English
English
Book Milford Sound Cruises
Select Your Experience
- Best for budget-conscious travelers and backpacking enthusiasts traveling through Milford Sound.
- Book this if you’re after a flexible Milford Sound experience that won't break the bank, with live commentary and complimentary tea or coffee included.
- What’s unique: The flexibility to tailor your adventure, perfect if you're staying in Milford Sound and want to combine nearby activities.
- Sights seen: Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Bowen Falls, Lion Rock, New Zealand fur seals on Seal Rock, and more!
- Best for budget-conscious travelers and backpacking enthusiasts traveling through Milford Sound.
- Book this if you’re after a flexible Milford Sound experience that won't break the bank, with live commentary and complimentary tea or coffee included.
- What’s unique: The flexibility to tailor your adventure, perfect if you're staying in Milford Sound and want to combine nearby activities.
- Sights seen: Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Bowen Falls, Lion Rock, New Zealand fur seals on Seal Rock, and more!
Inclusions
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Live commentary
- Complimentary tea or coffee onboard
Exclusions
- Other food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)
- Tip: head to the upper deck when approaching Stirling Falls – the captain often maneuvers the boat close enough for you to feel the spray.
- Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours 30 mins
MODE OF TRANSFERBus/Coach
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Queenstown
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Passes By
Wye Creek Track
Lake Te Anau Lion Lookout Point
1
Te Anau
Free Admission
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Stretch your legs and explore as the coach stops here for a midway break.
Passes By
Lake Mistletoe Walking Track
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Lake Gunn
Hollyford Lookout
Lake Marian Track
Homer Tunnel
The Chasm
2
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
The gateway to Milford Sound, where you can embark on a cruise to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
12
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Milford Sound
- Round-trip transfers from Queenstown
- Stops with short walks
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Lunch (as per option selected)
- Complimentary tea and coffee on-board
- Small-group experience (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Other food and beverages (available to purchase onboard)
- Tip: Head to the bow when near Stirling Falls on the boat to experience a refreshing spray from glacial meltwater!
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Best for solo travelers looking for an interactive, small-group Milford Sound cruise or active adventurers wanting a more immersive encounter with a Milford Track trek.
- Book this if you want flexibility between a scenic cruise only or combine it with a guided walk on the famous Milford Track for a land and sea adventure.
- What's unique: a comprehensive Milford Sound experience with the option to explore by both water and land, with the walk offering up-close interaction with the environment.
- Sights seen: Unobstructed views in a small-group setting of Arthur River, Lake Ada, Giant's Gate waterfall, Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and more.
- Best for solo travelers looking for an interactive, small-group Milford Sound cruise or active adventurers wanting a more immersive encounter with a Milford Track trek.
- Book this if you want flexibility between a scenic cruise only or combine it with a guided walk on the famous Milford Track for a land and sea adventure.
- What's unique: a comprehensive Milford Sound experience with the option to explore by both water and land, with the walk offering up-close interaction with the environment.
- Sights seen: Unobstructed views in a small-group setting of Arthur River, Lake Ada, Giant's Gate waterfall, Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and more.
Inclusions
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Complimentary tea and coffee on board
- Small group of up to 12 people
- Live commentary on cruise
- English-speaking guide for walk (if option selected)
- 3.5-hour Milford Track guided walk (if option selected)
- Round-trip water taxi transfers from Deep Water Basin to Sandfly Point (if option selected)
- Safety gear for guided walk (if option selected)
- Tip: Pack wisely for the trek. Carry essentials like a lightweight backpack, rain gear, quick-drying clothes, and trekking poles for added support.
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- Safety is a priority so the Milford Track guided walk is restricted for guests under the age of 8 years and over the age of 75 years.
- This hike is suitable for people in moderate shape. You'll walk about 7 miles on uneven terrain, with some uphill sections. Expect to be on your feet for around 3.5 hours. Be prepared for wet weather and wear sturdy shoes.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION13 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERMinibus
START POINT
Queenstown
Start your journey in the stunning city of Queenstown on a comfortable AC minibus where your guide will guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
1
Lake Wakatipu
Free Admission
Sightseeing & Photography
Passes By
Devils Staircase
2
Lake Te Anau
Free Admission
The largest lake in the South Island, Lake Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Meet some of the local animals or wildlife and then stop at Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track, to hear the stories and admire the views.
