milford sound cruise sovereign

Milford Sound Cruise - Sovereign

Enjoy Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery from the comfort of modern, spacious vessels. Scenic Cruise vessels have purpose-built observation lounges and large decks, so you can be sure you’ll get some great viewing opportunities. You’ll see the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Keep a look out for wildlife like seals basking on the rocks or dolphins.   During the cruise, friendly crew provide commentaries in several languages and point out sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier. So sit back and make your Milford Sound experience an unforgettable one! From thundering waterfalls and sky-high mountains to lush rainforests, Milford Sound has it all Duration: 2 hours

About Explore Milford Sound with us on the spacious Milford Sovereign Extra large viewing decks, comfy interiors, and an international buffet Insightful commentary by our friendly guides Amazing nature and wildlife viewing opportunity Booking Information Check-in 20 minutes before departure A Milford Sound Levy applies to all adult tickets and is included in the price displayed

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Milford Sound Cruises

Once you’ve arrived at Milford Sound, the best way to see the fiord in all its glory is by boarding a cruise and getting out on the water. Milford Sound cruises must be experienced to be believed. The stunning sheer cliffs surrounding you, the inky blackness of the water and the frosty alpine peaks looming over it all combine to create a stunning tableau.

There are Milford Sound cruises departing throughout the day, giving you the chance to experience the fiord in all its different guises. However, most cruises depart in the middle of the day or the afternoon, allowing time to travel from Queenstown or Te Anau.

Choosing a cruise can be daunting, given the wide range of types of Milford Sound cruises and different operators to choose from. We’ve gathered some information to make it easier to research and book your Milford Sound cruise.

Getting to Milford Sound from Queenstown takes approximately 3.5 hrs and a professional coach tour is highly recommended for visitors not familiar with driving in icy alpine conditions. 

Milford Sound Day Tours & Cruises

We’ve collated popular milford sound day tours here
and prices start from just $179 including the cruise..

Day Cruises

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound with a daylight cruise. The daylight cruise on Milford Sound is a great way to explore the fiord and its wildlife, including seals and penguins. The cruise offers stunning views of the towering peaks and waterfalls, and the inky blackness of the water creates a serene atmosphere. Cruises depart throughout the day with the average cruise time of 1hr 45min. You can easily incorporate day cruises into your travel plans, and they are included in most Milford Sound day tours .

Cruise + Day Tour

Getting to Milford from Queenstown takes round 4hours each way so consider leaving the driving to a local expert and sit back and relax as you travel through the rugged and winding Milford Road.  Tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown  and Te Anau depart daily and offer a range of options to suit travelling styles and budgets. All tours combine the cruise in Milford Sound and many include a lunch option. You’ll also get plenty of opportunities to stop for those iconic photographs en-route and the local drivers provide great commentary to keep you entertained throughout the day.

Overnight Cruises

Selected tour companies offer overnight cruises in Milford Sound. This can be a great way to experience the fiord at its most peaceful – in the evening and first thing in the morning, before the day trippers arrive. Milford Sound overnight cruises can include dinner and breakfast as well as transport to and from Milford Sound. Guests can also enjoy a variety of additional activities, including kayaking or tender-boat excursions. If you have limited time to view Milford Sound you may wish to choose a day tour instead. 

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Enjoy Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery from the comfort of modern, spacious vessels. Scenic Cruise vessels have purpose-built observation lounges and large decks, so you can be sure you’ll get some great viewing opportunities. You’ll see the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Keep a look out for wildlife like seals basking on the rocks or dolphins.   During the cruise, friendly crew provide commentaries in several languages and point out sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier. So sit back and make your Milford Sound experience an unforgettable one! From thundering waterfalls and sky-high mountains to lush rainforests, Milford Sound has it all Duration: 2 hours

About Explore Milford Sound with us on the spacious Milford Sovereign Extra large viewing decks, comfy interiors, and an international buffet Insightful commentary by our friendly guides Amazing nature and wildlife viewing opportunity Booking Information Check-in 20 minutes before departure A Milford Sound Levy applies to all adult tickets and is included in the price displayed

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Milford Sound Afternoon Cruise aboard... - RealNZ

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Milford Sound Afternoon Cruise aboard the Sovereign

Our group enjoyed a beautiful cruise on Milford Sound aboard the Sovereign. We were underway around 11am; our tour company arranged sandwich box lunches for us which were okay with plenty to eat. The weather was perfect for us to enjoy the scenery of the fjord, amazing geological formations, waterfalls, and even seals. The Sovereign was very nice with inside seating and tables but large topside decks for viewing and photography.

Forgo the day excursion and splurge on the overnight cruise...especially after the crazy drive to get to Milford Sound!! It's magical and beautiful experience. Tip: Get there early and explore the area. We parked our car, checked in, and got sorted out so that we weren't frantically trying to figure out the logistical details before the boat left. There's beautiful areas to leisurely stroll around and take photos and relax before you get on board. With less than 60 people on the Milford Mariner, we set off with a 45 min nature excursion where our Nature Expert, Forrest, gave us facts and info about Milford Sound. We then lined up for the day's activities-- open water kayaking or jumping in a tinder-boat. My husband and I opted for the kayaks--super fun, and the water wasn't cold at all! After playing in the water for an hour, everyone came back in and showered just in time for a delicious dinner and drinks. Be sure to wake up early and get a good breakfast because food is only available for 30 mins before they clear the plates and lock the kitchen down. The reason-- you head to open waters on the Tasman Sea. It was breathtaking and soooooo windy!! We were lucky to get beautiful, sunny weather on the first day and stormy, windy weather on the second day. This allowed us the chance to see the beauty of Milford Sound up close and personal, including it's thousands of waterfalls during stormy weather!

