Boat Tours
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 93% of travellers
93% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$165
per adult
Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Full view
About
Spectacular Milford Sound is an amazing experience. Southern Discoveries has a wide range of cruises to suit every interest and budget. They also operate the New Milford Discovery Centre & Milford Deep underwater observatory and relaxing 1 hour Kayaking tours in serene Harrisons Cove. Let us show you our Milford Sound.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
Boat Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 90% of travellers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$145
per adult
Boat Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$295
per adult
Boat Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$295
per adult
Boat Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$315
per adult
Travellers talk about
(169 reviews)
(114 reviews)
(63 reviews)
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4.5
1,942 reviews
Excellent
1,493
Very good
314
Average
63
Poor
37
Terrible
36
Andrew S
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
The whole trip was amazing from start to finish and efficiently organised by Real NZ. The Te Anau ticket office staff were welcoming and helpful. Brandon, our coach driver gave an excellent commentary whilst driving amazingly well on difficult roads so we were able to admire the beautiful and spectacular scenery. Several well placed stops to admire points of local interest and birds. The cruise itself was fantastic with breathtaking views and once again, very interesting commentary. Our picnic lunch was excellent.
We thoroughly recommend both the trip itself and Real NZ.
We thoroughly recommend both the trip itself and Real NZ.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamieclower
Silverado, CA38 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Milford Sound is undoubtably one of the most beautiful places on earth. Our tour with Southern Discoveries was perfectly adequate. Large boat (not full to capacity, which was nice), good amenities, overall comfortable. We didn't get a lot of commentary but spent about an hour cruising out and then back in the fjord. Rain in the morning produced tons of waterfalls, with the clouds parting to reveal glorious blue skies on our return.
The underwater observatory was a nice activity, but stretched a little long.
If you're debating between Milford and Doubtful Sounds - do both. But our experience at Doubtful was much more personal, intimate and extended.
The underwater observatory was a nice activity, but stretched a little long.
If you're debating between Milford and Doubtful Sounds - do both. But our experience at Doubtful was much more personal, intimate and extended.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lana B
Ottawa1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Solo
My trip and driver Greg was fantastic! He stopped all over and provided wonderful commentary! He was a local driver so was able to provide a lot of insight about the things we saw!
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomad45564238470
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
Excellent Cruise with detail commentary. Wonderful view from big boat with multiple levels plus front, back & top deck. Thank you.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor L
2 contributions
Very amazing and humbling experience. The sheer size of the surroundings as you cruise through Milford Sounds is astounding. We had a perfectly sunny day for our trip and while it was nice, I do think Mikford Sounds would be even more beautiful on a cloudy, rainy or snowy day. The cruise is definitely worth it either way; we got to see some seals and got really close to one of the many waterfalls. The buffet included with the cruise was delicious and they had gluten-free options as well.
The bus ride to and from Milford Sounds also treats you to some gorgeous scenery and there are enough stops along the way for photo opportunities or to just take it all in. A few of us did get a little motion sick from driving through the winding up and down roads so if you are prone to that, maybe take some tablets beforehand.
Our guide Russell was very knowledgeable and funny as well and honestly made the trip very enjoyable.
Would definitely recommend this experience!!
The bus ride to and from Milford Sounds also treats you to some gorgeous scenery and there are enough stops along the way for photo opportunities or to just take it all in. A few of us did get a little motion sick from driving through the winding up and down roads so if you are prone to that, maybe take some tablets beforehand.
Our guide Russell was very knowledgeable and funny as well and honestly made the trip very enjoyable.
Would definitely recommend this experience!!
