Immerse yourself in the wonders of Milford Sound with a relaxed and scenic cruise that explores the full length of this iconic fiord. As you journey through its breathtaking landscapes, a specialist nature guide will share fascinating insights into the region’s history and wildlife. Feel the cool mist of cascading waterfalls up close, marvel at towering rock faces, and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguins.
Each cruise is uniquely tailored by our experienced skippers, who adapt to the weather and recent wildlife activity to ensure you experience the very best of Milford Sound.
Engaging, informative, and perfectly paced, this cruise offers an unparalleled way to discover what’s often called the "eighth wonder of the world."
Choose your adventure aboard one of our iconic vessels: The Haven, The Mariner or The Sovereign
Explore Milford Sound aboard our diverse fleet, each vessel offering a distinct and unforgettable experience tailored to your desires. Check out the different schedules and departure times for each vessel below.
The Haven
Cruise in style on board the newly refurbished Milford Haven. More than a boat, the Haven is a cruising bar and restaurant. Enhance your cruise with something from our café-style menu and pair it perfectly with a fresh craft beer or local wine.
Extensive rooftop deck and indoor lounge
Restaurant quality food and beer on tap
Barista coffee and tea
Onboard nature guide
Carries up to 180 guests
Schedule: Daily, October to September
Cruise Duration: Up to 2 hours
Departures:10:30am, 1pm, 3:25pm
The Mariner
The Milford Mariner is a purpose-built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow perfectly suited to cruising the fiords.
Spacious viewing decks
Sails can be set when there’s wind
Dining saloon and observation lounge
Barista coffee, tea & on tap beer
Onboard nature guide
Carries up to 120 guests
Schedule: Daily, October to April
Cruise Duration:Up to 2 hours
Departures: 10.30am, 1.00pm
The Sovereign
Our most spacious vessel ensures your whole party has a great view. With a huge space, and even larger views, you’ll feel wowed by the immensity of Milford Sound.
An impressive and expansive top deck
Private function rooms available
Buffet lunch inspired by overseas cuisine
Barista coffee & tea
Carries up to 280 guests.
Schedule: Daily, October to September
Cruise duration:Up to 1 hour 40 minutes
Departures: 11am, 1:15pm
The Sinbad
Cruising aboard our smallest vessel, the Sinbad, you’ll enjoy an intimate cruise that helps you feel even closer to Milford Sound.
Small vessel experience
Longer cruise than most
Champagne and 6-course small plate experience
Barista coffee & tea
Onboard nature guide
Carries up to 80 guests
Schedule: Daily, November to April
Cruise duration:Up to 2 hours 15 minutes
Departures: 1:30pm
What to pack
The weather in Milford Sound is famously unpredictable. To make sure you have the best Milford Sound experience it is best to come prepared.
Packing list:
Non-slip shoes/boots
Waterproof jacket to keep you dry
Warm sweater/fleece jacket to keep you warm
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to keep you sun safe
Insect repellent to stop the sand flies
Camera to capture the memories
Personal medication, including for asthma and allergies
Getting to Milford Sound
The journey to Milford Sound via the famous Milford Road is just as remarkable as the destination itself.
Read about the best way to travel to Milford Sound, whether you prefer a scenic road trip, a breathtaking flight or a luxurious coach ride. No. matter the journey, once you get to Milford Sound, you can be sure to experience a once in a lifetime adventure, especially onboard our majestic premium Milford Sound cruises.
Milford Sound is approximately 5-6 hours (one-way) from Queenstown and around 3 hours from Te Anau.
If you are self-driving from Queenstown, try to stay overnight in Te Anau as the trip to Milford and back from Queenstown can get very tiring. Also, leave plenty of time to stop at the many scenic trails and lookouts along the way.
Risk Disclosure
Milford Sound
Nestled amidst towering cliffs and lush rainforests, the breathtaking beauty and raw nature of Milford Sound captivate all who visit, but it also comes with its share of natural hazards. Visitors to Milford Sound should be aware of various natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, severe weather events, flooding, landslides, and avalanches. The Alpine Fault, capable of producing Magnitude 8 earthquakes, poses a significant risk of triggering landslides and tsunamis, while the area's mountainous terrain and high rainfall lead to frequent landslides and potential road closures due to flooding and avalanches.
Earthquake
The Alpine Fault runs approximately 800km up the spine of the South Island of New Zealand and is one of the world’s major geological features. Responsible for the prominent geological features that are evident in Milford Sound, the Alpine Fault is active, with rupture events occurring on average every 300 years. The latest significant earthquake was in 1717 AD. For more information, see the link here: AF8website.
Analysis indicates that major ruptures are likely to exceed Magnitude 8. The next Alpine Fault event is likely to be very destructive and could trigger landslides and potentially a localised tsunami. An Alpine Fault rupture of Magnitude 8 is anticipated to damage critical infrastructure in Milford Sound, such as key road networks.
