Sightseeing Cruises

Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Lunch

Name: Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Lunch
Start: 2026-06-03T10:00:00
End: 2026-06-03T14:00:00
Location: Milford Sound

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.

Seals resting on rocks during an Overnight Milford Sound Cruise.

Fjordland crested penguins on a rock in Milford Sound.

Duration

1 hr 45 mins - 6 hrs

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

Pickup available

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

4.8/5(2,015)

Vicki M

Group

Verified booking

Apr 2026

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise through the Milford sounds aboard your ferry, it was so easy getting our boarding pass and boarding the boat, we stood at the front so got great views, we also enjoyed the commentre, it was very informative and great humour to go along with it. The captain tried her best to get the weather to provide us with some rain for the waterfalls but alas it stayed beautiful and fine which was ok. We didn't have the optional lunch but saw people enjoying there and it looked quite good. Thanks for looking after us for the afternoon.

Nicholas L

Couple

Verified booking

Apr 2026

Our Vessel , Gem of the Sound was very spacious and only carried 107 passengers on the day . We had room to move around and checked out the scenery from a number of different positions on the boat. Our Captain , Nick was very approachable and provided great commentary on the surroundings. We didnt use the catering facilities , although most people did. Everything ran on time . We chose to drive from Te Anau and enjoyed the sights along the way. All in all, an unforgetable day in one of the most picturesque landscapes on the planet.

Erica O

Couple

Verified booking

Apr 2026

The flight was great! The sun was shining and the view was phenomenal. Unfortunately, there was a wind that did not allow us to land to take the cruise portion that we booked but we were refunded the same day for the difference.

Wander S

Couple

Verified booking

Apr 2026

The ship was the biggest and most modern among other alternatives in the harbor. The mains spots during the cruise were very well narrated over the ship's loudspeakers, making the outstanding experience even better!!!

Vipul A

Group

Verified booking

Apr 2026

We thoroughly enjoyed the flight and cruise experience. The pilot (Paul) explained things well and so did the cruise crew. Very friendly staff. Everything went like clockwork.

Terese J

Couple

Verified booking

Apr 2026

The cruise was so well organised and the scenery is magic. There was great informative commentary for us too. The boat was very comfortable to cruise on.

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 to 2-hour 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
Timeline
Map
Start point
Milford Sound Terminal
Get direction
Passes By
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
The Four Sisters
Stirling Falls
St. Anne's Point Lighthouse
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose dolphins
Fiordland Crested Penguins
End point
Milford Sound Terminal
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point
TOTAL DURATION4 hours - 5 hours
Timeline
Map
Start point
Queenstown
Get direction
1. Milford Sound Terminal
Passes By
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Seal Rock
Fairy Falls
The Four Sisters
Stirling Falls
St. Anne's Point Lighthouse
Harrison Cove
Bottlenose dolphins
Fiordland Crested Penguins
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.

2,015 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.
1.7K
182
39
15
17
Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 38 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Madita B
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Loved the captain's commentary! Gave me a few good chuckles and provided lots of interesting facts about the area. Can only recommend it :)
Ashish S
Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The scenic location, well planned and organised cruise. The commentary and explanation of the spots. Everything was great
Deana B
Couple
Verified booking
5 days ago
If only they could control the weather. But even on an overcast day the scenery was still spectacular. Wouldn't have missed it!
Catrina L
Couple
Verified booking
May 2026
Stunning sights. A comfortable cruise with lovely staff and commentary to to inform along the way. Highly recommend!
Anna L
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Dining, service, communication, informational voyage, scenic nature,

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.