Discover More Cruise 

The Discover More cruise offers a relaxed experience, providing deeper insight into the region’s natural history and wildlife with commentary from a dedicated nature guide on board.

The cruise lasts for up to 2 hours 15 minutes

The Discover More Cruise offers a deeper and extended insight into the region’s natural history and wildlife with commentary from a dedicated nature guide on board to the Nature Cruise.

The Discover More cruise offers an optional picnic lunch on the 9:30am, 12:30pm and 2:45pm cruise.

Yes, drinks are available for purchase on the cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available on board.

There is no set seating arrangements, customers are free to move around the vessel.

Yes, all Discover More cruises include a guide on board who share fascinating insights about Milford Sound’s wildlife, history, and geology throughout the journey, offering a personable experience.

You may see a variety of wildlife during your Milford Sound cruise, including New Zealand fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins (tawaki) in season, and pods of dolphins that sometimes swim alongside the vessels. You might also spot seabirds such as gulls, terns, and shags soaring above the fiord

Yes, children are welcome on the Discover More Cruise. It’s a family-friendly experience that combines adventure with fascinating insights about Milford Sound’s nature and wildlife, making it enjoyable and educational for all ages.

Check in is at our Southern Discoveries desk which is located inside the Milford Sound Terminal. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure time for check in.

Yes, the Discover More Cruise operates year-round subject to availability. Our vessels are designed for comfort in all weather conditions, ensuring an unforgettable experience any time of the year.

Yes, you can book the Discover More Cruise with a coach transfer from either Queenstown or Te Anau.

Milford Sound is spectacular in all weather, and cruises operate year-round. Rain or shine, the scenery is always dramatic, rainfall often enhances the experience by creating hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. Our vessels have spacious indoor lounges and outdoor decks, so you’ll stay comfortable whatever the conditions

Yes, group bookings and private charters are available for the Discover More Cruise at an extra cost. Please contact us for a quote.

Visitors to Milford Sound should be aware of various natural hazards when going to Milford Sound. Aotearoa New Zealand Powerful natural forces have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand over millions of years. Earthquakes and volcanoes lifted these beautiful islands out of the Pacific Ocean. They have created the dramatic landscapes we enjoy today. Natural hazards are part of life here. Around 20,000 earthquakes are recorded each year. Most are small and go unnoticed, but larger events can cause damage. Understanding the hazards and how to stay safe is an important part of planning your visit. Piopiotahi Milford Sound Dramatic and ever-changing, Piopiotahi Milford Sound is one of the world’s most spectacular and special environments. Its steep, glacier-carved mountains and deep fiord have been shaped by powerful geological forces over millions of years. The area is exposed to risk from a range of natural hazards. These can occur at any time, and some can happen without warning. Of all the hazards, large earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis pose the greatest risk to people at Piopiotahi Milford Sound. It is extremely unlikely that one will happen during your visit, especially for a short stay. However, there is a risk and the longer you spend there, the higher it becomes. Once you are there, your safety options are limited and it is important you understand the risks, before you go. Earthquakes at Piopiotahi Milford Sound Like the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand, small earthquakes occur regularly in Fiordland. We don’t feel them and they don’t bother us. These small movements are a normal part of how the land works and do not pose a risk to people. Sometimes, earthquakes in or near Fiordland are felt at Piopiotahi Milford Sound. They might shake objects on a shelf or rattle a window, but they do not cause major impacts or disrupt your visit. Occasionally, a stronger earthquake can trigger avalanches, rockfall or landslides. These can cause debris to fall onto roads, jetties and tracks, and may disrupt your travel plans if you happen to be nearby. Large earthquakes are rare, and extremely unlikely to happen during a short visit. But they will happen again. The Alpine Fault runs almost the entire length of the South Island and crosses the entrance to Piopiotahi Milford Sound. It can generate earthquakes of magnitude 8 or greater, occurring on average every 300 years. There is a 75% chance of this happening in the next 50 years (find out more at af8.org.nz). An earthquake of this size would almost certainly affect the narrow waterway and surrounding area. What to do in an earthquake: DROP, COVER and HOLD until shaking stops. Most injuries from earthquakes happen when you try and move during the shaking. The lower to the ground/floor you are, the less likely you are to be injured. Follow staff instructions and/or move up and away from waterways (the fiord and rivers) as quickly as possible. For more detailed information, please visit Emergency Management Southland or AF8.