milford sound cruise worth it

The 5 Best Milford Sound Cruises [2024 Reviews]

I’ve been fortunate enough to experience no shortage of beautiful places in my life, but few have impressed me as much as Milford Sound has.

With a unique water composition that prevents light from penetrating the deep sea water underneath its top freshwater layer, many deep sea creatures can be found just 30 meters beneath the surface.

From breathtaking mountains, lush rainforests, and impressive rainfall, there’s so much to see at this fjord. However, if you want to make the most of your time there, I highly suggest selecting one of the 5 top Milford Sound cruises available today. Let’s jump right in!

Best Milford Sound Boat Tours

Quick answer: the 5 best rated milford sound cruise tours for 2024.

• Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown
• Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience
• Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau
• Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau
• Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise and Lunch from Te Anau

Milford Sound Cruise Tour Reviews

1. premium milford sound small group tour from queenstown.

• Duration:  13 hours
• Departure: Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown
• Departure Time: 6:30 & 7:30 AM
• Includes:  Small group and fully guided tour, cruise entry, lunch, bottled water, snacks

Located right within New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound appeals to travelers from all over the world with its rugged beauty and pristine wilderness.

I find small group tours to be practically essential when it comes to an intimate and immersive wildlife experience, so as to not disturb the flora and fauna and enjoy the peace and quiet.

The Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown offers all this and more, appreciating the awe-inspiring grandeur of this magical place.

Departing from downtown Queenstown, it is important to mention if you would prefer to be picked right up at your hotel, as both options are available. We chose a convenient hotel pickup so we didn’t have to deal with public transportation or shelling out extra cash for a taxi/Uber.

We then made our way around Lake Wakatipu, where we were able to take in some amazing views of The Remarkables Mountain Range from our comfy coach!

The Devil’s Staircase Lookout is a must-see, with incomparable views along the lake – particularly if it’s a clear day! It’s a really quick stop, though, as that’s all there is to see so you can just snap some photos and head back onto the coach.

Expand To See More See Less

Lake Te Anau is the country’s second-biggest, with a charming little town where we explored the flora and fauna and grabbed a tasty bite to eat!

After departing Te Anau, we went through the beautiful Fiorland National Park, making a stop in Eglinton Valley with Lord-of-the-Rings-esque vistas through an ancient glacier.

Mirror Lakes Walk is up next, which is really just a brief, leisurely walk for you to take in the reflections of the Earl Mountains on the picture-perfect, flat lake!

We even got to stop at Lake Gunn, which is known for its fishing and pristine views. Hollyford River was next, before delving further into the Darran Mountains, where we even got to explore a unique area that’s home to the world’s largest alpine parrot!

Homer Tunnel couldn’t be left off, which was shocking to learn that it was hand-built with such precision!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. cruise milford nz small boutique cruise experience.

• Duration:  1 hour and 45 minutes
• Departure: 1 Milford Sound Highway, Milford Sound 9679
• Departure Time: 10:45 AM, 12:45, 1:45 & 2:45 PM
• Includes:  Complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits on board all sailings

There is no shortage of natural beauty when it comes to New Zealand, so when the Milford Sound was first suggested to me, I knew I couldn’t pass it up.

Sitting within the breathtaking landscapes of the legendary Fiordland National Park, the sound is one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders.

The Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience  will take you through towering granite cliffs, crystal-clear waterfalls, enormous glacial waters, and so much more!

Lasting just 1 hour and 45 minutes, it’s super easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules and is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re an animal lover like me, I find it to also be one of the best tours for seeing little critters in their natural habitats!

It’s great for the entire family because it’s brief yet still offers you the opportunity to get to see areas of the sound up close and personal!

Start by boarding a comfortable, spacious vessel equipped with viewing decks where everyone can fit, along with large windows for optimal viewing of any area passed.

The captain and crew were very friendly, offering us top-notch customer service, complete with complimentary coffee, tea, and biscuits. We glided across the tranquil waters at Milford Sound, allowing the stress to melt away as I soaked up all of the remarkable beauty surrounding us.

As we cruised along, our captain shared all kinds of insightful commentary about the area’s geology, animals, plants, as well as the region’s rich Maori and European history.

Thanks to the small group size, it was a very intimate and personalized tour that felt more like a professional guide friend was taking us out on the water! Overall, this was a super tranquil, exciting experience that I’ll be sure to do again soon!

3. Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau

• Duration:  10 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: 8:00 AM
• Includes:  National Park fees, coffee and/or tea, driver/guide, live commentary on board, local guide, air-conditioned vehicle

Are you on the hunt for one of the most comprehensive all-day tours of its kind? If you have a free day and want to see Milford Sound to its fullest, this is one of the best tours available in 2024.

The Full-Day Milford Sound Extraordinaire Tour from Te Anau  is a fascinating experience that takes you on land and sea to view the most awe-inspiring views around.

Starting off with a convenient hotel pickup right at 8:00 am, you will be able to take advantage of an early departure where you’ll run into very few other people. This is great, as most of the areas we viewed we had to ourselves, which was quite a blast!

Our first stop was at the Te Anau Downs, where we visited the Bluegum Bay sheltered harbor, which was also quite interesting.

One of my favorite portions of the tour was taking a leisurely stroll at the Mirror Lakes boardwalk where we were able to see beech forest, wetland pools, and the halfway point between the equator and South Pole!

I also thoroughly enjoyed walking to Marian Cascade/Lake where we took in amazing views before sipping on some morning coffee or tea at Gunn’s Camp, which overlooks the legendary Chiefs Island.

It’s one of the last few luxury, vintage safari camps in existence and had a kind of “Out of Africa” vibe to it!

We snapped some photos at Fall’s Creek and Monkey Creek, and even got to check out the over 4,000-foot-long Homer Tunnel, following it up with a brief walk to the unique rock formations of The Chasm.

Throughout the entire tour, our guide shared interesting info about the local area’s history, geology, and so much more! While I do feel like the lunch could’ve been a bit more substantial, everything else was perfect!

4. Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

• Duration:  9 hours
• Departure: 20/22 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau 9600,  (or hotel pickup and drop-off)
• Includes:  Afternoon or morning tea, local driver/guide, sightseeing boat cruise, guided and self-guided walking tours, modern air-conditioned minivan (max 15), lunch

If you’re looking for one of the most convenient, smooth tour experiences around New Zealand, look no further than this next one!

The Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau  takes you on various methods of transportation in order to discover this special area in all its glory.

Perfectly balancing scenic drives, leisurely walks, and a captivating cruise along the pristine waters of the Sound, you can’t go wrong here.

You can opt to have your guide pick you and your party up right from your hotel in an air-conditioned minivan, for optimal convenience!

As groups are limited to just 15 participants, everyone has plenty of space to move around while receiving an intimate, customized experience. The tour starts off at 8:00 am, so you can try and beat most of the crowds while making the most of the day out in the wilderness.

As we cruised along the winding roads, our knowledgeable guide shared fascinating commentary about the area’s rich history, geology, wildlife, industry insight, and much more!

Once we reached Milford Sound, we all already had a good background of it, starting off with a beautiful cruise. As we sailed along the tranquil waters, I gazed out at the impressive landscapes that made it feel almost like I was in some epic film!

I wasn’t expecting to see any sea life, but we were so lucky, we even spotted some dolphins splashing around, sweet seals, and even some penguins!

We then went back to shore, stretching our legs with a guided nature walk along the shore with experienced guides. We headed down hidden pathways, checking out the native flora and fauna while stopping to take photos along the way.

5. Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise and Lunch from Te Anau

• Duration: 9 hours
• Departure: 94 Te Anau Terrace, Te Anau 9600
• Departure Time: Between 7:30 & 10:30 AM
• Includes:  Small group and fully-guided tour, cruise entry, lunch, bottled water, snacks

There’s a ton of excitement when it comes to New Zealand, from pristine glaciers to gushing waterfalls! However, if you’re looking for a quiet and calm way to escape the city’s madness, I have just the tour for you.

The Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise and Lunch from Te Anau  is all that and more, with visits to idyllic towns, brazen wildlife, and everything in-between.

With this tour, you either get the choice of meeting your guide in Te Anau Terrace or having your guide pick you up right from your hotel accommodations.

I always choose the latter, as I like to bring along a small backpack and jacket, and having the guide pick me up eliminates the risk of me forgetting them in an Uber or public transportation.

Our driver/guide was absolutely fantastic – not only informative, but a careful and efficient driver who placed our safety first.

The tour starts off in the charming lakeside town of Te Anau, where we learned all about the endangered takahē birds, underground waterfalls, as well as the rich Maori history.

The road from here to Milford Sound is very smooth, well-maintained, and postcard-perfect. Upon entering the Fiordland National Park, we headed to Eglington Valley, which boasts many different film locations for Lord of the Rings films.

We then went on a Mirror Lakes walk for a short walk, where the reflection was so clear that it really did look like the mountains were upside-down! Lake Gunn and Falls Creek were next, which feature amazing waterfalls, dangerous rapids, and amazing views.

We saw so many more incredible places that there are too many to mention here, but trust that you won’t even be able to think about getting bored!

Boat Comfort

The Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown is our Editors Choice for the best Milford Sound Cruise

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best milford sound scenic flight tours [2024 reviews], the 3 best rotorua canopy tours [2024 reviews], the 5 best lord of the rings tours in new zealand [2024 reviews], the 5 best hobbiton movie set tours [2024 reviews].

• facebook-official
• youtube-play
• pinterest-circled

10 BEST Cruises in Milford Sound 🏔️ [2024]

Support nz pocket guide and get our huge ebook collection to access our tips on the go, milford sound cruise comparison: the best milford sound cruises.

You haven’t been to Milford Sound until you have cruised through its majestic fiord. A cruise in Milford Sound is on almost everybody’s bucket list when travelling New Zealand , but the decision fatigue from choosing a cruise is not what you need on your holiday. Let us reassure you that whatever Milford Sound cruise you choose, you won’t be missing out on anything. Every single day cruise in Milford Sound is around two hours on the water, all of which take almost the same route around the fiord. Whatever cruise you take, you’ll see all of the highlights that we feature in 10 Stunning Sights Seen From a Milford Sound Cruise . However, there are some minor differences between cruises that might make your decision-making a little easier. Take a look at our list of the best Milford Sound cruises below to find your perfect tour.

Unless specified otherwise, all of the cruises listed below depart from the Milford Sound Marina . If you’re looking for a cruise and transport, take a look at our 10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau or the 5 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown .

1. Pure Milford – The Cruise with the Best Views of Milford Sound

Sail on the only small-ship cruise in Milford Sound with glass roofs overhead, meaning that no matter the weather, you’ll always get magnificent views of the fiord’s towering cliffs and waterfalls with Pure Milford . That’s not to say that when the sun is shining you can’t make use of both the covered and open sun decks to bask in the fiord’s majesty. The skipper and friendly local crew share insights about the glorious UNESCO World Heritage Area you’re cruising through, while the onboard cafe/bar is the cherry on top!

Learn more about the cruise and book your adventure at puremilford.co.nz !

2. RealNZ Nature Cruise – The Best Milford Sound Cruise for Nature Lovers

The most popular of the Milford Sound cruises is the RealNZ Nature Cruise . RealNZ offers the widest range of cruises in Milford Sound, but one of their best offerings is their Nature Cruise. Onboard a characterful ship complete with masts (just like the early explorers of this fiord), you’ll journey through the sounds while receiving insightful commentary from your nature guide. The tour hits all the waterfalls and mountain views of any Milford Sound cruise, as well as having a focus on spotting wildlife. Find out more about the RealNZ Nature Cruise on Viator  or Klook .

3. Southern Discoveries Cruise and Underwater Observatory – The Best Milford Sound Cruise Package

The next cruise on our list of the best Milford Sound cruises includes an underwater observatory. Offering some of the best value-for-money packages for Milford Sound cruises, Southern Discoveries is definitely worth considering if you want to pair your cruise with a visit to their Milford Sound Underwater Observatory or incorporate some kayaking into your experience as an add-on. After a two-hour cruise through Milford Sound, with a picnic lunch included, you’ll get to experience a unique view of Milford Sound and its black coral from the underwater observatory.

Find out more about additional experiences that Southern Discoveries offers in our 15 Best Things to Do in Milford Sound . Plus, check out the full tour details with Southern Discoveries on Viator and Klook .

4. Mitre Peak Cruises – The Best Milford Sound Cruise for Families (and the Cheapest)

Offering a smaller boat experience in Milford Sound, Mitre Peak Cruises is well worth considering if you want to share your cruise with fewer people. The cruise captures all the major highlights of Milford Sound from a smaller vessel to make the landscapes feel all the grander. Tour guides look out for dolphin, seal and penguin encounters for you, while you soak up the scenery and enjoy the free tea and coffee onboard. This is also a good option for families, as children under three years cruise for free making Mitre Peak Cruises one of the best family options when it comes to Milford Sound boat cruises.

Check out Viator  for more information on Mitre Peak Cruises. Plus, plan a family trip to Milford using 10 Things to Do in Milford Sound with Kids .

5. Cruise Milford – The Best Small-Ship Milford Sound Cruise

If you’re the type of traveller who prefers to escape the crowds, then take a serious look at Cruise Milford . The boutique cruise limits its passenger numbers to 50% of the boat’s capacity, so their cruises never feel too crowded. It’s smooth sailing on this catamaran vessel (they also have a smaller monohull boat) that stops at all the essential Milford Sound sights , allows for wildlife encounters and offers complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits on board. Check out the glowing reviews and book your cruise on Viator , Klook or KKday .

6. RealNZ Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise – The Best Overnight Cruise Cruise in Milford Sound

Once you discover Milford Sound, it can be difficult to leave. So spend an extra night in this wilderness paradise on an overnight cruise with RealNZ ! The Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise takes you down the entire length of Milford Sound before anchoring at Harrison Cove. Enjoy a three-course buffet meal, make use of the onboard kayaks, listen to the onboard nature guide, and stay in a private single or twin-share en suite cabin. Check out the tour details on Klook .

7. Fiordland Discovery – The Best Luxury Milford Sound Cruise

Don’t just do an overnight cruise in Milford Sound, do a multi-day discovery tour of several fiords of the Fiordland National Park with Fiordland Discovery . Their multi-day cruise is a small-group experience where you’ll stay on the lavish Fiordland Jewel with its climate-controlled ensuite cabins. Your stay includes cruises of multiple fiords (not just Milford Sound), three-course meals, kayaking, tender boat trips, as well as soaking in the top deck outdoor spa pool. The boat also has a helicopter landing pad, giving you options for cruise-and-flight combos.

Check out the glowing reviews and book your cruise on Viator or Expedia . Plus, see more experiences like this in the 5 Best Luxury Experiences in Milford Sound .

8. Southern Discoveries – The Best Milford Sound Cruise and Kayak Tour

Add an alternative experience to your Milford Sound cruise with the kayaking tour add-on with Southern Discoveries ! Include a 90-minute kayaking excursion gliding under the majestic cliffs of New Zealand’s most famous fiord on your Milford Sound cruise, which includes a “kayak lift” so you don’t even have to get your feet wet! With a maximum of eight guests kayaking, you also ensure a more peaceful experience of Milford Sound.  Check out the full tour details with Southern Discoveries on Viator and Klook .

9. Pure Milford – The Best Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour

Need to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau ? Discover even more sights on the “ Coach-Cruise-Coach ” tour with Pure Milford , which includes return transfers to both towns while ensuring an adventure-filled journey! Stop by iconic sights such as the Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and much more before you embark on an enchanting cruise of Milford Sound (see point #1)!

Learn more about the coach-cruise-coach tour and book your adventure at puremilford.co.nz ! Plus, for more coach and cruise tours to compare, head to our 10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau .

10. Pure Milford – The Best Milford Sound Cruise and Fly Tour

And certainly not to be forgotten is the option to take a scenic flight to Milford Sound! Pure Milford ‘s “ Fly-Cruise-Fly ” tour is not only the most time-efficient way to experience Milford Sound in all its majesty but seeing the Fiordland National Park from the mountains all the way to sea is nothing short of breathtaking. If you’re looking to experience Milford Sound in a more intimate way, perhaps for a special occasion or just because this is, after all, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then a scenic flight and cruise combo should be a serious consideration.

Learn more about the coach-cruise-coach tour and book your adventure at puremilford.co.nz ! Plus, for more fly and cruise tours to compare, head to our 5 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown .

