Fiordland & Milford Sound

Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Kayak Tour

Badge of ExcellenceFiordland & Milford Sound, New Zealand
Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Kayak Tour

From $177.97

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

  • 2 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

This Milford Sound cruise in UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park stops at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, accessible only by boat. Your morning cruise on a smaller boat travels outside of peak hours, offering prime viewing and more time on the water than other tours. Hear informative commentary from our passionate skippers on board, and enjoy a provided picnic lunch. Upgrade to include a kayak excursion and paddle Harrison Cove in a small-group limited to 8 people.
  • Travel by boat through stunning Milford Sound, part of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park
  • Includes a stop at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory to observe marine life up close
  • Learn from expert guides about the history, wildlife, and geology of Milford Sound
  • Marvel at towering mountains, thundering waterfalls and abundant animal life of this glacier-carved landscape
  • Have the option to include a guided kayak excursion limited to 8 people

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

Most Milford Sound cruises can take upwards of 250 people. On this cruise, only 90 people are allowed onboard, making for a more relaxing experience as you travel at off-peak hours.

What's Included

  • Sightseeing cruise on Milford Sound
  • Picnic lunch
  • Local guide
  • Visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
  • All kayaking equipment if you choose to add kayaking to your cruise
  • Gratuities
  • On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark at a fee of $10 per hour.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre
    Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound Highway 94, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Board your cruise boat at Milford Sound Wharf and head out onto the fiord. View the stunning landscape of World Heritage–listed Fiordland National Park through panoramic windows.

Your morning cruise on the sparkling waters of the oft mist-shrouded Milford Sound is outside of peak tour hours, so you can thoroughly soak up the tranquil beauty of the fiord. Your passionate skipper describe the natural landmarks, such as Mitre Peak, as you glide past cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs in this top New Zealand destination. 

Access the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory by boat for an exploration of exhibitions on the fiord’s geology, history and wildlife. Descend 33 feet (10 meters) into an underwater world to find rare black coral and other sea creatures that inhabit Milford Sound.

Upgrade your cruise to include a Milford Sound kayak trip with a small group, limited to 8 people. Follow your kayak guide into the calm waters of Harrison Cove. Ogle at Pembroke Glacier and Harrison Valley as you paddle around leisurely before returning to the boat. Gear and instruction are provided; no prior kayaking experience necessary.

Milford Sound

2 hours Admission Ticket Included

Milford Sound (Pass By)

Bowen Falls (Pass By)

Mitre Peak (Pass By)

Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
  • Please note the minimum age to kayak is 5 years old and must be accompanied by an adult or guardian in a double kayak.
  • Car Parking: On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark at a fee of $10 per hour. Please allow 10 minutes to walk from the main carpark to the Milford Wharf Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you can park free of charge at Deepwater Basin Carpark and walk over to Freshwater Basin to the Cruise Terminal. This walk is approximately 30 minutes in duration, so additional time will need to be allocated in order to do this comfortably and arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to your cruise for check-in.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Sharoon_G
Great experience. The guide was very helpful and professional, and eased me into the activity as it was my first time kayaking. Recommend doing it to see amazing views of Milford Sound.