Tsunami
Milford Sound is susceptible to both local and distant-sourced tsunami events. Scientific analysis indicates that in the event of any severe earthquake (Magnitude 8 or higher), a destructive landslide (including submarine) induced tsunami could be generated. Supporting analysis also indicates that the substantial volume of water displaced by a landslide may result in a tsunami reaching very significant wave and run-up heights.
In areas such as Milford Sound, where numerous visitors are received each day, a landslide-induced tsunami of any significant height would pose a significant risk to people at Milford Sound. The only warning these people would receive of a potential tsunami is the onset of an earthquake. MSTL is currently seeking a risk assessment related to landslide-induced tsunamis. This Notice will be updated after the risk assessment has been received and considered.
Severe Weather Events
Flooding
Milford Sound’s mountainous terrain results in significant annual rainfall, with the area receiving in excess of 7 metres of rain each year on average. Low soil absorption typically sees rain run directly into the sea, lakes, or high-capacity rivers throughout the area. It is not unusual to get rainfall accumulations of 200 mm in 24 hours with intensities of up to 30 mm per hour.
Whilst the roading infrastructure is well developed to cope with most heavy rain events, significant and sustained rain events have the potential to close roads and isolate Milford Sound while repairs are carried out.
Landslide
Landslides are a regular occurrence in Milford Sound due to regular severe weather and the area's soil conditions. They are primarily vegetation-based near the coast, where topsoil is limited; however, further inland, they have a higher content of rock and soil.
Snow/ Avalanche
Avalanches also threaten the road networks that service the Milford Sound area. While the preventative actions of the Milford Road Alliance (i.e. avalanche control) significantly reduce avalanche risk, avalanches continue to occur periodically.
Stunning!! A fantastic 2 hours on board viewing Milford Sound. Professional, friendly & knowledgeable crew making sure we saw everything possible & as close up as we could. Highly recommended!
The Milford Sound is a beautiful place, and it was wonderful to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were fortunate to have had lots of rain in the area prior to our visit, so waterfalls over the granite cliffs were abundant. Mitre Peak is so inspiring as it stands tall at the top of the sound. Beauty is everywhere. We also saw seals lounging on the rocks. This is one of the places in New Zealand that you just have to go to. We are so glad we did! Be sure to take a rain jacket, which you can find abundantly at stores in Queenstown and Te Anau.
Our captain and tour guide were enthusiastic and very informative! Our smaller vessel, the Sinbad (& smaller crowd) were just what we wanted for our cruise. Getting to the sound early meant we beat the tour buses, which was a big plus, both for driving and being out on the water. Check-in was easy, too. Highly recommend the Sinbad for your Milford Sound Cruise!
We had an awesome cruise on the Milford Haven, the trip was smooth and the commentary informative, and we saw dolphins and a sealion! The boat was very spacious and easy to get around and, like all the RealNZ staff we dealt with during our holiday, the crew were friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended!
Our recent tour to Milford Sound was fantastic. It’s a beautiful place once you arrive but the journey there is also fabulous. Our tour guide Dean was a bundle of knowledge and not only kept us informed along the way, but also stopped at some great places. He also has a great sense of humour and kept us laughing along the way. Milford Sound is beautiful with its many waterfalls and giant mountains. I was also lucky enough to see some dolphins! Thanks for the great day. I highly recommend this tour to everyone!
Milford Sound cruises vary in duration, typically lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours. The exact length depends on factors such as your chosen vessel, weather, wildlife encounters, and overall conditions. During these scenic cruises, you'll navigate the entire length of the stunning fiord. Departing from the Visitor Terminal, the cruise takes you to the Tasman Sea, offering breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, and captivating landscapes before returning to the terminal.
Where does the Milford Sound cruise go?
The Milford Sound cruise sets off from the Visitor Terminal and travels up one side of the fiord out to the Tasman Sea, before returning to the Terminal along the other side. This is to make sure you don’t miss out on any spectacular waterfalls, mountain views, and wildlife.
Will I see wildlife on the Milford Sound cruise?
Going on a Milford Sound cruise gives you the unique opportunity to encounter native wildlife living in this remote paradise. There might be playful Keas, Fiordland crested penguins, chatty dolphins, graceful albatross, and relaxed NZ fur seals. However, it's essential to appreciate that these creatures are wild, often unpredictable, and some are facing decline. While knowledgeable nature guides will search for wildlife, the animals’ spontaneity means sightings are not guaranteed. A journey into Milford Sound offers a chance to connect with the natural world, and each sighting becomes a testament to the untamed beauty of this incredible environment.
Is the Milford Sound cruise child-friendly?
The Milford Sound cruise is extremely child-friendly, offering an unforgettable experience for your little ones. While exploring the vessel, it's important to be cautious due to potential hazards like steps and railings. Ensuring your children's safety is paramount. Kids will love the cruise, especially as it brings them up close to magnificent waterfalls and offers opportunities to spot fascinating wildlife.