10 Essential Tips for Taking a Cruise to Milford Sound

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Milford Sound, where the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand await to mesmerise you with their untouched beauty. Here are 10 essential tips to make your cruise in this majestic fjord a once-in-a-lifetime experience:

• Choose Your Cruise Wisely : From boutique small boat cruises that offer intimate encounters with the fiord’s wonders to comprehensive day trips that include coach transport and nature walks, there’s a variety of ways to explore Milford Sound. Whether you’re departing from Te Anau or Queenstown, select a cruise that aligns with your preferences for adventure and comfort .
• Meet the Majestic Mitre Peak : Rising 1,692 m (5,551 ft) from the water, Mitre Peak is an iconic symbol of Milford Sound. Capture the peak’s reflection in the fjord’s tranquil waters, especially enchanting at sunrise or sunset . See where to get the best photos in the  10 Best Walks in Milford Sound .
• Embrace the Weather : Known as one of the wettest places on Earth, Milford Sound’s landscape transforms with the rain, creating countless temporary waterfalls that add to the fiord’s mystical ambience. Pack waterproof clothing and be prepared for any weather .
• Witness Wildlife Up Close : Keep an eye out for New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins and the elusive Fiordland crested penguin. The fiord’s rich biodiversity offers thrilling wildlife encounters .
• Marvel at Waterfalls : Home to the towering Stirling and Bowen Falls, the Sound’s waterfalls are a highlight not to be missed. They’re especially spectacular following rain, showcasing nature’s raw power .
• Enjoy Onboard Activities : Many cruises offer unique experiences like guided kayaking, allowing you to paddle close to the cliffs and waterfalls, and stargazing, where you can admire the night sky free from light pollution .
• Packing Essentials : Remember to bring layers, including a waterproof and windproof jacket, sturdy shoes for the deck, and a camera to capture the scenery. Binoculars are also recommended for wildlife spotting .
• Early Arrival : Secure a coveted spot on the deck by arriving early to your cruise. Booking in advance is crucial, especially during the summer months, as cruises can fill up quickly .
• Consider Overnight Options : Staying overnight in Milford Sound, at places like the Milford Sound Lodge , offers a unique opportunity to experience the fiord’s serene beauty beyond the day trips. It’s an excellent way to see a side of Milford Sound that many miss . See the   10 Best Accommodations in Milford Sound to discover all of your options.
• Travel Smart : If you’re self-driving, remember that there are no services on Milford Road, so fill up on gas in Te Anau and download your maps. Alternatively, many tours include transportation, making your journey stress-free .

Every trip to Milford Sound is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes. With these tips, you’re ready to navigate your cruise with ease, leaving you free to absorb the awe-inspiring sights and sounds of this natural wonder. Safe travels, and prepare to be amazed!

More About Milford Sound

That’s it for our guide the best cruises in Milford Sound. Get more advice on planning the perfect trip with the following articles:

• 10 Best Accommodations in Milford Sound
• 10 Milford Sound Walks You Can’t Miss
• 15 Stops You Can’t Miss on the Road to Milford Sound

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in  T he Complete Travel Guide to Milford Sound .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
• Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

Was this article useful?

Related posts, 10 best river kayaking tours in new zealand, 15 best places to scuba dive in new zealand [2024], 7 best places to surf in the south island, 7 best places for canyoning in new zealand, 10 best places to surf on the north island 🏄 [2024], 10 top surf breaks in christchurch, recommended for you, 5 best places to visit in autumn in new zealand, the lord of the rings vacation guide: how to plan a lotr trip to new zealand 🧙‍♂️, 10 best walks around lake taupo, destinations, travel tips, connect with us, accommodation.

Welcome/Kia Ora By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and terms of use within it which includes sponsored posts and affiliate links.

Connect with us

Welcome/Kia Ora! By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it.

© 2024 NZ Pocket Guide. Contact – Disclaimer – About Us – Our Standards

How to choose the Best Milford Sound Cruise (2023 Guide)

• Christopher Aiello
• October 14, 2022
• New Zealand

There really is no other way to appreciate the full majesty of this UNESCO world heritage site than by joining a Milford Sound cruise with one of the many companies that operate here.

To help you best decide which one you should take and all the intricacies of planning a Milford Sound cruise, this carefully curated guide to the best Milford Sound cruise will answer all those questions.

It can be a little overwhelming with so many cruise companies offering very similar experiences, and let’s face it not everybody wants to travel the same way.

Whatever your desires are- undoubtedly, visiting Milford Sound is hands down one of the best things to do in New Zealand and one you won’t soon forget.

You might have a lot of questions by now, like what’s the best Milford Sound cruise, or when is the best time of year to visit – we cover all of this and more but feel free to jump to certain sections.

When we holiday away and want to try awesome activities we personally use Get Your Guide . They offer their customers free 24 hour cancellation , skip the que access and their new reserve now, pay later option .

About Milford Sound

Renowned for its raw, untouched natural beauty, and designated as a UNESCO site in 1990 along with the rest of Fiordland national park – today it is known all over as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

However it’s not technically considered a ‘sound’ at all.

Milford sound is actually a Fiord – hence the name Fiordland national park.

This was a misnomer by the early European Captain John Grono who named it after his hometown of Milford Haven in 1823; as this narrow valley was carved out by Glaciers over millions of years in the making.

Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is one of 90 landmarks in New Zealand to be given a dual name under the 1998 Treaty of Waitangi; recognising its cultural significance to the Indigenous Maori and Pakeha people of New Zealand.

Since the construction of the Homer Tunnel gave access to Milford Sound in 1953, Milford sound has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in all of New Zealand in the later half of the 20th century.

A popular road trip from Queenstown or Te Anau, this journey only takes but a few hours along the Southern Alps through breathtaking scenery.

The most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand sit within the south west corner of South Island and include the Milford sound cruise, the Milford Track, a Milford scenic flight and the waterfalls and wildlife on display.

Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the Eighth wonder of the world and if you haven’t been here yet, you’ll soon find out why.

Best time of year to visit milford sound

The warmest times of the year are typically between November and March reaching 28 degrees celsius, and the cool winter months with heavier snowfall between May and October , peaking in July.

Fiordland national park is known as one of the wettest places in New zealand and in fact the whole world, with an average annual rainfall of 6412mm (6.4m/251 inches).

It gets very wet ; but this doesn’t mean that Milford sound tours stop running.

READ NEXT: Make sure you know what all the best things to do  in Queenstown are 

We had no idea this was a thing until we heard it from one of our tour guides but more rain means all the waterfalls come out to play.

And by all we mean some 10,000 waterfalls come cascading down the side of the fiords, creating tens of thousands of new temporary waterfalls but also adding to the permanent ones like Stirling falls and Lady Bowen falls. 

We did our Milford sound cruise in June and we had a mix of both rain, snow and sun so choosing when to do your Milford Sound cruise depends on more than just the weather.

What’s the best time of day to do a Milford Sound tour

Every Milford Sound cruise company runs daily tours every 2-3 hours and through peak season they run more frequently.

Early morning is our preferred time as the sun is not as harsh, better photography conditions and less people!

Late afternoon means you might catch a sunset and still have a less crowded boat, with peak travel times being in the middle of the day as most will drive back to Queenstown or Te Anau.

Is a boat tour the best way to experience Milford Sound

Overall yes , a scenic cruise is the best way to see all the major highlights of Milford Sound.

There are of course lots of other amazing things to do in Milford Sound but a boat cruise is our top pick.

Few experiences in Milford Sound let you see what you might see when you take a Milford Sound cruise, such as getting closer to wildlife like New Zealand Fur Seals at Seal rock, rare fiordland crested penguins and even seeing dolphins swimming.

READ MORE: There are so many   other places to see in Milford Sound , find out here! 

Will I get wet on a Milford cruise

Most day cruises get up close and personal to Bowen Falls to the point of getting soaking wet- and it was honestly a highlight of the trip.

There are other ways of course to enjoy Milford Sound such as a scenic flight from Milford airport, or even to join a s cenic flight from Queenstown.

How long do tours run for

Most Milford Sound cruise operators run each tour up to 3 hours in total.

Companies like Southern discoveries run a 3 hour day tour that includes a stop at the Milford Sound underwater observatory , or Real NZ run both a day and overnight cruise from 2 hours to overnight.

We chose to make Milford Sound the final destination of a full day tour from Te Anau, stopping at all the best places to see in Fiordland national park

Personally we chose to do the Real NZ two hour day cruise and we absolutely loved it. They had great hot chocolates on board (it gets cold) and a 360 degree panoramic deck up top to take in all the sights and not miss a single thing.

A scenic cruise or nature cruise

There’s not a whole lot of difference between both of these types of Milford Sound tours except the length of the boat cruise.

Most of the best cruises in Milford Sound take you to see all the major highlights through the Fiords, however a nature cruise generally runs for 2 hours and gives you more time to admire the scenery. 

This nature cruise goes for 2 hours long and is one of our favourites of all the Milford Sound tours.

Day cruise or Overnight cruise

The main difference here is price.

Day tours of Milford Sound will run from 1.5 to 2 hours + and will cost on average $109NZD.

An overnight cruise however (aside from going longer) will also cost you significantly more – in the range of $800-$1000NZD .

We personally chose to do the day trip instead of the overnight cruises to give ourselves more time to explore Milford Sound and the rest of Fiordland national park, given that we had our own rental van we wanted to make the most of our time using it.

Our Milford Sound itinerary

We began our road trip all the way back in Queenstown and started the 2 hour journey to Te Anau in our rental van from Maui motorhomes.

We made a couple of stops along the way including at the Lake Wakatipu lookout spot on the Southern scenic route 41 minutes into the drive.

From here we continued onwards not stopping until we reached Te Anau and found ourselves a cheap overnight stay in the front yard of someone’s home who was advertising on Campermate.

We used Campermate quite a bit to help us find the cheapest accommodation possible; but this also meant we had no services like water or power, and so relied on our reserves to get us through the night.

Whenever we needed to fill up we would simply book a night or two in Te Anau or Queenstown to fill our reserves.

It’s not how everybody likes to travel but this is what we prefer.

From Te Anau we drove 2-3 hours along Milford road stopping at all places along the way before arriving in Milford Sound, and staying the night at the Milford lodge before heading back the following morning.

The Best Milford Sound cruise (in our opinion)

The Milford Sound nature cruise with an optional picnic lunch has everything you want in a Milford Sound tour.

Of all the many Milford Sound cruises on offer this has to be the best bang for your buck, the most epic activity to try in Milford Sound.

The option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance is such a great option to have as well as the new reserve now, pay later option with Get Your Guide.

See all the amazing sights on board Southern discoveries original and best cruise in Milford Sound like taking in the full force of the 15,000 year old Stirling falls , get up close and personal to Bowen falls and even get the chance to see the mysterious wildlife of Milford Sound .

Cruise length: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Pro Tip: bring a rain jacket and warm clothes

In particular why we think  this nature cruise is the best option for you is because Southern Discoveries have been operating in the region for more than 60 years by a locally-owned and operated family business.

• Purpose built catamaran specifically for the Fiords
• 360 degree panoramic open top deck for the best views
• 1 hour and 45 minutes long
• Visit all the waterfalls (permanent ones)
• Sail by Harrison cove
• Optional picnic lunch on request
• reserve now, pay later
• awesome nature commentary from experiences guides

In the true nature of sustainable practices they’ve worked with the Department of Conservation on the Sinbad Sanctuary project that helps protect vulnerable native birds living in Milford Sound (a portion of sales goes towards the SSP)

What you’ll see on the Best Milford Sound boat cruise

Having been carefully selected from one of the Milford Sound cruises above, these are the major highlights you’ll see when you explore Milford Sound.

Stirling falls

The second of the permanent waterfalls here, Stirling falls drops 155 metres and is the one where everybody gets drenched when the boat goes almost under the falls.

More than halfway up the cruise, most tour operators will venture past here on the return journey to the wharf.

Make sure you have a rain jacket if you sit at the bow of the ship because you will get wet.

Bowen Falls

The first of only two permanent waterfalls in Milford Sound, this beautiful fall is on the northern side of the fiords and is easily seen from both your cruise boat and on the opposite side of the fiords when you try the Milford Sound foreshore walking track.

It’s fed from the Bowen river and actually provides the town with all its hydro-electrical energy- talk about sustainable!

The most photographed mountain in Milford Sound and now somewhat of an icon, the Maori name for Mitre Peak is Rahotu.

Its pointed summit is visible from the shoreline and straight after a visit to Bridal Veil falls on the southern side of the fiords.

Underwater observatory

The only way you’ll get to visit the world famous Milford Sound underwater observatory is by taking a Milford Sound cruise into Harrison Cove.

The sheltered, crystal waters of the cove are the perfect place to go kayaking in Milford Sound from the Milford discovery centre.

A trip to the underwater observatory is also an incredible activity in Milford Sound, where you’ll see the famous black coral and fish and stingray species.

This is the best place to see New Zealand fur seals sunbathing on the rocks by the water or frolicking in the Tasman sea.

They were once hunted to the brink of extinction but thanks to conservation and protection efforts their numbers are back to thriving.

Fairy falls/Bridal Veil falls

Whilst this non-permanent waterfall isnt as big as her cousins, Fairy falls are unique in that only the smaller boat tours with smaller vessels get close enough to fill your glass up with fresh glacial water.

Bridal Veil falls lie just before fairy falls and must be viewed relatively quickly as the boat will surely pass by them quicker than the blink of an eye.

How to get to Milford Sound for a cruise

There are dozens of options to choose from when it comes to booking your Milford Sound cruise, so we’ve listed 5 alternative tours you can have a read of and see which one peaks your interest.

Full day tour by road from Queenstown

Get picked up in the centre of Queenstown and begin your drive though the southern alps into fiordlands along the Milford road.

They run a 12.5 hour bus and cruise trip from Queenstown that stops at all of the following:

• Te Anau for a break
• Eglinton valley photo opportunity
• Mirror Lakes (break/photo opp)
• Milford Sound cruise
• Return to Te Anau for another break
• Head home to Queenstown

There are 3 access decks you will visit where you can take amazing photographs from exploring some of the best mountain landscapes anywhere in New Zealand.

Your coach trip will take you all the way to the Milford Sound cruise wharf where you’ll wander at sites like Mitre Peak , bowen falls, stirling falls as well as New Zealand fur seals.

Of all the nature cruises of Milford Sound this is the longest of the journeys but also gives you the most intimate tour.

There is a slightly cheaper option that more or less travels to the same routes as the one above and it is run by Pure Milford .

Milford Sound flight/boat cruises from Queenstown

Flight time: 40 minutes, weather dependant

Cruise time: 2 hours

Pick up/drop off: central Queenstown

Get the best of both worlds and take a 40 minute scenic flight in a fixed wing aircraft that departs from Queenstown and lands at Milford airport.

The best part of this tour is that the Milford Sound boat cruise is a small yet intimate 2 hour guided boat tour along the Tasman Sea with complimentary tea and coffee by your knowledgeable hosts.

Included in this tour is hotel pick up and drop off from centrally located accommodation in Queenstown.

Explore Milford Sound in this one of a kind 5 hour day trip, for less than $600NZD , you can even reserve your spot now and pay later if you change your mind.

Full day tour from Te Anau

Tour length: 12 hours total

Cruise length : 2 hours

If you have already moved on from Queenstown and found yourself in Te Anau then the good news is that this tour will pick you up from your hotel in Te Anau and take you along the Milford road to the sounds.

Follow the exact same route that we did on our self-guided drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound and experience the glacially carved valleys, lush green rainforests and mountain peaks.

If you haven’t already you can book your accommodation in Te Anau to explore more of this beautiful local town and grab yourself a nice coffee before the drive.

Milford Sound overnight cruise

Spend the night onboard the Fiordland Jewel boat cruise surrounded by the beauty of Milford Sound in the peaceful night sky, and even watch the stars from the top deck hot tub.

On this overnight cruise you’ll be served breakfast , lunch and dinner on board the 24 metre, 3 deck Catamaran that sleeps a maximum 20 guests each night with en-suites for each cabin.

For those looking to participate in the helicopter flights there’s even a helipad on the top deck for flying high above Fiordland national park.

The spectacular scenery is perfect for nature lovers as you cruise Milford on this 5 star Milford Sound overnight cruise.

This overnight cruise will cost your around $999NZD

Other activities in Milford Sound

Whilst Milford Sound boat cruises are the ultimate activity here there’s plenty other activities to try in Milford Sound. 

