Inclusions
Exclusions
Inclusions
Inclusions
Exclusions
Inclusions
Inclusions
Exclusions
Inclusions
Inclusions
Minibus
Cruise
These are the sights you can look out for during the cruise:
Why choose this experience?
Recommended experiences:
Why choose this experience?
Recommended experiences:
Why choose this experience?
Recommended experiences:
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the time mentioned on your voucher to allow sufficient time to check-in and settle down in the boat before departure. The captain may also share some tips and safety measures for you to follow during the cruise.
All Milford Sound cruises more or less 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.
Along your journey, the captain will make several short stops at notable attractions like Mitre Peak, Copper Point, Fairy Falls and more. Listen to your cruise guide for fascinating local tales and historical facts about each tourist point. If there’s enough time on your cruise, you may even take short walks along the shore to view them up close.
Choose between two popular catamarans for your cruise, the Maiden of Milford and the Gem of the Sound. Get brilliant panoramic views of the nearby peaks through giant windows or a glass ceiling. Don’t miss a thing of what’s happening through live feed cast onto several displays from multiple cameras around the boat.
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)
Milford Sound is notoriously famous for a wonderful visit at any time of the year, except for winter when it gets quite cold on the fiord.
Summer (13 to 15°C) brings warm weather, frequent showers and floating mist at Milford Sound, but also brings the most tourists. You get plenty of daylight with the sun positioned higher in the sky, but afternoon cruises tend to get extremely crowded.
Spring (Sep - Nov) and Autumn (Mar to May) are also great times to take a Milford Sound cruise, especially if you prefer lesser crowds. Spring-time includes clear skies and lush waterfalls and fewer showers compared to the summer. Autumn has far lesser crowds with more affordable cruise options and the weather is also quite pleasant
Milford Sound jetty: 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 jetty. Follow the directions mentioned on your voucher to reach the exact boarding point location for your cruise.
By bus: The nearest bus stop is the Milford Sound stop that’s located right next to the wharf. Coaches will stop here for you to proceed to boarding.
By car:
Parking:
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.
Depending on your tour, you will either be picked up near a prominent landmark in either Queenstown or Te Anau, or you can mention the name of your accommodation while booking your tickets to get hotel transfers.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, service dogs are generally allowed onboard. However, it's recommended to confirm specific policies with your cruise provider while booking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, your boat will have accessible restrooms onboard.
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.
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.
Yes, there is a designated parking area near the Milford Sound cruise terminals.
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.
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.
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.