To make the most of the journey, pack essentials for a comfortable day trip, including waterproof layers, a sun hat, and ample food and water. Additionally, bring along games to keep them entertained during travel.
What is the Milford Sound cruise cancellation policy?
Our Milford Sound cruise has a 24-hour cancellation policy for bookings made directly with RealNZ. Full refunds will be given in the event of a cancellation, and amendments can be made to your booking when RealNZ receives notification at least 24 hours prior (NZ time) to your departure time. This does not account for Milford Sound Overnight Cruises, which asks for 14 days notice prior to departure.
Does the Milford Sound coach make any scenic stops?
The Milford Sound coach makes multiple stops along the way to Milford Sound so you can take in the incredible views and also pause for amenities like restrooms and snacks. From Queenstown, you’ll stop in Te Anau for a restroom break, snacks, and coffee, before heading into the Fiordland National Park. Here, you’ll stop at Mirror Lakes to take in the incredible reflection of the mountains in the still waters. You’ll also stop further along the road in the Eglington Valley to absorb the immensity of the Fiordland mountains. Later, you might stop at another restroom before travelling on to Monkey Creek, the best spot to see the mischievous Keas in action. A short stop might be made at the entrance to the Homer Tunnel while you’re waiting to enter before making your way into the centre of Milford Sound.
Can I bring my luggage on the coach?
There is limited luggage space on the coach to Milford Sound. If needed, we can store larger luggage in the undercarriage of the coach while you’re on the cruise and only if you’ll be returning on the same coach. However, there’s no space in the coach seating area for large bags.
Where does the coach pick up from?
In Queenstown, the coach will pick you up from our RealNZ Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street, Queenstown, 9300. Our coaches can make pick-ups from select accommodations, contact us at +64 3 249 6000 if you’d like to enquire or make a pickup request. Check your booking confirmation email to see if you have already arranged a pickup.
We are also able to pick up guests from Te Anau, from the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9640. Accommodation pickups in Te Anau are not available.
Do I need to bring a car seat for my child on the coach?
Car seats are not mandatory on our coaches and we do not have them available for hire. If you want to bring a car seat for your child on the coach, you are more than welcome but you must provide your own.
How long does the coach take?
The coach to Milford Sound takes between 4-5 hours from Queenstown and between 2-3 from Te Anau. These times includes stops in Te Anau, and along the Milford Road for photos, scenery, and wildlife. The journey back is slightly faster, as we make fewer stops. Sit back, relax and watch the magnificent views roll by on our coach.
Are cruises wheelchair accessible/safe for impaired mobility?
When we are informed in advance about guests with hindered mobility, we make every effort to mitigate the impact by assigning rooms in proximity to the main areas. However, it’s important to note that our vessels are not optimally equipped for potential needs. While we extend a warm welcome to individuals with impaired mobility, our vessels all have at least one sea sill that the guests will need to navigate. None have fully accessible bathrooms on board. However, there are accessible bathrooms at the Milford terminal. Below are the vessel descriptions based on accessibility:
The Sovereign: Our most accessible, though guests still need to be able to navigate a sea-sill, and it can’t accommodate electric wheelchairs due to turnaround space.
Milford Haven: Guests need to navigate a sea-sill and will be confined to the café level; there is an outdoor viewing deck on the same level, which can be accessed via a sea-sill but turning in a wheelchair can be tight.
Milford Mariner: Not recommended for wheelchair users due to steep, narrow stairs to the main viewing deck and high sea-sills.
The Sinbad: Semi-accessible bathroom on board but accessed over high sea-sills, no access to the top deck.
Do you cater to dietary requirements on the cruises?
We can cater to dietary requirements on the cruises. Please let us know what requirements you have when you make your booking, and we can make sure there are options for you.
Will I get cold or wet on the Milford Sound cruise?
Milford Sound can be a cold and wet place, but that doesn’t mean you need to be! Pack for most weather outcomes, like a rain jacket, a warm layer, sunscreen, and a sunhat, and you’ll be comfortable for whatever the weather brings.
Will the cruise go ahead in bad weather?
Aside from road closure due to snow, the Milford Sound cruise is likely to go ahead in most weather. Very strong wind is usually the only weather to cause cancellations, but Milford Sound is typically sheltered from wind and rough tides. In Milford Sound, we welcome heavy rain, as it brings out the hundreds of waterfalls.
Are there any natural hazards and risks I should be aware of when visiting Milford Sound?
Visitors to Milford Sound should be aware of various natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, severe weather events, flooding, landslides, and avalanches. The Alpine Fault, capable of producing Magnitude 8 earthquakes, poses a significant risk of triggering landslides and tsunamis, while the area's mountainous terrain and high rainfall lead to frequent landslides and potential road closures due to flooding and avalanches. Learn more here.