Kayak Milford Sound cruise deals

Make your day even more adventurous by choosing this cruise and Kayak tour of Harrison Cove.

This small, 8 kayak tour group takes you to the Kayak pontoon after you visit the underwater observatory and you get to kayak around the cove with all equipment provided.

They also offer complimentary tea and coffee as well as a picnic lunch afterwards.

Hike the Milford Track

Dubbed the finest walk in the world , this 4 day trek ends a short 20 minute boat ride from the Milford Sound.

As part of the great walks season, the Milford Track is the perfect segway to begin your exploration of Milford Sound.

What better way to finish the 53.5km one way circuit than by joining a nature cruise from companies like Mitre peak cruises or Southern discoveries.

Weather on a Milford Sound Cruise tour

As we mentioned previously, this part of New zealand receives the most rainfall per year, and even on a sunny day you should not expect the sun to stay clear all day long.

What you’ll find however is that when it does rain, up to 10,000 temporary waterfalls appear cascading down the sides of all the mountains in the park, looking like something out of Jurassic park.

January is typically the wettest month of the year with an average of 15 days of rainfall per month, however February is by contrast the warmest month of the year .

July is the coldest month of the year with a top temperature of 9 degrees celsius, being the middle of winter for the southern hemisphere.

That being said, Laura and I visited in May/June and we had a cracker of a day on our cruise. The following day however it rained a lot!

Always check the updates for the weather in Fiordlands national park. 

Driving on the roads from Te Anau

If you choose to drive yourself to Milford Sound then it’s important to stay up to date with the road conditions.

The roads are prone to being closed due to heavy snowfall, particularly between Te Anau and Milford Sound so always make sure you have snow chains on your vehicle.

We were lucky enough to have left the area well before it started snowing but we know of people who were caught in the middle of it, and you don’t have much choice but to wait for the roads to be cleared prior to leaving.

Where to stay in Te Anau

Depending on your budget there are plenty of places to stay in Te Anau, ranging from backpackers style through to complete luxury.

Mid-range accommodation

Tasman Holiday Parks was less than 5 minutes from the centre of town and had great powered campsites perfect for our rental van.

For less than $50/night we enjoyed a well supplied communal area with a laundry, very clean bathrooms and good, free wifi.

Mid-range luxury accommodation

To really enjoy a night’s stay in complete comfort and satisfaction then the Fiordland lodge, 5 km from the centre of town has your name on it!

These luxurious self-contained lodges with amazing views of Lake Te Anau are a great way to start or end your Milford Sound cruise.

Mid-range luxury alternative

Whilst this place isn’t in Te Anau, Milford Lodge is an incredible option that had everything from non-powered/powered sites right through to epic mountain view chalets.

Their private mountain or garden view rooms are some of the most elegant rooms on offer and well worth the price. 

We wish we could have stayed longer in their powered sites but our journey had to move forward. 

We made good use of their kitchen and communal area that had a strong, free wifi connection as well as very friendly staff in the Milford kitchen that serves up incredibly delicious food.

Laura and I got engaged here in Milford and celebrated over dinner at the Milford Lodge and we cannot recommend this place highly enough. 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Chris & Laura

Australian and Canadian freelance photographers & storytellers addicted to travel,  inspiring you to travel the world.

15 EPIC Things to do in Glenorchy you MUST TRY (2022)

TSS Earnslaw Cruise across Lake Wakatipu

Table of contents, related posts.

For a unique experience found nowhere else in the Southern Hemisphere a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the famous TSS Earnslaw is just the activity for you. Whilst there’s no

25 Amazing Queenstown activities for your next holiday

If you missed the latest headlines, Queenstown has long been known as the adventure capital of the southern hemisphere with just over 1 million visitors annually. Queenstown is the most

15 incredible things to do in fiordland national park

Easily making the top of the list for incredible destinations in all of New Zealand is Fiordland national park, the most magical place in (middle) Earth.

This quaint and charming town on the outskirts of Queenstown was in all honesty not on our list of places to visit on the South Island. With ancient Beech forests, snow

What It’s Like On An Overnight Milford Sound Cruise with Real Journeys

• Last Updated: April 5, 2019

Going on an overnight Milford Sound cruise with Real Journeys was one of the best experiences during our whole time in New Zealand.

New Zealand is fortunate enough to have some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet, with glacier-carved valleys, precipitous peaks and glistening lakes drawing over 3 million visitors every year.

From Queenstown to Rotorua, Abel Tasman National Park to Stewart Island, there are no shortage of gorgeous spots to check out in the country. But one place rises above the rest.

Milford Sound, on the west coast of the country, is the northernmost fjord in the majestic Fiordland region.

It was known to the Maoris by the name  Piopiotahi , after the piopio bird. They believed the demi God ‘Tuterakiwhanoa’ carved the landscape out of shapeless rock, and was a spiritual place for the indigenous people for centuries.

In 1812 Captain John Grono visited the region and renamed Piopiotahi to Milford Sound, after Milford Haven in Wales.

Milford Sound then became a popular settlement for whalers and fisherman in the years that followed. Today it is a protected area, and the development of tourism has seen millions of people fall in love with its mystical landscape.

Table of Contents

All Aboard The Milford Mariner

Kayaking in milford sound, dinner and drinks, a new day, 1000 new waterfalls, save this pin for later, sailing the fjords – our overnight milford sound cruise.

Milford Sound was one of those New Zealand destinations that we had always heard about, applauded by previous travellers who fell in love with its striking scenery.

As our plans formulated for the South Island we knew we couldn’t skip this magical place.

After spending a few days doing the best things to do in Queenstown , we started our research on Milford Sound, and found a couple of different options to visit.

You could either do a day trip and add a bit of hiking around the area, do a day cruise, or spend the night on a boat. Having done a few epic boat trips in other beautiful parts of the world, such as our Patagonian fjord cruise , we knew the overnight option would be epic.

Us being us though, we left things to the last minute, and quickly found out that the best overnight Milford Sound cruises are usually booked out weeks in advance during the high season.

We found out that the company Real Journeys were the leaders in trips through the fjord , so we called them up hoping we could squeeze into one in the next few days.

As luck would have it they just had a cancellation in one of their berths for a trip leaving in 2 days. We jumped at the opportunity without hesitation, and made plans to head to Te Anau, the last town before Milford Sound, the next night.

The drive to Te Anau was pleasant enough, and we booked ourselves into a simple cabin at the Te Anau Kiwi Holiday Park , so we could leave early in the morning to make the most of the views into Milford Sound.

We were told to meet the boat in Milford Sound at 4pm, which gave us lots of time to enjoy the beautiful drive from Te Anau.

The ride is only 122km long, but with the twists and turns, and numerous places to stop and explore, people recommend you take at least 3 hours to do the drive.

Not wanting to be in any rush though, we left at 10am, and with all the stops and small hikes we did, it was 3:30pm when we finally made it to the Milford Sound Visitors Centre. It really is one of the best drives in New Zealand, and it’d be foolish to hurry through it (check out our tips for driving it at the bottom of this article) .

We collected a free parking permit from the office inside and parked our rental car in the bus bay near the visitors centre.

Doing the check-in with Real Journeys was quick and easy, and we were asked to go wait out on the dock next to our boat, the Milford Mariner.

Just before 4:30 they opened the gangway and the group signed up for the overnight Milford Sound cruise loaded into the vessel.

The friendly staff directed us upstairs to the dining room, where we met our fellow passengers and listened to the safety briefing.

Afterwards we received our room key and headed back down to our cabin.

The room was cosy without being cramped, with a private bathroom and large, comfortable queen-size bed. The size didn’t really matter though, as we knew we’d be out admiring the views most of the time.

We dropped our small backpacks in the corner and headed back upstairs.

Soon enough the Mariner was leaving the pier, and we were navigating our way through the misty scenes of Milford Sound.

The weather stayed grey but the clouds lifted above the mountains, giving us tremendous views down the fjord.

All of the passengers gathered on the outside deck as we cruise through Milford Sound, jaws agape as forested cliffs soared above us in every direction.

We chatted excitedly as we made our way towards a sheltered and stunning cove, and the Mariner dropped anchor.

Rather than being a completely passive experience, the crew at Real Journeys want to make the trip in Milford Sound immersive and memorable, so with the Mariner anchored we got ready for the afternoon’s activities.

The passengers were given the choice of either exploring the cove in zodiacs, or jumping in single-person kayaks and paddling around.

Naturally we had to go for the kayaking option!

The passengers split up into two groups, and us kayakers were given a paddle and life jacket. The crew helped us load into the kayaks off the back of the Mariner, and off we went into the cove.

It was a magical experience paddling around, surrounded by the mystic peaks of Milford Sound. The water was crystal clear, and offered amazing reflections of the forests on the shore.

One of the Real Journeys guides kept us company, telling us stories about the fjords and filling us in on the marine life that calls Milford home.

We were given about an hour to enjoy the kayaking experience then made our way back to the Mariner.

While we waited for everybody to return from the trip, the guides suggested that if anybody was feeling particularly adventurous, and wanted to try something very few do, we could go for a swim.

A handful of us couldn’t say no, so we took turns jumping and backflipping off of the back of the boat into the chilly waters. Such an incredible end to the adventure.

After the cold swim we rushed off to our cabin and jumped into a hot shower to warm up. The sun (if you ever see it) sets quickly in Milford Sound, and by the time we got dressed again it was well on the way to getting dark outside.

It was almost time for dinner, so we moved back upstairs and hit the bar for a glass of delicious Kiwi wine.

For the meals we had seats already allocated, which ensured there was no awkward walking around trying to choose who to sit next to.

We were put with 2 other couples, and immediately started swapping travel stories.

The meal was a buffet style, with enough delicious food to cover anybody’s dietary needs, and we gorged ourselves on fresh seafood and New Zealand lamb.

When we were eating we were drinking wine with our new friends, having a great time. The captain then came out and introduced his entire crew to us, which turned into a bit of laughter.

Now that we were properly acquainted with the team from Real Journeys, the head chef, a Frenchman, came forward and told us a bit about the local food we were eating.

Naturally he saved the best for last though, and suddenly platters of dessert made their way to the centre of the room, including cheesecakes, brownies, ice cream, fruit and of course pavlova.

Ladies were given first choice, but there was plenty of food to go around, and nobody missed out on their favourites.

With the meal finished we were invited to the front room of the ship to have an entertaining talk from the onboard naturalist.

Sharing photos of Milford Sound, the wildlife and the crew, he kept the 30-minute presentation lighthearted and humorous, and not only did we laugh along with the show, we also learnt a lot about the area.

It was about 9pm when the presentation finished, and while a few people stayed up to enjoy a few more glasses of wine or beer, we decided to head to bed, ready to get up early in the morning.

We woke up before sunrise hoping to get golden rays shining on the tops of the peaks and mirror-like waters.

Instead we woke to torrential downpour, strong winds and the mountains shrouded in low-lying cloud.

Anywhere else in the world this would be a downer on your holiday, but not here in Milford Sound. In fact the weather had transformed the fjord into a new beast, and it was even more beautiful than we could have imagined.

As ambient light filtered into the channel we started to see thousands of small waterfalls cascading down the mountains all around us.

Milford Sound receives a tremendous amount of rainfall, and when the skies open up the mountains have nowhere to hold the water, which results in raging torrents falling from the cliffs.

It was quite a spectacular scene, and even though it was freezing we withstood the cold for the views as the Mariner made its way towards the open ocean.

We ran back inside to have breakfast, but wanting to make the most of the scenery we decided to have a quick bowl of cereal rather than tuck into the large cooked spread that was available, and headed back outside as soon as possible.

We grabbed our Kathmandu rain jackets  to try and keep dry and stood on the deck, watching as the Tasman Sea made its appearance.

The fjord opened up ahead of us, but the bad weather meant the ocean was quite rough. Rather than pushing right out to give the passengers a look along the coast, the captain hugged the headland then aimed back towards the shelter of Milford Sound.

By now most of the passengers had decided the views were worth the drenching, and we stood on the bow of the ship in complete awe.

With these new waterfalls tumbling dramatically in every direction, the captain started to veer towards one of the largest ones, and made an announcement over the PA that anybody outside was going to get much wetter in a second.

This was an experience many of the guests had been waiting for, and with GoPros at the ready we stood defiantly as the Mariner was commanded expertly into the rush of the cascading falls.

Water hammered us from above, the sound completely deafening, but for a few seconds we were in the heart of the waterfall. It was exhilarating.

The captain did this to us two more times, and each shower proved to be as fun as the last. Now we were thanking our lucky stars for the weather.

It was only now, with the trip about to finish, that we started to see some more ships in the fjord, and we suddenly realised that the Mariner had been on its own pretty much the entire time we were in Milford Sound.

We could see the visitor’s centre and parking lot up ahead, so we ran inside to pay our alcohol bill and collect our bags from the cabin.

Sadly all good things must come to an end, and the Mariner crept into the dock and the crew tied us to the pier.

We said goodbye to the crew and our new friends, exchanged some email addresses and farewelled the Milford Mariner.

Our adventure with Real Journeys was over, but the memories would stay with us for a long time.

The hype over Milford Sound had been justified, and we couldn’t believe our luck at fitting in on a cabin at the end of high season.

For something we hadn’t originally planned on doing, our overnight Milford Sound cruise was a real highlight.

No trip to New Zealand’s South Island would be complete without immersing yourself in the majestic wonder of the atmospheric Milford Sound.

Day Cruise vs Overnight – Which Should You Choose?

You have two options for cruises in Milford Sound: A short day cruise or an overnight cruise. While a lot of it depends on your time and budget, we highly recommend going for an overnight cruise if possible.

As Milford Sound is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, seeing it without any other people is next to impossible.

And with the vast majority of visitors coming just for a day trip, you’ll find yourself in the fjord with plenty of other boats.

While this doesn’t make Milford Sound any less beautiful, it does make it a little less magical. There’ll be a constant stream of people flooding into and out of the visitor centre, and boats seem to be disembarking every few minutes.

After 4pm however, when most of the people have loaded up in the tourists buses and headed back to Te Anau or Queenstown, only a few ships have licenses to head out into the evening.

By joining a Milford Sound overnight cruise you’ll have the opportunity to see this majestic place without the crowds, which is in itself a real highlight of any trip to New Zealand.

Not only that, you get the chance to see Milford Sound for sunset and sunrise, something that’s not really possible any other way unless you stay at one of the expensive lodges there.

If you can extend your trip to be an overnighter, we highly recommend making this your main choice for a truly memorable Milford Sound cruise!

Driving To Milford Sound

There are lots of tour buses making the drive from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound every single day, but in our personal opinion it is much better to rent a car and self-drive. If you do, you’ll understand why.

The road to Milford Sound is almost as epic as the fjord itself, with steep valleys shrouded in fog coming alive with thousands of waterfalls after heavy rain.

On the drive from Te Anau you’ll come across rivers and cascades in raging torrents, plains of wildflowers leading into mysterious peaks and old growth forests twisting into the sky.

The road is narrow and winding, meaning progress is slow, but that just means more time to enjoy the unreal scenery. Trust us when we say it might be one of the most beautiful drives you do in all of New Zealand!

There are plenty of excellent stopping points along the way too where you can park your car, get out and do some exploring. Rather than us listing our favourites, do yourself a favour and just stop at every single one you pass (marked by big signs).

A word of warning though – This road is extremely busy, filled with rental cars and tour buses, and there are a lot of drivers using it that may not necessarily have much experience with driving on the ‘wrong side of the road’, or with driving in general.

There are a lot of accidents on this road. Drive slowly, drive carefully, and give yourself plenty of time to get to Milford Sound for your overnight cruise.

[box] We joined our overnight Milford Sound cruise as guests of Real Journeys. All thoughts, opinions, and thousands of waterfall pictures are, as always, our own.[/box]

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

GoPro HERO 13 Review – The Ultimate Camera Guide [2024]

GoPro HERO8 Black Review – Is it Worth Buying in 2024?

GoPro HERO 9 Review – Is it Still Worth it in 2024?

Related Posts

Street scenes of athens, backpacking in singapore on a budget, how to get to magnetic island, queensland – everything you need to know, gear review – pacsafe v9 camera bag, 6 thoughts on “what it’s like on an overnight milford sound cruise with real journeys”.

Do you have stand up paddle boards?

Not sure if they do. You can contact Real Journeys and they will be able to help you out. All the best.

We are planning on going when our kids are 5 and 8! Do you think it’s suitable for them?

Loved this article!

