10 BEST Cruises in Milford Sound 🏔️ [2024]

1. Pure Milford – The Cruise with the Best Views of Milford Sound

Sail on the only small-ship cruise in Milford Sound with glass roofs overhead, meaning that no matter the weather, you’ll always get magnificent views of the fiord’s towering cliffs and waterfalls with Pure Milford. That’s not to say that when the sun is shining you can’t make use of both the covered and open sun decks to bask in the fiord’s majesty. The skipper and friendly local crew share insights about the glorious UNESCO World Heritage Area you’re cruising through, while the onboard cafe/bar is the cherry on top!

Learn more about the cruise and book your adventure at puremilford.co.nz!

© Pure Milford

2. RealNZ Nature Cruise – The Best Milford Sound Cruise for Nature Lovers

The most popular of the Milford Sound cruises is the RealNZ Nature Cruise. RealNZ offers the widest range of cruises in Milford Sound, but one of their best offerings is their Nature Cruise. Onboard a characterful ship complete with masts (just like the early explorers of this fiord), you’ll journey through the sounds while receiving insightful commentary from your nature guide. The tour hits all the waterfalls and mountain views of any Milford Sound cruise, as well as having a focus on spotting wildlife. Find out more about the RealNZ Nature Cruise on Viator or Klook.

© RealNZ

3. Southern Discoveries Cruise and Underwater Observatory – The Best Milford Sound Cruise Package

The next cruise on our list of the best Milford Sound cruises includes an underwater observatory. Offering some of the best value-for-money packages for Milford Sound cruises, Southern Discoveries is definitely worth considering if you want to pair your cruise with a visit to their Milford Sound Underwater Observatory or incorporate some kayaking into your experience as an add-on. After a two-hour cruise through Milford Sound, with a picnic lunch included, you’ll get to experience a unique view of Milford Sound and its black coral from the underwater observatory.

Find out more about additional experiences that Southern Discoveries offers in our 15 Best Things to Do in Milford Sound. Plus, check out the full tour details with Southern Discoveries on Viator and Klook.

© Southern Discoveries

4. Mitre Peak Cruises – The Best Milford Sound Cruise for Families (and the Cheapest)

Offering a smaller boat experience in Milford Sound, Mitre Peak Cruises is well worth considering if you want to share your cruise with fewer people. The cruise captures all the major highlights of Milford Sound from a smaller vessel to make the landscapes feel all the grander. Tour guides look out for dolphin, seal and penguin encounters for you, while you soak up the scenery and enjoy the free tea and coffee onboard. This is also a good option for families, as children under three years cruise for free making Mitre Peak Cruises one of the best family options when it comes to Milford Sound boat cruises.

Check out Viator for more information on Mitre Peak Cruises. Plus, plan a family trip to Milford using 10 Things to Do in Milford Sound with Kids.

© Mitre Peak Cruises

5. Cruise Milford – The Best Small-Ship Milford Sound Cruise

If you’re the type of traveller who prefers to escape the crowds, then take a serious look at Cruise Milford. The boutique cruise limits its passenger numbers to 50% of the boat’s capacity, so their cruises never feel too crowded. It’s smooth sailing on this catamaran vessel (they also have a smaller monohull boat) that stops at all the essential Milford Sound sights, allows for wildlife encounters and offers complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits on board. Check out the glowing reviews and book your cruise on Viator, Klook or KKday.

© Cruise Milford

6. RealNZ Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise – The Best Overnight Cruise Cruise in Milford Sound

Once you discover Milford Sound, it can be difficult to leave. So spend an extra night in this wilderness paradise on an overnight cruise with RealNZ! The Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise takes you down the entire length of Milford Sound before anchoring at Harrison Cove. Enjoy a three-course buffet meal, make use of the onboard kayaks, listen to the onboard nature guide, and stay in a private single or twin-share en suite cabin. Check out the tour details on Klook.

© RealNZ

7. Fiordland Discovery – The Best Luxury Milford Sound Cruise

Don’t just do an overnight cruise in Milford Sound, do a multi-day discovery tour of several fiords of the Fiordland National Park with Fiordland Discovery. Their multi-day cruise is a small-group experience where you’ll stay on the lavish Fiordland Jewel with its climate-controlled ensuite cabins. Your stay includes cruises of multiple fiords (not just Milford Sound), three-course meals, kayaking, tender boat trips, as well as soaking in the top deck outdoor spa pool. The boat also has a helicopter landing pad, giving you options for cruise-and-flight combos.

Check out the glowing reviews and book your cruise on Viator or Expedia. Plus, see more experiences like this in the 5 Best Luxury Experiences in Milford Sound.