3
Eglinton Valley
Free Admission
Eglinton Valley is a stunning flat-floored valley surrounded by towering peaks. Its vibrant grasslands make it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or a photo stop.
4
Mirror Lakes
Free Admission
A short walk from the highway, Mirror Lakes offers reflective views of the surrounding mountains. On calm days, the reflections are almost perfect, creating an optical illusion.
5
Lake Gunn
Free Admission
Sightseeing & Photography
Passes By
Hollyford River
6
Darran Mountains
Free Admission
The Darran Mountains are a rugged mountain range within Fiordland National Park, offering jaw-dropping vistas and a chance to click photos of some large, cheeky, and colourful birds.
Passes By
Homer Tunnel
7
Milford Sound
Tickets included
Embark on a 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound, a breathtaking fjord known for the towering Mitre Peak rising sharply from its waters and the famous Pop's View Lookout that offers panoramic views of the Hollyford Valley and beyond.
Boat
11
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for guests looking for a more intimate setting and nature and history enthusiasts looking to catch scenic views with animal encounters and culture.
- Book this if you want a cost-effective way to enjoy mountain views, history, culture, and up-close encounters with native animals.
- What's unique: See local wildlife at Lake Te Anau, Kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot at Darren Mountains and New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks of Milford Sound.
- Sights seen: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Devils Staircase, Lake Te Anau, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River & Falls Creek, Darran Mountains, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Pop's View Lookout.
- Best for guests looking for a more intimate setting and nature and history enthusiasts looking to catch scenic views with animal encounters and culture.
- Book this if you want a cost-effective way to enjoy mountain views, history, culture, and up-close encounters with native animals.
- What's unique: See local wildlife at Lake Te Anau, Kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot at Darren Mountains and New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks of Milford Sound.
- Sights seen: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Devils Staircase, Lake Te Anau, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River & Falls Creek, Darran Mountains, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Pop's View Lookout.
Inclusions
- Small group guided tour
- Tour guide
- Round-trip transfers
- Milford sound cruise
- Cruise entry
- Minibus
- Start from Queenstown.
- The following stops will be included on the way to and back from Milford Sound.
Minibus
- Queenstown
- Lake Wakatipu
- Devils Staircase
- Lake Te Anau
- Eglington Valley
- Mirror Lakes
- Lake Gunn
- Hollyford River & Falls Creek
- Darran Mountains
- Homer Tunnel
Cruise
These are the sights you can look out for during the cruise:
- Milford Sound
- Mitre Peak
- Pop's View Lookout
- Return to Queenstown
- Tip: Keep an eye out for white-headed woodpeckers and martens when you take a short stroll around Mirror Lakes.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION8 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERBus/Coach
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Te Anau
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Passes By
Lake Mistletoe Walking Track
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Lake Gunn
Hollyford Lookout
Lake Marian Track
Homer Tunnel
The Chasm
1
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
The gateway to Milford Sound, where you can embark on a cruise to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
9
END POINT
Te Anau
- Best for: families and visitors based in Te Anau, while the premium small-group experience would be perfect for solo travelers looking to mingle.
- Book this if you: want a hassle-free day trip that includes a cruise and round-trip transfers from Te Anau, with an immersive fiord trekking experience upgrade.
- What's unique: Enjoy short walks on the journey to and from Milford Sound, at spots like The Chasm, or upgrade to include a guided 5.5km trek of Milford Track.
- Sights seen: Darran Mountains, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River and Falls Creek, Mitre Peak, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, and more.
- Best for: families and visitors based in Te Anau, while the premium small-group experience would be perfect for solo travelers looking to mingle.
- Book this if you: want a hassle-free day trip that includes a cruise and round-trip transfers from Te Anau, with an immersive fiord trekking experience upgrade.
- What's unique: Enjoy short walks on the journey to and from Milford Sound, at spots like The Chasm, or upgrade to include a guided 5.5km trek of Milford Track.
