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Lunch Cruises

Milford Cruise with Underwater Observatory Tickets, Kayaking, & Lunch

Tourists kayaking and dining on a Milford Sound cruise, visiting the Underwater Observatory, New Zealand.
Passenger with nature guide on Milford Sound cruise, New Zealand, viewing fjord landscape.
Kayak guide briefing group in kayaks on Milford Sound, New Zealand.
Milford Sound Underwater Observatory and Kayak station

See Milford Sound like never before. This cruise takes you into its heart with beginner-friendly kayaking and a trip to the underwater observatory.

    • Explore Milford Sound by cruising its iconic fiord and kayak through tranquil Harrison Cove, all while gaining expert insights from your onboard guide.

    • Paddle alongside towering mountains in the sheltered waters of Harrison Cove to see unique coral formations, colorful fish, eels, and even playful stingrays.

    • Witness the underwater wonders of Milford Sound at the only floating observatory in New Zealand just 10 meters below the surface, all without getting wet.

    • Savor a freshly prepared picnic lunch and enjoy complimentary tea or coffee as you fuel up between adventures.

    • Fun fact: Listen closely and you can hear the calls of Fiordland penguins, the second-rarest penguin species.

    • 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound

    • Expert nature guide

    • 1.5 hour kayaking experience

    • Specialist kayak guide

    • Kayaking equipment

    • Entry to Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

    • Picnic lunch (vegan, vegetarian, an gluten-free options available on request)

    • Complimentary tea and coffee

  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • Become one with Milford Sound

    There's no better way to get up close to pristine natural beauty than a Milford Sound adventure. This journey through Fiordland does that and much more. Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise along the iconic Sound, fondly nicknamed the Eighth Wonder of the World for its beauty. Surrounded by lush rainforests, jagged peaks, and powerful waterfalls, you'll want to get even closer. And you can! Take a 1-hour kayaking trip with a specialist guide. It doesn't matter if you've never done this before, Milford Sound is the perfect way to break in those kayaking skills. Reach out and touch the crystal-clear waters of Harrison Cove, home to colorful fish, eels, stingrays, and more.

    Explore the underwater world

    Your adventure doesn't end there. Say you want to be enveloped by nature even more! Your cruise ends with a trip to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. Here, you'll discover the fascinating phenomenon of "deep water emergence." A layer of fresh water, tinted golden-brown by beech forests, acts as a natural light filter, allowing deep-sea corals, like the vibrant red and black varieties, to flourish in shallower waters. Don’t forget to chat with friendly staff to learn more about the region's rich history and ecology. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch prepared fresh onboard. Refreshing tea and coffee are complimentary, and additional beverages are available for purchase at the bar.

  • What to bring

    • Bring along your spare clothes, a waterproof jacket, light shorts, warm clothing, and comfortable shoes for maximum comfort.

    • Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

    • Pack a rain jacket for a weather-ready kit; who knows when the skies might decide to be moody?

    • Don't forget to pack your sunhat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a water bottle.

    What's not allowed

    • Keep in mind food & beverages, wallets, passports, keys, and jewelry are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

    Accessibility

    • This experience is wheelchair accessible.

    • Ramps and elevators are available at the venue for easy access.

    • Your safety comes first. So, pregnant women are restricted from participating in this experience.

    Additional Information

    • Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult in a double kayak for the kayaking experience.

    • Timetables, departures, and vessels are subject to change due to safety precautions, weather conditions, or maintenance requirements.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

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

    • Please arrive at the boarding point 20-30 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    Boarding point

    • Board your cruise at Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre.

    • Address: Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound Highway 94, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand

    Get directions to the boarding point

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