend the afternoon on a 2-hour small-boat cruise.

You either meet the guide at 8:25 at the Mitre Peak Cruises counter in the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, or book the option with pickup from your accommodation in Te Anau. No food is sold during the day, so add the packed lunch when you book or bring your own.

What's included

Guided walk of 3 to 4 hours, at most 12 people per guide
Water taxi to and from the Milford Track
Safety equipment
Hot drinks
2-hour nature cruise
Pickup in Te Anau and packed lunch, if you choose those options

Not included

Lunch, unless added when booking
Parking and fuel if you meet the group in Milford Sound
Drinking water (bring a full bottle)

Meeting point

8:25 at the Mitre Peak Cruises counter in the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, or pickup in Te Anau with the transport option. From Te Anau allow at least two hours of driving and leave by 6:00.

Know before you go

Good fitness is needed for the 11 km walk.
Jeans and drones are not allowed.
Parking at Milford Sound costs from NZ$10 per hour; free parking on Deepwater Basin Road is about 20 minutes on foot from the terminal.

Not suitable for

Children under 8
People over 75
People with limited mobility or low fitness

Tour details as the cruise or flight operator lists them on the booking platform.

Which cruise suits you?

Operator	Boat	On the water	Good for
Mitre Peak Cruises	Smaller boats, 60 or 75 places	2 h	Getting close to cliffs and waterfalls; late 15:55 departure from October to April
Pure Milford	Modern catamaran with outdoor decks and screens inside	1 h 45	Space on deck, live commentary
Southern Discoveries	Catamaran, multilingual app	1 h 45–2 h	Commentary in several languages; optional lunch
RealNZ	Character boats with a licensed bar	1 h 40	Choice of Classic (app) or Signature (live nature guide)
Cruise Milford	75-passenger cap on 150-passenger boats	1 h 45	Family-owned, many departures a day

Boat details from the operators. Prices and ratings are on the cards above.

FAQ

Which Milford Sound cruise is the best?

It depends on what matters to you. For a smaller boat that goes close to the cliffs: Mitre Peak Cruises. For space on deck: Pure Milford. For commentary in your language: Southern Discoveries or the RealNZ Classic cruise. For a live nature guide: the RealNZ Signature cruise.

How long is a Milford Sound cruise?

1 h 40 to 2 h on the water, depending on the operator. Plan to be at the Visitor Terminal about 30 minutes before departure.

How much does a Milford Sound cruise cost?

A cruise-only ticket, where you get to the terminal yourself, is the cheapest way onto the fiord. A coach from Te Anau or Queenstown costs more, fly + cruise packages considerably more, and an overnight cruise is the most expensive option. The cheapest day cruise on this page currently starts at NZ$ 143; the cards above show the current price of each.

What time do Milford Sound cruises leave?

From the morning to mid-afternoon, and every operator has its own timetable that changes with the season. Mitre Peak Cruises, for example, sails at 08:50, 11:10, 13:30 and 15:55 from October to April and at 11:00 and 13:30 from May to September. The times for your date are shown when you book.

Is a morning or an afternoon cruise better?

The coach tours from Queenstown are timed to reach Milford Sound around lunchtime, so the middle of the day is the busiest time at the terminal. An early or a late departure is quieter. You can only take one if you start from Te Anau, stay at Milford Sound, or drive yourself.

Where do the cruises leave from?

From the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal at the end of the Milford Road. All day cruises start and finish there.

Do all cruises go out to the Tasman Sea?

Yes. Every day cruise runs the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea and back. Wildlife sightings depend on the weather and season, not on the operator.

Can I cancel?

The day cruises on this page can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. For the overnight cruises the deadline is longer: 14 days for the Milford Mariner; the Fiordland Jewel is non-refundable on Viator (no refund, no changes).

Milford Sound cruises compared

Day cruises from the Milford terminal

2-Hour Small-Boat Cruise

Highlights

About this tour

What's included

Not included

Meeting point

What to bring

Know before you go

Not allowed

Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

Highlights

About this tour

What's included

Not included

Nature Cruise — Grand Views

Highlights

About this tour

What's included

Not included

Meeting point

What to bring

Know before you go

Not allowed

Classic or Signature Cruise

Highlights

About this tour

What's included

Not included

Small-Boat Cruise + Coach

Highlights

About this tour

What's included

Not included

Meeting point

What to bring

Know before you go

Discover More cruise, up to 2 h 15

Highlights

About this tour

What's included

Not included

Meeting point

Know before you go

Premium cruise on the Sinbad

Highlights

About this tour

What's included

Not included

Meeting point

Know before you go

Overnight cruises

Overnight on the Milford Mariner

Highlights

About this tour

What's included

Not included

Meeting point

What to bring

Know before you go

Mariner overnight with coach

About this tour

What's included

Not included

Meeting point

What to bring

Know before you go

Not suitable for

Overnight on the Fiordland Jewel

Highlights

About this tour

What's included

Not included

Meeting point

What to bring

Know before you go

Not suitable for

Cruise with coach from Queenstown or Te Anau

Coach & Cruise Full-Day