Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
Sightseeing Cruises

Small-Boat Milford Sound Cruise

Mitre Peak view from cruise at Milford Sound, New Zealand.
Small boat cruising through Milford Sound, New Zealand, with towering cliffs and lush greenery.
Milford Sound guided walk with tourists on a trail surrounded by lush greenery and mountains.
Hikers on Milford Track with lush forest and mountain views, Te Anau, New Zealand.

Duration

2 hr - 7 hr

Free cancellation

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

Guided tour

Transfers included

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Want a no-frills adventure in Milford Sound? Take this small boat cruise with the option to upgrade to include an immersive nature walk through Milford Track.

    • Calling all backpackers and solo travelers! If you're after a more intimate Milford Sound experience, this small-boat cruise is your golden ticket.

    • You'll get up close and personal with Milford's natural wonders, from sheer cliff faces to cascading waterfalls, all while enjoying it in an intimate setting of no more than 75 people.

    • Upgrade your cruise to include an immersive trek through Milford Track with a small group of up to 12 people to see the cascading Arthur River and the Giant's Gate waterfall.

    • Cover a round-trip distance of 11 km across 5 hours as you enjoy Fiordland's ancient canopies, lush green foliage, and the melody of songbirds.

    • Fun fact: Milford Sound is a popular location for movies, including The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

    • 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

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

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.6
    110 ratings
    5/5
    71
    4/5
    37
    3/5
    2
    2/5
    0
    1/5
    0
    • Australia
    • Germany
    • United States
    • India
    • France
    • United Kingdom
    • Israel
    • Singapore
    • Canada
    • Indonesia
    Guests from Australia, Germany, United States and over 17 countries have loved this experience

    Izzah Haidah Binte Osman

    Izzah

    May, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Loved the small boat and that we could get close to the waterfall. My husband and I were happy to be able to stand in front of the boat while the boat was turning. Best experience of our trip! Thanks so much and for the skipper for all the information given during the tour.
    Harsh Ashokkumar Jagtap

    Harsh

    May, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    A pro tip for future visitors
    Unni Narayanan

    Unni

    Apr, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Ticketing was very easy and fhe small boat ride was really worth the amount paid.
    Jessica Kennedy

    Jessica

    Apr, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    The most surreal experience. Highly recommend. So so beautiful!!!!
    Émilie REUCHERON

    Émilie

    May, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    It's a spectacular experience, a wonderful adventure in the heart of Mildford Sound! What's more, we were lucky enough to see some dolphins!
  • Milford Sound cruise

    Embark on an unforgettable 2-hour cruise through the majestic Milford Sound, where nature's grandeur unfolds before your eyes. As you glide across the tranquil waters, a live commentary will enlighten you about the area's rich history, unique geology, and diverse wildlife. Sip on complimentary tea or coffee as you take in the breathtaking scenery, including towering waterfalls, lush rainforests, and rugged cliffs that seem to touch the sky. With a maximum group size of 75 people, this experience ensures a more personalized and intimate encounter with one of New Zealand's most iconic natural wonders.

    Upgrade for Milford Track trek

    For those seeking a more active adventure, the Milford Track walk offers an immersive journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Beginning with a short boat ride to Sandfly Point, you'll follow in the footsteps of ancient Maori and early explorers as you meander along the Arthur River and the shores of Lake Ada. Your knowledgeable guide will bring the area to life, sharing insights about the native flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating human history of the track. The highlight of this half-day trek is the awe-inspiring Giant's Gate waterfall, which you can admire from a swing bridge spanning the river. With a maximum group size of 12, this guided walk provides an intimate and enriching experience of the world-renowned Milford Track.

  • What to bring

    • Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, rain jacket, hat, insect repellant, non-slip shoes, and power bank.

    • Wear warm layered clothing and comfortable footwear to stay warm during the trip.

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

    • Pack your meds – better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.

    What's not allowed

    • 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.

    Additional information

    • The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.

    • 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.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

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

    • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

    Meeting point

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

Similar experiences you'd love

Free cancellation
Milford Sound cruise boat on scenic fjord with mountains, Te Anau day trip.
Day Trips
Instant confirmation
4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 109 ratings.
from
NZ$220
 Passenger enjoying on the Doubtful Sound Cruise
Sightseeing Cruises
Instant confirmation
4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5.0 from 139 ratings.
from
NZ$339
Free cancellation
Milford Sound cruise ship with scenic mountain views, Queenstown day trip experience.
Day Trips
Instant confirmation
4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 from 148 ratings.
from
NZ$260
Free cancellation
Travelers preparing to board a scenic flight to Milford Sound, Queenstown, New Zealand.
Day Trips
Instant confirmation
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5.0 from 38 ratings.
from
NZ$675
Free cancellation
Milford Sound Cruise boat navigating through fjord with towering cliffs and waterfalls in New Zealand.
Sightseeing Cruises
Instant confirmation
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5.0 from 245 ratings.
from
NZ$155

Top things to do in Milford Sound

Browse by themes

Download app section background

We've served 39 million+ guests and we are here for you

39 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime