Sightseeing Cruises

Small-Boat Milford Sound Cruise

Name: Small-Boat Milford Sound Cruise
Start: 2024-12-30T15:55:00
End: 2024-12-30T17:55:00
Location: Milford Sound

Cruise at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Fjord

Guided wilderness Walks in Milford Sound

Milford Track Guided Walk from Te Anau with Optional River Cruise-7

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.

Highlights

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.

Inclusions

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

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.3

45 ratings

5/5

4/5

3/5

2/5

1/5

Kristin

5/5

Dec, 2024

The cozy boat with options to move around easily ; the shared information by the captain and the atmosphere within the Fijordes for sure

Gérard

5/5

Dec, 2024

A smaller boat than the other companies. The captain skilfully mastered the elements. Thanks to Math and his first mate.

View original review in French

Headout Guest

5/5

Nov, 2024

Views were amazing. Smaller boat with only 40 odd people , so we had heaps of space inside and out. And with the smaller boat, we could go super close to the seals , and waterfalls. The commentary was informative and fun. Completely awesome trip!

Headout Guest

5/5

Nov, 2024

Excellent trip well organised and plenty to see. Hot chocolate a welcome addition on a cold afternoon’s trip but the sights are the real bonus and the commentary is perfect for the excursion. Well recommend this trip for the sound.

Headout Guest

5/5

Nov, 2024

This was an amazing cruise, the commentary was informative, the smaller boat and early morning departure at 8.50 am was a great choice as we were able to get up close and personal with penguins, seals and were privileged to have the dolphins join us for a ride, even more spectacular was the incredible scenery of Milford Sound. Very special !!

Show all reviews

Your experience

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.

Know before you go

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.

My tickets

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.