A superb trip and well organised, from being picked up at our hotel to the return journey with driver Adrian, who had a quirky sense of humour throughout. We joined the trip at Te Anau. The drive through Milford Sound National Park was unexpectedly stunning, with several photo stops (and a toilet stop, most people having begun the trip st Queenstown). We had beautiful blue skies all day, too. The transfer to Mariner was faultless and we spent most of the trip on deck, despite a cool, strong headwind. Again, stunning scenery and hard to comprehend the mile high mountains! Limited amount of waterfalls as it wasn't raining but loved the chance to experience the spray at the foot of one fall. A truly memorable day.

A magical and magnificent trip! Picked up from Queenstown by Craig, our coach driver, who was warm, friendly, accommodating and very knowledgeable. Driven to Milford with stops along the way with a very interesting and fun commentary by Craig. The stops were frequent enough, not too long which was good, catered for all needs, included picturesque and interesting spots. We arrived in good time for our boat, Milford Mariner, which left on time and in well organised fashion. The staff on the boat were very friendly, interesting, informative. The food was excellent and everything ticked along efficiently. We took the small shoreline option as our activity. It was slightly too long for us but others clearly enjoyed it enormously. Bring insect repellent for sand flies! Wonderful nights sleep. Early start with a quick breakfast whilst sailing out to the Tasman. We had stunning weather. Upon docking we jumped back on the coach and headed to Te Anau Highly recommend this trip and these folk really know what they are doing

Went on the Milford Wanderer overnight cruise. As you would expect, the scenery was stunning. The cabin was small, reasonably comfortable and did the job - although they started refreshing it for the next cruise whilst our gear was still in it, which I thought was a bit rude. The food was very average. Given the price of the trip, I expected much better. Drinks prices were on the high end, which given the captive audience, I felt was a bit rough. Evening entertainment was a heap of board games. Although I like board games, I don't reckon this is the appropriate place for them, and they should do much better in terms of entertainment. Rather "B-grade". The crew were great. Very friendly and helpful. I'd do Milford Sound again, but it definitely wouldn't be an overnight trip. It has the potential to be an exceptional experience, and with minimal extra effort and cost to them, (and a little less greed), they could make it so.

We stayed overnight on the Milford Wanderer. It's a boat that looks like a sailboat but doesn't sail because there is no keel. The accommodations were nice with hot showers. The food was pretty good. They take you close to one of the waterfalls so you can feel the spay. You go to the Tasman sea briefly and then boat back to the end of the sound. There were no waves at the cove we stayed at so we slept well.

Selecting the Best Milford Sound Cruise

Milford Sound tops many travelers’ bucket list – and it’s not hard to see why. Trust me, no guide can fully prepare you for it.

Huge land formations rising sharply from the water, waterfalls diving from great heights and crisp ocean air filling your lungs. Milford Sound , described as the Eighth Wonder of the World , is a true taste of New Zealand.

You can explore the fjord in a number of ways. A Milford Sound cruise is one of the best.

In this travel article we will:

• help you select the best cruise
• show you the highlights of a Milford Sound boat cruise
• post some incredible photos of the fjord

About Milford Sound

Milford Sound includes all the reasons that inspired you to take that long trip to New Zealand.

It’s a unique marvel of nature formed millions of years ago. The fact that it remains wild & untamed until today, makes a day cruise in the fjord one of the best things to do in New Zealand .

Where is it located?

Milford Sound is located on the South Island opening out directly onto the Tasman Sea. It’s part of Fiordland National Park , one of the largest national parks in the world.

Framed by razor-edge cliffs, once a spiritual place for the indigenous tribes and later a popular outpost for fishermen and whalers, Milford Sound is a protected area at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Did you know? Māori named it Piopiotahi, after the extinct native Piopio bird. In 1812, however, Captain John Grono renamed it, after Milford Haven in Wales.

Milford Sound at a glance

Is a boat trip the best way to see milford sound.

There are numerous ways to explore Milford Sound with the boat cruise being the most popular , especially amongst first-timers.

If your schedule is packed and you can’t spend a lot of time on each location, then hopping on a day cruise is the best way to see Milford Sound . It’s accessible to everyone, it’s relatively cheap and it gets you close enough to the unique wildlife and nature of the fjord.

Adventure Tip: Getting a boat trip is one of the few chances you will ever have to get drenched by a huge waterfall. Most tour operators get the ship’s nose right below one of them.

However, if you have the luxury of spending more than one day then you must try some of the other activities. Hiking (or tramping), diving, kayaking or even flying (if you have the budget) are some of the options.

Don’t miss: The Ultimate Guide to Milford Sound

What you’ll see in a Milford Sound boat cruise

A standard cruise will get you through all the major highlights .

Leaving Milford Wharf, you will slowly cruise up the left side of the fjord, past a number of waterfalls, hanging forests and famous peaks. Once you reach the mouth of the fjord and meet the Tasman Sea, the boat will turn and come back on the right side of Milford Sound.