© Fiordland Discovery

8. Southern Discoveries – The Best Milford Sound Cruise and Kayak Tour

Add an alternative experience to your Milford Sound cruise with the kayaking tour add-on with Southern Discoveries! Include a 90-minute kayaking excursion gliding under the majestic cliffs of New Zealand’s most famous fiord on your Milford Sound cruise, which includes a “kayak lift” so you don’t even have to get your feet wet! With a maximum of eight guests kayaking, you also ensure a more peaceful experience of Milford Sound. Check out the full tour details with Southern Discoveries on Viator and Klook.

© Southern Discoveries

9. Pure Milford – The Best Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour

Need to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau? Discover even more sights on the “Coach-Cruise-Coach” tour with Pure Milford, which includes return transfers to both towns while ensuring an adventure-filled journey! Stop by iconic sights such as the Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and much more before you embark on an enchanting cruise of Milford Sound (see point #1)!

Learn more about the coach-cruise-coach tour and book your adventure at puremilford.co.nz! Plus, for more coach and cruise tours to compare, head to our 10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau.

© Pure Milford

10. Pure Milford – The Best Milford Sound Cruise and Fly Tour

And certainly not to be forgotten is the option to take a scenic flight to Milford Sound! Pure Milford‘s “Fly-Cruise-Fly” tour is not only the most time-efficient way to experience Milford Sound in all its majesty but seeing the Fiordland National Park from the mountains all the way to sea is nothing short of breathtaking. If you’re looking to experience Milford Sound in a more intimate way, perhaps for a special occasion or just because this is, after all, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then a scenic flight and cruise combo should be a serious consideration.

Learn more about the coach-cruise-coach tour and book your adventure at puremilford.co.nz! Plus, for more fly and cruise tours to compare, head to our 5 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown.

© Pure Milford

10 Essential Tips for Taking a Cruise to Milford Sound

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Milford Sound, where the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand await to mesmerise you with their untouched beauty. Here are 10 essential tips to make your cruise in this majestic fjord a once-in-a-lifetime experience:

1. Choose Your Cruise Wisely: From boutique small boat cruises that offer intimate encounters with the fiord’s wonders to comprehensive day trips that include coach transport and nature walks, there’s a variety of ways to explore Milford Sound. Whether you’re departing from Te Anau or Queenstown, select a cruise that aligns with your preferences for adventure and comfort.
2. Meet the Majestic Mitre Peak: Rising 1,692 m (5,551 ft) from the water, Mitre Peak is an iconic symbol of Milford Sound. Capture the peak’s reflection in the fjord’s tranquil waters, especially enchanting at sunrise or sunset. See where to get the best photos in the 10 Best Walks in Milford Sound.
3. Embrace the Weather: Known as one of the wettest places on Earth, Milford Sound’s landscape transforms with the rain, creating countless temporary waterfalls that add to the fiord’s mystical ambience. Pack waterproof clothing and be prepared for any weather.
4. Witness Wildlife Up Close: Keep an eye out for New Zealand fur seals, dusky dolphins and the elusive Fiordland crested penguin. The fiord’s rich biodiversity offers thrilling wildlife encounters.
5. Marvel at Waterfalls: Home to the towering Stirling and Bowen Falls, the Sound’s waterfalls are a highlight not to be missed. They’re especially spectacular following rain, showcasing nature’s raw power.
6. Enjoy Onboard Activities: Many cruises offer unique experiences like guided kayaking, allowing you to paddle close to the cliffs and waterfalls, and stargazing, where you can admire the night sky free from light pollution.
7. Packing Essentials: Remember to bring layers, including a waterproof and windproof jacket, sturdy shoes for the deck, and a camera to capture the scenery. Binoculars are also recommended for wildlife spotting.
8. Early Arrival: Secure a coveted spot on the deck by arriving early to your cruise. Booking in advance is crucial, especially during the summer months, as cruises can fill up quickly.
9. Consider Overnight Options: Staying overnight in Milford Sound, at places like the Milford Sound Lodge, offers a unique opportunity to experience the fiord’s serene beauty beyond the day trips. It’s an excellent way to see a side of Milford Sound that many miss. See the 10 Best Accommodations in Milford Sound to discover all of your options.
10. Travel Smart: If you’re self-driving, remember that there are no services on Milford Road, so fill up on gas in Te Anau and download your maps. Alternatively, many tours include transportation, making your journey stress-free.

Every trip to Milford Sound is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes. With these tips, you’re ready to navigate your cruise with ease, leaving you free to absorb the awe-inspiring sights and sounds of this natural wonder. Safe travels, and prepare to be amazed!