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Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

4.4(502 ratings)
Multiple route options
Multiple route options
Frequent departures
Frequent departures
Scenic views
Scenic views



Select your experience

Milford Sound Cruise in waters
Couple enjoying the view at Milford Sound
Milford Sound Cruise by the Waterfall
Dolphins in Milford Sound
Milford Sound Cruise
People taking pictures and enjoying on the Cruise
Man drinking coffee aboard a Milford Sound Cruise
People enjoying on the Cruise
People on the deck of Milford Sound Cruise
Spotting fur seals lying on rocks at Milford Sound
Milford Sound Cruise in waters
Couple enjoying the view at Milford Sound
Milford Sound Cruise by the Waterfall
Dolphins in Milford Sound
Milford Sound Cruise
People taking pictures and enjoying on the Cruise
Man drinking coffee aboard a Milford Sound Cruise
People enjoying on the Cruise
People on the deck of Milford Sound Cruise
Spotting fur seals lying on rocks at Milford Sound
Milford Sound Cruise in waters
Couple enjoying the view at Milford Sound
Milford Sound Cruise by the Waterfall
Dolphins in Milford Sound
Milford Sound Cruise
People taking pictures and enjoying on the Cruise
Man drinking coffee aboard a Milford Sound Cruise
People enjoying on the Cruise
People on the deck of Milford Sound Cruise
Spotting fur seals lying on rocks at Milford Sound
4.5(249)

2-Hour Milford Sound Cruise

from
NZ$140
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr.
  • Best for thrifty explorers and backpack-toting adventurers journeying through Milford Sound.
  • Book this if you’re seeking an adaptable Milford Sound experience that's easy on the wallet or if you're short on time and want a quick tour through the area.
  • What’s unique: see Milford Sound's dramatic landscape up close - towering cliffs, plunging waterfalls, and diverse wildlife including dolphins and rare Fiordland crested penguins.
  • Sights seen: Lion Mountain, The Elephant Rock Formation, St. Anne's Point Lighthouse, Stirling Falls, Mitre Peak, Seal Rock with New Zealand fur seals, and more!
  • Best for thrifty explorers and backpack-toting adventurers journeying through Milford Sound.
  • Book this if you’re seeking an adaptable Milford Sound experience that's easy on the wallet or if you're short on time and want a quick tour through the area.
  • What’s unique: see Milford Sound's dramatic landscape up close - towering cliffs, plunging waterfalls, and diverse wildlife including dolphins and rare Fiordland crested penguins.
  • Sights seen: Lion Mountain, The Elephant Rock Formation, St. Anne's Point Lighthouse, Stirling Falls, Mitre Peak, Seal Rock with New Zealand fur seals, and more!

Inclusions

  • 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
  • Stops at points of interest
  • Live commentary from the skipper
  • Complimentary tea & coffee on-board

Exclusions

  • Transfers
  • Tip: Gas stations are absent on the Milford highway, so be sure to top off your tank in Te Anau.
  • Book online to save time and avoid offline hassles such as waiting on the dock for the next ship to arrive.
  • Wear waterproof clothing or non-slip socks as there is a good possibility of getting wet as you go near waterfalls.
  • Wheelchairs and prams 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.
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Guided wilderness Walks in Milford Sound
Milford Track Guided Walk from Te Anau with Optional River Cruise-7
Small Group Guided Walking Tour to Giant Gate Falls-7
Small Group Guided Walking Tour to Giant Gate Falls-7
Tourist couple at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Tourists at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Man drinking coffee aboard a Milford Sound Cruise
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Guided wilderness Walks in Milford Sound
Milford Track Guided Walk from Te Anau with Optional River Cruise-7
Small Group Guided Walking Tour to Giant Gate Falls-7
Small Group Guided Walking Tour to Giant Gate Falls-7
Tourist couple at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Tourists at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Man drinking coffee aboard a Milford Sound Cruise
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Guided wilderness Walks in Milford Sound
Milford Track Guided Walk from Te Anau with Optional River Cruise-7
Small Group Guided Walking Tour to Giant Gate Falls-7
Small Group Guided Walking Tour to Giant Gate Falls-7
Tourist couple at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Tourists at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Man drinking coffee aboard a Milford Sound Cruise
4.3(44)

Small-Boat Milford Sound Cruise

from
NZ$155
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 7 hr.
Guided tour
  • 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 boat cruise of up to 75 people
  • Live commentary on cruise

Milford Track Guided Walk (if option selected)