Upon arriving at the docks you’ll feel the excitement setting in. After all, that’s the reason you drove all the way from Queenstown.

During the cruise, you’ll be surrounded by imposing limestone cliffs and huge waterfalls . It’s really worth staying at the deck as much as you can (I know, it’s cold and windy), to witness the pristine beauty of the fjord.

Can you spot it? Lion Mountain, officially named Mt. Kimberley, looks like a lion crouching at about 700 metres above the water.

Next, you’ll find some of the highlights of a Milford Sound cruise.

The imposing Milford Sound waterfalls

What makes this remote corner of New Zealand remarkable are its waterfalls.

Seasonal rains and melting ice give birth to numerous temporary waterfalls , creating an unearthly sight. However, from all the waterfalls you’ll see, only two are permanent ; Lady Bowen and Stirling Falls.

Bowen Falls #girlpower

The first and most impressive waterfall you’ll see is named after Lady Diamantina Bowen , wife of the fifth governor of New Zealand. Māori referred to it as Hine-Te-Awa which means the “river maid” or “the girl of the river”.

Originating from a hanging valley, the waterfall drops from 162 metres , making it the tallest in the fjord – a title only challenged by Stirling Falls.

And boy it’s powerful too!

Not only beautiful but also useful, it’s the sole source of electricity and water for the Milford Sound settlement nearby.

You can easily hear the thundering sound of the falls from the wharf; however, the best way to truly enjoy the sight is to take a boat trip. Make sure to stand on the deck as you are cruising by to feel its cold and refreshing glacier spray.

Weird fact At the bottom of the falls, lies an unusual sight; the grave of William Ward Rathbun, a Canadian worker who took part in the construction of Milford Track, in 1894. Undeniably, one of the most scenic places where one can be buried.

Stirling Falls – feeling brave enough?

With a staggering 151 metres height, Stirling Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Milford Sound. The water drops from a U-shaped valley directly into the sea.

The falls were discovered by Captain Stirling in the 1870s. In Māori, they are called Waimanu which means “cloud on the water”. Being three times taller than Niagara Falls they are often shrouded in clouds & mist.

Cinema fact If you are a fan of Wolverine, you might recognize this waterfall, as it is the one that Hugh Jackman jumped off in the movie.

Time to get drenched!

Most boats sail right beneath it, so you can feel the true power of the water.

Ever stood below a 151-metre waterfall?

The captain announced that he would steer the front deck under the falls. Feeling adventurous enough, I went for it.

I still recall the sound of the falls, like a storm raging, only a few metres next to me. The sound became deafening as the water hammered me from above .

With tons of water falling on me, I looked up; it was literally dropping from the clouds. Even if I got completely soaked, it was totally worth it .

Did you know? A Māori legend says that Stirling Falls makes you ten years younger! I certainly felt like a 10-year-old as I was getting soaked under the freezing water.

Palisade Falls – the #gueststar

There’s another waterfall on the fjord worth mentioning that nobody on the cruise talked about.

Yet, it’s so hard to miss.

Palisade Falls is quite distinctive due to its twisting S shape. It’s quite tall too, with its first section having a height of 55 metres, plus another 25 metres of the second section.

This one, however, does not appear unless the rainfall the previous days is pretty high.

Keep an eye for this temporary left-out waterfall and give it some love!

Fairy Falls & Bridal Veil Falls

There are two more magnificent waterfalls, appearing only when they seem fit to.

Fairy Falls can be seen for most of the year and it’s also one of the stops of the nature cruises. Get ready to fill up a glass with pure glacial water and drink it!

On the other hand, Bridal Veil Falls, are shyer and a lot smaller.

Both of them can be seen hanging out together after extended period of rainfall.

Mitre Peak – a record holder

No visit to Milford sound is complete without setting eyes on the iconic Mitre Peak – the most photographed peak in South Island .

Rising sharply above sea level at 1.692 metres, Mitre Peak is often mistaken for having one peak.

A better look will reveal five peaks grouped around a single arrow-headed summit, like a bishop’s mitre or hat.

Getting the perfect shot: Aim for the reflection of the razor-sharp peak on the fjord’s calm water.

Wanna see the view from above?

Climbing Rahotu, as it is called in Māori, is greatly demanding and requires planning and extensive training.

Did you know? Mitre Peak is a record-holder; it’s the highest mountain in the globe rising directly from the sea floor.

The lost world of Sinbad Gully

Just around the corner of the most popular location in North Island, a secret world awaits you.

On the base of Mitre Peak, οpposite the Milford Sound Wharf, there’s a perfectly U-shaped valley. This remote wilderness is the last global retreat of at least 20 bird species, slugs and three species of threatened lizard.

Did you know? It was here that the last native Kakapos, a ground-dwelling owl parrot, were discovered in the 1970s. Until then, the bird was considered extinct.

The great Tasman Sea

After sailing through a steep section of the fjord the boat reaches Dale Point – the mouth of the fiord.

The Tasman Sea, Te Tai-o-Rehua as the Māori call it, is described as a world of undersea volcanoes and icy depths . Numerous unclassified life forms have adapted to its harsh conditions over the ages.

Unfortunately, that’s the furthest your cruise gets ; the boat makes a U-turn and starts the return trip.

Did you know? The Tasman Sea is informally referred to as “the ditch” by both Aussies and Kiwis. Crossing the ditch means to travel from Australia to New Zealand, or vice versa.

