Milford Sound Cruise & Underwater Observatory

Highlights

• Cruise on the original, locally owned and operated Milford Sound cruise
• The only cruise including a visit to the Underwater Observatory
• See rare black coral in its natural habitat
• Delicious picnic lunch on the cruise

Description

Jump aboard and Discover More with this Southern Discoveries Milford Sound Cruise & Underwater Observatory tour. This is the best way to not only visit Milford Sound but actually stay a little longer and really experience it! After all, this is known as the 8th wonder of the world so be sure to do the best.

Discover More Cruise 
This trip delivers a Milford Sound cruise experience that is more authentic, insightful and personal. Travel aboard a small boat cruise, with an informative nature guide, for two hours of magical sights and sounds. Take the opportunity to drink glacial water, touch natural artefacts and get beneath huge waterfalls. Milford Sound cruises often get the opportunity to spot some incredible wildlife, and a small boat cruise will give you the best viewing experience. 

Following your cruise, the adventure continues at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory where you descend down 64 steps to 10 metres of depth to witness the magical underwater world of Milford Sound. Here you can learn all about what you are seeing through lots of informative panels and videos.

Nature Cruise Only
If you are short on time, you can still experience Milford Sound by boat on a two hour nature cruise. The passionate skippers at Southern Discoveries will provide fascinating insights into the area and you may be lucky enough to see dolphins, penguins and seals! 

Trip Includes

• Discover More Cruise - includes 2 hour cruise, entry to the Underwater Observatory & a picnic lunch
• Nature Cruise Only - includes 2 hour nature cruise
• Complimentary tea & coffee
• Knowledgeable guides & informative commentary
• Transfers from Queenstown & Te Anau available 

Duration

• Allow 3 hours

Departures

• Discover More Cruise departs 9:30am & 1:30pm (12:15pm & 1:15pm in winter)
• Nature Cruise Only departs 10:30am & 1:15pm
• Departs from the main visitor terminal in Milford Sound
• Transport available from Queenstown (7:00 am) & Te Anau (10:00 am)
• Operates daily all year 

Other Information

• Purpose built, all weather vessels offer superior comfort & personalised service
• Maximum capacity onboard the boat is 75 passengers. We limit our numbers to keep our cruises uncrowded enhancing your enjoyment & appreciation of this spectacular wilderness area
• Complimentary tea & coffee
• Child (5-14yrs) & infant (0-4yrs) rates apply 
• Infants (0-4yrs) travel free of charge on cruises departing from Milford Sound (additional cost for transfers ex Queenstown or Te Anau)
• Parking at Milford Sound is $20 for up to five hours, if guests stay longer than 5 hours then an additional flat rate of $20, is charged payable by credit card only
• The gravel overflow carpark in Deepwater Basin is free and a courtesy shuttle to the Milford Terminal operates every 15-20 minutes between 8 am and 5:30 pm

Normal Retail Prices

• Discover More Cruise:
  • Adult NZD$129.00
  • Child (5 -14yrs) NZD$59.00
• Coach & Discover More ex Te Anau:
  • Adult NZD$189.00
  • Child (5-14yrs) NZD$129.00
  • Infant (0-4yrs) NZD$129.00
• Nature Cruise Only:
  • Adult NZD$109.00
  • Child (5 -14yrs) NZD$49.00
• Coach & Cruise Only ex Te Anau :
  • Adult NZD$169.00
  • Child (5-14yrs) NZD$119.00
  • Infant (0-4yrs) NZD$119.00
• Coach & Cruise Only ex Queenstown :
  • Adult NZD$209.00
  • Child (5-14yrs) NZD$119.00
  • Infant (0-4yrs) NZD$119.00