- Sights seen: Darran Mountains, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River and Falls Creek, Mitre Peak, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, and more.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour to Milford Sound from Te Anau
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Round-trip transfers with stops for short walks
- Lunch (if option selected)
- Complimentary tea & coffee on-board
- Small group experience (if option selected)
- Guided walk along the Milford Track (if option selected)
- Water taxi to Sandfly Point (if option selected)
- Tea break at Giant Gate Waterfall (if option selected)
- Pick up from Te Anau
- Scenic drive to Milford Sound by air-conditioned coach
- Photo ops stop at Te Anau Downs, Eglinton Valley & more
- Short walks or extended guided walks around Lake Mistletoe, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn & more
- Milford Sound cruise
- Drop-off at Te Anau
- Tip: Pack motion sickness tablets for the winding Milford Road. Even if you don't usually get car sick, the serpentine route can catch you off guard.
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours 30 mins
START POINT
Queenstown
Start your flight from Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, known for its stunning lake and mountain views.
Passes By
Central Otago
Lake Wakatipu
Mt Aspiring National Park
Fiordland National Park
5
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
Inclusions
- Full-day or half-day tour of Milford Sound from Queenstown (based on option selected)
- Small-group experience
- Round-trip flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)
- One-way coach to Milford Sound (if option selected)
- Return flight transfer to Queenstown (if option selected)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Live commentary
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Complimentary tea, coffee, & water on cruise
Exclusions
- Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)
- Tip: Look out for playful dolphins and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin.
- The flyover from Queenstown over Milford Sound and back to Queenstown is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Passengers weighing 140kg (308lb) or more should make a note during booking. For helicopter activities, there is a weight limit of 116kg (255lb).
- A discrepancy exceeding 15kg (33lb) from the declared weight at check-in may lead to rescheduling, depending on availability.
- This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Best for solo travelers and couples who want to experience the immersive beauty of Milford Sound in an intimate and personal setting.
- Book this if you’re after a premium Milord Sound Cruise that lets you take in its unique beauty in a quieter and comfortable setting.
- What’s unique: The 2.5-hour cruise lets you take in Milford Sound without a large crowd while enjoying a carefully curated canape menu and some champagne.
- Sights see: Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Bowen Falls, Lion Rock, Keas, Fiordland crested penguins, New Zealand fur seals on Seal Rock, and more!
- Best for solo travelers and couples who want to experience the immersive beauty of Milford Sound in an intimate and personal setting.
- Book this if you’re after a premium Milord Sound Cruise that lets you take in its unique beauty in a quieter and comfortable setting.
- What’s unique: The 2.5-hour cruise lets you take in Milford Sound without a large crowd while enjoying a carefully curated canape menu and some champagne.
- Sights see: Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Bowen Falls, Lion Rock, Keas, Fiordland crested penguins, New Zealand fur seals on Seal Rock, and more!
Inclusions
- 2.5-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Expert nature guide
- Small group experience
- Live commentary on cruise
- Curated canape menu
- A glass of Mumm Champagne
- Reserved seating
- Round-trip transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau (as per option selected)
- Tip: If you are driving up from Queenstown, stay overnight in Te Anau as the trip to and back from Milford Sound can get very tiring.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Guests must inform the operator of their dietary requirements when making their booking.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
What to expect on a Milford Sound cruise?
Boarding point
Route
Boat types
What to bring
Special requests
Milford Sound wharf: Milford Sound Visitor Centre (Terminal and Boat Harbour, 1 Milford Sound Highway, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand. Find on Maps
At any time, multiple vessels are preparing and departing for their journey near the wharf. Follow the directions mentioned on your voucher to reach the exact boarding point location for your cruise.
All Milford Sound cruises mostly follow the same route - the boat goes along the left side of the fiord out towards the Tasman Sea. Once you’ve reached the open water or Anita Bay, the boat turns back to cruise along the right side of the fiord and then drops you back at the Milford Sound wharf.
Popular sights that will be covered on your cruise include Sinbad Gully, Mitre Peak, Cooper Point, Fairy Falls, Anita Bay, Dale Point, Seal Rock, Mt Kimberly, Cascade Range and Bowen Falls.
