Top Fiordland & Milford Sound How to Get Around

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Milford Sound is an icon of New Zealand’s South Island—a dramatic fjord ringed by jagged cliffs and cascading waterfalls. This cruise checks off all the highlights, affording spectacular views of Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, and Mt. Pembroke, passing mighty Mitre Peak, and gliding out along the Tasman Sea coast. It starts and ends at Milford Sound itself so the rest of your day is free.

A Milford Sound cruise is a must-do activity in southern New Zealand, but getting there independently can be stressful because of the rugged mountain roads. This full-day tour from Te Anau includes a hotel pickup and picnic lunch, so you don’t need to pack your own. Watch the views rather than the road by going with a guide and driver. See many spectacular sights along the way, including Mirror Lakes.

Experience one of the South Island’s finest natural attractions on a Milford Sound cruise, boarding straight from the sound. A more intimate experience is guaranteed because the boat is only filled to half its capacity. Get up-close views of New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland-crested penguins while enjoying complimentary coffee, tea, and biscuits as you listen to the skipper’s narration.

Take in amazing views of the magnificent Milford Sound on this cruise. Sail on the only vessel in Milford with two glass roofs, meaning you get stunning views from every angle. The skipper and crew are available to share local knowledge or take photos of you and your friends/family. An onboard café-bar is also available, offering the chance to purchase tasty snacks and drinks.

Instead of glimpsing snippets of extraordinary beauty from the Milford Road, travelers in the known enjoy the entire landscape in context on this cruise of Piopiotahi, Milford Sound. Slowly turn your attention across the horizon to see glacier-carved cliffs rising from the inky waters below - when you’re travelling by boat, there’s plenty of time to take it all in before framing up the perfect shot to preserve the moment.

Enjoy uninterrupted views of the mountain scenery without having to self-drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown in a glass-roofed coach. Your driver will provide commentary along the way, to keep you informed. At Milford Sound, embark on a cruise on the water, all the way out to the Tasman Sea. Relax and take in the views as you enjoy lunch on board, too.

Gaze out at the tall mountains, lush rainforests, and crashing waterfalls of Milford Sound on this cruise through the fjord. Enjoy a lunch crafted from locally sourced ingredients and a glass of champagne while you keep an eye out for the various species of wildlife that call the area home.

This track walk takes visitors on one of the world’s most famous walks. This walk only 3-4 hours return, so ideal for visitors staying at Milford Sound Lounge or on a day trip in the Milford Sound. It takes visitors to the Giant Gate Falls, a highlight of the track.

Depart Milford Airport and track west along Milford Sound, climb alongside Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak for some great views of the sound and its towering peaks before returning to our Milford base. A minimum of four passengers are required for this flight to go ahead. We are able to group passengers together if you are booking for less than 2 people. We will be in contact once you have confirmed your booking.

Board the ‘Milford Mariner’ for a Milford Sound overnight cruise along this pristine waterway, situated in New Zealand’s impressive Fiordland National Park. Cruise the entire length of the fiord before your captain anchors in Harrison Cove. Then, spend the night in a private single or twin-share en suite cabin, including a 3-course buffet dinner and breakfast. Listen to a nature guide on board and make use of provided kayaks to explore waterfalls and glacial-carved cliffs like Mitre Peak.

Once airborne from Milford Sound, follow the famous Milford Track up the Arthur Valley and over the picturesque Lake Ada. Circle the Sutherland Falls, New Zealand's highest at 581m before making an alpine landing above the shores of breath taking Lake Quill. You will have the opportunity to take magical photos looking right down the Arthur Valley back towards Milford Sound. Return viewing the Mackinnon Pass, of the Milford Walking Track, and the Joe's river. Minimum of four passengers are required for this flight to go ahead. We are able to group passengers together if you are booking for less than 2 people. We will be in contact once you have confirmed your booking.

Get a comprehensive tour of Milford Sound with this combination coach tour and boat cruise from Te Anau. Avoid the hassle of self-driving along the mountainous Milford Road by going with a guide and group in a low-emission vehicle. Stop for photo ops and short walks en route. Then, transfer to a boat for a scenic cruise on Milford Sound. Enjoy lunch and unlimited coffee and tea on the water.

Take a break and escape into nature on this tour of Milford Sound in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Relax as you visit one of New Zealand’s notable Fjords, taking in the waterfalls at Mirror Lake and the fresh glacier water at Monkey Walk. Then, take to the water itself with a boat cruise on Milford Sound. Perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the South Island’s landscape.

Enjoy the peace and beauty of Milford Sound after all the day-trippers have departed when you stay overnight on the Fiordland Jewel cruise boat. During the day, explore the sound on cruises and kayaking excursions. Sleep in an ensuite cabin with sea views, a 3-course dinner, and breakfast. The boat is also equipped with a top-deck hot tub where you can soak away your stress.