We do definitely. There was a lot of activities to do. Just get in contact with the tour company if you have any questions.

I would definitely choose the overnight cruise for this one. New Zealand has very majestic rock formations and that view is just stunning. I was left in awe by the pictures you took, Alesha and Jarryd!

Thanks so much Agness. It definitely is. We were blown away by the beauty in this area. We can not wait to return one day

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Overnight Cruise With Fiordland Discovery – The Best Way To Experience Milford Sound

November 15, 2021

Table of Contents

Being a New Zealand travel fanatic I’ve been to Milford Sound on several day cruises, and scenic flights and recently I even walked there on foot along  the Milford Track .

When I received the opportunity to do an overnight cruise I thought, well there’s not actually that much more I can see or learn about Milford Sound. Oh, how wrong was I?

If you are  planning a road trip around New Zealand , staying overnight in Milford Sound should be on your bucket list! 

Why is the overnight cruise on Milford Sound worth it?

My overnight experience on Milford Sound with Fiordland Discovery taught me more in a single night than I learnt in weeks of exploring Milford Sound on my own. 

This was mainly down to 3 things:

• The limited numbers aboard gave us more personal time with the boat crew.
• The knowledge that the crew possessed and shared with us. 
• My eagerness to learn as much as I could about this amazing place.

Let’s start from the beginning. Upon arriving at the Milford Sound Ferry Terminal, we were warmly greeted and given our lanyards that confirmed our participation in the overnight experience. After being ushered on board the vessel – the aptly named Fiordland Jewel, we were personally introduced to every member of the boat’s crew from the porter to the captain.

After a quick, but essential, safety briefing we embarked on our sunset cruise on the Fjord. The fact that there were only 12 of us, not including the boat crew, and that we were in one of the most remote areas of the World, immediately made us feel like we were the only people left on this planet. 

For me, one of the  biggest advantages of an overnight cruise  is the lack of what I like to call the ‘conveyor belt issue’. Day cruises are constantly boarding and departing, forming a continuous stream of boats. This certainly distracts you from the grandeur of the fjord.

Thankfully, the day cruises were finished by the time our overnight experience with  Fiordland Discovery  started.  It meant we had the whole place to ourselves!  If we wanted to wait at a particular waterfall we could, because there wasn’t a queue behind us.

When we came across a pod of dolphins we stopped and enjoyed their presence for a while.  There was never a rush.

With the limited numbers aboard our vessel, we had the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the knowledgeable captain and staff. 

The name of every mountain, every animal and every waterfall intertwined with personal anecdotes and facts that never felt recited. 

We stayed in a private twin ensuite room. It was modern, clean and had everything we needed including USB docking stations, plug sockets, towels and toiletries. It was like a fancy hotel room but with much better views! 

Speaking about the views!  One huge window at the foot of the beds gave uninterrupted vistas of wherever we were docked or sailing through.  Just imagine waking up to it!

Before dinner, we had the opportunity to go on a  sightseeing tour in the smaller boat or go kayaking as the sunset over the mountains.  I did both. I also captured some stunning images of Jack paddling away into the sunset. The light conditions were certainly in my favour. 

Whilst kayaking we had a  private guide come along with us  giving us information about the surroundings. We were also free to go explore if we wanted some alone time.

The brave ones could also choose to  dive into the chilly water from the helipad!  Interestingly when I jumped in, I expected to taste salt water but the fresh water from rivers and rain sits on top of the salt water! It was really quite refreshing.

After working up our appetite and given a chance to shower and freshen up for dinner, we were treated to a 3-course extravagance including  freshly caught lobster with wasabi mayonnaise, New Zealand Blue Cod with pancetta and home-made ice cream with berry coulis and pistachio snap.  YUM!

The menu does highly depend on what’s freshly caught and what seasonal vegetables are available. Vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and all other dietary requirements can be catered for.

After a glass of wine enjoyed with good company,  we spent the evening in the hot tub on the top deck,  watching the stars turn slowly above our heads. That night I slept like a baby being gently rocked by the waves in the bay, where we anchored for the night. 

When we awoke, we could tell we were moving but it was still dark.  We were getting out in the fjord for the sunrise.  Again, all alone apart from the dolphins and seals. Once the sun rose, breakfast was served. Eggs any style, bacon, toast, cereals, fruit, tea and coffee plus yoghurts and bottles of water.

After our sunrise cruise, we started our return to the Milford Sound Ferry Terminal and arrived just as the first-day cruises were leaving. Perfect timing.

As we were helped with our bags, the staff gave us heartfelt goodbyes and wished us well on our onward journey.

I couldn’t recommend Fiordland Discovery enough. There was literally nothing I could complain about even if I wanted to. The boat was modern, the food tasty and the staff friendly but that’s not all! 

Being alone in Milford Sound kayaking at sunset in Deep Water Cove, and waking up to the view of Mitre Peak is a top experience and  no other boat tour company operating in Milford Sound will give you that.

These are the experiences that you pay for and what make the overnight cruises offered by Fiordland Discovery so sought after and unique.  

How to book the Fiordland Discovery overnight cruise?

You can reserve your spot directly with the company or on booking.com

If you have any questions about my experience or travelling in New Zealand make sure to post them in the comment section below. 

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Disclaimer:  The locations and hikes on this website have been researched by the author and are believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. The author can take no responsibility for any unforeseen circumstances encountered along the routes. Anyone following these trails or road trip itineraries should be aware of any danger that hiking and climbing bring and understand that they are solely responsible for their safety.

Copyright © In A Faraway Land 2024

Save 25% on Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises: Wilderness25 . T&Cs apply .

Milford Sound Overnight Cruises

For a limited time   save 30%   on Milford Sound Overnight Cruises.

To receive the discount use the promo code   Overnight30  when booking online.

Terms & Conditions apply.   Learn more here .

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

• Milford Sound
• Te Anau Downs

Staying in Queenstown? Let us drive you to Milford Sound.

Daily coach connections from Te Anau. Sit back, relax and take in all the views along the Milford Road.

Make your own way to Milford Sound and join your overnight cruise

Get your photo featured: #RealNZ

DEFINITELY book the overnight cruise. It was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. Milford Sound is such a devastatingly beautiful place, and there is something magical about spending a quiet night on the deck of your ship, taking it all in. The cabins were cozy and surprisingly comfortable, and the whole ship leans hard into nautical explorer vibes (it's very fun and very instagrammable, if that's your thing). You get a chance to jump into the fiord too, and you better do it! If you can swim, don't miss the opportunity, it's not even that cold (and the showers are hot- you'll be fine). The food on board was better than expected, there's a bar, and you'll learn a lot of fun facts from your onboard nature guide. There is no cell service or wifi, so warn your loved ones you'll be off the grid before you drive to Milford. Lindzey “LZ” Kobiske, Via Google

I highly recommend the overnight tour staying onboard the Milford Mariner. Our coach driver, Brian, picked us up in Queenstown and dropped us back at our accommodation the following day. Brian had a fantastic attitude, he was very helpful, and shared interesting facts at various points along the way, and also accommodated great photo stops. The experience aboard the Milford Mariner was fantastic. The crew, the meals, the accommodation, and of course the spectacular scenery made this an experience we won’t forget. Thank you again to Brian, our coach driver, your great attitude was appreciated.

Booked an overnight cruise to Milford Sound and the whole experience was so memorable, from start to finish! Our driver, Brandon, was super informative and made our journey to the fiord so pleasant, telling us stories about New Zealand and Fiordland, the driving was really smooth (which for me is already a big plus seeing as the roads can be narrow and steep at times) and he is overall a really nice person. The cruise was also very well organized, the rooms were nice and clean, the activities well planned and Riley and Vivian who guided us through some of the things to do were very friendly and informative. 100% would recommend going to Milford Sound with these guys! Stefania Oggioni, Via Google

More Information

This overnight cruise through the heart of Fiordland provides astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound adventure.

You’ll start by departing from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon before cruising through Milford Sound accompanied by our specialist nature guide. They’ll explain the history and geology of the area and be on hand to answer your questions.

This cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and, if you’re lucky, maybe dolphins and penguins too.

The Milford Mariner then anchors in a sheltered cove. From here you can join the guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) or kayaks. If you prefer, you can simply relax on deck and soak in the beauty of this amazing place. If you’re feeling brave there’s always the option of a refreshing swim too. All activities are weather dependent. 

As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon – a feast prepared freshly by our on-site chef. Then it’s time to relax in the company of your fellow traveller, indulge in some star-gazing and story-sharing or simply retire to your private cabin.

The next day you’ll be able to dig into a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the fiord.

Things you should know

• The trip duration is for 1 night
• Private cabins with ensuite bathrooms - twin, double or single occupancy (a single passenger must pay sole occupancy rate)
• Quad share bunk-style compartments with ensuites
• Three course buffet dinner including appetisers, soups, salads, hot dishes and a selection of desserts and cheeses (vegetarian options available)
• A full buffet breakfast with cooked and continental options is served
• There is a licensed bar on board. Due to the remote location, we can only accept cash
• Kayaking and tender craft (small boat) activities included

Extra Information

• Duvets, sheets and towels provided
• Suitable for all ages, with the exception of infants in quad share
• Complimentary tea and coffee is available

Departure Times

The trip leaves from the Milford Sound Terminal at 4.00pm and returns by 9.15am the following day. 

You are required to check-in at the RealNZ counter 30min prior to departure.

Getting there

The journey to Milford Sound is just as spectacular as the destination itself. Milford Sound is around 5-6 hours (one-way) from Queenstown and around 3 hours from Te Anau by road. 

Overnight parking is available in the Realnz coach area outside of the Milford Terminal for $30, from 3.30pm until 11am the following morning. This can be paid by card or paywave inside the terminal building.

Free parking is available at Deep Water Basin Road. Guests have the ability to drop luggage and other passengers off, head to Deep Water Basin Road and park there (free of charge), walking down to the terminal after doing so and joining their overnight cruise. This walk takes approximately 20 minutes and is marked.

Guests should always allow extra time for themselves to check in and board their vessels.

By far the most satisfying way to experience Milford (or Doubtful) Sound is to do an overnight cruise; it gives you more time in the fjord when it's at its best—first thing in the morning and early evening. Fodors.com

What to bring

Only one carry-on bag is recommended for passenger convenience and for safety reasons.  Don't forget the following:

• Non-slip walking shoes/boots 
• Waterproof jacket *
• Warm sweater/fleece jacket
• Change of clothes *
• Sunscreen/sunglasses
• Insect repellent *
• Swimwear (optional)
• Cash for bar and snacks
• Personal medication including for asthma and allergies

* Essential items if you are doing any water activities.

Milford Mariner

About the Milford Mariner

The Milford Mariner is a purpose built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords

• Private cabins with ensuites (twin or double bed configuration)
• Limited quad-share bunk-style compartments with ensuites (Call to book)
• Spacious viewing decks and observation lounge
• Dining saloon and licensed bar
• Carries 30 kayaks and 2 tender craft onboard

In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.

How long does it take to travel to Milford Sound?

If you are travelling from Queenstown it will take around 5 hours to reach Milford. Te Anau to Milford is around 2 hours 30 minutes. This timing allows for toilet and photo stops along the way.  If driving, make sure you fill your vehicle with petrol in Te Anau before travelling to Milford as there are no petrol stations at Milford Sound or en route.  For more details, refer to our Driving Times webpage.

At Milford where do you park and go to check in for Overnight Cruises?

Overnight parking is available at the terminal for $30, from 3.30pm until 11am the following morning. This can be paid by card or paywave inside the terminal building.

What is the Milford Sound Levy?

The Milford Sound Levy is paid to the Milford Sound Tourism authority and helps to maintain, preserve and develop the Fiord.  For more information, see the Milford Sound Tourism website .

Are linen and towels provided on the Milford and Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises?

Yes, bedding and towels are provided to all guests.  

Overnight Cruises and Quadshare - We are a group of three people and would like to book a shared quad-share room. Will this mean we would be sharing with another person?

Yes, you could potentially be sharing with another guest. Alternatively you could choose to pay for the entire quad cabin, or two double cabins, to ensure privacy.  If you wish to pay for an entire quad cabin, please contact us directly.

Note: quad-share cabins are mixed gender.

What weather can I expect in Fiordland?

Fiordland’s weather is what gives the region its unique character. Rainfall is what makes Fiordland a land of lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and fiords. Visitors should always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during their stay. It is recommended to bring sensible clothing for cool and wet weather to fully appreciate your stay.

The temperatures you can expect in the different seasons are as follows: 

• Summer  (December-February) 19-23 Celsius / 66 - 73 Fahrenheit 
• Autumn  (March-May) 8-18 Celsius / 46  - 64 Fahrenheit
• Winter  (June-August) 5-9 Celsius /  41  - 48 Fahrenheit
• Spring  (September-November) 10-19 Celsius  / 50   - 66 Fahrenheit

Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?

Many say you have not seen Fiordland unless you have seen it in the rain.  When it rains in Fiordland the landscape is dramatic - rock faces stream with waterfalls, mist hangs around the tops of the mountains and rivers and streams rage.  From a dry comfortable vantage point on the bus or boat, this landscape is spectacular for sightseeing.

While we cannot guarantee you will see wildlife, sightings of fur seals are reasonably common in both Doubtful and Milford Sounds.  A pod of bottlenose dolphins resides in Doubtful Sound so you have a good chance of seeing these fascinating mammals, and in Milford Sound dolphins are occasional visitors.  In both sounds the rare Fiordland crested penguin can at times be observed.

How much luggage can I take on my overnight cruise?

We recommend each passenger brings no more than a carry-on sized bag due to space restrictions in the cabins. For a list of what to bring please see the 'more info' section or your booking confirmation.

There is limited luggage storage available at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.

What is the difference between a double room and a twin room?

A double room is a private room for two people, with one bed to share. A twin room is a private room for two people, with two single beds.

Your travel agent or the outlet where you purchased your Milford Sound trip will refund the flight component of your ticket.  You will return to Queenstown by  coach.

What is the difference between Milford and Doubtful Sounds?

Our places. Our experiences. Milford and Doubtful Sounds, NZ.

The main difference between Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound is their locations in Fiordland. Milford Sound, in the northern region, is captivating with its dramatic beauty. Doubtful Sound, on the other hand, is further south, in the heart of Fiordland, and is vaster and wilder, approximately ten times larger than Milford Sound.

What are the driving conditions to Milford like in the winter?

Driving conditions during winter (May to September) can be difficult.  Extreme care is needed as freezing temperatures mean the road can ice over in shaded places.  During the winter it is  mandatory  to carry snow chains in your vehicle as the road can sometimes be covered in snow.  These are available for hire from petrol stations in Te Anau and Queenstown.

If you are not confident about driving in winter conditions then take a RealNZ  coach  to Milford Sound so you can relax and take in the stunning scenery.

Are there any natural hazards and risks I should be aware of when visiting Milford Sound?

Visitors to Milford Sound should be aware of various natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, severe weather events, flooding, landslides, and avalanches. The Alpine Fault, capable of producing Magnitude 8 earthquakes, poses a significant risk of triggering landslides and tsunamis, while the area's mountainous terrain and high rainfall lead to frequent landslides and potential road closures due to flooding and avalanches. Learn more here .

Throughout Fiordland the fiords are officially mapped as sounds.  Strictly speaking, they should be called fiords.

A fiord is a glaciated valley - typically narrow and steep-sided - that has been flooded by the sea after the glacier’s retreat.  A sound, on the other hand, is a river valley flooded by the sea following a rise in sea levels or depression of the land, or a combination of both.

Online transactions/prices are conducted in what currency?

All prices and transactions on the RealNZ website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD).  This is specified on the Terms & Conditions page.

What happens if there is an emergency?

Our staff are trained to deal with incidents and in case of an emergency you should listen to their instructions. We have a portable defibrillator on each of our overnight cruise vessels (Milford Mariner, Milford Wanderer and Fiordland Navigator). In addition to this we also have portable defibrillators at the following locations: •    Milford Sound Visitor Terminal •    RealNZ Visitor Centre, Manapouri •    Cavern House (Te Anau Glowworm Caves) •    Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, Walter Peak •    TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship •    Stewart Island Ferry (Bluff - Oban - Bluff)

Can my dietary requirements be accommodated? 

Yes, dietary requirements can be catered for. Please provide detailed information regarding your dietary requirements when making a booking. 

Is the boat accessible for individuals with impaired mobility? 

