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Sightseeing Cruises

Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Lunch

Cruise passengers enjoying views of Milford Sound's mountains and water in New Zealand.
People enjoying a Milford Sound cruise with a nature guide, surrounded by waterfalls and lush cliffs.
Tourists on a boat tour at Milford Sound with scenic fjord views.
Seals resting on rocks at Milford Sound with a cruise ship in the background.

Duration

2 hr - 4 hr 30 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

4.8/5

(1,722)

CESAR AUGUSTO PADILLA HERNANDEZ

Cesar

Sep 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We are very happy with our trip, we were treated wonderfully and milfour sound really worth it, the plane ride over the snowy Alps and the fjord are amazing, I would do it again 100% the waterfalls and rainbows are really an experience worth living !!!! My congratulations to the whole team and especially Cúrc our pilot super friendly and very good level of service.
Rachel Saquing

Rachel

Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Amazing and accommodating staff. We went on the 11:15 time slot and there wasn't much of a crowd. We were able to roam freely in around the boat for the best views!! The rain and weather added to the breathtaking experience. The views were spectacular and truly otherworldly!!
SUMMER Wall Godman

Summer

Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Our pilot Jerod was great. We enjoyed flying over the beautiful mountains and sound. We signed up late but was told on the website that hotel pickup was included. When we paid we were told we had to meet at the office on shotovet. Not a long walk but not what was promised.
    • Cruise beneath glacier-carved cliffs and tumbling waterfalls, with both open decks for photographers and indoor lounges for all-weather comfort.

    • Spot fur seals, penguins, and dolphins along the fjord while guides share engaging live commentary about Fiordland’s wildlife and geology.

    • Book with confidence knowing multiple operators and departure slots give you better seat availability, even in peak season.

    • Choose the core cruise-only option for a flexible, great-value Milford experience without unnecessary extras.

    • Upgrade to a Fly–Cruise–Fly package from Queenstown to swap the 13-hour coach journey for a 5-hour trip with sweeping alpine and glacier views.

    • 1-hour 45-minute Milford Sound cruise

    • Expert skipper commentary

    • Complimentary tea & coffee

    • Wildlife spotting opportunities

    • Access to outdoor viewing decks

    • Indoor heated lounge area

    • Multi-language audio guide app

    Scenic flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)

    • 35 minutes each way flying time

    • Guaranteed window seats

    • Expert pilot commentary

    • Other food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)
  • TOTAL DURATION1 hour 45 minutes - 2 hours
    MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
    FIRST DEPARTUREMitre Peak
    LAST DEPARTUREMitre Peak
    Timeline
    Map
    Milford Sound Terminal
    Start point

    Milford Sound Terminal

    Get direction

    Passes By

    Milford Sound Terminal
    End point

    Milford Sound Terminal

    Get direction

    Your ending point would be same as your start point

    TOTAL DURATION4 hours - 5 hours
    FIRST DEPARTUREMilford Sound Terminal
    LAST DEPARTUREMilford Sound Terminal
    Timeline
    Map
    Queenstown
    Start point

    Queenstown

    Get direction
    Milford Sound Terminal

    1. Milford Sound Terminal

    Passes By

    Return to Queenstown
    End point

    Return to Queenstown

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

  • 4.8
    1,722 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    1.5K
    148
    32
    12
    6
    Guests from Australia, Germany, United States and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Rachel Saquing

    Rachel

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Amazing and accommodating staff. We went on the 11:15 time slot and there wasn't much of a crowd. We were able to roam freely in around the boat for the best views!! The rain and weather added to the breathtaking experience. The views were spectacular and truly otherworldly!!
    Sachpreetraj Singh Sohanpal

    Sachpreetraj

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    absolutely amazing experience. The Pure Milford team was accomodating, friendly and was more than happy to answer all our questions. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who wants to have a great Milford Sound experience
    Michael Content

    Michael

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Enjoyed the friendly staff and the boat was clean and roomy. The weather was a little wet but did not detract from the breathtaking scenery.
    craig farrell

    Craig

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    On time. Informative. Plenty of food and drink options. Clean vessel. Happy crew. Lots of great photo opportunities. 'Poifict!'
    Benedict McCarthy

    Benedict

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    This experience was fantastic. The flight is amazing and saves so much time compared to the bus.
  • Cruise through the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound on a sightseeing journey featuring iconic waterfalls and towering cliffs.

    Getting started

    Arrive at the designated pier and present your ticket for boarding. After a quick safety briefing from the crew, settle in and prepare for departure.

    What to expect

    Recognized as one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural wonders, Milford Sound is a glacier-carved fjord known for its sheer rock faces and lush rainforests. The cruise offers a unique perspective on this ancient landscape shaped over millions of years.

    Features
    • Stirling and Bowen Falls: Witness these two prominent waterfalls plunging from towering heights, showcasing the region’s powerful rainfall and geology.

    • Mitre Peak: Admire the distinctive peak rising sharply from the water, a signature landmark of Milford Sound and a favorite for photographers.

    • Wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for native seals basking on rocks and, with luck, dolphins or rare Fiordland crested penguins along the shoreline.

    • Onboard comfort: Enjoy open-air decks and indoor seating, providing panoramic views and shelter as you glide through the fjord.

  • What to bring

    • Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

    • Carry warm, weather-appropriate clothing and a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change quickly on the water.

    • Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.

    • Bring cash or an EFTPOS/credit card onboard for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

    What’s not allowed

    • Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.

    • Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.

    • Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

    • Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.

    Accessibility

    • Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.

    • There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.

    Additional information

    • Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.

    • Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.

    • Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

    • Restrooms are available on board.

    • The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.

    • Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please arrive at the boarding point 20 mins before the scheduled time of your cruise to avoid any delays.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

    Boarding point

    • Please check your final voucher for the boarding point details and specific instructions.

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