Reviews

4.5
121 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 121 reviews
The experience was good....
Burcu_K, Apr 2024
The experience was good. Due to weather (which is most of the time terrible) kayaking and underwater observatory was cancelled. They promised a maximum of 90 people or so on the boat. There was 250. Please don’t be fooled by that. The company also didn’t provide a refund it’s been 3 weeks.
Majestic and marvellous
Alasdair_S, Apr 2024
Southern Experiences are an awesome tour operator, the kayak trip around Harrison’s Cove was the highlight for me, our guide, Byron was very knowledgeable about the local ecology of the sound. The underwater observatory is a unique look at the marine life under the sound.
A perfect day on the fjord!
Carol_W, Mar 2024
We started with a scenic cruise on the fjord. The guide was informative and steered the boat very close to some of the falls for an extra thrill. The next stop was kayaking on the cove, which everyone in our family would strongly recommend. We ended with a visit to the underwater observatory, which was a unique experience. The picnic lunch was very good quality. The whole organization was very professional.
Another outstanding New Zealand Experience
ScottJoanne_S, Mar 2024
The skies cleared nicely for our afternoon cruise through the Sound. A well organized day with cruise, kayaking and underwater observation all guided. Total length was 4 hours.
An amazing experience in all respects!
Cat_M, Mar 2024
Do the optional kayak tour! You won't regret it. An amazing experience in all respects: a fantastic guide, excellent equipment, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Milford Sound in a tactile way. While the boat cruise is awe-inspiring, being on the water in a kayak is a completely different and wonderful experience. Guaranteed to be bliss- and joy-inducing!
Amazing Views, a must do!
Sharoon_G, Mar 2024
Great experience. The guide was very helpful and professional, and eased me into the activity as it was my first time kayaking. Recommend doing it to see amazing views of Milford Sound.
Must Do
Alexandra_L, Mar 2024
Had an Amazing time! The kayaking was our favorite part, our guide Caitlin did an awesome job. The boat was also very enjoyable, enjoyed the top deck which was outside and allowed for 360 views.
Most Beautiful Experience
Debbie_L, Feb 2024
Memorable day! The cruise through Milford Sound exceeded all expectations. The underwater observatory was very enjoyable. The kayaking experience was superb! It was an exceptional experience.
Excellent tour
William_B, Feb 2024
Underwater observatory was amazing. Kayaking in the river was breathtaking. Cruise was stunning. Crew and team were very professional and friendly.
Just book it already!
Spencer_L, Feb 2024
My wife and I had an absolute blast on this tour. The cruise and light lunch were welcomed, before we did the 1.5hr small group kayak tour and underwater observatory. The kayaking allows you to break away from the busy cruise ships and take in the sound at your own pace. We found it more peaceful that way. You don’t want to miss this!
Happy travels!
Kimberley_I, Jan 2024
Worth the drive and money - the underwater conservatory was educational but the kayak and cruise were totally outstanding and showcased the Milford Sound area perfectly
Best day so far in New Zealand!
Eileen_S, Jan 2024
Delightful day. Wonderful boat ride. Excellent staff including captain, staff on boat, check in, and kayaking .
Misleading description.
Jonathan_H, Jan 2024
Milford sound was great, however beware we booked this trip as it stated only a maximum of 90 people board the vessel for this private trip (as opposed to the ‘other’ companies that take 250 people). However as we “were on the busy 1.15pm booking”, we were put into a boat with 250 others. Not what was advertised; and unfortunately told there was nothing that can be done.
Definitely do the Kayak!
Kathryn_C, Jan 2024
Absolutely do this trip ! It was already an awesome time with awesome guides but then we saw dolphins and penguins right next to our kayaks! Would highly recommend.
Rainy but Stunning Boat Ride
Elizabeth_M, Jan 2024
It rains a lot in Milford sound so you have to be prepared for that and wear the proper clothing. Because of winds of 60 mph we were not able to stop at the underwater site or go kayaking but the views were amazing off the boat- 1 million waterfalls all at once. The key is to go to the top deck of the boat and stand outside to really take in the scenery.
Learned so much!
Augustine_M, Jan 2024
The estimate has the trip at 2 hours, it was 4 with us skipping the observatory. Rosa is an excellent kayak guide!
The boat trip was great,...
Sandie_W, Jan 2024
The boat trip was great, the observatory was fascinating and the kayaking was an absolute highlight.
Informative and Stunning
Michael_S, Dec 2023
Informative cruise, stunning scenery and visit to the observatory. Kyaking was peaceful and gentle. Highly recommend this trip.
Milford sound tour and kayak
Ryne_F, Dec 2023
The boat was great to tour the sound and kayak trip was great. Totally recommend visiting Milford. The place is such a beautiful place. Kayaking was super fun and if you like that I recommend.
Cruise and kayak at Milford Sound - great time no matter the weather
Diane_R, Nov 2023
We felt that it was difficult to understand the captain on the cruise ship pointing out the various points of interest around the fiord. That could have been because we were outside most of the time. We all liked the kayak portion of our excursion. Our guides made the trip memorable with their knowledge and ability to spot the penguins. The part at the underwater observatory was also great. The guy (forgot his name) was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the marine life in the fiord. We were glad we did not let the rain dampen our experience
...

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