Once you have made the drive down the Milford Road, or you are already staying in Milford Sound itself, the only real question left is which boat to book. Mitre Peak rises 1,692 metres straight out of the water here, and every cruise on the fiord gets you close enough to feel the spray off Stirling Falls or Lady Bowen Falls. Whether you have two hours to spare or want to stay out overnight under the stars, here is what is actually sailing out of Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.
Pure Milford Gem of the Sound Cruise
The Gem of the Sound is Pure Milford's flagship, a 29 metre three level catamaran built with glass roofs and wraparound viewing decks so there is no bad seat on board. High definition cameras project live outdoor footage onto screens throughout the vessel, useful on the rare day the weather closes in. This is the most affordable way onto the fiord. Allow 2 hours.
Milford Sound Small Boat Cruise, Cruise Milford
The Milford Sound Small Boat Cruise with Cruise Milford, the only local family owned operator on the fiord, keeps numbers to a maximum of 75 passengers for a more personal trip. Expect close encounters with seals, dolphins and, in spring and early summer, the rare Fiordland crested penguin, plus the famous Glacial Facial under Stirling Falls if you are brave enough. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are included, and infants travel free. Allow 1.75 hours.
Southern Discoveries Nature Cruise
The Southern Discoveries Nature Cruise sails aboard the original Milford Sound red boats, running the full 2 hour length of the fiord with full height windows for unobstructed views. A licensed bar and cafe operate on board, and a picnic or buffet lunch can be added at booking if you want to make a full afternoon of it. Transfers from Queenstown and Te Anau can be arranged. Allow 2 hours.
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, Milford Mariner
The Milford Sound Overnight Cruise is the way to actually stay on the fiord rather than just pass through it, spending the night aboard a traditional scow style vessel with private cabins, a four course dinner and a cooked breakfast the next morning. A specialist nature guide covers the fiord's history and wildlife, and kayaking or a tender boat exploration is included, weather permitting. Runs September to May, allow 17 hours from Milford, from $669 NZD.
Frequently asked questions
Which Milford Sound cruise is best for a tight schedule?
The Gem of the Sound and the Southern Discoveries Nature Cruise both run around 2 hours, ideal if you are driving in and out of Milford in a single day.
Is there an overnight option on Milford Sound?
Yes, the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise on the Milford Mariner runs September to May, with private cabins, dinner and breakfast included over roughly 17 hours on the fiord.
Which cruise gets closest to the waterfalls?
The Cruise Milford Small Boat Cruise is known for its close approach to Stirling Falls, including the option to get soaked under the spray in what locals call the Glacial Facial.
Do I need to book parking separately at Milford Sound?
Paid parking at the main visitor terminal runs around $25 NZD for five hours, though a free overflow car park at Deepwater Basin connects by shuttle every 15 to 20 minutes.
Can infants join a Milford Sound cruise for free?
Yes, infants aged 0 to 4 travel free on the day cruises departing Milford Sound, with child rates applying from age five upward.
Local tip: if you are self driving in for the day, an early or late departure tends to have a quieter boat and calmer water than the busy midday sailings when the tour coaches from Queenstown and Te Anau all arrive at once.
Book your Milford Sound cruise above and get out onto Piopiotahi the way it deserves to be seen, from the water looking up at Mitre Peak.