Historical Tours
6+ 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
$315
per adult
Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 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
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
Day Cruises
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$145
per adult
Catamaran Cruises
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$145
per adult
Full-day Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$725
per adult
Full-day 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
$315
per adult
Travellers talk about
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
2,155 reviews
Excellent
1,656
Very good
340
Average
80
Poor
40
Terrible
42
FredRocha
Rio de Janeiro, RJ74 contributions
Jan 2020
We had a wonderful experience in the cruise Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises in the Fiords in Fiordland. Nice boat, wonderful and very diversified breakfast with more than you can eat and a very good staff aboard which was very attentive. We really recommend this cruise.
The bad part of experience we had is that if you buy a ticket including the kayaking or underwater scenery view you must remain very attentive during the cruise when it comes to disembarking for a visit or kayaking. The warning system for tourists who have a ticket for these attractions to disembark is very flawed, especially considering that in the different parts of the boat (especially the upper outer parts), what is spoken in the microphone is low and almost inaudible. As a result, some tourists who have purchased additional attraction tickets miss the time to disembark and the boat departs again and they lose the additional attraction they have purchased. This is a mistake because it is a package tour with tourists of different nationalities, with different degrees of English mastery and poor boat communication outside. In some parts of the boat you virtually hear nothing what is said. This is unacceptable because they have a handheld counter and collect tickets from the shoppers, which means that they should know that there were tourists who should not have yet landed for the attraction. One of the friends on our tour lost the act that had paid for being at the top where the sound is very bad. The serious thing is that Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises does not return the money that was paid for the unused attraction, which represents a confiscation of tourist money against mismanagement aboard the cruise (they count people and collect tickets , so you know some lost). Most serious is the fact of you still claiming the return of their money showing the unused ticket they there at the pier still confiscated the ticket of the friend who lost the attraction, which represents a misappropriation of the property (the ticket) of those who paid for it. We strongly recommend anyone who cruises with the Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises, and who has purchased the additional attractions, to be alert at all times to avoid disembarking for the attractions.
The bad part of experience we had is that if you buy a ticket including the kayaking or underwater scenery view you must remain very attentive during the cruise when it comes to disembarking for a visit or kayaking. The warning system for tourists who have a ticket for these attractions to disembark is very flawed, especially considering that in the different parts of the boat (especially the upper outer parts), what is spoken in the microphone is low and almost inaudible. As a result, some tourists who have purchased additional attraction tickets miss the time to disembark and the boat departs again and they lose the additional attraction they have purchased. This is a mistake because it is a package tour with tourists of different nationalities, with different degrees of English mastery and poor boat communication outside. In some parts of the boat you virtually hear nothing what is said. This is unacceptable because they have a handheld counter and collect tickets from the shoppers, which means that they should know that there were tourists who should not have yet landed for the attraction. One of the friends on our tour lost the act that had paid for being at the top where the sound is very bad. The serious thing is that Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises does not return the money that was paid for the unused attraction, which represents a confiscation of tourist money against mismanagement aboard the cruise (they count people and collect tickets , so you know some lost). Most serious is the fact of you still claiming the return of their money showing the unused ticket they there at the pier still confiscated the ticket of the friend who lost the attraction, which represents a misappropriation of the property (the ticket) of those who paid for it. We strongly recommend anyone who cruises with the Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises, and who has purchased the additional attractions, to be alert at all times to avoid disembarking for the attractions.
Written 14 January 2020
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.
Megan B
Centennial, CO5 contributions
Feb 2020
Southern discoveries was very good, rebooked out Milford sound trip because of unexpected rain and road closure. The rain continued and we couldn’t do the trip. They gave us a full refund, literally took two minutes, just gave them our reference number and they refunded. No issues.
Written 3 February 2020
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.
HeidiPB
Chicago, IL56 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This cruise was the highlight of our honeymoon! The views from the cruise were spectacular. The customer service of Southern Discoveries was great - commentary was perfect amount and interesting and it was smooth sailing. The picnic lunch was enjoyable too. Highlight of the cruise was up close to the waterfalls - don’t miss with Southern Discoveries!