Seals on a Rock

A great place to see fur seals chilling and a scheduled photo-stop for most Milford Sound cruises.

Seal Rock, as it is called, is a seal’s favourite place to hang out !

And how could it not be?

It’s one of the few places inside the fjord where seals can actually rest outside the water with a height advantage, getting protection from the predators. What is more, on those few sunny days, Seal Rock is drenched in sunshine!

Sunbathing anyone?

Which Milford Sound Cruise is the best?

So, you are now convinced that booking a Milford Sound boat tour is the best for you. But which one should you choose?

Well, there are many things to consider!

Fear not! For we have gathered all the information you need to decide.

History fact The entrance to the fiord is so well-hidden that Captain James Cook missed it in the late 1700s. It was only in 1812 that Milford Sound was discovered when sealer John Grono traversed through its narrow waterways.

Scenic or Nature Cruise?

Both cruise types, follow exactly the same route, going you through all the major highlights . Prices start from $69 per person!

Scenic Cruise : With a duration of 1 hour and 40 mins it is a great option for those short in time . Scenic cruises are an excellent choice for the winter season when it’s less crowded.

Nature Cruise : They last longer, around 2 hours and 15 mins. An excellent choice for those who want to spend a bit more time in Milford Sound or to get closer to the local wildlife and the waterfalls. Besides, a professional nature specialist will join the trip providing live commentary about the fjord and the species you encounter.

Day or Overnight Cruise?

Again, it’s a matter of time and money. Prices for a day cruise start from $69 and for an overnight cruise from $249. Let’s get into the specifics!

Catching the all-around day cruise

If you are on a tight schedule then a coach trip from Queenstown, combined with a scenic or nature cruise will get you an incredible glimpse of Fiordland National Park. A day boat cruise can last up to 3 hours and will get you through all the must-sees of Milford Sound.

View the highlights of the boat cruise.

Enjoying the famous “sound of silence”

On the other hand, if you wish to experience the fjord without the crowds , get an overnight cruise.

Not only you’ll enjoy Milford Sound at sunset & sunrise but you will also have the chance to go kayaking, spend the night under the starry sky and… relax in one of the most stunning locations in the world.

Highlights of overnight cruise see the rare Fiordland crested penguins as they head out to the sea in the morning go kayaking and catch up with dolphins swimming around and below you star-gaze as the boat drops anchor in a protected cove dare a refreshing glacial swim learn about the history & geology of the fjord ; a nature guide is available onboard blue hour mode on; catch some epic photos when the light is the best

The overnight cruise starts mid-afternoon (around 16:30 pm) and returns by 10 am the following day. That leaves you enough time on your way to and from Milford Sound to enjoy The Milford Road (avoiding road traffic as well).

Tip: Combine the overnight cruise with a walk to the bottom of Bowen Falls or do the Foreshore Walk. Both are short & sweet and give you a different perspective of Milford Sound.

To sum up, time-permitting, I suggest going for the overnight cruise to fully appreciate Milford Sound. Having the whole place for yourself and experiencing the serenity of the fjord with just stars overhead will be a highlight of your trip!

Selecting the best Milford Sound cruise

No matter if you pick a day or overnight cruise, you still feel overwhelmed by all the different boat cruises .

To be honest, there isn’t any best cruise in Milford Sound; all boat trips follow pretty much the same route.

However, some cruises might suit you better than others. It’s the details that you need to keep an eye on.

To further narrow down the list of boat tour companies ask yourself the following questions !

Large or small boats? The smaller ones can get you closer to waterfalls and cliffs. Look for the capacity of each boat to get a better understanding of its size. Capacity? Each boat has one. The less crowded the boat is the more room you’ll have to get those awesome shots. Lunch onboard ? Most boat trips provide lunch, for an additional fee. Look for the “add lunch or picnic” option on checkout. Bringing your own food? Most boat tours allow you to do so provided that it is only consumed in public areas e.g. not on the onboard café. Departure time? Morning cruises, between 9 am and 11 am are less crowded whereas afternoon cruises are jam-packed. That is because the majority of the coaches from Queenstown arrive after 12 pm. Cruise duration? Some day cruises are longer, others shorter, ranging between 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours (nature cruises). Other experiences? Combining your cruise with another experience like kayaking, walking or the observatory is fun but does your tour operator offer them? Kids-friendly? Pick a shorter boat trip if you have small children and consider avoiding lengthier & tiring activities.

To sum up, the best Milford Sound cruise depends on you – your available time, your budget and what you really want to see.

Make sure to read carefully what each boat cruise provides before booking one!

Best Milford Sound boat cruises

By this point you should have a clear idea about what to expect from each cruise type.

Time to do your research!

To save you some time, I have collected all the main boat cruise companies operating in Milford Sound.

• Real Journeys – great variety of cruise options & combos (kayak, boat, flying). The only company offering an overnight cruise.
• JUCY Cruise – the most affordable cruise options. Plan ahead and get a cheaper ticket with the early bird option!
• Southern Discoveries – the greatest variety of day cruises, transport options & combos (kayak, boat, flying, coach+cruise). The only company combining the cruise with a visit to the Underwater Observatory.
• Mitre Peak Cruises – a great variety of transfer options & combos (cruise, Milford Track, coach, plane, helicopter)
• Go Orange – another affordable operator and the one I travelled with. Provides coach connections from Queenstown or Te Anau.
• Cruise Milford – boats operate at half-capacity so expect a less-crowded cruise. Kayak+Cruise option and coach connections are available.
• Milford Sound SELECT – they offer free pickup from your accommodation. You can also combine your cruise with a fly-back option.

