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The Best Milford Sound fiord day cruise

- South Island

From AUD $44

Top attraction

All year

Nature, Wildlife

Milford Sound

0-99

All year

Nature, Wildlife

Milford Sound

0-99

What you need to Know?

Start Location:

Piopiotahi / Milford Sound Visitor Terminal

Departure Time:

11:00 (Check in begins 20 minutes before the cruise)

Return Time:

12:45

Duration:

105 minutes

Free date changes:

Subject to availability

Included

Scenic cruise on a modern catamaran with large windows 
HD cameras projecting live outdoor footage onto TV screens 
Spacious outdoor viewing decks
Free tea and coffee throughout the cruise 
Indoor and outdoor seating
Live commentary
GST (tax)

Experience the Magic of Milford Sound

Discover the most enchanting and unique experience with the best Milford Sound cruise. Nestled in one of the wettest places in New Zealand. Milford Sound boasts some of the most spectacular and ever-changing waterfalls in the country. The combination of heavy rainfall and steep mountain faces creates breathtaking cascades, both permanent and temporary. If it has rained within 24 hours of your cruise, you’ll witness these waterfalls at their most magnificent.

Legends and Natural Wonders

According to Maori legend, Fiordland was sculpted by the demigod Tu-te-raki-whanoa, who carved the fiords with his toki (adze). The last and most perfect of these fiords is Piopiotahi, or Milford Sound, named after the piopio bird that mourned the demigod Maui. This legend adds a layer of magic to your journey, making your visit not just an adventure, but a dive into the rich cultural history of New Zealand.

Cruise in Comfort and Style

Embark on a journey aboard one of our modern catamarans, designed to provide the best sightseeing opportunities in the fiord. The Gem of the Sound features a unique glass roof and spacious viewing decks, while the Maiden of Milford offers 360-degree views from its fully open top deck and two bars. Both vessels are equipped with HD cameras projecting live footage onto TV screens, ensuring you won’t miss a moment of the stunning scenery.

Spectacular Waterfalls

On your Milford Sound cruise, you’ll encounter some of the most iconic waterfalls:

Bowen Falls: The highest in Milford Sound at 162 meters, providing water and electricity to the local settlement.
Stirling Falls: Dropping 155 meters from a U-shaped hanging valley between Elephant and Lion Mountains, best viewed from the boat.
Fairy Falls: This pretty waterfall drops directly into Milford Sound, and you can even drink its pure water!
Bridal Veil Falls: A semi-permanent waterfall that resembles a bride’s veil, most impressive after heavy rain.
The Four Sisters: A set of identical waterfalls that come to life after a decent rain, visible only from a boat.

A Unique and Memorable Journey

Each cruise travels the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea and back, with the crew pointing out highlights such as towering cliffs, lush flora and fauna, and the ever-changing natural wonders. The knowledgeable crew shares local insights, geological facts, and a few laughs along the way. There’s even a dedicated kids’ corner to keep young adventurers entertained.

The highlight of the cruise is when the boat noses close to Stirling Falls, allowing you to feel the spray of fresh glacial melt—a truly magical experience.

The Perfect Wet Weather Activity

Milford Sound is renowned for its rain, making a cruise here the ultimate wet weather activity. After a downpour, thousands of temporary waterfalls cascade into the fiord, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. No matter the weather, every day in Milford Sound is guaranteed to be special and memorable.

Join us for the best Milford Sound cruise and immerse yourself in the beauty and magic of this stunning natural wonder. Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Why do we love "The Best Milford Sound fiord day cruise "

VANZ TRAVEL team

Melinda says: Exploring Milford Sound on this cruise felt like stepping into a fairy tale! The waterfalls were magical, and getting sprayed by Stirling Falls was incredible. The stunning views, combined with the fun and friendly crew, made it a truly amazing and unforgettable experience!

Know Before You Go

What should I bring?

For your day cruise Milford Sound we recommend bringing:

Hat and Sunscreen (summer months)
Comfortable clothes and flat, enclosed shoes
Sunglasses
Camera/Smartphone
Reusable water bottle
Raincoat (wet weather)We recommend bringing cash for on-board purchases due unreliable connectivity in the fiord.

What is NOT included?

Please note that meals are not provided on this tour, and pickup services are not available.

What should I know before I go?

For those driving to the terminal, there is a car park managed by Milford Sound Tourism where both cars and camper vans can be parked. The fee is $10 per hour, and the system is barrierless. You can pay for parking either before or after your cruise at pay stations in the car park or inside the terminal. Please allow up to 10 minutes to walk from the car park to the terminal.

Wheelchair-accessible parking is available right outside the terminal for those who need it. Additionally, there is a free parking area at Deepwater Basin, accessible by taking a left-hand turn just before entering Piopiotahi / Milford Sound village. Please be aware that parking here is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you choose to park at Deepwater Basin, plan for a 20-25 minute walk to the terminal, and factor this time into your journey.

Winter Driving: If you are traveling between 1 May and 30 September, please check the NZTA Road Status to see if chains are required.

Both of our vessels feature a scenic café/bar serving a variety of hot and cold refreshments throughout the cruise. Choose from local beverages, sandwiches, pies, and other grab-and-go options, as well as soft drinks and confectionery. We cater to gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian dietary requirements.

There is no pharmacy, supermarket, or reliable petrol source at Piopiotahi / Milford Sound, so it’s important to stock up on essentials before departing Te Anau.

Piopiotahi / Milford Sound is the ultimate wet-weather activity! A moody day can be a great day, and if you expect sunshine and blue skies, you might want to adjust your expectations. Milford Sound experiences some of the highest rainfall levels in the world, which creates lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Rain enhances the scenery with new and temporary waterfalls, making the cliff faces burst with glacier-fed water.

What is the cancellation policy?

If the road to Piopiotahi / Milford Sound is closed, or there is bad weather that prevents from running the trip, will give you the option to reschedule your booking to another day, or to receive a refund.

Changes can be made up to 48 hours before your pre-booked tour time, subject to availability.

If you change your mind or need to cancel for any other reason, a cancellation fee will apply according to VANZ Travel’s terms and conditions available on our website.

Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour date are non-refundable.

Please note that the card fee is non-refundable.

Do you have a question?

Suppliers Terms and Conditions

We get information about experiences from independent providers. We try to make sure our offers are correct, but sometimes things might change a little. When you book, the provider will give you comprehensive details regarding each experience upon confirmation of your booking. If there are any changes later on, they’ll let you know. Participation in each experience is contingent upon your acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined by the experience provider at the time of booking confirmation.