  • 3.5-hour Milford Track guided walk
  • English-speaking guide for walk
  • Small group of up to 12 people for guided walk
  • Round-trip water taxi transfers from Deep Water Basin to Sandfly Point
  • Safety gear for guided walk
  • 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.
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the serene waters and towering cliffs of Milford Sound, New Zealand
Tourists enjoying the Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst stunning mountainous landscape in New Zealand
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Milford Sound cruise with scenic mountain views and lush greenery, Queenstown day trip.
Seals resting on rocks at Milford Sound during a premium cruise with gourmet canapes and champagne.
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Group of tourists enjoying the From Te Anau Premium Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise transfer, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand's fjords
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the serene waters and towering cliffs of Milford Sound, New Zealand
Tourists enjoying the Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst stunning mountainous landscape in New Zealand
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Milford Sound cruise with scenic mountain views and lush greenery, Queenstown day trip.
Seals resting on rocks at Milford Sound during a premium cruise with gourmet canapes and champagne.
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Group of tourists enjoying the From Te Anau Premium Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise transfer, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand's fjords
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the serene waters and towering cliffs of Milford Sound, New Zealand
Tourists enjoying the Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst stunning mountainous landscape in New Zealand
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Milford Sound cruise with scenic mountain views and lush greenery, Queenstown day trip.
Seals resting on rocks at Milford Sound during a premium cruise with gourmet canapes and champagne.
Tourists enjoying a Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne amidst the stunning fjords of New Zealand
Group of tourists enjoying the From Te Anau Premium Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise transfer, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand's fjords
NEW

Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne

from
NZ$239
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. 30 min. - 13 hr. 10 min.
Transfers included
Itinerary
START POINT

2 starting points available

1. Te Anau

If you've opted for round-trip transfers from Te Anau, sit back and relax on the scenic route on the comfortable coach to Milford Sound.

2. Queenstown

118 km

1 hour 44 minutes

1

Milford Sound

150 min

10 attractions

Cruise the full length of Milford Sound on the MV Sinbad. With breathtaking scenery and expert nature guides, experience waterfalls, wildlife, and fascinating local history—all with fresh canapés.

Nearby things to do

passby-image
Lady Bowen Falls
1 min walk
passby-image
Sinbad Gully
1 min walk
passby-image
Mitre Peak
passby-image
Fairy Falls
145 min walk
passby-image
Bridal Veil Falls
145 min walk
passby-image
Tasman Sea
passby-image
Seal Rock
145 min walk
passby-image
Stirling Falls
passby-image
Mount Kimberley
passby-image
Harrison Cove
1 min walk

2

END POINT

Te Anau

  • 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 seen: 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 seen: 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 (based on 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.
Mitre Peak view from Milford Sound cruise on Queenstown premium tour.
Group of tourists enjoying a Milford Cruise day trip with kayaking activity, lunch, and underwater observatory tickets in New Zealand
Cruise ship sailing at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord with a view of Mitre Peak, New Zealand's iconic natural attraction
Milford Sound fjord with cruise ship, mountains, and waterfall, Queenstown tour.
The view from Pop's Valley lookout
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Picnic lunch during a premium Milford Sound tour
Round trip coach transfers to Milford Sound
Mitre Peak view from Milford Sound cruise on Queenstown premium tour.
Group of tourists enjoying a Milford Cruise day trip with kayaking activity, lunch, and underwater observatory tickets in New Zealand
Cruise ship sailing at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord with a view of Mitre Peak, New Zealand's iconic natural attraction
Milford Sound fjord with cruise ship, mountains, and waterfall, Queenstown tour.
The view from Pop's Valley lookout
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Picnic lunch during a premium Milford Sound tour
Round trip coach transfers to Milford Sound
Mitre Peak view from Milford Sound cruise on Queenstown premium tour.
Group of tourists enjoying a Milford Cruise day trip with kayaking activity, lunch, and underwater observatory tickets in New Zealand
Cruise ship sailing at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord with a view of Mitre Peak, New Zealand's iconic natural attraction
Milford Sound fjord with cruise ship, mountains, and waterfall, Queenstown tour.
The view from Pop's Valley lookout
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord
Picnic lunch during a premium Milford Sound tour
Round trip coach transfers to Milford Sound
4.5(32)

From Queenstown: Premium Milford Sound Tour with Cruise

from
NZ$299
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
13 hr.
Guided tour
Itinerary
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

stop-image

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

stop-image

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

stop-image

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.
Milford Sound ToursMilford Sound Underwater Observatory

Visit Milford Sound Observatory | New Zealand’s Only Floating Underwater Observatory

Milford Sound is home to many natural wonders including glacial fiords dating back to the Ice Age, lush rainforests formed from being the wettest place in New Zealand, and one of the wettest in the world, and even rare endangered species like Fiordland-crested penguins. But what truly takes the crown is its unique marine ecosystem. Here you can step 10 feet underwater without getting a drop on yourself at Milford Sound’s Underwater Observatory.

Read on to learn all about the underwater observatory at Milford Sound, what to expect, and other important information to make your visit seamless.

What is the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?

Milford Discovery Centre

This observatory at Milford Sound is New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory. Accessible only by boat, you can witness Milford Sound’s deep-water emergence where freshwater meets saltwater from the sea. Owing to this phenomenon you’ll get to see species like the black coral, amongst many others, come to shallower waters instead of their natural home leagues under the sea. This is also your ticket to surround yourself with Milford Sound’s inky black water.

