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Milford Sound Extended Cruise with Optional Lunch by Southern Discoveries

People enjoying a Milford Sound cruise with a nature guide, surrounded by waterfalls and lush cliffs.
Passenger with nature guide on Milford Sound cruise, viewing scenic fjords and mountains.
Tourists on a Milford Sound cruise with a seal on rocks and boat in background, New Zealand.
Person enjoying a drink on a Milford Sound cruise with mountain views.

Duration

2 hr 15 min - 13 hr 30 min

Open today

09:00am - 04:00pm

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.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

Experience the beauty of Milford Sound on a guided tour, featuring a nature cruise and the option to upgrade for Queenstown or Te Anau transfers.

    • Settle into a comfortable coach transfer from Queenstown or Te Anau. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with dramatic Fiordland landscapes unfolding outside your window.

    • Upgrade your day with a freshly packed lunchbox filled with local produce. It’s the perfect way to refuel as you drift past Milford's cliffs and waterfalls.

    • Wander between spacious indoor lounges and open-air decks. Whether you prefer the warmth of a seat by the café or the thrill of mist on your face, you’ll always have a front-row view.

    • Onboard nature specialists share legends, geological wonders, and wildlife insights that bring the landscape to life beyond what you see.

    • With more time on the cruise, you’ll have greater chances to spot wildlife, from dolphins surfing the bow and fur seals stretched out on the rocks to rare Fiordland crested penguins.

    • Up to a 3-hour extended cruise of Milford Sound

    • Expert naturalist commentary

    • Complimentary tea & coffee onboard

    • Access to a licensed bar onboard

    • Wildlife spotting guide

    • Indoor and outdoor viewing decks

    • Full-day tour to Milford Sound with round-trip transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau (based on option selected)

    • Picnic lunch (check menu here) (if option selected)

    • Other food & alcoholic beverages (available to purchase onboard)

    • Parking at terminal

  • TOTAL DURATION2 hours
    FIRST DEPARTURESinbad Gully
    LAST DEPARTURESinbad Gully

    1 Boarding point

    Milford Sound Terminal

    Sights covered

    Sinbad Gully

    Sinbad Gully

    Mitre Peak

    Mitre Peak

    Four Sisters

    Four Sisters

    Copper Point

    Copper Point

    Fairy Falls

    Fairy Falls

    Anita Bay

    Anita Bay

    Tasman Sea

    Tasman Sea

    Dale Point

    Dale Point

    Seal Rock

    Seal Rock

    Stirling Falls

    Stirling Falls

    Underwater Observatory

    Underwater Observatory

    Harrison Cove

    Harrison Cove

    Bowen Falls

    Bowen Falls

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

  • Leave the driving to someone else. From Queenstown or Te Anau, your coach winds through Fiordland National Park, with glacier-carved valleys and mirror lakes along the way.

    Getting started

    Begin your journey with a comfortable coach transfer from Te Anau or Queenstown. After a scenic drive through Fiordland National Park, arrive at Milford Sound’s terminal where your ticket will be validated before boarding.

    What to expect

    Milford Sound is often called the “eighth wonder of the world.” Sheer cliffs rise straight from the water, waterfalls plunge hundreds of meters, and wildlife thrives in the fjord’s sheltered environment. Your cruise brings you close to these natural wonders without the rush, made even smoother with transfers and lunch already arranged.

    Features
    • Picnic lunch upgrade: Add a freshly prepared lunchbox featuring local produce, perfect for enjoying mid-cruise as you sail between cliffs and waterfalls.

    • Indoor and outdoor viewing decks: Find your perfect vantage point, from the shelter of indoor lounges to open decks where the spray of the waterfalls is within reach.

    • Live commentary from your nature guide: Hear the stories of the fjord, its geological past, Māori legends, and the wildlife that still shapes daily life here.

    • Wildlife encounters: Keep watch for fur seals sunning on rocks, pods of dolphins playing in the wake, and penguins shuffling along hidden coves.

    • Complimentary tea & coffee: Warm your hands and your spirits with a hot drink as you take in the fjord’s raw beauty.

  • Milford Sound underwater observatory

    Monday09:00am - 04:00pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 04:00pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 04:00pm
    Thursday09:00am - 04:00pm
    Friday09:00am - 04:00pm
    Saturday09:00am - 04:00pm
    Sunday09:00am - 04:00pm
  • What to bring

    • Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking if requested at check-in.

    • Dress warmly and in layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly.

    • Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable, non-slip footwear.

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

    • Bring your preferred payment method 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.

    • Large luggage and bulky items are not permitted on the cruise.

    Accessibility

    • The cruise is not wheelchair accessible. Guests with limited mobility may find access challenging.

    Additional information

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

    • The cruise operates in all weather conditions; cruises may be subject to change or cancellation in extreme weather.

    • Milford Sound is a natural environment so wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

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

    • Restrooms are available on board.

    • Commentary is provided during the cruise to enhance your experience.

    • Infants aged 0–3 can join free of charge but must be included in your booking.

    • Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, but is not assigned.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

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

    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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