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarahkilbertus2018
Toronto, Canada5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We had a great experience with this company! We did the Milford sound cruise and kayak option which included a stop at the underwater observatory. The cruise was great! Amazing views of Milford sound, great captain who took us up close to many waterfalls and pointed out wildlife (seals and penguins!). Provided lunch was simple but filling. The kayak experience was also great, very well organized, no prior experience needed. The only thing to note about the kayaking though is that you basically just to a big loop in sheltered Harrison cove, where there aren’t many (if any at all) falls. The scenery is beautiful, and we got lucky and saw penguins! The underwater observatory was a cool addition, but not something I would specifically pay extra for had it not already been included.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andrew c
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Really enjoyed this trip to Fjordland and Milford! Greg was a terrific guide and driver and gave us a great overview of the area and its history along the way.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david langley-bates
Melbourne, Australia71 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Did the Milford Sound cruise on one of the many rainy days they have down there. What an experience. The rain creates hundreds of new waterfalls and it’s stunning. The rain, the wind, the seals and the penguins. Fantastic
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracy B
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The location was amazing, boat and staff were great. Unfortunately, we didn't have fantastic weather for our cruise, but that doesn't reflect at all on Southern Discoveries.
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy L
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Solo
When everyone went upstairs for the view, staff offered buffet lunch without further noticing customers either in prior or on site that they only offered the lunch for around 45 mins (not for the whole cruise trip) - which when I got downstairs for my buffet lunch with extra pay, everything was packed up!!!
I ended up having some snacks and awful sandwiches as a compensation!
When I asked for refund, they turned me down. What a ridiculous arrangement!
I ended up having some snacks and awful sandwiches as a compensation!
When I asked for refund, they turned me down. What a ridiculous arrangement!
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saazeel2016
Auckland Central, New Zealand3 contributions
What is the main difference between the scenic cruise and nature cruise?
Are your boats much smaller than the Real Journey boats?
CCWLee
Singapore, Singapore81 contributions
Go to Southern Discoveries website
Under ‘compare our Milford sound Cruises’ for comparison”
Archana N
San Francisco, CA129 contributions
What is the best time to book for the cruise? We are interested in wild life.. So we want to know if booking the earliest cruise available is helpful..
Chubby_chally
Jakarta, Indonesia103 contributions
I booked for 12.30 pm tour but I should drive from Queenstown at 5 am. If you want to book another activities like kayaking maybe you should book earlier cruise. You should consider your previous stay because it is a long drive
Hi, My husband and I are travelling along with our 4 and half month baby to Milford sound this month end. We are thinking of taking your morning 9 am short scenic cruise. Do you think it will be ok for an infant? Anything i should be aware of? Thanks! - Dee
Carol B
Melbourne, Australia17 contributions
Should be fine with baby just dress for weather
nemat2017
Singapore, Singapore17 contributions
Are your coaches from Queenstown glass-roof?
MANAS KALE
26 contributions
Yes, They had glass roof
Natalie Tham
Singapore13 contributions
Will rain ponchos be provided for the guests or we are advised to bring our own? Thank you!
RAJAS KALE
14 contributions
They have only jackets! Nothing to cover pants! But if its not rainy weather, you won't need anything!
gladyscha
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia50 contributions
Hi, Can I know do you have tour depart from Te Anau? If yes, what is the schedule and charge?
Thanks.
Viv W
Brisbane, Australia219 contributions
Yes you can be picked from Te Anau, however we were left behind at our motel after waiting for over an hour and drove ourselves there. Not ideal. Was about $120 each but we were refunded.
Susannemsmith
Manakin Sabot, VA27 contributions
What are the departure times, and how many people can go on one boat?
Southern Discoveries
Queenstown, New Zealand9 contributions
Hi Susanne, thank you for your enquiry with Southern Discoveries. We have three different boats in Milford Sound all with different capacity,our largest boat can take up to 300 peope and the capacity on our smallest boat is 75 people. We have varying departure times during summer, our first cruise departs at 9am and our last one at 3.15pm, with plenty of departure times in between. For full our full timetable please check out our website southerndiscoveries.
Kind regards,
Ciara
martinims
London, UK9 contributions
Hi C B,
Do you mind if I ask which cruise you took, the scenic or the nature, and what time of the day you went. Seems like you saw a lot of wildlife and hope to do the same.
Thanks
Mark
franny59
Ripponden, UK142 contributions
Ps Isn,tt trip adviser great if you have a smart phone you must buy an app called Rankers camping nz 10 quid use off line so no roaming costs it acts as a sat nav!!! Following your phone or I pad excellent. Really!! One last thing turn voice mail off EE ripped me off 3 unanswered calls 9 pounds each voicemail and no redress hope this is read by many especially Rankers app enjoy