Admire the natural wonder that is Milford Sound on a nature cruise that lets you soak up the scenery from the water. Glide past granite walls, glacier-fed waterfalls, and stunning Mitre Peak on a spacious catamaran to avoid the crowds. Enjoy great photo ops of this famous South Island attraction situated within Fiordland National Park, and be on the lookout for Fiordland crested penguins and bottlenose dolphins.

Enjoy chef-prepared cuisine while taking in the breathtaking landscapes and local wildlife of Milford Sound. With a boutique atmosphere the Fiordland Jewel was designed specifically to take in the stunning scenery and offers comfortable lounges, seated dining, and full sea views from our main saloon or outdoor areas Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch while onboard - all dietary requirements are catered for. Please advise us of your dietaries in advance for our chef's preparation. Complimentary tea & coffee is available. Our knowledgeable crew will share stories and point out wildlife such as seals, penguins, and dolphins that we may encounter as we cruise the length of the fiord. Check in at the Fiordland Discovery desk inside the Milford Sound main visitor terminal building at 12:00pm. Boarding the boat at 12:15pm for a 12:30pm departure from the wharf. Return to the wharf at 2:30pm.

Climb out from Milford and up past Harrison's Cove, see the Pembroke Glacier, alpine lakes and sheer cliffs dwarf the surrounding rivers before approaching the Tutoko Glacier for a snow landing. Take a few minutes to capture photo's on the snow before boarding the helicopter again to fly past the glaciated tops of Mt Tutoko, the highest peak in Fiordland national park at 2723m. Track via the lower Tutoko valley and return to Milford airport.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a Milford Sound cruise while visiting UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Departing from Milford Wharf, this spacious boat cruises past Mitre Peak and gets close to numerous waterfalls cascading down steep-walled mountains rising out of the water. See Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls, and Seal Point while searching the deep fiord for marine life, including bottlenose dolphins and New Zealand fur seals.

Take in the magnificent scenery of Milford Sound from above on this scenic helicopter flight. See the magnificent Mitre Peak, dramatic Sutherland Falls and Tutuko Glacier, as well as amazing views of the whole area. Weather permitting, also undertake a snow landing on top of a mountain. This is an unforgettable way to experience one of New Zealand’s top attractions.

Soak in panoramic views of New Zealand's South Island with a scenic flight to Queenstown from the Milford Sound. Soar over Fiordland National Park, the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu, and Sutherland Falls, then touch down at Queenstown airport, where a driver is waiting to take you to your hotel.

Join your longest and most immersive Milford Sound cruise, giving you over two hours to experience everything that makes this destination famous around the world. An expert Nature Guide travels with you throughout the journey, sharing fascinating insights about the landscape and helping you spot wildlife like seals, dolphins, and rare penguins. Your spacious vessel, with both indoor cabins and covered outdoor viewing decks, gives you plenty of room to move around and find the perfect photo spot in any weather. Get close to thundering waterfalls, learn the stories behind the scenery, and take your time soaking in the views. With multiple language options via app and free tea and coffee onboard, this cruise is designed for those who want the most complete Milford Sound experience.

Start your adventure by making your way to Milford Sound (self-drive) for a two-hour Nature Cruise. Get close to cascading waterfalls, spot seals basking on rocks, and watch for dolphins in the pristine waters while your skipper shares fascinating commentary about the fiord. The spacious vessel offers warm and comfortable indoor cabins as well as spectacular outdoor decks—both are ideal for photography and wildlife watching. The next day back in Te Anau (10:45am), enjoy an adventure at a family-owned farm, where you’ll be welcomed to explore real farming life. During your hour-long farm experience, watch an entertaining display of working dogs rounding up sheep across the paddocks. See a traditional sheep shearing demonstration, meet friendly farm animals, and enjoy morning tea while your hosts share stories about New Zealand farm life. Experience two of Fiordland's best attractions over two days.

Make your Milford Sound Nature Cruise even more unforgettable with the exclusive Captain's VIP Lounge. Travel on a spectacular Nature Cruise of up to two hours, travelling through of Milford Sound towards the Tasman Sea. With commentary by the skipper, this cruise gets you up close to towering waterfalls, sheer cliff faces, and local wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and penguins. The Captain's VIP Lounge includes access to an outdoor viewing deck and a premium food and beverage package. For those seeking comfort, exclusivity, and unbeatable scenery, this is the ultimate way to experience Milford Sound. Located on the top deck, the Captain's VIP Lounge offers elevated views, a calm retreat from the main vessel, and personalised service throughout your experience. Enjoy priority boarding before settling into a private lounge reserved for a maximum of 20 guests, ensuring a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.