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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
What is the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory?
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
- 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?
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!
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.
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.
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
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM; daily
Best time to visit: Summer months (December-February) offer warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, rainfall can be higher. Winter months (June-August) have cooler temperatures and shorter days but offer calmer seas and potentially clearer underwater viewing.
To avoid peak crowds, visit during weekdays or shoulder seasons (spring and autumn).
Address: Harrison Cove, Milford Sound 9600, New Zealand
The Milford Sound Underwater Observatory is located in Harrison Cove, a picturesque inlet within Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Southland, New Zealand. It's accessible only by boat tours offered by Southern Discoveries.
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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 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.