We added the Underwater Observatory to our trip, it is definitely a cool concept, but would recommend less time spent as it can be seen in less than 10min and we spend almost 30min at the Observatory.
We added the Underwater Observatory to our trip, it is definitely a cool concept, but would recommend less time spent as it can be seen in less than 10min and we spend almost 30min at the Observatory.
Written 6 January 2020
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.
Fiona E
Colchester, UK169 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Eagerly anticipated day trip from queenstown to Milford sound. Early morning departure for the coach journey which took a total of 5.5hrs. We stopped several times along the way for photo opportunities, and to pick up passengers en route. Our driver Barbar entertained us with the history and geography of the terrain, vegetation and wildlife throughout the whole journey. The cruise itself was 1.5hrs and enjoyable despite the fact that we didn’t have the best weather conditions for it. There was apparently an option to add in an underwater discovery centre visit during the cruise which we had not been told about. We were also not told that the buffet or picnic lunch on the boat needed to be booked beforehand.
The disappointment of the day was discovering that the plane we had paid extra for our return journey to queenstown for had not been able to fly into Milford Haven due to low cloud cover so we had another 4+ hr return coach journey we had not bargained for! I doubt if we will see a refund for this!
Take plenty of warm and waterproof clothes.
Delighted to find usb ports on every seat on the bus, sadly only a few of them worked.
The disappointment of the day was discovering that the plane we had paid extra for our return journey to queenstown for had not been able to fly into Milford Haven due to low cloud cover so we had another 4+ hr return coach journey we had not bargained for! I doubt if we will see a refund for this!
Take plenty of warm and waterproof clothes.
Delighted to find usb ports on every seat on the bus, sadly only a few of them worked.
Written 25 January 2024
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.
Urja Thakkar
Auckland Central, New Zealand12 contributions
Jan 2021
Me and my friends took the cruise from Milford sound and then went to the Milford Discovery and Underwater Observatory. We went in the afternoon cruise so we could not Kayak, pro tip if you go in the morning cruise you can also Kayak there. Recommend going in a rainy weather so that you can see a lot of water falls. We went in summer and barely saw a couple of waterfalls. If you're lucky enough you see the dolphins as they are moody, hey I am not making this up that's what the Captain said. Though we did see some big fat seals they were tooo cute. It was a nice experience, but you know what they say, one fish can dirty the whole water. There was this guy in the cruise who was soo much interested in the bathroom (puking) which made everyone uncomfortable. Except for that, the beer that they make there and serve you tastes okayish. I mean I am no critic but bad beer and really expensive. The cruise was neat and clean, the staff was very good and knew everything that the tourists were asking them.
Written 9 November 2021
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.
Solo Family Travels
Melbourne, Australia25 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We went on an Encounter Nature Cruise with a visit to the underwater observatory. Being on a smaller boat than many other cruises, it was great to get a closer look at many of the features of this amazing place. The commentary was very interesting and it was fun to have an opportunity to touch the big waterfall.
The Underwater Observatory was very interesting and provided a further insight into the nature of Fiordland. Our guide was very knowledgeable and engaging.
The picnic lunch included in the cruise was a very generous amount and a great range of food.
The Underwater Observatory was very interesting and provided a further insight into the nature of Fiordland. Our guide was very knowledgeable and engaging.
The picnic lunch included in the cruise was a very generous amount and a great range of food.
Written 1 February 2020
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.
Melb2Travels
3 contributions
Dec 2022
The trip down to Milford Sound was a lovely drive and we stayed in Te Anu over night. When we arrived we were early, but thought we could buy a hot drink. The cafe wasn't open, and at the terminal the coffee machines were broken. The toilet smell in the terminal was really bad like the toilets were blocked or hadn't been cleaned.