No matter which Milford Sound cruise company you pick it’s safe to say that you won’t be missing anything. All of them, cruise through the major highlights of Milford Sound , following the same route on water.

Summer tip : If you are aiming for the smaller cruise boats make sure to book in advance!

Is there a company that I’ve missed? Let me know on the comments and I will update the list!

Best Milford Sound day trips (coach & cruise)

No car? No worries!

There are several day trips that get you from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound. Combined with a boat tour it’s one of the most popular and convenient ways to explore Milford Sound National Park.

Most bus trips feature the same stops along the Milford Road, so no matter which one you pick you won’t miss anything important. To make things easier for you, I have collected the best Milford Sound tours from Queenstown & Te Anau .

• Southern Discoveries – it’s coach & nature cruise departures daily from both Queenstown and Te Anau. Expect headsets with translated commentary, a bus with full-height windows and free pick-up & drop-off from your accommodation.
• JUCY Cruise – with a maximum of 33 people on the bus and lunch included on the final price, this coach & cruise option is “just right”. Complimentary pick-ups from Queenstown and Te Anau.
• Real Journeys – enjoy spectacular views from a glass-roofed bus departing from Queenstown and Te Anau. Hop on to Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise or Milford Haven for a 2-hours day-cruise.
• Go Orange – offering connections from both Queenstown and Te Anau the orange coaches offer a glass roof, reclined seats, WiFi and USB ports. The boat cruise is a co-share trip with Real Journeys.
• Milford Sound SELECT – another great day-trip with complimentary pick-ups from central Queenstown or Te Anau accommodations and a luxurious coach with glass roof and USB ports.
• Cheeky Kiwi Travel – drop the crowded coaches and pick an 11-seated minibus. Picnic lunch is included in the price and the boat trip is co-shared with Cruise Milford. Departures from Queenstown or Te Anau.
• Milford Sound BBQ Experience – using small buses of up to 19 seats and a BBQ lunch onboard their scenic cruise is co-shared with Mitre Peak. Currently (2021) only departing from Te Anau and not sure if they still offer the BBQ lunch.
• Trips & Tramps – departing from Te Anau, this small-group day trip to the fjord includes a cruise and various walks including Gertrude Valley, Lake Gunn, Hollyford Valley, Routeburn Track and Key Summit.
• More coach+cruise companies – GreatSights, Greyline Tours, Kiwi Experience

Travelled with a different one? Let me know on the comments below!

How long does a coach+cruise trip lasts? From Te Anau: 7 to 8 hours From Queenstown: 12 to 13 hours

Helpful info about Milford Sound

There are certain things you should take into consideration before visiting Milford Sound.

What’s the best month to do a boat cruise?

Milford Sound can get extremely busy and crowded.

The peak season is summer (December, January and February) when the sound can host up to 2.000 visitors per day. During winter (June, July and August) there is snow to contend with and Milford road might close due to avalanches.

Rainiest month : January – avg. 15.7 days of rain Driest month : July – avg. 13.8 days of rain Warmest month : February – 19°C avg. high Coldest month : July – 9.3°C avg. high Longest days : December – 15.5h of daylight Shortest days : June – 8.9 hours of daylight.

If you wish to avoid big crowds and low temperatures, while also enjoying longer days, with a good chance of rain then the best season to visit is Spring (September, October, November). What is more, during early spring, plant life begins to blossom as the ice being to melt (though there was snow on early November when I visited).

Alternatively : Doing a boat cruise in the middle of winter is another great alternative. The surrounding mountains are covered in snow, there is no traffic on the roads and the boats are not crowded at all!

What’s the best time for a boat cruise?

Catch an early morning cruise , between 9 am to 11 am. Why?

• the fjord is less crowded – most coaches reach Milford Sound after 12 pm
• the light is ideal for photography
• more wildlife are out and about

Morning cruises might be the best choice , however, you will have to spend the previous night either on Milford Sound Lodge or in Te Anau.

Preparing for your cruise

You don’t need any special equipment, especially if you pick the boat cruise option. However, there are certain things I’d recommend bringing with you.

Packing list a fully charged camera with plenty of memory; trust me, you’ll take more pictures than you plan to prepare for rain ; wear non-slip shoes and get a waterproof jacket or rain poncho bring lunch and drinks ; keep in mind that most operators provide water during the coach+cruise a light jacket for the short walks and the deck extra cash ; on the ship you will only be able to use cash insect repellent ; those sandflies can get really aggressive your cruise ticket – you don’t want the boat to leave without you! Extra items for the overnight cruise the nights in the fjord are cold; bring a warm sweater or fleece jacket get ready for the outdoor activities; grab your sunscreen & sunglasses swimwear , for the brave ones a small bag

Is Milford Sound cruise worth it in the rain?

Millions of visitors fall in love with Milford Sound and I could easily see the reason.

The most famous tourist destination of New Zealand, once called by Rudyard Kipling the eighth Wonder of the World , is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in the country.

And also the wettest.

The fjord is famous for its high rainfall receiving rain for an average of 182 days per year. That makes it one of the wettest inhabited places in the world.

But here’s the catch.

