Day Trips

Milford Sound Extended Scenic Cruise by Southern Discoveries

Duration

2 hrs 15 mins - 13 hrs 30 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Pickup available

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

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

Settle into a comfortable coach transfer from Queenstown or Te Anau. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with dramatic Fiordland landscapes unfolding outside your window.

Upgrade your day with a freshly packed lunchbox filled with local produce. It’s the perfect way to refuel as you drift past Milford's cliffs and waterfalls.

Wander between spacious indoor lounges and open-air decks. Whether you prefer the warmth of a seat by the café or the thrill of mist on your face, you’ll always have a front-row view.

Onboard nature specialists share legends, geological wonders, and wildlife insights that bring the landscape to life beyond what you see.

With more time on the cruise, you’ll have greater chances to spot wildlife, from dolphins surfing the bow and fur seals stretched out on the rocks to rare Fiordland crested penguins.

Up to a 2-hour extended cruise of Milford Sound

Expert naturalist commentary

Complimentary tea & coffee onboard

Access to a licensed bar onboard

Wildlife spotting guide

Indoor and outdoor viewing decks

Full-day tour to Milford Sound with round-trip transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau (based on option selected)

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

Other food & alcoholic beverages (available to purchase onboard)

Parking at terminal

TOTAL DURATION2 hours
1 Boarding point
Milford Sound Terminal
Sights covered
Sinbad Gully

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

Leave the driving to someone else. From Queenstown or Te Anau, your coach winds through Fiordland National Park, with glacier-carved valleys and mirror lakes along the way.

Getting started

Begin your journey with a comfortable coach transfer from Te Anau or Queenstown. After a scenic drive through Fiordland National Park, arrive at Milford Sound’s terminal where your ticket will be validated before boarding.

What to expect

Milford Sound is often called the “eighth wonder of the world.” Sheer cliffs rise straight from the water, waterfalls plunge hundreds of meters, and wildlife thrives in the fjord’s sheltered environment. Your cruise brings you close to these natural wonders without the rush, made even smoother with transfers and lunch already arranged.

Features

Picnic lunch upgrade: Add a freshly prepared lunchbox featuring local produce, perfect for enjoying mid-cruise as you sail between cliffs and waterfalls.

Indoor and outdoor viewing decks: Find your perfect vantage point, from the shelter of indoor lounges to open decks where the spray of the waterfalls is within reach.

Live commentary from your nature guide: Hear the stories of the fjord, its geological past, Māori legends, and the wildlife that still shapes daily life here.

Wildlife encounters: Keep watch for fur seals sunning on rocks, pods of dolphins playing in the wake, and penguins shuffling along hidden coves.

Complimentary tea & coffee: Warm your hands and your spirits with a hot drink as you take in the fjord’s raw beauty.

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking if requested at check-in.

Dress warmly and in layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly.

Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable, non-slip footwear.

Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Bring your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.

Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

Large luggage and bulky items are not permitted on the cruise.

Accessibility

The cruise is not wheelchair accessible. Guests with limited mobility may find access challenging.

Additional information

Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.

The cruise operates in all weather conditions; cruises may be subject to change or cancellation in extreme weather.

Milford Sound is a natural environment so wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Restrooms are available on board.

Commentary is provided during the cruise to enhance your experience.

Infants aged 0–3 can join free of charge but must be included in your booking.

Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, but is not assigned.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.