None the less we hung around for the journey, the actual boat ride was pleasant, it rained the night before so we got to see the water falls. But what was the most disappointing was the bad behaviour of the captain. My mother is a diabetic and she forget to take her medication before getting on the boat. We thought the boat would return in time for her to take it but they stoped at some conservation observatory not far the terminal and made everyone get off for 1hour. My partner spoke to the captain and explained our problem and asked if we could not get off and be taken back to the terminal. He out right refused and told us to get of the boat. This is find appalling.
Whilst we totally accept it was our error forgetting the medication but my mother is very elderly and we thought she had it on her, but to be told they dont care and its our problem left us in disbelief.
We got off the boat and waited an hour and then when the boat finally returned to the terminal we rushed to the car to get her medication. My concern is there was no care of consideration of a medical issue. Because of this we would not book again and would book through the many other travel companies also situated there if visiting again.
Because of the poor service by the captain made it a poor experience.
None the less we hung around for the journey, the actual boat ride was pleasant, it rained the night before so we got to see the water falls. But what was the most disappointing was the bad behaviour of the captain. My mother is a diabetic and she forget to take her medication before getting on the boat. We thought the boat would return in time for her to take it but they stoped at some conservation observatory not far the terminal and made everyone get off for 1hour. My partner spoke to the captain and explained our problem and asked if we could not get off and be taken back to the terminal. He out right refused and told us to get of the boat. This is find appalling.
Whilst we totally accept it was our error forgetting the medication but my mother is very elderly and we thought she had it on her, but to be told they dont care and its our problem left us in disbelief.
We got off the boat and waited an hour and then when the boat finally returned to the terminal we rushed to the car to get her medication. My concern is there was no care of consideration of a medical issue. Because of this we would not book again and would book through the many other travel companies also situated there if visiting again.
Because of the poor service by the captain made it a poor experience.
Written 1 April 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.
Bryan C
7 contributions
Dec 2019
I firmly believe that the best way to see a country is to drive through it. We took the bus from Queenstown to Milford Sound via Te Anau. It took almost six hours to get to the sound, but we stopped as some gorgeous sites along the way. Plus, we had lunch in Te Anau at some incredible food trucks. We had multiple opportunities to stretch our legs along the way, and our bus driver had so much information about the terrain, the history, and the trip itself, that the trip was definitely worth it.
The cruise itself was surprisingly relaxing. We got sunny weather and calm seas, which probably helped. We sat at the back of the boat, and we both thought that helped to get a better view of the fjord and for longer. Definitely bring some cold and wet weather gear, and you can take full advantage of the upper deck. We got up close to some seals and under a couple of waterfalls, too. The whole thing reminds you of a place out of time.
We flew back to Queenstown, and that's where the confusion came in. The driver was supposed to contact the pilot about our flight, but he was new and didn't know. A pilot eventually showed up for us, but there was a lot of confusion surrounding our experience. If you are flying back, definitely make sure the arrangements are made at the beginning of the day. I will say that flying back is the way to go though. It's much shorter and there are some beautiful mountains, lakes, and glaciers you can only see from the air.
The cruise itself was surprisingly relaxing. We got sunny weather and calm seas, which probably helped. We sat at the back of the boat, and we both thought that helped to get a better view of the fjord and for longer. Definitely bring some cold and wet weather gear, and you can take full advantage of the upper deck. We got up close to some seals and under a couple of waterfalls, too. The whole thing reminds you of a place out of time.
We flew back to Queenstown, and that's where the confusion came in. The driver was supposed to contact the pilot about our flight, but he was new and didn't know. A pilot eventually showed up for us, but there was a lot of confusion surrounding our experience. If you are flying back, definitely make sure the arrangements are made at the beginning of the day. I will say that flying back is the way to go though. It's much shorter and there are some beautiful mountains, lakes, and glaciers you can only see from the air.
Written 7 January 2020
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.