It’s when it rains that Milford Sound is most impressive.

Dozens of temporary waterfalls start dropping down from the towering cliffs and colourful rainbows keep appearing around. A truly enchanting sight, if you’d ask me!

Hint : The two rainiest months are December and January.

Is Milford Sound a fjord or a sound?

Weirdly enough, Milford Sound is a fiord , wrongly named by the early settlers.

So, how can you say the difference?

A sound is formed when a river valley is flooded by the sea. On the other hand, a fjord is a steep glacier valley, carved by ancient rivers of ice that have long melted. Milford Sound falls into the second category.

What about mobile coverage?

To all those instagrammers out there wishing to go on a live broadcasting, I’ve got some bad news!

You’ll be out of range during the boat tour and there will be limited network coverage along the Milford Road as well. You are deep into wilderness after all!

This must be nature’s own way of telling you to enjoy the landscape and take a break from social media !

Is there parking available?

Yes, there are marked areas where you can leave your vehicle, 20$ for 5 hours .

Alternatively, free parking is available, further up at Deepwater Basin Road. Make sure to allow an extra 20 minutes walk to the Visitors Terminal.

During the busy summer months you need to be extra patient to find a parking spot!

Is it worth going to Milford Sound?

Yes, absolutely!

If you find yourself in South Island you can’t miss Milford Sound ! It’s a unique place in the world and one of the most photographed places in New Zealand .

And it’s not hard to see why.

Cruising the fjord was such a memorable experience. Titanic land formations rising vertically from dark waters and numerous waterfalls dropping down from the sky; a breathtaking scenery .

The ford’s pristine environment and remote beauty are certainly worth the long drive from Queenstown.

There are certain places in the world that somehow make you feel insignificant; Milford Sound is definitely one of them.

Know before you go

A boat cruise can cost from 50 NZD to 100 NZD but that depends on the type of cruise you’ll pick. View all the different cruise options here!

Most operators provide a 2-hour experience, taking you through all the major highlights of the fjord. Learn what you’ll see on a typical Milford Sound cruise here!

That depends on you! The size of the boat, the type of the cruise, the activities you want to include and many more. See all Milford Sound cruise companies here!

Do you prefer snow or rain? Warmer or cold temperatere? Short or long days? Each month provides a different experience. Learn more about the best month to visit here!

Fiordland Crested Penguins, New Zealand Fur Seals and dolphins are occasionally seen floating around! There’s also a place where you can see seals sunbathing! See it here !

Yes, you can either spend the night at Milford Sound Lodge or book an overnight cruise, that is highly recommended. Learn what’s included the night cruise here !

Yes, Milford Sound is absolutely worth it. No matter the weather or the season, my advice is to simply go for it. Learn more about all the reasons that make a visit to Milford Sound a must !

Make sure to dress comfortably with layers, as the weather in Milford Sound is notoriously unpredictable. Here you can find a list of things to pack to best prepare for your cruise .

All images are licensed under the Creative Commons  Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International  license.

Are you planning to visit Milford Sound? Have you been there? Leave your thoughts below!

18 best things to do in milford sound.

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Our cruise on Milford Sound

• Milford Sound Wharf Terminal - Here you leave the coach to board your cruise vessel to travel the length of Milford Sound in comfort.
• Bowen Falls - Named after the wife of Sir George Bowen, one of New Zealand's early governors. This spectacular waterfall is one of only two permanent waterfalls dropping 160 metres from a high valley in the Darren Mountain Range.
• Cascade Range - The water tumbling of this range of mountains results in some of the incredible waterfalls that plummet into Milford Sound.
• Sinbad Gully - This classic U-shaped valley formed by the slopes of Mt Phillips, the Llawrenny Peaks, Mitre Peak and Milford's smallest mountain, the Footstool, is where the once thought extinct Kakapo bird was rediscovered.
• Mitre Peak - The iconic mountain of Milford Sound is one of the tallest mountains in the world. It rises 1692 metres directly from the sea floor. Mitre Peak is the most dominant and most famous feature of Milford Sound.
• Copper Point - Named after the veins of copper you can see running through the rock this is the narrowest and often windiest point in the Milford Sound. In the afternoon on sunny days, the warm air inside the fiord rises and is replaced by cooler air drawn from the ocean which can gust up to 100 knots. The breeze tends to dies away again in the evening as the air in the fiord cools again.
• Fairy Falls - This waterfall drops directly in the fiord, if the weather permits you boat captain will ease the bow of the boat under the falls for those requiring a refreshing or shower.
• Bridal Veil Falls - This classic waterfall looks just like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. It is even more incredible after heavy rain.
• Anita Bay - A seam of jade runs through Fiordland National Park at Anita Bay it emerges from the rock. Prized by Maori for its beauty and hardness, they travelled here to collect it for ornaments and toolmaking.
• St Anne Point - This point outside the entrance to Milford Sound is the locaton of an automated lighthouse established in the late 1800's.
• The Tasman Sea - We travel to the point where the waters of Milford Sound meet the Tasman Sea. From out at sea the entrance to the fiord is hard to spot. Explorers like Captain Cook kept well away from this often dangerous coast.
• Dale Point - Marks the northern entrance into Milford Sound. Beyond this point we are into the more exposed waters of the Tasman Sea.
• Piopiotahi Marine Reserve - This marine reserve stretches over 690 hectares on the northern side of the fiord from Dale Point to Freshwater basin., These pristine waters are home to a wealth of marine life like the Black Coral that grows at an unusually shallow depth due to the fresh water layer that restricts light penetration.
• Seal Rock - Most of the walls of MIlford Sound a vertical. Seal Rock is an accessible haven for the New Zealand Fur Seal. These seals inhabit Milford Sound all year round. Hunted almost to extinction in the early 1800's when their fur was sought after by the fashion industry the seals have made a great comeback.
• Stirling Falls - Drops 146 metres from a beautiful U-shaped hanging valley carved out between Elephant and Lion Mountains. Stirling Falls is the second largest permanent waterfall in the fiord and is fed by glaciers situated in the mountains behind. Named after Captain Stirling when he brought the HMS Cleo into Milford Sound during the 1870's.
• The Lion - More formally known as Mt Kimberley, rises to a height of 1302 metres. The nickname comes from its unusual shape resembling a crouching lion.
• Harrison's Cove - Facing away from the entrance to the fiord, this is the only safe natural harbour in Milford Sound.
• Mt Pembroke - The Pembroke glacier is over 1 million years old and sits on the tallest mountain to look down to the fiord at just over 2000 metres high. It was once one of the great glaciers over successive glacial advances that carved out Milford Sound.
• Cascade Range - During heavy rain this mountain range comes alive with waterfalls.
• Milford Airport - This small busy airstrip built out into the fiord is a lifeline for the local fishing industry, and is kept busy with sightseeing trips from Queenstown.
• Deepwater Basin - Further up the fiord from the Visitor Centre and beyond the mouth of the Arthur River is where the famous Milford Track ends.
• Milford Track - The Milford Track is reputed to be one of the best walks in the world, it finishes here across the water from the main terminal access is by boat only.

