Discover Milford Sound on the original red boats.

Discover Cruises Discover Coach & Cruise from $235.00

Discover Scenic Flight & Cruise from $749.00

Discover Coach, Cruise & Scenic Flight from $785.00

Discover Wine Tour from $219.00

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Milford Sound Nature Cruise

from $165.00

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Depart Milford Sound

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise

from $235.00

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Depart Queenstown / Te Anau

Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise with return flight

from $825.00

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Depart Queenstown / Te Anau

Queenstown Wine Tour

from $219.00

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Depart Queenstown

Milford Sound Cruise & Milford Sound Track

from $240.00

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Depart Milford Sound

Specials & Combos

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SAVE $40 on Queenstown Wine Tour

Embark on a small group Queenstown Wine Tour and enjoy $40 off this exclusive experience. Visit four boutique cellar doors, savour premium tastings, and enjoy a delicious light platter. With luxurious transport and stunning Central Otago scenery, this is a wine adventure not to be missed!

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10% off Discover More Cruise

Make the most of Milford Sound on our Discover More Cruise – our longest cruise on the fiord. With extra time on the water, you’ll journey further, get close to waterfalls and wildlife, all while enjoying expert insights from the nature guide. For a limited time, this unforgettable experience is available at a special discounted rate.

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Book Ahead & Save up to 20%

Milford Sound day trips and cruises provide a chance to explore its stunning cliffs, waterfalls, marine life, and rainforests. Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers, it's a must-see destination. Book in advance to secure your spot and enjoy savings with our special offers.

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Travel Info

Getting to Milford Sound

from Queenstown

from Te Anau

Self drive

General informationAbout the area

About Milford Sound

About Queenstown

About Te Anau

Trip Advisor reviews

Excellent cruise and staff! Great Experience! Breathtaking Amazing trip along Milford Sound Best tourist experience ever! Awesome day on the water! Epic Adventure! Highlight of our holiday

Go further, get closer and discover more with us

We're the original Milford Sound cruise company
We're locally and family owned here in New Zealand
We're deeply committed to conservation and our community
We offer the most ways to cruise Milford Sound including our amazing Nature Cruise & Milford Track combo.

Learn about Southern Discoveries

Updates

New Multi-Language Coach Commentary App

Visitors to Milford Sound can now experience the informative Milford Sound coach commentary through a multi-language app. It's free for all and can be downloaded on either the Apple Store or Google play.

Available in English, Chinese (Simplified),French, German, Japanese, Korean (South Korea), Portuguese & Spanish

Driving Conditions - Important Information

Driving to Milford Sound is the trip of a lifetime. But be prepared! Check out the latest road conditions here.
Nervous about driving? Hop aboard one of our coaches from Queenstown or Te Anau with our experienced coach team. Find out more. Book ahead, these fill up fast!

Save the stress by allowing more time to get to Milford Sound

The road to Milford Sound is stunning! It's a visual feast of spectacular waterfalls, mountain ranges, and wildlife. Due to roadworks, we are advising guests who are driving in to allow an extra half hour to make it to Milford Sound. Drive times are expected to be 2.5 from Te Anau and 4.5 from Queenstown.

FAQ

What’s the difference between the Milford Sound cruises?

We provide some of the best Milford Sound cruise deals in New Zealand. To compare our day trips, check out our Cruise Comparison table, where you can see our range of cruises and the vessels.

Do you have a webcam in Milford Sound?

Yes, you can view how the weather and day looks. Check out our webcam here.

Can I get a refund for my booking?

We have a 24-hour cancellation and amendment policy, so as long as you notify us more than 24 hours before departure we can amend your booking to another day or cancel for a refund.

What is included in a Milford Sound cruise?

A typical Milford cruise includes a scenic journey through towering cliffs, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. Wildlife sightings, informative commentary, and onboard amenities like indoor seating and panoramic viewing decks make our cruise Milford Sound experiences memorable in any weather.

Can I combine a Milford Sound cruise with other activities?