When we are informed in advance about guests with hindered mobility, we make every effort to mitigate the impact by assigning rooms in proximity to the main areas. However, it’s important to note that our vessels are not optimally equipped for potential needs. While we extend a warm welcome to individuals with impaired mobility, all our vessel’s doorways feature a sea sill, there are no ramps within the boat, and a flight of stairs separates rooms from the main saloon. 

What happens if my travel is disrupted by COVID-19?

If your travel plans are disrupted by COVID-19, our standard cancellation policy applies. This includes flexible cancellation options designed to accommodate unexpected changes. To ensure you are fully covered for any unforeseen circumstances, we strongly encourage you to obtain travel insurance. Travel insurance can help cover any costs incurred from having to cancel or reschedule your trip due to COVID-19, giving you peace of mind.

For more details on our cancellation policy and the specific terms and conditions, please refer to our Terms and conditions page or contact our customer service team.

RealNZ | Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise

You might also like

Milford Sound Cruises

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises

Sorry. The booking process is not supported when in private browsing or incognito mode.

Try turning off private browsing or incognito mode to continue.

Roaming Around the World

Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales

Is Milford Sound Worth It?

April 27, 2015 By John Widmer 22 Comments

The Milford Sound is often referred to as the 8 th wonder of the world , first dubbed so by Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling. Many visitors say it’s the most beautiful place they’ve ever seen . Milford Sound is also the crowning jewel of what is  mainland New Zealand’s only Natural World Heritage Site .

Despite all the accolades, we still often see questions throughout several travel forums asking:

It is undeniable that the Milford Sound contains some stunning scenery . But is taking a Milford Sound tour really worth it?

To answer that question, first let’s understand the drawbacks that make travellers doubt whether venturing out to Milford Sound can be justified.

Here are the most common concerns that leave people asking if the Milford Sound is worth it:

1) The Time and Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound

Many travellers find themselves in Queenstown only to realize that the journey to Milford Sound can take up to 5 hours to drive to , each way. That’s potentially 10 hours in a car if attempting to tour Milford Sound in a single day.

That’s quite a long way, particularly for visitors who may be on a short weeklong trip with little time to spare. And if you don’t have wheels, you’ll need to catch a bus.

So it begs the question: is Milford Sound worth the long drive or bus ride?

2) The Cost of Milford Sound

The Milford Sound is a body of water after all, so you’ll need to take a ride on a boat to experience its glory. Unless you happen to have a good friend in Fjordland with a boat, you’ll need to join a cruise tour to experience Milford Sound, which will cost you a few dollars.

Prices for these Milford Sound tours run well into the hundreds of dollars for a day trip from Queenstown. It can get expensive. But we’ve also found some cheaper Milford Sound deals starting at $45 NZD . (We show where the best Milford Sound tour deals are towards the end of this post.)

But whether you’re paying hundreds of NZD or $45 for a Milford Sound tour, it all makes you wonder is it really worth it?

3) The Need To Take a Milford Sound Tour

New Zealand is a mecca for adventurers, backpackers, and independent-minded travelers.

We’re also of this mindset and often prefer not to take group tours. The allure of the Milford Sound draws people in. But once realizing it takes a packaged tour to reach this natural wonder, it leaves many backpackers asking is the Milford Sound really worth it?

4) The Hype

Finally, we often find that destinations in the world so full of superlatives can end-up being letdowns overall. Places like the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa often get picked on as one of those overrated attractions.

So we too questioned if Milford Sound could be an overhyped site in New Zealand. Is it all hype or is Milford Sound really worth the time and money that it takes to get all the way out there?

So… Is Milford Sound Worth It?

We simply couldn’t ignore the advice that others had left before us, citing a Milford Sound cruise as a “must do.” We set off on a group tour with Real Journeys to find out for ourselves and answer the question of “Is Milford Sound worth it?”

The Short Answer:

Yes! Absolutely.

Milford Sound is worth it. If you find yourself on the South Island and are debating whether or not to go to Milford Sound, our advice is to just do it ! You’ve gotta go. The Milford Sound is, indeed, an amazing place in the world to experience.

The Long Answer:

We’ll offer our two-cents on just why we think a Milford Sound tour is, in fact, “worth it,” by taking you through our experience. From driving or bussing, time considerations, stopovers in Te Anau and even whether the food and booze is worth it; hopefully this post may give you some additional perspective on aspects to consider before deciding whether or not to pursue that trip to Milford Sound.

For our Milford Sound tour, we hitched a ride with Real Journeys on the Milford Mariner for this quintessential New Zealand excursion, which starts at $85 NZD for the 2018-2019 season, for the 2½ hour Nature Cruise around the famed fjord. (Note: less expensive options are available and booking info is listed towards the end of this post.)

Is Milford Sound Worth the Drive?

Regarding concerns about time, you have to realize that although the drive to Milford Sound is a lengthy one, it is also an extremely scenic drive. Really, the drive out to Milford Sound is half the appeal. If you have a rental car, there are many opportunities to stop along the way and you definitely should. Pull over, snap some pictures, or take a short stroll. You will find plenty of chances to do all of that en route to the Sound.

It’s an incredibly scenic drive! Similar to Milford Sound itself, the route from Queenstown to Milford Sound has been anointed with a slew of superlatives. The “Milford Road” is said by many to be one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. We definitely found this claim to be true, particularly so on the latter portion of State Road 94, which runs from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

Consider Stopping in Te Anau to Break Up the Long Drive

If you’re worried about having a long day or a long drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound, another option to consider is breaking it up with an overnight stop in Te Anau. That’s exactly what we did and we found the town to be a very pleasant pit stop. So we now highly recommend. In Te Anau, there are restaurants, bars, shops, hikes, and even an excursion to see glow worms inside of a cave . (Glow worms guys!! It’s awesome!)

Another advantage of stopping overnight in Te Anau is since you are staying closer to Milford Sound, you have the option of taking a boat trip earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. Those trips not only tend to be  lower in price , but there’s another big advantage.  There is less boat traffic  in Milford Sound during these morning hours compared to the mid-day tours. This makes for a more serene time experiencing the natural beauty.

Additionally, for those without a car, you can easily make it from Queenstown to Te Anau by public transportation. There are regular busses from Queenstown to Te Anau. Once in Te Anau, you can join a Milford Sound bus tour from there. Doing it this way will cost less than if you were to take a bus tour directly from Queenstown (although this may come at the expense of convenience.)

If you have the time, it’s certainly well worth it to get to Te Anau on your own, staying there for a night, then joining a morning Milford Sound tour the next day.

As is the case for many popular areas in New Zealand, it’s essential to reserve accommodation in advance since all the best and cheapest places get booked full early during the high season. If you’re planning to stay in Te Anau on your way to Milford Sound, here are some recommendations for how to get there and where to stay for the best value .

Getting from Queenstown to Te Anau by Bus:

• Intercity has busses from Queenstown to Te Anau several times per day. If booked early, you can find direct, one-way fares for $22. Otherwise, you may find rates running closer towards $49.
• Note: Although possible, we  do NOT recommend  booking an Intercity bus all the way to Milford Sound with a separately booked Milford Sound boat tour. This can lead to missed connections.

Where to Stay in Te Anau – Solo Travelers – Good & Inexpensive Dorms (less than $40 NZD, per person):

• Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers : It’s among the most popular and cheapest in Te Anau, and also a convenient location. We stayed here and recommend. Read the latest reviews and check pricing/availability on HostelWorld .
• YHA Te Anau : If Lakefront is fully booked, try this youth hostel for a few dollars more. It’s clean, comfy, good social areas and cool staff. Read the latest reviews and check pricing/availability on HostelWorld .

Where to Stay in Te Anau – Couples – Inexpensive Private Rooms (less than $90 NZD, per room):

• Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers : It tends to have the least expensive private rooms available in Te Anau, which is what attracted us to stay here in a private room, and we now recommend. It’s on a beautiful property that’s a short & easy to walk to town. Search all the major booking sites for Lakefront Backpackers using HotelsCombined to find the lowest price of private rooms .
• Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park : This is another great budget-friendly place to consider with beautiful views of the lake. Search Lakeview Kiwi on HotelsCombined to find the lowest price among all major booking sites .

Be Sure To Book a Glow Worm Tour in Te Anau!

• The 2.5-hour Te Anau Glow Worm tour takes you on a scenic boat ride across the lake and then cruising inside of a massive cave full of glow worms – sweet as! These book up in advance, so be sure to reserve. There are tours that go in the evening too, so you can arrive to Te Anau late and still see the glow worms. And it’s fairly cheap. You can find the lowest prices, latest reviews, times, and availability for the Glow Worm tour on Viator .

Traveling Over The Milford Road

If you don’t have your own set of wheels, the best way to get to Milford Sound is to organize transpiration with the company you’ll be touring the Sound with to offer a worry-free connection to your boat tour. You can book coach + boat tours from either Queenstown or Te Anau. We hopped on a Real Journeys coach from Te Anau.

We had initially just considered this bus ride simply as transportation, a way to get from Te Anau to Milford Sound. But we were pleasantly surprised to discover that this bus ride turned out to be a full-on tour of its own. Our bus driver, Barry, provided interesting commentary along the entire way there with some deadpan humor occasionally thrown in for those who were really paying attention. Barry’s mellow and soothing voice provided an appropriate dialog to the amazing scenery we were passing. I seriously felt like I was inside a Bob Ross painting as Barry pointed out some little trees at the base of a mountain. (Bonus points to anyone reading this who gets this reference.)

The bus itself was nice. Yet what was really cool were the huge dome windows that curved right up around the top of the coach, enabling us to see the entire mountainous landscape that surrounded.

We weren’t just confined behind the windows. Barry also pulled over occasionally for us to get out and tramp around for a bit.

Here are a few of our favorite stops along the way.

Eglinton Flats provided a pleasant valley to stretch your legs.

Mirror Lake  is not only a beautiful spot.

It’s very appropriately named.

Falls Creek provided some great views of the coastal mountains looming in the distance.

The glaciers are visible clinging to some of the mountain peaks. Always a stunning sight!

So is it worth it to take the coach to Milford Sound? We say, yes!

But this does depend on whether or not you already have a car. If you already have a rental car, I would just utilize that rather than letting it go unused for the day. But if you were without a vehicle, then we’d definitely recommend adding the coach trip to get you there in style as you learn a few things from Barry’s gentle narration.

Just sit back and relax!

Cruising on the Milford Sound

Once you arrive at the boat docks, it’s a smooth connection onto the ship. This is the main event. This is why you came here.

After a brief introduction from the Captain and the ship’s resident Naturalist, the boat embarks into the Sound. Excitement sets in.

Soaring limestone cliffs on either side of you. Towering snowcapped mountain peaks are off in the distance. Anxiously looking ahead, some amazing waterfalls begin to come into focus. But you can’t neglect the look back as the looming Mount Mitre starts to take center stage. It’s at this point where you may find yourself running all around the ship in attempts to take in all 360-degrees of the awesomeness that surrounds.

Further through the fjord, you now reach some enormous waterfalls just throwing water down the sides of sheer cliffs. There are two permanent waterfalls in the fjord, Lady Bowen Fall and Stirling Falls. You’ll get a nice up-close look at each of them, beginning with Lady Bowen Falls .

Our captain claimed Stirling Falls is three times the height of Niagara! It’s hard to believe. So to really get a feel for it, he drove the bow of the ship right underneath the pounding Falls. It was really cool and we were a little surprised this big ship could maneuver its way under the Falls.

Meanwhile, don’t get too distracted by the geology and forget about the Sound’s animal friends. Pods of dolphins can occasionally be spotted in the fjord, as can penguins (rare). We didn’t see any, but we did find some lazy seals sunning themselves on low-lying rocks below the looming granite crags rising above. They seemed to just be soaking in the amazing views.

Can you spot the seals?

Seals + mountains + cliffs + waterfalls + boat ride = worth it! 

After floating through a narrow section of the fjord, you eventually round a few corners to reach the wide-open Tasman Sea. Its here that you look back into the fjord, which appears somewhat hidden, and realize how Captain James Cook easily missed the fjord’s entrance when he first sailed by it in the late 1700s.

What Crowds?

A pleasant surprise for us was the lack of Milford Sound being crowded. Knowing that it’s one of New Zealand’s most popular tourism destinations, we figured the Milford Sound would be buzzing with boats whisking group after group all through this waterway. Yet during our entire tour, we only encountered two other boats. The Mariner’s sister ship, the Milford Wanderer cruised near us for much of the journey and we crossed paths with only one other boat early in our voyage.

The ship itself was nice and there always seemed to be plenty of space. Occasionally areas in the front of the boat would start to get a little bit packed, so we often found the stern (back) of the ship to be a perfect place to go and take unobstructed pictures of the amazing surrounds! With it being such a nice day, the comfy interior, which still afforded fantastic views through the windows, was virtually empty. This was a great place to relax and hide out!

Is It Worth Taking a Longer Milford Sound Tour?

Some cruises take a 90-minute tour of Milford Sound but we chose a tour that ran for nearly two and a half hours. Our verdict: We thought this longer Milford Sound tour was most definitely worth it . The shorter tours will save you about $20-$30 NZD, but we think it’s worth spending the extra cash for the extra hour. After coming all the way out this way, why rush the experience and see the entire Milford Sound?

It’s nice to have the extra time to really enjoy it. A full two and a half hours out on the water accomplished that for us. You don’t want to race through all that beautiful scenery. Instead, be like those seals you’ll see and just soak it all in!

There are even longer options if you want to consider doing an overnight journey and bunk up on the ship. The cabins that opened up to the outside looked pretty comfy!

Is Lunch Worth It at Milford Sound?

On our excursion, you could add boxed lunch that started at $17 NZD and needed to be preordered. Instead, we went to the supermarket and packed our own lunch. The boxed lunches aboard the ship looked good and are definitely convenient. But is it worth it to buy lunch on a Milford Sound tour ?

We say: no . At $17 for a sandwich and some snacks, we say it’s worth the extra effort to bring your own takeaway, which is permitted on these Milford Sound tours.

Are Drinks Worth It?

So is it worth it to have some drinks? We say, yes! Make some friends and split a bottle of wine or go with a beer or two.

Is a Milford Sound Tour Worth It in the Rain?

Throughout the photos, you may have noticed that we were very lucky to have clear blue skies during our trip, which we understand is rare for this rainy area of New Zealand. But is the Milford Sound worth it in the rain?

I probably wouldn’t let a rainy forecast factor much into your decision on whether or not to pursue a Milford Sound tour. The reason why I say this is three-fold.

1) The weather seems to change so frequently in this part of the world and we found many forecasts to pan out incorrect.

2) If it does rain and you don’t want to get wet, there is plenty of space in the enclosed part of the boat with wide windows to still take in all the spectacular, albeit rainy, views.

3) The Milford Sound can still be very enjoyable in the rain . The Captain of our ship explained that during and after rains, the two permanent waterfalls become more powerful and impressive. Additionally, there are dozens more waterfalls that spring up along the sides of the Sound and also on the mountain walls during the drive in on the Milford Road.

So, is Milford Sound Worth Going to in the Rain? While we can’t answer from firsthand experience, the Captain and Barry the bus driver both assured us that it is, in fact, worth it. Misty peaks emerging up from low lying clouds with many more waterfalls raging on in many different directions sounds like it could be a magical sight. So it still seems to be worth the trip in the rain. But we’ll still keep our fingers crossed you get blue skies too!

Final Thoughts: Is Milford Sound Worth It?

We say an enthusiastic yes!

Of course, this is all just our two cents, so take it as you want. But I will add that we travelled for a month throughout New Zealand and never did we hear anyone say “Nah, I wish we hadn’t gone to the Milford Sound.”

Instead, everyone we spoke to seemed to have similar sentiments and raved about their experience and it became a conversation point to bond over. In our informal poll of people we crossed paths with,  everyone agreed that the Milford Sound was, in fact, worth it !

If You Go To Milford Sound:

Cost & info of this milford sound nature cruise:.

We quite enjoyed and recommend this  Nature Cruise on the Milford Mariner . We definitely give our experience on the Milford Mariner a good review. Summer rates for this Milford Sound tour start at $91 NZD for the cruise only ($79 NZD during winter). The package including coach from Te Anau begins at $160 NZD, or $199 NZD from Queenstown.

But check here to confirm the latest pricing and availability .

The Milford Mariner also does overnight Milford Sound excursions  with kayaking and meals included.

How To Get to Milford Sound

You can either:

• take a bus, or
• even splurge on a flight!

