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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.

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?

    4.5
    78 ratings
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    Guests from Germany, Australia, United States and over 13 countries have loved this experience
    Helke Fahrner

    Helke

    5/5

    Mar, 2025

    Well organised, good explanations and tailored to surprises such as a group of dolphins surfing in the waves of the boat.
    Rajasingham Priyadharshan

    Rajasingham

    5/5

    Mar, 2025

    Breath taking views. Very good commentary from the Skipper. I have never been up close to so many mountains and water falls. For my family it was a once in a life time experience
    Gillian Anderson

    Gillian

    5/5

    Mar, 2025

    Everything. The skippers delivery of commentary was great. Ability to see everything easily. Plenty of time to take photos. Has been on my list of things to do for years and it did not disappoint. Loved it.
    Karen Hauer

    Karen

    5/5

    Jan, 2025

    Everything! Well organized, punctual departure and return. captain gave us close up views of major sights. Really good commentary throughout the cruise. Highly recommend
    Fausto Guido

    Fausto

    5/5

    Jan, 2025

    Everything perfect. Organization, guide, cruise. Wonderful places and also the luck of a sunny day. Super
    View original review in Italian
  • 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.

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