Mel T
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Family
I had pre-booked a cruise plus an underwater observatory experience, which I was very much looking forward to taking the children to. We were late due to sheep on the road and the red light/green light system giving us red lights every time. When we arrived, upset and stressed from the run from the carpark to the terminal, we were advised by one of the workers that we had missed the boat and he would need to speak to Chris. We waited around for 15 minutes and then went to the desk as a new member had been there for a while. We were given tickets on the next available cruise which I thanked them for.
I asked if we would be visiting the underwater observatory, the worker advised the cruise did not stop there. I asked if I would receive a refund for the money I had paid to visit the underwater observatory, I was advised I would not. This is when Chris interjected..he said we were lucky to have received any tickets at all, that the boats were like planes and we were late so technically we weren't owed anything. At this point, I was very upset as the plans I was so looking forward to weren't going ahead and I was not receiving any compensation PLUS this Chris man had took it upon himself to make us feel worse than we were already. I thanked the other worker and walked away to cry. My partner stayed at the desk and asked if he could have a contact to make a complaint to, he was given an email address but was advised by Chris, " You're not gonna get a refund!!"
At which point, my partner and my two young children walked away from the desk
The experience we received at Southern Discoveries that day was one of the worst i've had. Chris' customer service leaves a lot to be desired, the way we were spoken to by him was unnecessary and rude. It this is how they treat their customers, I would not recommend.
I asked if we would be visiting the underwater observatory, the worker advised the cruise did not stop there. I asked if I would receive a refund for the money I had paid to visit the underwater observatory, I was advised I would not. This is when Chris interjected..he said we were lucky to have received any tickets at all, that the boats were like planes and we were late so technically we weren't owed anything. At this point, I was very upset as the plans I was so looking forward to weren't going ahead and I was not receiving any compensation PLUS this Chris man had took it upon himself to make us feel worse than we were already. I thanked the other worker and walked away to cry. My partner stayed at the desk and asked if he could have a contact to make a complaint to, he was given an email address but was advised by Chris, " You're not gonna get a refund!!"
At which point, my partner and my two young children walked away from the desk
The experience we received at Southern Discoveries that day was one of the worst i've had. Chris' customer service leaves a lot to be desired, the way we were spoken to by him was unnecessary and rude. It this is how they treat their customers, I would not recommend.
Written 17 March 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.
e_maccars
Christchurch, New Zealand33 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Fantastic trip, great commentary from a knowledgable Captain and guide. The smaller boat size was great for getting up close to the waterfalls. Yummy lunch and the observatory was definitely worth a visit. Thank you!
Written 30 March 2021
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.
Kia ora,
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this awesome review. we're stoked you had a great time in Milford Sound. Fingers crossed we'll see you back again soon.
Ngā mihi,
Ciara
Written 31 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What is the main difference between the scenic cruise and nature cruise?
Are your boats much smaller than the Real Journey boats?
Written 25 February 2020
Go to Southern Discoveries website
Under ‘compare our Milford sound Cruises’ for comparison”
Written 26 February 2020
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..
Written 7 November 2018
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
Written 16 November 2018
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
Written 10 April 2018
Should be fine with baby just dress for weather
Written 11 April 2018
Hi, how much do you charge for fly back option from Milford Sound to QT?
Written 22 December 2017
My review was done as a tourist. Our group drove. I am not in the business so I have no idea about fees for flights.
Written 22 December 2017
Are your coaches from Queenstown glass-roof?
Written 20 December 2017
Will rain ponchos be provided for the guests or we are advised to bring our own? Thank you!
Written 21 November 2017
They have only jackets! Nothing to cover pants! But if its not rainy weather, you won't need anything!
Written 21 November 2017
Hi, Can I know do you have tour depart from Te Anau? If yes, what is the schedule and charge?
Thanks.
Written 27 October 2017
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.
Written 28 October 2017
What are the departure times, and how many people can go on one boat?
Written 22 February 2017
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
Written 22 February 2017
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
Written 28 March 2015
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
Written 29 March 2015
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