If you don’t have your own car, cheap rentals are available in Queenstown.  Hiring a car in Queenstown can sometimes be even less expensive than taking the bus, particularly if so if you have a group of four that can share the cost. I wouldn’t attempt to do the drive in one day though because it would involve 8-10 hours of driving there and back. Instead, consider a two or three-day rental and stay in Te Anau. This will also give you time to stop all along the way, where there are many worthwhile short treks. We found the best prices for rental cars in Queenstown by searching on Priceline , with rates starting at about $65 NZD per day, including taxes.

Travel by Bus:  While there is an Intercity bus that goes from Queenstown to Milford Sound, we recommend to use caution in taking it in combination with a separately booked cruise, because the tours may not line up perfectly. And if there is any delay with the bus, you’ll risk missing your Milford Sound Cruise. Instead, take a Milford Sound tour that includes a bus transport, whether from Te Anau or Queenstown.

Travel by Bus in Combination with Milford Sound Cruise Tour:  If you’re going to take a bus, it’s best to book one in combination with the cruise for a seamless connection. We suggest several bus + cruise options in the next section.

Splurge: Fly to from Queenstown to Milford Sound:  If you have more money than you do time, this is most definitely the best way to go. Avoid the round trip 8-10 hours on the roadway to Milford Sound and instead experience it from above! By air, you gain a whole new perspective of the snow-covered mountain peaks and lakes as a pilot takes you in a small plane over the Southern Alps. The flight takes only a bit more than a half-hour each way, making it possible to experience the grandeur of Milford Sound in about four hours total from Queenstown, rather than the 14-hours roundtrip day trip by bus. It’s a pricey proposition, but if you can afford it, it looks to be well worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime premium experience! Check prices here for round-trip flights including a Milford Sound nature cruise .

Be Sure To Book Milford Sound Tour In Advance during High Season

If you’re planning to take a Milford Sound tour during the high season, particularly during a holiday weekend, be sure to book your Milford Sound cruise well in advance!  Milford Sound tours are very popular trips in New Zealand.

Your ideal time or tour may be booked full if you don’t get a chance to reserve your space in time. We recommend to book your Milford Sound cruise through Viator  since they have a low-price guarantee AND they allow free cancelation if your plans change. This gives peace of mind to secure your booking in advance before these trips become fully booked.

• The Cheapest Milford Sound Cruise : The lowest priced way to do a Milford Sound tour is this 1.5-hour cruise on the Maiden of Milford, which starts at $45 NZD if you can make it there on your own in time for the morning departure (8:55 am summer, 9:40 am winter). Tours in mid-day and afternoon cost more but are still among the lowest price for that time of day. If you’re looking for the lowest price option, this is usually it. If you need transportation, that’ll run you $125 NZD regardless of whether departing from Queenstown or Te Anau. Note: this particular bus does include narration and a few stops but does not have the panoramic windows as described in this post. Check prices and availability for Maiden of Milford now .
• Another Great Low-Cost Option:  This cruise is around the same price but is slightly longer; just under two hours. No coach options are available here though, so consider only if you have your own car.  Compare prices for your dates and check the latest reviews .
• Do the 2-hour+ Nature Cruise for Best Value : This is the Milford Sound cruise we went on, as discussed throughout this blog post. We had a great time and highly recommend spending a bit more (starting at $85 NZD) to have more time in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful places. Also, this has the options for the bus we took from Te Anau which has those wrap-around panoramic windows.  Check prices and availability of the Nature Cruise for your dates on Viator .
• Stay Overnight in Milford Sound!  You can also do an overnight trip on the same boat we went on. It’s a bit more expensive but includes dinner, breakfast, kayaking, accommodation for the night in this most scenic place! Cabins open right up to the surroundings, for jaw-dropping sunset and sunrise.  Check prices and availability for this Overnight Milford Sound Cruise . We had some close friends that did this overnight trip on the Milford Sound and continue to rave about it as their highlight of New Zealand. Important note : cabins tend to book up months in advance for this, so try to book particularly early if you’re considering an overnight.

Preparing for a Day At Milford Sound: What to Bring

• What to wear : Wear comfortable clothes and non-slip shoes, appropriate for boating. You can check the weather for Milford Sound here and dress accordingly.
• Camera : Don’t forget your camera and be sure you fully charge it the night before. Also, ensure there’s plenty of space on your memory card because you’re probably going to take way more pictures than you realize.
• Prepare for Rain : If there’s even a slight chance of rain in the forecast, which is likely, bring a poncho or rain jacket . Also, consider a waterproof bag to keep that camera safe from rain.
• Lunch : Be sure to pre-order your lunch or bring your own.
• Drinks : Bring something to quench your thirst. While there is water available during the cruise, it probably wouldn’t hurt to bring a bottle for the ride to Milford Sound.
• Cash money : Bring some cash if you want to indulge in any drinks or snacks while on the ship.

Bathrooms at Milford Sound

There are toilets on the boats and at the docks. There are no restrooms on the bus, but one bathroom break is provided during the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. No stops upon the return. Plan accordingly.

Finally, simply be prepared for a relaxing and memorable day in New Zealand. Enjoy it!

Related Posts

June 7, 2020 at 11:02 AM

Such an incredible sight to behold! I was so amazed by the titanic landmasses towering over the tiny cruise ships!

November 6, 2019 at 4:18 AM

Consider using a campervan to visit Milford Sound – you can break the journey into easy segments. We thought the idea of driving from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back in a day was just crazy but loads of people were doing it. It is a hell of a way at fairly low speeds on very windy roads. We stayed in Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound. The greatest problem is that Milford Sound is a 115km dead end from Te Anau.

October 6, 2019 at 11:54 AM

Many thanks you for all that very useful information! Going to NZ in a week, so very timely too.

May 16, 2018 at 7:31 AM

I did Milford sound in April 2009 it was torrential rain ..I stood on the prow of the boat in total awe…yes it was worth it! A trip I never forget!

May 25, 2018 at 1:08 PM

Awesome! Yes, rain or shine, I think it’s difficult to deny the extreme beauty found all throughout these magnificent fjords. So glad to hear you found it worthwhile even in torrential rain!

November 22, 2017 at 2:44 AM

I have to agree with you that the lunch included in the cruise isn’t worth it. The pre-ordered packed lunch was already NZ$19 when we went there last November 4. We did, however, took the bullet and bought an asparagus soup and 2 pcs of bread for NZ$8 because it was very cold that day.

November 26, 2017 at 2:00 AM

Glad you agree! Yeah, we couldn’t justify those lunch prices. But some warm soup on a cold day always sounds like a great idea! 🙂

July 15, 2017 at 6:59 AM

I’d love to hear from anyone who has done the walking tours on offer. What were these like and what age groups would they be suitable for. I have a ten year old and two other children in their 20’s.

February 28, 2017 at 6:04 PM

I would definitely say without a doubt that Milford Sound is worth it! My trip here was one of the most phenomenal experiences throughout New Zealand. After having done the cruise through the incredible bays I decided to take a scenic helicopter flight to look down on Fiordland from above. What an amazing experience! Milford Sound displays the natural beauty of New Zealand like no other destination!

March 3, 2017 at 1:10 PM

Hey Mark, thanks for sharing your experience at Milford Sound! It truly is a remarkable place. We would love to do a helicopter tour over the fjord, what an incredible experience. Adding this to our must-do the next time we visit New Zealand.

February 19, 2017 at 6:44 PM

We will only be in NZ for 9 days in the first week of June. Trying to decide if it’s worth the time and money to get to Milford Sound in early winter with possible road closings, etc. Anyone else been in early June?

September 24, 2016 at 10:09 PM

Yes, definitely worth a trip even in the rain! My husband and I were only there for a day (we took a boat tour) and were initially disappointed about the rain. But when the boat got going we were surrounded by eerie, mist-shrouded mountains and tons and TONS of waterfalls. It was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. We toured much of the beautiful South Island and I took more pictures of rainy Milford Sound than any other place we visited. It was just absolutely stunning.

September 30, 2016 at 1:37 PM

Hey Rebecca! Thanks so much for the comment and sharing your experience! Motivated to return just to enjoy another perspective of Milford Sound 😊 A great point about witnessing those amazing waterfalls when they have more power behind them during the rain.

February 27, 2016 at 6:57 AM

We really want to visit Milford Sound, especially after reading your fantastic post! However, we will be traveling with our six month old baby. Did you encounter any couples with babies/young kids on your group trip? Would you recommend this tour or not for people with young kiddos?

February 27, 2016 at 10:29 AM

I think it’s a very doable trip with a baby. (Although this is coming from someone without first-hand experience.) I do recall some couples with young children on the cruise. One piece of advice that I would recommend is NOT to take the full day bus tour from Queenstown. That would incur nearly 10 hours on a bus (4-5 hours each way), which I can’t imagine would go very well for a wee one. If you have your own car, I’d highly recommend self driving to Milford Sound where you can embark on the ~2 hour cruise, which should be no problem. It’s a fairly sizable ship with many different rooms so if the baby does act up, you should have a place to retreat. It’s a smooth ride. Not rough or bumpy. There are plenty of bathrooms too. Get on that nature cruise and enjoy!

March 14, 2016 at 2:46 PM

Thanks for your thoughtful reply! After doing a litttle more research, we are going to put Milford on our itinerary. We plan to drive ourselves, but if the weather is bad might up for a tour from Te Anau. We are looking forward to the trip!

June 10, 2015 at 3:16 AM

Interesting and informative article with splendid shots.

February 25, 2016 at 7:23 PM

Thanks so much for stopping by with these thoughtful comments!

April 28, 2015 at 5:17 PM

yes worth every cent spend, we spent 4 nights at milford sound lodge its an incredible place to stay with the mountains surrounding the lodge.

February 25, 2016 at 7:22 PM

We agree! And will have to check out the milford sound lodge next time we’re down there. Would love to hide out in Milford Sound for a few days!

April 27, 2015 at 5:43 AM

My partner and I did Milford sound during our trip from the UK in 2007 and flew into the sound from Wanaka to do a cruise. it cost a load but every minute of the day was unforgettable and from our point of view it was definitely worth it. We will visit again in 2017 but next time will drive and probably take your advice by staying overnight in Te Anau. Can’t wait to see it again!

April 28, 2015 at 1:29 AM

Those flights look absolutely amazing! I can’t even imagine what the scene looks like from the air. Enjoy your return in 2017!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don't subscribe All new comments Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

5 Things to Know about Milford Sound, How to See It and Is It Worth It? (New Zealand)

Milford Sound is acclaimed to be the most popular tourist destination in all of New Zealand, unofficially the 8th Wonder of the World , and is rated as one of the world’s top travel destinations.

How many places in the world can say that?

Not many, my friends, not many!

Milford Sound is located in the Fiordland National Park and inundated with impassible towering cliffs on either side, the deep blue waters of Milford Sound slice through allowing visitors to glide through on a boat or kayak or hover over it via a helicopter or plane.

The surroundings are lush and consistently wet. In fact, it’s considered one of the wettest places in the world, so it’s not a surprise to see it perpetually shrouded in clouds with mist or rain blowing in the winds that are so prominent in the area.

Milford Sound is one of those places you KNOW you have to visit when you come to New Zealand, it’s the place that your clueless non-traveling friend probably even knows about, and it’s on any top 10 list of places to visit in New Zealand.

Milford Sound is THE place to go. And you’re keen as (kiwi for enthusiasm for doing something)  to visit, like, yesterday!

Or are you? Read on for how to see Milford Sound, things to know, if it’s worth it…

Don’t lose this! Click to pin it now.

Table of Contents

Cruise Milford Sound

Kayak milford sound, heli, fly or bus from queenstown to milford sound, 1. driving there will takes ages, 2. there’s nothing to do in milford sound except milford sound, 3. you’ll pay dearly for everything, 4. there’s nothing around for hours, 5. milford sound is a day trip, if that, don’t even listen to me, i maybe should have done something else, is it milford’s fault, underrated places to visit in south island, new zealand, 20+ day new zealand south island road trip itinerary, an adventurer's guide to exploring lake tekapo, new zealand, 11 things to do in the catlins in 2 days (new zealand), 4 easy but beautiful walks around dunedin, new zealand, how to see milford sound.

Right, so before we even go into what to know and if it’s worth it or not, we should probably discuss the ways to see it. The actual sound can’t really be walked or hiked around. That’s how crazy some of these mountains are! There are hikes in other areas close by but not in and around the sound.

So here are your choices for seeing Milford…

By far the most popular and probably the cheapest way to see Milford Sound is via a cruise. There are tons of different companies to choose from all offering just about the same thing—A cruise around the sound.

Some offer coffee and tea, some offer a close up of the waterfalls, some offer smaller tours, so you have more room on the boat (like the one I went on with Cruise Milford), and some pack them full making your ticket price cheaper but you’ll need to shoulder and elbow your way to get a pic.

Some offer one to two-hour cruises, full days, overnights, flights, kayak options, and other “bells and whistles” to add on.

Prices range from $45-$200+ per person for a regular cruise and upwards of $500 for the overnight or including other excursions.

You can see Milford Sound cruise prices here.

If you want some more action and are the adventurous type, a kayak trip around Milord Sound might be more your thing.

Granted, this area is known for its constant chill, rain, wind, and overall gloomy weather. So kayak trips are certainly a bit rougher than a cruise and, unfortunately, do get canceled for safety reasons. But if you make it out there, a kayak around the sound will be sure to impress!

Check prices here for kayak trips around Milford Sound

If you don’t have your car and are looking for ANY way to get to Milford Sound, you have choices! A bus, a plane or a helicopter are all choices for you to take from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back again.

The bus journey will be a loooong one, but the cheaper option of the bunch and the plane and heli tours will surely be unforgettable because… Those views from up top must be incredible! I didn’t get to see Milford Sound from above, but one can only imagine how epic it would be.

Here are some choices for you…

• Helicopter ride from Queenstown to Milford Sound
• A flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound
• A bus from Queenstown to Milford Sound including a cruise and a flight
• A bus transfer from Queenstown to Milford Sound including a cruise

There are other similar options from within Milford Sound as well if you still want to drive over and not come and go back to Queenstown.

5 Things to Know About Milford Sound

Milford Sound will no doubt be beautiful but here are a few things to know before you head out there!

New Zealand isn’t a big country. Driving for four to five hours at a time without stopping to enjoy the next spot is rare unless you’re on an extreme mission to bop around the country in a hurry.

There’s something to see and do around every corner yet many/most people make the four to five-hour drive from Queenstown straight to Milford Sound.

“But Nina, Queenstown and Milford Sound look right next to each other on the map! What are you talking about?!”

I know, it’s crazy. Queenstown and Milford look like they are in each other’s backyard, but it’s not true. There’s no road directly connecting the two, and you’ll have to drive south turn west and then drive right back up north to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown.

Another side note is that it can take even longer than Google Map’s prediction of four hours, there’s currently construction on the road out there and a tunnel. The tunnel is pretty cool, but it’s one lane only meaning you have to wait for the traffic to pass to get through it.

If you’re on a road trip, and you don’t have a lot of time, you’ll have to spend at least half a day just to get out to Milford Sound so just keep that in mind when planning!

I will say, the drive there is quite nice though (but so are many drives around the country).

When we drove out, we were running late and nearly missed our boat tour! We were supposed to arrive with an entire hour to spare and we made it with barely 10 minutes to spare. Oops!

There’s nothing else to do in Milford Sound! I’m not trying to be greedy but spending over four hours to get somewhere and having only one thing to see is something to consider if you have a limited time frame for traveling the area.

There are plenty of ways to see Milford Sound, but most people will probably just choose one, see Milford Sound, and then move along.

Don’t get me wrong; there are other things in the area as you head out and away from Milford Sound, but IN Milford Sound, there’s just the sound and a little walk around the area with like a couple of buildings selling tours or coffee.

Not a surprise here. New Zealand isn’t the cheapest place to travel to but going to its most popular tourist attraction? Yeah, you’re going to pay!

There’s an overpriced cafe, a bunch of tour agencies, and a lonely gas pump that will gauge your pockets so deep you’ll consider the risk of breaking down instead…

Te Anu is going to be the closest town around to do anything or get anything, and it’s about an hour and a half away.

DON’T ignore the gas signs and fill up here. Again, you’ll pay dearly for the gas at Milford Sound (and sometimes the pump is reported as broken, in which case you’ll be proper f*cked), fill up in Te Anu, use it wisely, and make it back to fill up again before heading on.