Absolutely. One of our most popular options is the Nature Cruise combined with the Milford Track walk. It’s a great way to enhance your Milford Sounds cruise experience and discover more of Fiordland’s natural beauty.

What are the best Milford Sound cruise options with Southern Discoveries?

We offer a range of cruise options to choose from, including the Nature Cruise and the Milford Track combo. Our vessels are designed for comfort and sightseeing, and you can compare options using our Cruise Comparison table to find the best Milford Sound cruise for your preferences.

Do you offer any Milford Sound cruise deals?

Yes, we regularly provide competitive cruise deals for those looking to explore this breathtaking fiord. Check our Specials page or speak to our team to learn about current offers, group pricing, or combo packages.

Is the Milford cruise suitable in all weather conditions?

Yes, a Milford cruise is spectacular in all weather. In fact, rainy days often create hundreds of temporary waterfalls, making the landscape even more dramatic. Our vessels are equipped with sheltered viewing areas, so you can enjoy cruises in Milford Sound no matter the forecast.

What weather can I expect in Milford Sound?

Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in the world, with an impressive annual rainfall of around 7 metres. During peak rains, up to 250 millimeters can fall within 24 hours, creating countless temporary waterfalls that spill dramatically down the cliffs, some reaching heights of up to a thousand meters, along with many permanent waterfalls.

This abundance of rain is what makes the waterfalls and lush rainforest here so spectacular. Temperatures vary by season, with summer (Dec – Feb) averaging highs of 19°C (66°F) and winter (Jun – Aug) averaging around 9°C (48°F). Our vessels offer spacious indoor areas with comfortable seating, allowing you to enjoy the scenery in any weather. This abundance of rain is what makes the waterfalls and lush rainforest here so spectacular. Temperatures vary by season, with summer (Dec – Feb) averaging highs of 19°C (66°F) and winter (Jun – Aug) averaging around 9°C (48°F). Our vessels offer spacious indoor areas with comfortable seating, allowing you to enjoy the scenery in any weather.

Do you pick up from local accommodation in Queenstown or Te Anau?

Yes! For Milford cruise and coach tours, we pick up from central Queenstown accommodation. Make sure you indicate your pick-up point when booking your coach online. Unfortunately we do not pick up from Te Anau accommodation and ask that you make your way to the Te Anau Visitor Centre. If you have not indicated a pick-up point for your Queenstown accommodation, the driver will expect you to check-in and board Queenstown Visitor Centre.

Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?

Milford Sound is the wettest place in New Zealand and one of the wettest places in the world! Many visitors are shocked to know that this true world wonder actually measures its rainfall in metres (and not millimetres like most of the world.) In fact, in 2016 Milford Sound received over nine metres of rain! Doubtful Sound is also rainy with an average of 3-6 metres of rain per year. Both fiords are magnificent to visit in rainy weather due to the significant amount of waterfalls. The fiords come alive with water streaming down sheer cliffs - a magical sight not to be missed.

How likely are we to see wildlife in Milford Sound?

Although we cannot guarantee wildlife viewing, it is very likely that you will see the New Zealand fur seal, and likely more than just one or two! Dolphins are often sighted swimming alongside cruise vessels. Two species of penguins make the Sound their home at various times throughout the year. Little blue penguins and the Fiordland crested penguin - known at the Tawaki. Often hard to find and see, it is always a delight to spot them when we do.

How long does it take to travel to Milford Sound?

It takes approximately five hours to get to Milford from Queenstown depending on the time of year and road conditions. It takes approximately two hours to get to the Sound from Te Anau. You can drive a car or campervan or take a coach tour. We always recommend allowing plenty of time to get to Milford as the journey there is as spectacular as the cruise itself.

More FAQ's

Get in touch

in New Zealand

0800 264 536

Overseas

+64 3 441 1137

reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz

Discover Milford Sound on the original red boats.

Find an experience

Specials & Combos

Travel Info

Go further, get closer and discover more with us

Updates

New Multi-Language Coach Commentary App

Driving Conditions - Important Information

Save the stress by allowing more time to get to Milford Sound

#southerndiscoveries

FAQ

Get in touch