Catamarans: A catamaran is the best vessel to go on a Milford Sound cruise. It has two parallel hulls placed underneath the deck that help counter the rolling motion of the boat, making it more stable and comfortable. It can also better withstand cross winds and adverse weather conditions compared to other boat types.
You can choose between two popular catamarans for your cruise, the Maiden of Milford and the Gem of the Sound. Both the boats are fitted with multiple cameras that share live feed of what’s happening around the boat onto several displays placed. This way, you won’t miss a thing!
Maiden of Milford: This recently refurbished vessel has spacious indoor decks with comfortable seating. There is also a spacious outdoor deck that gives you unobstructed 360° views of the alpine peaks in the area.
Gem of the Sound: This is the only boat in the area that has a glass roof, allowing you to soak in the panoramic views while comfortably sitting indoors. There are also multiple indoor and outdoor decks to lend you the best views of the fiord.
- Dress warm: Temperatures on the water can get quite chilly, even when the sun is out. Carry some additional layers to keep yourself warm.
- Prepare for wet weather: Being the wettest region in New Zealand, rains can be unexpected and cruises will continue operating even in light showers. Get raincoats or umbrellas to keep yourself from getting wet.
- Sturdy shoes are essential: We recommend boots or closed shoes with good grip. Even if there are no showers, you will need sturdy shoes for when you explore the waterfalls.
- Have some cash in hand: Keep some cash with you in local currency or keep your credit card handy for when you want to buy snacks or souvenirs.
- Prepare for seasickness: If you’re prone to being seasick, get the necessary medication to keep yourself comfortable.
- Medication for other conditions: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, we suggest that you bring your medication along as you may be unable to get them onsite during emergencies.
- Bring insect repellents: Sandflies are common at Milford Sound so be prepared with insect repellents to keep these blood-sucking insects away.
- Don’t forget sun protection: UV radiations are usually quite high in alpine regions, even if the sun isn’t out. Protect yourself with sunscreen and sunglasses.
For those with mobility issues: Some Milford Sound cruises are accessible by wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Inform your cruise operator beforehand to keep the main access areas close by.
Foldable wheelchairs are ideal: Some cruises, although wheelchair accessible, can only be accommodated if they can be folded.
Dietary restrictions and vegetarian meals: The meal included cruises provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. You can also request for special dietary accommodations like gluten-free food, allergies or vegan options.
Note: We suggest that you mention any special requests while booking your tickets to keep your cruise operator informed.
Know before you visit
Timings
Best time to visit
Accommodation & transfers
Facilities
Rules
A standard Milford Sound cruise lasts about 2 hours. However, some premium cruises can last up to 3 hours to include more stops along the way.
Several operators offer Milford Sound cruises in multiple slots, some that begin as early as 8:45am. The last cruise departs at 3:30pm.
You’ll see a lot more cruises towards midday to accommodate tourists traveling from Queenstown or Te Anau.
Boarding time: The timings mentioned on your voucher is the departure time of your cruise. Arrive at least 15 minutes before this time to comfortably board your cruise and settle down before departure.
Peak season: Summer (Dec to Feb); Low season: Winter (Jun - Aug)
Summer brings warm weather and frequent showers at Milford Sound, but also brings the most tourists. Temperatures remain a comfortable 13 to 15°C, which is perfect for hikes. Waterfalls are also fuller and more spectacular at this time of year. However, February remains relatively dry, so drop by at this time if you’d rather avoid the rain. You’ll have to make your bookings a few weeks in advance to guarantee slots.
Autumn (Mar to May) and winter seasons are also great times to visit Milford Sound, especially if you want to avoid large crowds. Temperatures range between 6 to 12°C, which can seem quite cold on the fiord, so you’ll need to dress warmly. The skies are clearer with fewer sandflies to bother you on your cruise.
There is just one stay option available at Milford Sound, the Milford Sound Lodge. Some cruises offer an overnight stay on the boat itself, but they tend to be quite expensive. Due to this, a lot of travelers prefer to stay in nearby towns like Te Anau or Queenstown and travel to Milford Sound on day trips.
Although the roads to Milford Sound are well maintained, it has its challenges. During the winter, icy road conditions can get especially dangerous if you don’t have experience navigating them.