I believe we paid something around $1.90 NZD a liter (diesel) at the time but luckily we just did $10 just to make sure we made it to Te Anu, we weren’t desperate for a fill-up and it was more of a precaution.

It’s not cheap in Te Anu either, but it’s more reasonable than what Milford Sound is offering.

There are definitely more choices for cafes, places to stay, etc. in To Anu but again, you’re driving over an hour to get here, so you’re probably not driving back to Milford afterward.

You may want to spend longer, this is up to you, but if you’re going, it may be best to go as a day trip.

Pop in, do your thing around the sound, and then head out. Again, everything around the area is pricey, and the choices are limited anyway.

There’s also a single expensive campervan holiday park in Milford, the next closest campsite was about 40 minutes away. Yeah, not really ideal to go back and forth here especially when gas is at a premium.

SO—Is Milford Sound Worth it?

So now I’m asking the important question, is Milford Sound actually worth it?

I’m not here to sway you, at the end of the day, this is all up to YOU!

But you’re on my blog, and I have an opinion… So here it goes.

If you’re asking me if Milford Sound is worth it, I’m going to say NO.

I didn’t find Milford Sound to be that worth it. Sorry, not sorry!

Is it beautiful? No doubt.

But is it worth it to drive out there, over four hours, with not much else out there, to take an expensive cruise to get boated around to waterfalls coming off mountains while having “fun facts” spouted out over a speaker on the boat?

Is it the most beautiful spot in New Zealand/ Is there nothing else like this place?

Is Milford Sound worthy of the title as one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand and worthy of spending your money on getting out here?

For me, the answer to all of these questions is just no.

I’ve seen other spots just a pretty if not prettier in my few months (and counting) around New Zealand.

I must say, I hope I am not jaded, I’m trying to look at this objectively and create an opinion that’s not jaded AF, but after many years, it can be challenging! I looked up some threads on whether or not Milford Sound is worth it or not and it seems I’m not alone!

In addition, I polled my followers on Instagram and I was SHOCKED to see the results were a split 50/50 (with over 100 votes in total)! So I felt solace after seeing that it isn’t “just me.”

I must also say that I kind of wished it was cloudier on the day we went. We had a perfectly sunny day, but the mystic of Milford was a bit lost with the blinding sun…I know, cry me a river right?

But seriously, I was happy for no rain, but a few clouds would have equaled better photos (clouds even the lighting for those not into photography), and it would have been indicative of what Milford Sound usually looks like.

Am I happy I saw it? Yes. Because I always like making my own judgment, so again, I’m not trying to sway people, just making them think a bit extra on their choices.

It’s out of the way and pricey so if you only have a short period in New Zealand, go to Mount Cook National Park, do some hikes around Wanaka and Queenstown/Glenorchy… You’ll get tons of beauty in these areas too without having to go out of the way and sell your left arm (the views will be similar!)

There are tons of other areas equally as gorgeous and I was happy to quickly move along with my trip.

Seriously, if it’s been a dream to go to Milford, I assume you’ll love it no matter what. Maybe it was just me (it wasn’t, as mentioned above), maybe Milford was having an off day? Maybe I just didn’t “feel” it? I don’t know but you don’t have to listen to me, I’m just stating my opinion and how I felt when I was there.

I didn’t feel any magic, I didn’t find it worth it but that’s just me…

If this is something you really want to go do, scroll up and check out the choices I mentioned. That’s why I mentioned them. I know people will still want to see it.

I must say, I may also be a bit biased to say it’s not worth it because I didn’t do anything adventurous (something I usually do and love) like kayak Milford instead and I didn’t see it from above, something I’m sure that is crazy beautiful.

However, MOST people coming here just take the cruise and the flights and heli tours etc are just silly expensive! I wasn’t super keen to spend that much on seeing the area that I personally feel looks like other places in NZ and is a bit overhyped…

I think part of the problem with Milford Sound is that the hype is WAY TOO BIG.

How can Milford Sound be worth it when expectations are off the charts? Even if it had rainbows and unicorns flying out of the waterfalls and it rained puppies I think it would be hard to match the hype (OK, actually, raining puppies would have been amazing!)

I think it’s too over promoted and its beauty… overexaggerated (will someone put me on a pitchfork for saying this?!) for its own good. So I can’t really “blame” Milford Sound for not living up to its expectations.

And just to make everything 10000% clear… I am again, not trying to sway people, make your own choices! And again, there are other things in the vicinity of Milford Sound. The weather turned bad after our cruise and we couldn’t hike Gertrude Saddle , a hike I REALLY wanted to do (it’s literally a death wish to do the hike in bad weather).

We did do some other hikes in the area, which stay tuned… I have some opinions about as well that are semi-related to this post. Read my opinion on the nearby Routeburn Track.

Keep in mind, I wrote this because I’m hoping this post may help you decide whether or not this spot is for you.

We have over four months to explore New Zealand and weren’t too bothered that we didn’t care too much for the area. Only having a few weeks for a trip and finding out you wasted a bunch of money and time on a place you didn’t like is a lot more devastating so hopefully, you’re a bit more informed about the area after reading.

More Around the South Island of New Zealand

Have you been here? Was Milford Sound worth it to you? Are you going to Milford Sound? Let us know in the comments!

>>> EVEN MORE ABOUT TRAVELING NEW ZEALAND <<<

Work & Travel New Zealand: Get a Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand

A 5-Day Queenstown Itinerary For the Intrepid (New Zealand)

2-Week North Island, New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary—2 Weeks to 2 Months + Costs and Tips

50+ of the Best Hikes in New Zealand & Hiking Tips

Campervan Sites in New Zealand + Camping and Food Tips

Campervanning New Zealand: Buying, Selling, Renovating, and Tips

New Zealand Travel Tips + A Budget Breakdown

Piha & Waitakere Ranges Walks, Waterfalls, and Beaches—New Zealand

A Guide to The Pouakai Circuit & Hut at Mount Taranaki (New Zealand)

11 Fab Things to Do in The Coromandel, New Zealand

Epic Things to Do in Rotorua—Hot Pools & Adventures

7 Tips For The Cathedral Cove Walk in The Coromandel, New Zealand

A Guide to Hiking The Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

5 Epic Hikes in Mount Cook National Park That Are TOTALLY Worth It (New Zealand)

A Guide to Hiking French Ridge Hut in Aspiring National Park (New Zealand)

A Guide to Hiking the Mueller Hut Track & What to Pack (New Zealand)

Hooker Valley Track: The Easiest & Most Beautiful Hike in Mount Cook NP (New Zealand)

Guide to the Routeburn Track: Should You Do It as a Day Hike? (New Zealand)

Hiking Roy’s Peak & How to NOT to Wait in Line For A Pic (New Zealand)

A Guide to Exploring The Cave Stream Scenic Reserve (New Zealand)

Busy? Click the picture to Pin this for later

Pin this post for later!

Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. She's been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? for nearly as long. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! Read more about Nina

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yo! I’m so glad I read this because I feel the same way. I did the bus ride from Queenstown as it was the only way to get there when i went due to roads being shut down because of flooding. It was a 10 hour roundtrip bus ride to cruise Milford Sound for 1.5 hours. What?!?! Yes it was beautiful and yes I am glad I got to see it but I would never recommend it, especially the way that I did it. I think if you do this, it’s gotta be one of those things that you just bite the bullet and splurge on. I think if there is a next for me I’m doing the heli ride to see it from the top. Always love the honesty of your post!

Thank you, Sheena! Yes, I think a heli ride would be amazing and I think the kayaking would have been too. But those prices. EEKKKKK. I think the bus would have been worse, omg. At least we had our own car and spent a few days in that area. All the best!

I’m with you, Nina. The reason we went MS was because anyone I talked to told me I absolutely have to go…and so we went. We flew and had a birds eye view of MS then followed by the cruise and it was REALLY expensive! MS is beautiful in its own rights but I personally find the Fjords in Norway more beautiful and majestic.

Thanks for commenting, Germaine! I’d love to see the Fjords in Norway!

I guess it’ll depend on what point of your life you’re living when you visit MS. I went there years ago, NZ my second country visited and I had 20 days only – so yes, it was magical!! NZ is awesome at every corner. You’ve been travelling NZ for weeks and you’ve seen loads of countries so far, so I guess the feeling is not the same indeed! Anyways NZ is always worth the effort! 🙂

Exactly why I mentioned that I COULD be jaded. But yet again, after polling people and looking at other threads it still seemed I wasn’t alone and those people weren’t/aren’t long term travelers. One thing is for sure, it’s still pretty. If it’s worth it, is totally up to you 😉 Glad you enjoyed it, Malu!

My husband and I always love seeing the most famous places to visit in a country, and we were lucky, it was a cloudy, misty, almost eerie day in the sound for us! I do agree its not THE MOST beautiful place in the world, and 8th wonder??? PLEASE! But we still had a great time, because, NEW ZEALAND. Its so great there, yea? Have fun exploring the rest! <3

HAHA, “because, NEW ZEALAND.” I think I’ll use this line again for sure. Glad you enjoyed it, Heather! 🙂

Flying with

True south flights.

Milford Sound Coach Cruise Fly

If you are after the complete Milford Sound experience, with a luxury bus ride, a cruise boat trip and a fantastic flight back to Queenstown, this is the package for you.

About the Tour

The Coach-Cruise-Fly trip is a full-day package for those who want to experience the best that Milford Sound has to offer. This trip begins with a bus ride that includes a close-up view of the vegetation of the Eglington Valley, a visit to Te Anau township on the shores of Lake Te Anau and a stop-off at the Mirror Lakes, courtesy of your luxury coach journey through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound.

Upon arrival at your Milford Sound tour, you will board your Pure Milford cruise for a leisurely 2-hour boat ride along the length of the Sound, beneath the towering granite cliffs and with a dip under Stirling Falls as the boat drifts under the waterfall.

On returning to the berth, you will be introduced to your pilot who will escort you to your awaiting aircraft for an awe-inspiring flight through the glacier-carved valleys back to Queenstown. All seats on our flights are window seats and our pilots provide an interesting and informative commentary.

The sheer scale and staggering beauty of Milford can be experienced from a different perspective as the aircraft climbs out over the fjord, returning to Queenstown past majestic peaks, over glacial formed river valleys and waterfalls. You will also have a view of the road that you travelled earlier in the day by coach, giving you the full perspective of the vast landscape that makes up the Fiordland and Aspiring National Parks.

As you arrive back over Lake Wakatipu, you will make your descent into Queenstown Airport. On arrival, our ground staff will meet you and arrange your courtesy transport to your accommodation.

Departure Times

This Milford Sound Coach Cruise Fly tour happens once a day, and the departure time varies for summer and winter.

Summer Departures (October 1st to April 30th): 7.00 AM

Winter Departures (May 1st to September 31st): 7.30 AM

Please note that pickup times from your accommodation will be relayed to you prior to the tour.

This package includes:

• A ride in a modern, luxury coach
• Short nature walks and photo opportunities en-route
• Picnic lunch
• 2-hour Milford Sound cruise with the Pure Milford team
• Scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown
• Courtesy hotel drop-off

Milford Sound Coach Cruise Fly Flight Details

This 9-hour tour is aimed at those people who wish to experience Milford Sound and Fiordland from all three perspectives: air, water and land. It’s one of the best South Island tours New Zealand has to offer.

Flight Time: 40 mins

Trip duration: 9 hrs, mt. aspiring & glacier add-on.

Extend the flight to take in an overflight of Mount Aspiring, the Snowball glaciers and the Olivine ice plateau.

• Adult: $149
• Child: $149

Doubtful Sound Add-on

For the ultimate experience of the region, add one hour of flight time through the heart of Fiordland to your journey. You will fly from Queenstown to Doubtful Sound: the largest of the thirteen sounds in Fiordland, with massive waterfalls and countless alpine lakes. From there, you will cross eight other sounds between Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound, through the heart of one of the largest and most unique national parks in the world. This option is more weather-dependent than Milford Sound alone, but the rewards when the weather is good are extraordinary.

• Adult: $299
• Child: $299

New Zealand’s South Island has some of the most picturesque destinations in the world. Take in the breathtaking beauty of our fjords, glaciers and mountains by booking a scenic flight with True South Flights.

Other Milford Flights

If you are pressed for time and cannot take in the cruise, this trip provides a spectacular overview of Milford Sound. Departing from Queenstown, this scenic flight is just over an hour long.

Flight Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Trip duration: 2 hrs.

Our most popular scenic flight option, this package lets you experience the sheer scale and staggering beauty of the sound from both the air and the water.

Flight Time: 1hr 20 mins

Trip duration: 4,5 hrs.

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice

• 0800 777 922
• [email protected]

Remarkables Park Town Centre, 1B/8 Hawthorne Dr, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Quick Links

© Copyright True South Flights Queenstown 2022

Created by The Web Guys

• Milford Sound Scenic Flight
• Mount Cook Scenic Flights & Glacier Experiences
• Meet the Team

• Twitter / X
• Readers' Choice
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Travel Guides

USA TODAY 10Best

Cruise popular regions for prices that DIY travel can't beat

August 29, 2019 // By Anne Chalfant

By Anne Chalfant Travel and Cruise Expert August 29, 2019

Touring a chunk of the planet is expensive and eats up weeks of vacation time, which can be a deterrent to booking a trip. But check out cruises. Some cover a surprising range of ports for an affordable price in just a few weeks' time. (Airfare to destinations is not included in price estimates).

Australia and New Zealand

If you're planning a New Zealand/Australia trip on your own, schedule at least three weeks. You'll fly from one country to the other, plus fly between New Zealand’s North Island and South Island. There's also a ferry that takes several hours.

Advertisement Advertisement

After touring Sydney, build your adventures on driving, including visits to wondrous beaches or the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. In New Zealand , visit geothermal sites, surreal mountains and fun sport scenes. (No car needed if you're backpacking New Zealand; see below.)

In both countries, check out self-drive tour operators which not only provide a car and interesting itineraries, but also book your lodging. DIY trip to Australia and New Zealand costs approximately $5,800 for two people on a three-week trip. (Cheaper version: Backpacker lodging and backpacker buses are inexpensive and widely available in New Zealand).

Cruising takes in top spots in Australia and New Zealand for $3,364 for two, including taxes and port fees. Holland America's 14-day cruise on MS Noordam in November and December 2019 embarks from Sydney and visits Melbourne and Tasmania. Then, it sails to New Zealand's magical landscapes – bright turquoise lakes, long sweeps of empty beaches and mountains that look digitally enhanced.

You can find other cruise lines sailing an Australia/New Zealand itinerary for similar pricing.

Scandinavia; Saint Petersburg, Russia plus Baltic states

Scandinavia's natural beauty plus St. Petersburg, Russia's grand palaces and Hermitage Museum's spectacular art collection make this region a big draw. Add a few Baltic states and Berlin for a power-packed itinerary.

To do this trip on your own, plan four or five plane flights and at least three weeks' time. Air travel can be inexpensive in Europe if you shop around, but car rental is expensive. Trains are a good option, but won't get you everywhere.

You'll see much more of Norway with a car, and Sweden and Denmark are worth exploring, too. Add a tour in Finland, boat tours of Norway‘s fjords, and you'll definitely want a guide for some things in St. Petersburg. Lodging and meals are expensive in Scandinavia. Visit delightfully restored Gdansk, Poland and Talin, Estonia. Take a quickie tour of Berlin. This rapid-paced three-week trip costs in the range of $11,000 for two.

For just slightly more – $11,598 for two – you can score a luxury cruise. Beautiful ship, top cuisine, pampering – heavenly. Viking's Homelands cruise visits eight countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Russia, Poland, Estonia, Germany) and calls in 15 ports in 15 days. Ships sail April through November 2020 (sold out for 2019). There's a free tour in every port plus a free chartered train to Berlin.

There are also less expensive cruises to Scandinavia, St. Petersburg and Baltic states.

Iceland, Scotland, Norway, Netherlands

Iceland is many a traveler's passion, yet few cruises sail there. But we found one that visits several ports in Iceland, also sails to Norway and Scotland and disembarks in the Netherlands.

If you visit Iceland, Norway, Scotland and the Netherlands on your own, plan several flights plus a car rental in Iceland, Norway and Scotland. Iceland and Norway are pricey for meals, lodging and car rental. Cost for two on a three-week trip runs approximately $7,300.

