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Extended Milford Sound Cruise with Exclusive Underwater Observatory Access

Passenger with nature guide on Milford Sound cruise, New Zealand, viewing fjord landscape.
Tourists kayaking and dining on a Milford Sound cruise, visiting the Underwater Observatory, New Zealand.
Dolphins swimming in Milford Sound with scenic mountain backdrop.
Milford Sound cruise boat near underwater observatory in New Zealand fjord.

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

Highlights

  • Set out on a picturesque journey to explore the 9-mile-long Milford Sound, actually a fiord, on a 2-hour cruise with a nature guide.

  • Experience the scenic sights of cascading waterfalls, native wildlife, and if you're lucky, seals resting on rocks or dolphins dancing in the waters.

  • Observe marine life at the underwater observatory, with close views of sea creatures and rare black coral. It's like exploring an open-sea aquarium!

  • Upgrade to include round-trip transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau, with the Queenstown option including a picnic lunch as well.

  • Fun fact: Milford Sound is the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand and one of the wettest places in the world!

Inclusions

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

  • Round-trip transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau (based on option selected)

  • 2-hour Milford Sound cruise

  • 1-hour access to Underwater Observatory

  • English-speaking guide

  • Complimentary tea and coffee onboard

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

Itinerary

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Nature's voyage

Begin your day with a scenic drive from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound, home to iconic sights like Stirling Falls and Mitre Peak, where a 2-hour nature cruise awaits. Experience pristine waters, close encounters with cascading waterfalls, and wildlife observation. Take advantage of the knowledgeable nature guide to learn more about the area's geology and ecology. And, keep a lookout! There's a chance to spot seals basking on the rocks or even a playful pod of dolphins in the waters.

Submerged wonder

Journey beneath the surface with a visit to the only floating underwater observatory in New Zealand. Spend an hour marveling at the colorful fishes, anemones, and the rare black coral, usually found in the deep ocean. This extraordinary glimpse into the hidden underwater world enhances the wonder of the Milford Sound adventure. Finally, round off your day with a freshly prepared picnic lunch featuring a sandwich, cheese and crackers, fresh seasonal fruits, crisps, a cookie, and a chocolate bar.

What to bring

  • Bring along your raincoat for unpredictable rain, and a warm jacket and comfortable shoes for short walks.

  • Don't forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and an insect repellant.

What's not allowed

  • Keep in mind alcohol is not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

Accessibility

  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

  • Ramp is available on the vessel for easy access.

Additional information

  • The menu may vary at times due to seasonal supply.

  • While there is wildlife in Milford Sound, sightings can't be guaranteed as these are wild animals in their natural habitat.

  • The Underwater Observatory is closed until 31st October for scheduled maintenance.

  • 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 mins before the scheduled time of your cruise to avoid any delays.

  • Customers have an option to either opt for hotel transfers or choose to reach the meeting point on their own.

Hotel transfers

  • This ticket includes hotel pickups and drop-offs.

  • In the next step of booking, please select your hotel.

  • On the day of your tour, please report at your hotel lobby 15-20 min prior to your scheduled departure.

  • If your hotel does not have a lobby, please wait at the entrance of the hotel.

Boarding point (If not opted for hotel pickup)

  • Board your cruise at Southern Discoveries - Queenstown Visitor Centre.

  • Address: St Omer Wharf 110 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand.

Get directions to the boarding point

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