Milford Sound Boat Cruises

Cruise New Zealand’s iconic scenery
No visit to Milford Sound is complete without a cruise - it’s a New Zealand must-do. Choose from scenic or nature-focused options with our trusted partner, Southern Discoveries, known for their quality vessels and excellent service.
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Nature Cruise 

The Original - 1hr 45min cruise of Milford on a catamaran style boat

A local favourite, this is the most popular cruise with Milford Sound Lodge guests. Sail past iconic sights like Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls, feel the spray from the waterfalls as you cruise the fiord towards the Tasman Sea.

Passionate skippers will provide entertaining nature commentary from the wheelhouse, while the boat hosts are on hand for a chat and to answer any questions. Get a picture of abasking New Zealand fur seal or relax in our spacious cabin with a hot drink. This is one experience you do not want to miss!

Why choose a Milford Sound Nature Cruise

  • Duration 1hr 45mins - 2hrs

  • Whatever the weather, refurbished lounges offer amazing views through large viewing windows

  • With 360º views, the spacious outdoor decks are perfect for photographers

  • Passionate skippers delight in sharing their knowledge with entertaining commentary

  • Complimentary tea and coffee throughout the cruise  

Book Now with your accommodation

Discover More

Includes a longer Milford Sound Cruise, Smaller Vessel and Nature Guides onboard

A local favourite, this is the most popular cruise with Milford Sound Lodge guests. Sail past iconic sights like Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls, feel the spray from the waterfalls as you cruise the fiord towards the Tasman Sea.

Passionate skippers will provide entertaining nature commentary from the wheelhouse, while the boat hosts are on hand for a chat and to answer any questions. Get a picture of abasking New Zealand fur seal or relax in our spacious cabin with a hot drink. This is one experience you do not want to miss!

Why choose a Milford Sound Nature Cruise

  • Duration - Up to 2 hrs 15 mins onboard - Southern Discoveries longest cruise for a deeper Milford Sound experience

  • Spacious outdoor covered viewing deck with comfortable seating and uninterrupted views

  • Expert insights and stories from a dedicated onboard nature guide and open wheelhouse—meet and chat with the skipper 

  • Year-round wildlife sightings—New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and (if you're lucky) the rare Fiordland crested penguins  

  • Get close to the famous waterfalls of Milford Sound—maybe even feel the spray from the outdoor decks   

  • Complimentary tea and coffee throughout the cruise  

Book Now with your Accommodation

Ready to book your cruise?

Locking in your adventure is easy. After selecting your chosen accommodation via the 'Book Now' button below, you’ll have the option to add on experiences like a Milford Sound cruise, kayaking trip, or a self-guided Milford Track day walk - all as part of your booking. Make the most of your time in Milford Sound by building your perfect stay.

Book Now with your accommodation
Other experiences
Milford Sound is located in Fiordland National park, home to New Zealand’s tallest fiords, fur seals, bottle nose dolphins and the yellow crested penguin. Make the most of your visit with a cruise, hike or kayaking experince.
Kayaking
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Milford Track Day Walk
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Scenic Flights
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Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it

Couldn't ask for a better location, right in the middle of the mountains. Staff very nice, friendly and helpful. The restaurant is absolutely incredible offering top quality food with a diverse menu.
Laura , London, UK
High quality establishment. Beautiful dining facility with superb gourmet menu. Staff was friendly and helpful. All well designed, well maintained, and well equipped. Even the campervan spaces were well appointed, with trees planted between sites to provide more privacy.
Simon , Los Angelies, California
What a place. Stayed here on our honeymoon and wow, just wow. The service was amazing, the rooms were cozy and comfortable. Not luxurious, but super comfortable. The view, however, was stratospheric.
Nadia , Canada
Service was top notch, and I'd definitely recommend eating at least one dinner at Pio Pio. Pio Pio was probably our favorite restaurant we went to in New Zealand.
Mandi , New Zealand
One day a Weka bird was walking around the deck. Also saw several Kea birds. Both nights we had dinner from their restaurant Pio Pio. The food was amazing including the best Crème Brulee ever.
Virginia , Fairfax, VA
Accommodation
Whether you seek riverside romance, family adventures or a unique place to park your self-contained camper, you will find your perfect window to wilderness at Milford Sound Lodge
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