See Iceland , Norway, Scotland and the Netherlands on Holland America's 21-day cruise in June,2020. MS Rotterdam departs Rotterdam and sails to Norway where it cruises stunning fjords and visits charming ports such as Alesund. In Iceland, the ship sails to Seydisfjordur, Akureyri and Isafjordur for waterfalls and fjords.

Then, there's Rekjavik and on to Scotland's Shetland Islands , Inverness and Edinburgh . Cruise costs $3,599 per person for inside cabin, or $7,300 for two including taxes and port fees.

In this case, the cost of aDIY trip and cruise are similar, but the DIY trip will take more time, and at least six days of driving unfamiliar territory isn't as appealing as six lazy days at sea.

Europe: Barcelona, Florence, Naples, Sicily, Rome, Malta

A trip you arrange yourself will require a lot of time on ferries and cost around $5,000 for two.

Hitting popular cities in Europe is a treat, but not a cheap one. You can knock down costs with some cruises, such as a Carnival cruise visiting Barcelona ; Dubrovnik, Croatia; island of Kotor, Montenegro; Florence and Pisa; Sicily, Naples (including island of Capri and Pompei); the Greek island of Corfu and the island nation of Malta.

A cruise on Carnival Radiance in May 2020 runs $2,000 for two, including taxes and port fees.

About Anne Chalfant

Anne Chalfant travels by land and sea, but prefers pampered sea days over driving unfamiliar territory in pouring rain.

Read more about Anne Chalfant here.

Connect with Anne via: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Solo Location Guides
• Solo Travel Advice
• Solo Inspiration
• Luxury travel

DESTINATIONS , CRUISING , EUROPE , FLASHPACKING , RUSSIA

Visiting st. petersburg on a cruise: the ultimate guide.

Get the lowdown on how to visit St. Petersburg on a cruise, from Russian visas for cruise passengers to choosing shore excursions to city highlights that you cannot miss.

St. Petersburg has also become an increasingly popular stop on  Baltic Sea cruises . But with a plethora of enticing places screaming out to be visited, how do you make the best of one or two days there?

And do you need a visa when visiting Russia on a cruise?

To help you plan and to have the very best experience, here is all you need to know about visiting St. Petersburg on a cruise .

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

Due to the ongoing geopolitical situation, travel to Russia is not currently recommended. For current travel advice, check the advice of the UK FCO here .

GET HELP WITH BOOKING YOUR CRUISE!

• How To Book Your First Cruise Like a Pro!
• 13 Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid
• Are Single Cabins Good Value For Solo Travellers

IN THIS ARTICLE

Why Should You Visit St. Petersburg?

St. Petersburg is a city that makes you think in exclamation marks. Built on the network of islands, crisscrossed by 65 rivers and canals, its  beauty  is equalled only by its  rich history . Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, it was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than 200 years. One year after the Russian Revolution in 1917, the capital moved to Moscow. After the death of Lenin in 1924, the city was renamed from Petrograd, the name it had adopted during WWI in an attempt to make it sound less German, to Leningrad. In 1951, 54% of those voting in a referendum chose to revert the city’s name to St. Petersburg. Over these years St. Petersburg has witnessed several uprisings, assassinations, sieges and is closely associated with the lives and fate of the Romanovs, Russia’s Imperial family, and notable residents such as Pushkin and Dostoevsky. Today, it is a  vibrant city  stuffed full of museums, some of Europe’s most glorious palaces  and has an extraordinary performing arts agenda, particularly during the summer White Nights.

Which is the Best Cruise Line to Visit St. Petersburg?

Choosing your cruise  line is a little like choosing your perfect partner. In a sea of choice (!), you have to pick your perfect match, deciding if your personalities match and if he/she will meet your expectations. Each cruise line has its own character – and budget –  and you will need to do a little research to decide which will be the right fit for you. Therefore, to a certain extent, the choice of operator of a Baltic Sea cruise to St. Petersburg will depend on whether, for example, you want a more traditional cruising experience or an emphasis on fun. And, of course, how much you wish to spend. But first and foremost, I urge you to look closely at the  cruise itinerary . I would rule out any cruise that gives you just one day in St. Petersburg. Instead, look for a cruise that docks in St Petersburg overnight, giving you two full days to explore the city. You are going to need it. I sailed with  Celebrity Cruises  on the Silhouette in May 2019

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit St. Petersburg?

The best time of year to visit St. Petersburg is between June and September, which coincides with most cruise departures. Due to nearly 24 hours of sunshine and famous White Nights celebrations, June is widely considered the best month to visit St. Petersburg.

Do Cruise Passengers Need a Visa to Visit St. Petersburg?

As long as you have booked your  shore excursion  with an operator approved by the Russian authorities, and you will be in the city for less than 72 hours, you will not need a visa to visit St. Petersburg on a cruise. However, if you choose to visit St. Petersburg  independently , most visitors will need to apply for a visa before leaving on their cruise.  Where  reciprocal visa agreements  are in place, citizens of some countries do not require a visa. Russian visas can be costly. For UK citizens you are looking at between £100 and £200. But the cost is not the only consideration. The visa application process for Russia is notoriously cumbersome and for this reason, I recommend that you use an agency to streamline this process.  Real Russia is a reputable London-based agency that I have used in the past. In my view, if you are visiting St. Petersburg on a cruise for a few days, it isn’t worth the hassle of applying for a visa. I’m an independent traveller at heart but even I could see the sense in using an organised tour in St. Petersburg.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in St. Petersburg?

Most ships berth at the modern Marine Façade Complex, 5 km northwest of the city centre.

Getting from St. Petersburg Cruise Terminal to the city centre

If you have a Russian visa you can walk or take bus #158 to Primorskaya, the nearest metro station, 2km away. The fare is approximately 30 RUB.

You can also arrange a taxi at the Marine Façade Complex. Prices are listed on a board. It helps also to have your destination written in Russian as many drivers do not speak English.

St. Petersburg Shore Excursions

If you decide to visit St. Petersburg with an authorised tour operator, the next decision you will need to make is whether to take one of the shore excursions offered by your  cruise company  or make your  own arrangements .

Should you book a St. Petersburg shore excursion from the ship?

Let’s consider the advantages of the ship’s shore excursion first. Firstly, they will guarantee to get you  back on board the ship on time .  If the tour is delayed for any reason, they guarantee that the ship will not sail away without you on board. Great for peace of mind, yes? Secondly, if you are booked on one of the ship’s St. Petersburg shore excursions you will be one of the  first off the ship  (day one only). Celebrity Cruises told us that this was a mandatory process, enforced by the Russian Marine Façade. But do these factors really matter?  In my experience, they don’t. I booked the two-day “Must See” tour with  Alla Tours , an established tour operator authorised by the Russian authorities. In their 13 years of operation, they have never left any passengers behind. Also, if they fail to make it back to the ship on time, they assume responsibility for getting you to the next port of call. When you  disembark  the cruise ship at St. Petersburg on day one, local tour operators are aware of the time that those who have made independent arrangements are allowed to leave the ship. Consequently, they set pick-up times accordingly. Independent operators were not allowed in the terminal before the agreed disembarkation time. Having said that, to avoid potential delay, be ready to disembark as soon as you are given the signal that you can do so. At least you will amongst the first of those who have made independent arrangements to get off the ship. It’s interesting to note that feedback on disembarkation from people who had bought the ship’s shore excursion was not positive. They reported a very early assembly time, followed by a long wait in the ship’s crowded main theatre before being allowed to disembark the ship.

How much do St. Petersburg shore excursions cost?

Celebrity’s shore excursions were relatively expensive. For example, two-day St. Petersburg shore excursions from the ship were priced from 419 USD for the cheaper tours by bus (larger groups). A smaller group size, using a minibus, increased this cost. By contrast, my two-day tour with Alla Tours cost 250 USD. Our tour group numbered 13. Other passengers who used alternative companies – for example,  SPB Tours  – reported positive experiences similar to mine. Given the choice again, I would not hesitate to book a shore excursion to St. Petersburg with an independent operator.

Clearing Russian Immigration at St. Petersburg’s Cruise Terminal

Once granted permission to disembark, clearing Russian immigration at St Petersburg was surprisingly quick and painless. Just don’t expect banter from the officials.

You’ll need to hand over your passport and shore excursion ticket. In exchange, the officer will stamp your passport and you’re good to go.

On day one, you will also be given a printed receipt. Keep this safe as you will need to hand it back to immigration when you return to the ship. You will not receive this receipt on day two when this process is significantly quicker.

On your return to the ship, you will need to clear Russian security and immigration, where you will need to show your ship’s sea pass and passport. Queues can be lengthy.

Best Things to See on a Cruise to St. Petersburg

Your ‘must-sees’ in St. Petersburg will, of course, depend on your interests and preferences. For me, these included  The Hermitage, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood  and riding  St. Petersburg’s metro .  Outside of the city, the  Catherine Palace  and  Peterhof Summer Estate  were on my list. In including all of these places on their itinerary, the independent tour operator trumped what was on offer from the ship. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of my St. Petersburg tour, starting with the sights inside the city itself.

St. Peter & St. Paul Fortress

The birthplace of St. Petersburg, St. Peter & St. Paul Fortress was originally constructed from wood in the early 18 th  century as a defence against Sweden. Subsequently rebuilt in stone as a military fortification, it later became political prison.

Today, the grounds of the fortress house the  Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul , which is the burial place of many Russian emperors and empresses, starting with Peter the Great (1672-1725) and ending with the last Tsar, Nicholas II (1894-1917).

The Hermitage

The Hermitage , the beating heart of St. Petersburg, is not exactly a well-kept secret.

On an average summer day, it hosts between 30,000 and 40,000 visitors. Therefore, to beat the crowds, make sure that your tour operator offers  early entry . It will still be busy, but not nearly as rammed as the crowds snaking around the building in the early afternoon would suggest.

The building is as jaw-droppingly extravagant as the Hermitage’s collection of three million exhibits. And that’s saying something.

Second only to the Louvre in Paris in size,  the complex comprises five interconnected buildings, the most famous of which is the former  Romanov Winter Palace .

The Hermitage’s collection was started by  Catherine the Great  and grew over the generations into one of Europe’s most important art collections. All of the major European schools are represented here with a particularly fine Renaissance collection.

St Isaac’s Cathedral

Designed by the French architect Auguste de Montferrand and built between 1818 and 1858, St Isaac’s is St. Petersburg’s biggest cathedral . Highlights are its mosaics and monumental columns carved from lapis lazuli and malachite.

Church of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood

Officially known as the  Church of the Resurrection of the Christ , this is the site of the 1881 assassination of Emperor Alexander II. A canopy made from rhodonite and jasper marks his assassination spot.

With its unmistakable brightly coloured onion domes piercing the sky, this is a St. Petersburg landmark. Sadly, the main dome was encased in scaffolding during my visit.

The interior of the church is equally stunning, with its 700 m² intricate mosaic panels created by a who’s who of artists of the time.

St. Petersburg canal cruise

Thanks to its labyrinthine network of rivers and canals, St. Petersburg is known as the “Venice of the North”. Gently gliding along the city’s waterways gives you a different perspective on its magnificent architecture.

At least, that’s what’s the marketing material will tell you.

In reality, this one-hour boat ride left me underwhelmed. Although the weather didn’t help – it was grey and wet – the trip concentrated on St. Petersburg‘s main waterways rather than the smaller canals. But under bright blue skies, this may have been a different experience.

Taking a ride on St. Petersburg’s metro

This was a St. Petersburg “must-do” for me and it was one of my highlights of this cruise stop.

St. Petersburg’s metro is relatively young – it started operating in 1955  – and is beautiful. It’s not often that a functional means of transport is turned into multiple works of art.

We started our one-stop journey at  Sportivnaya , next to St. Petersburg Stadium. In keeping with its location, it had a sports theme, its murals depicting Olympic athletes and Greek gods. Even the lamps along the station are created to resemble the Olympic flames.

The next stop was  Admiralteyskaya , one of the newest and also deepest stations. Located next to the Admiralty, this station has a nautical theme.

The second day of my St. Petersburg tour focused on the sites outside the city: Catherine Palace and Peterhof Gardens.

Catherine Palace

Located in the town of  Tsarskoye Selo , 30 km south of St. Petersburg, the Catherine Palace is a glorious fake.

This was the summer residence of the  Russian Tsars . Originally presented by  Peter the Great  to his second wife, Catherine I, in the early 18 th  century, it was rebuilt in the more flamboyant rococo style around 40 years later.

When the  Siege of Leningrad  was lifted in 1944, the retreating German forces destroyed the residence, leaving a hollow shell. Only 10 of the palace’s halls escaped destruction. Therefore, although magnificent, what we see today is a reconstruction.

Even the famed  Amber Room  is a facsimile.

Due to the fragility of the amber panels, it was not possible to remove these to a safe location along with other precious artefacts in Leningrad. When the German forces reached St. Petersburg, their soldiers disassembled the Amber Room’s panels, foiling the Russians’ attempt to hide their splendour beneath mundane wallpaper.

Hence, the Amber Room which draws visitors from near and far is the result of an extensive and expensive 24-year reconstruction that was started in 1979.  The fate of the original panels is not known.

• Coats are not allowed to be worn in the Catherine Palace. Wrap up warm.
• A free cloakroom is available
• Photography is not permitted in the Amber room

Peterhof Gardens and fountains

29 km west of St. Petersburg, this  UNESCO World Heritage site  was built by Peter the Great in the 18th Century. Rebuilt after the ravages of World War II, like the Catherine Palace, Peterhof Palace is largely a reconstruction.

The star of the show is the  Grand Cascade , a collection of more than 140 gravity-fed fountains and canals, engineered by the great man himself. The most spectacular of these are the gilded fountains in front of the palace.  It’s easy to understand why Peterhof is known as the “Russian Versailles.”

Useful information for St. Petersburg cruise passengers

• Language  – Russian.
• Currency  – Rouble. Credit cards are widely accepted. I did not bother getting local currency and used my card instead.
• Tipping  –  The etiquette in Russia is to tip 10 – 15% of your bill in cash, giving this directly to the waiter. The suggested tip for guides is 10%; drivers 5%.

Is it Worth Visiting St. Petersburg on a Cruise?

Visiting St. Petersburg on a cruise was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whilst I stand by my decision to see the city on an organised tour, this did come at a price. Visiting Russia without a visa curtails your freedom. If, like me, you like to set your own pace and agenda, being rapidly shuttled from one site to another with barely an opportunity to take a photo was, at times, frustrating. Part of the difficulty was that there was a lot to see in two days, which meant that I had to be pragmatic and accept that visits were going to be brief through necessity. Also, on an organised tour, you can only move as fast as the slowest person. That said, I was lucky. We were a group of 13, all great people and despite two of the group pushing 90, there were no issues with a few members holding others up. I only hope that I have half of these older ladies’ energy and  joie de vie  at their age! But this did make me question what it would be like visiting St. Petersburg in a group of 50 or 60. If I was returning to St. Petersburg on a cruise, I would consider a private guide. Yes, this will come at a price, but it should provide more of an opportunity to set the agenda and pace of the visit. In common with other tour groups, on both days we were shepherded into a government-run souvenir shop. Prices were high, and I got a better deal on souvenirs onboard the ship a few days later. Finally, whilst two days is nowhere near enough time to see Russia’s Imperial Capital, visiting St. Petersburg on a cruise gives you an enticing taster of this glorious city. Accept that you are not going to be able to do it all, expect it to be busy and enjoy your visit.

Plan your Baltic Sea cruise stop in St. Petersburg

Packing a good guidebook to allow you to explore the ports of call on a Baltic Sea cruise independently is a wise move. I can recommend the excellent  Lonely Planet Cruise Ports Scandinavia & Northern Europe  that I used when I was visiting these ports.

• One Day in Rostock & Warnemünde, Germany: A Perfect DIY Cruise Excursion
• One Day in Stockholm: Visiting Sweden on a Cruise
• One Day in Tallinn: A Cruise to Estonia
• One Day in Helsinki from a Cruise: A Walking Tour
• One Day in Copenhagen: 6 Best Things to Do On a Cruise Stop

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

3 thoughts on “ Visiting St. Petersburg on a Cruise: The Ultimate Guide ”

Thank you this was very helpful! Hopefully, my cruise will take off in July and I’ll be there! I’ll look for this tour guide online.

Delighted that you found it useful and hope that your cruise goes ahead. The Baltic Sea cruises are good’uns!

Pingback: Best Cruise Destinations for Every Type of Cruiser – World Travel Blogger

Comments are closed.