Book Your Milford Sound Experience Now  

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Enjoy Milford Sound’s awe-inspiring scenery from the comfort of modern, spacious vessels. Scenic Cruise vessels have purpose-built observation lounges and large decks, so you can be sure you’ll get some great viewing opportunities. You’ll see the geological drama of sheer cliffs, massive waterfalls, glaciers and rainforest. Keep a look out for wildlife like seals basking on the rocks or dolphins.   During the cruise, friendly crew provide commentaries in several languages and point out sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier. So sit back and make your Milford Sound experience an unforgettable one! From thundering waterfalls and sky-high mountains to lush rainforests, Milford Sound has it all Duration: 2 hours

About Explore Milford Sound with us on the spacious Milford Sovereign Extra large viewing decks, comfy interiors, and an international buffet Insightful commentary by our friendly guides Amazing nature and wildlife viewing opportunity Booking Information Check-in 20 minutes before departure A Milford Sound Levy applies to all adult tickets and is included in the price displayed

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• Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

Home » Milford Sound Cruises » Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

An overnight cruise in Milford Sound is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers visitors the opportunity to explore the stunning scenery of the fiord, both during the day and at night. It also lets people experience the majestic silence once the day visitors have departed. This is the only way to stay overnight in Milford Sound itself – the nearest lodgings are a 5 minute drive back down the road at Milford Lodge.

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise Options

There are two options for overnight cruises, each offering a range of lodgings and activities.

One of the most popular options is Real NZ”s Milford Mariner, a purpose-built vessel that offers comfortable accommodation and a range of activities, including kayaking, guided nature walks, and wildlife spotting. The Milford Mariner has private cabins as well as shared bunk-style accommodation. A dining room provides a cooked. buffet style evening meal as well as breakfast the next morning. This and the outdoor decks are where overnight guests can relax and take in the breathtaking views of the fiord.

A luxury overnight cruise option is the Fiordland Jewel , a stylish catamaran that offers private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, gourmet dining. It even boasts a top deck hot tub and helicopter pad. From here guests can choose to relax or take part in activities including kayaking, fishing, and helicopter tours.

Both the Milford Mariner and the Fiordland Jewel offer the opportunity to spot New Zealand wildlife such as dolphins, seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin .

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise Pricing

Pricing is correct at April 2023:

Our Opinion: An overnight cruise in Milford Sound is a unique and unforgettable experience that allows you to really explore the stunning scenery in a relaxed and intimate setting. Whether you choose a luxury catamaran or the more budget-friendly option, you are sure to be amazed by the beauty of this natural wonder and the range of activities and amenities offered on the overnight cruises at Milford Sound.

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Wonderful cruise of the Sound on the... - RealNZ

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Wonderful cruise of the Sound on the Milford Sovereign

We enjoyed a wonderful cruise through the Sound with beautiful scenery all the way out to the Tasman Sea. The boat has 2 levels of comfortable indoor seating and a top outdoor deck. There is coffee and tea for free or light snacks, soft drinks , beer and wine for sale. A lovely way to spend an afternoon and a beautiful sight to see.

We traveled on 25 Oct, their boat was broken and we were taken on a real journey boat. So we were given mediocre cold sandwich instead of fish and chips! I only knew of this when I complained after the return, there was no advance notice of this or even mention during the tour! We could've been offered vouchers to buy our own food at the Te Anau cafe as a goodwill gesture. I am still giving it 3 stars because of the amazing scenery and the itinerary planned despite the poor customer service.