Instead, we highly recommend that you pick a day trip that offers comfortable return transfers to and from Te Anau or Queenstown. Most day trips have air conditioned coaches with expert drivers who will take care of the commute for you.
- Expert nature guide
- Trained crew
- Wheelchair accessibility (confirm while booking)
- Reserved seating
- Private cabins (for overnight cruise)
- Pay attention to the safety briefing: Your guide will share important information about remaining safe on the boat during the cruise. Pay attention and follow the rules to the tee.
- Keep an eye out for deck obstructions: The outdoor deck on the boat can have a few obstructions and you’ll need to watch your footing.
- Get sturdy shoes: This is an essential item as surfaces can get slippery, especially during rains. Wear boots or sports shoes even if you’re not going on a hike to remain safe.
- Stay on designated paths: If you’re getting off the boat to explore the area on foot, stay on designated pathways and avoid crossing any barricades for your own safety.
Frequently asked questions about Milford Sound cruises
What can I expect on a Milford Sound cruise?
Milford Sound cruises begin at the wharf and take you along the left side of the fiord, covering important sights along the way. The boat turns around once you reach Anita Bay or Tasman Sea to cover the sights on the other side of the fiord.
Are Milford Sound cruises kid-friendly?
Yes! Milford Sound cruises are perfect for families, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty. There are kid-friendly amenities, and the shorter cruises make it easy for children to stay engaged.
Are service animals allowed on Milford Sound cruises?
Yes, service dogs are generally allowed onboard. However, it's recommended to confirm specific policies with your cruise provider while booking.
Are there accommodations near Milford Sound?
There is just one accommodation option at Milford Sound, the Milford Sound Lodge. However, several stay options are available at nearby towns in Te Anau and Queenstown and you can easily book a day trip from these towns to Milford Sound. We suggest that you make your hotel bookings in advance to ensure availability.
What boat options are available for Milford Sound cruises?
Milford Sound cruises are usually conducted on comfortable catamarans that remain quite stable even in rough waters. You can choose between 2 different catamarans, Maiden of Milford and Gem of the Sound.
What sights will I see on a Milford Sound cruise?
Milford Sound cruises cover several points of interest along the fiord, including Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, and wildlife such as fur seals basking on Seal Rock.
What should I bring on a Milford Sound cruise?
We suggest that you bring warm layers as it gets quite cold in the fiord. Along with this, get sunscreen, sturdy boots and any necessary medication you might need as there aren’t many pharmacies available nearby.
What time of day is best for a Milford Sound cruise?
Early morning and late afternoon cruises are ideal for avoiding the crowds. The lighting is softer during these times, enhancing the fjord’s dramatic scenery.
Can I purchase food or drinks onboard?
Many cruises offer snacks and beverages for purchase onboard, and some premium options even provide lunch. Be sure to check your specific cruise for details.
How do I reach Milford Sound for my cruise?
You can drive from Te Anau or Queenstown or take a shuttle service that offers pick-up and drop-off options. We suggest that you get a day trip that includes transfers as the road conditions can get dangerous unless you have experience in navigating alpine roads.
Are there restrooms on the cruise boats?
Yes, your boat will have accessible restrooms onboard.
How far in advance should I book my Milford Sound cruise?
It's advisable to book your cruise at least a few weeks in advance, especially during the peak tourist season from December to February, to secure your preferred time slot.
What wildlife can I expect to see during a Milford Sound cruise?
Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, penguins, and occasionally whales on your Milford Sound cruise. You can also spot a few rare native birds in the area.
Is there parking available near Milford Sound cruise terminals?
Yes, there is a designated parking area near the Milford Sound cruise terminals.
Do Milford Sound cruises run year-round?
Yes, Milford Sound cruises operate throughout the year. However, extremely adverse weather conditions like heavy winds and thunderstorms may lead to rescheduling or cancellation of the cruise.
Are Milford Sound cruises accessible for those with disabilities?
Many cruises offer accommodations for those with disabilities. However, we suggest that you check the accessibility services available and make any special requests while booking your tickets.
Do I need to bring cash, or can I use cards on the cruise?
Most Milford Sound cruises accept both cash and card payments for onboard purchases, but it's advisable to bring some cash in the local currency just in case.