Milford Sound Underwater Observatory in a nutshell

Milford Sound, New Zealand
  • Official name: Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
  • Location: Harrison Cove, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Southland, New Zealand
  • Date of opening: July 1990
  • Timings: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM 
  • Depth: 10 meters below the water surface.
  • Unmissable sights: Black coral, sea anemones, sponges, colorful fish species like butterflyfish and trumpeter, playful Fiordland dolphins (if you're lucky!), and glimpses of penguins.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park are part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1990.
  • Number of visitors per year: Approximately 75,000 visitors annually.
  • Function: Underwater observatory

Why visit Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?

Dolphins in Milford Sound

Witness a kaleidoscope of hidden marine life

Observe colorful fish species like butterflyfish and trumpeters flitting among the kelp forests. Set sights on the rare black coral forests. With a bit of luck, you might even spot playful Fiordland dolphins or cheeky penguins!

Lake Quill, Sutherland Falls on the scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, Fiordland, New Zealand

Experience Milford Sound from a new perspective

Go beyond the breathtaking cliffs and waterfalls to discover the thriving underwater world, 64 steps below. Unlike zoos and aquariums, it’s you who’ll be enclosed while nature flows freely.

Spotting fur seals lying on rocks at Milford Sound

Become a citizen scientist

Your visit helps fund programs that protect the delicate underwater environment of Milford Sound. Learn about the challenges faced by this unique ecosystem and the vital role played by the observatory.

Milford Sound

Enjoy an accessible underwater adventure

Unlike scuba diving, the observatory offers a comfortable and dry environment for exploring the underwater world. No diving experience or special equipment is needed, making it perfect for all ages and abilities.

Plan your visit to Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

Timings
Location
Milford Discovery Centre
Milford Discovery Centre

Highlights of Milford Sound Underwater Observatory— your underwater safari

Ready to trade mountain peaks for coral castles? Dive beneath the waves at the Milford Sound Observatory and witness a hidden realm teeming with fascinating creatures and otherworldly landscapes. Here's a sneak peek at the underwater treasures you can expect:

History of Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

Milford Sound, 1989, marked the emergence of a dream. John Roberts, a local visionary, envisioned an underwater observatory beneath the turquoise surface. Undeterred by skepticism and budget constraints, John's passion for the fiord's hidden wonders propelled him forward. Five years later, in 1994, his dream materialized as the world's first floating underwater observatory opened its hatches, unveiling the mesmerizing kaleidoscope of life below. Milford Sound's once-secret world was revealed, and John earned his place as a local legend, forever known as "Aquajohn."

Delve deeper into the observatory's offerings, discovering a piece of the legendary 1968 shipwreck "Wahine" amidst the exhibits. Fast forward to 2017, when the Milford Sound Discovery Centre merged with the observatory, creating a hub for both above- and underwater wonders. As you explore, anticipate future chapters with research labs, underwater art installations, and live-streamed glimpses of the fiord's hidden wonders.

Frequently asked questions about Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

What is the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?

It's New Zealand's only floating underwater observatory, offering a window into the fascinating marine life hidden beneath Milford Sound's turquoise waters. Accessible by boat, it allows you to observe creatures and ecosystems that thrive beyond the surface, even without diving.

What can I see at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?

Expect a kaleidoscope of marine life like black coral forests, colorful fish, playful dolphins (with luck!), and glimpses of penguins. You'll also witness underwater waterfalls and discover hidden stories of shipwrecks and Maori fish traps.

How deep can I go at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?

The observatory descends 10 meters below the water surface, offering a comfortable and dry vantage point without any diving experience needed.

When is the best time to visit the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?

Summer offers warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours but expect more rain. Winter boasts calmer seas and potentially clearer views but with cooler temperatures and shorter days. Consider visiting Milford Sound on weekdays or shoulder seasons to avoid peak crowds.

How do I get to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?

The observatory is accessible only by boat tours.

Do I need special equipment at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?

Absolutely not! The observatory provides a safe and accessible environment for all ages and abilities.

What's the highlight of the underwater safari at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?

Black coral forests, bioluminescent light shows (especially in summer evenings), and dancing kelp forests with shy nudibranchs and flitting fish are some top contenders.

Can I learn about the history of the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?

Yes! Discover the story of visionary John Roberts, nicknamed "Aquajohn," who brought this underwater dream to life in 1994. You'll even find a piece of the legendary 1968 shipwreck "Wahine" on display.

Is the observatory connected to any conservation efforts?

Your visit helps fund essential programs protecting Milford Sound's delicate underwater environment. You'll learn about the challenges faced by this unique ecosystem and the observatory's vital role in its conservation.

How old is the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?

This watery wonder opened its hatches in 1994, making it over 29 years old! It was the brainchild of local visionary John Roberts, who dreamt of sharing the fiord's underwater secrets with the world.

Is the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory good for people with disabilities?

Absolutely! The observatory is fully wheelchair accessible and offers comfortable viewing platforms for everyone to enjoy the underwater magic.