Hello, Thank you for your feedback! Yes, unfortunately our boat has been away getting some TLC but luckily we have it back now- Yay! We are lucky on our boat as we have a gully where we can prepare hot food, whereas few of the other boats that operate on Milford Sound have this. I am sorry that no one told you about this before you went out, I will look into this. However, our tour is still one of the best value for money on the sound- most tours will charge you extra for a picnic lunch (includes not only a sandwich, but also a cookie, nut sack, olives, mineral water, (you can still have tea coffee), a small chocolate bar and a piece of seasonal fruit.) Real Journeys are renowned for operating high quality products so we are lucky they could accommodate us and we could still show all you wonderful people beautiful Milford Sound. We are glad you enjoyed the scenery. The weather has been amazing over the past week! :) Thanks again, The GO team.

We enjoyed our nature cruise. The staff were pleasant and the nature guide was very good and informative. Without him the tour would have been missing something. We saw penguins, seals and dolphins which were unforgettable. This tour is really to be recommended. The downside: the main parking was full - and the overflow car park was SHUT, and the park and ride NOT RUNNING. RIDICULOUS - we got parked up 25 mins walk from the terminal - so although we thought we had plenty of time, we ended up rushing for our boat. REALLY BAD ORGANISATION. (Our comments are for all your operators in this respect).

I would like to thank the go orange team for the excellent day tour operated by them from Queenstown to Milford sound.We were a family of nine people from ages 70 to 3 years. To summarise the tour was amazing and informative. Well planned and the best part is the lunch provided on the cruise which is perfect. The bus that we travelled in had a panaromic roof top and so every seat had an amazing view. Brad our coach manager/driver was very friendly and provided information all through out the trip which was just right. Amazing sense of humor Brad. He gave us ample photo opportunities and stopped at all the scenic points. For that matter I'd say that the entire go orange and their cruise partner staff was absolutely amazing. Bang on time and fantastic value for money. Definitely recommend.... The cruise was also very relaxing and took us underneath the waterfalls which was amazing...the view when u see the open sea from Fiordland is still vivid in my eyes. Thanks again Go orange.. thoroughly enjoyed the trip and one that will not forget. The only thing I would say needs improvement is ...nothing comes to my mind...Perfect! Well organised.

Yes yes yes... love this review! We are so happy to hear you loved your tour with us! Be-rad is great as is the whole GO Milford crew, so we're glad to hear you think the same. We try to offer the best prices without skimping on any of the quality when it comes to our products, so good to know we're doing a good job! Thanks so much, The GO team :)

We were booked for FLY-cruise-FLY option of Milford Sound scenic cruise tour on 28th Sept 2017 in Queenstown. The flight got cancelled on 28th and again on 29th sept due to bad weather thereafter we opted for coach-cruise-coach option on 30th sept 2017. We were entitled for a refund in this case amounting to approx 1650 NZD which we were told to collect from our agent in India. On return to India, the operators downright refused to pay us back .On the basis of a fabricated story the operators cancelled our refund. The most unprofessional behavior of the coach driver and the apathy shown towards us has left us in bad taste. I would never recommend Real Journeys to anyone. As a tourist I never expected such a unpleasant experience to happen in New Zealand.

Kia Ora Anjali, thanks for taking the time to write this review. We are disappointed to receive this feedback. Unfortunately, we are unable to control the weather, however pleased we managed to get you to Milford Sound another way while you were here. On the way, there definitely seems to have been some confusion with our driver in relation to booking a one-way flight back to Queenstown. The flight was booked and chartered to Milford Sound to pick you up from your cruise however upon realising there would be an additional cost you did not take this option. We understand there was miscommunication with both parties as to the cost and as a result, Real Journeys absorbed the cost of this chartered flight on your behalf. We have only charged for the portion of the trip that you took with us - the coach, scenic cruise and coach back to Queenstown. As mentioned directly, you must contact your agent in India for your refund as they received the initial payment. Again, we are very disappointed to receive this review after going over and above to accommodate and also ensuring you did not receive any extra charges. Kind regards, the team at Real Journeys.

Had the greatest pleasure of doing the overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner. Our skipper Gibby was the best so friendly and took the time out to have a lengthy chat with us. All the staff were so friendly and helpful nothing was a bother for them. The scenery is stunning photos just can’t do it justice. Weather was sunny when we left and quite wet and cold overnight but it just makes for more picturesque photos. Going out to the Tasman Sea was exhilarating and then having the sail up and sailing back into the sound was awesome. This is a bucket list experience just do it. The cabins are tiny and very warm but you are hardly in them the food was delicious and plenty of it.

Milford Sound Overnight Cruises

Spend the night aboard the iconic Milford Mariner and wake up to dawn in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. It’s the ultimate Milford Sound experience!

• Duration: 1 night
• Enjoy accommodation in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms or bunk-style compartments
• 3-course buffet dinner and cooked breakfast prepared by our on-board chef
• Choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat
• Specialist nature guide on board
• Wildlife sighting opportunities – seals, penguins and dolphins
• Coach connections available from Te Anau and Queenstown
• Family bunk rooms available - please contact us directly on 0800 65 65 01 or [email protected]

Nothing compares to spending the night on the fiord.

Enjoy a delicious 3-course buffet dinner and continental breakfast.

Choose to explore Milford Sound by kayak or tender boat (weather dependant).

Learn about Piopiotahi, Milford Sound from a specialist nature guide.

Transport Options

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• Te Anau Downs

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