Private and Luxury
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$149
per adult
Cruise Milford
Cruise Milford
5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Experience Milford Sound the local way - Cruise Milford is the only family owned & operated day cruise operator at Milford Sound. We are also the only company to limit passenger numbers on-board to 50% of the boats capacity to guarantee an uncrowded and much more personal experience on-board our Boutique Small Boat Cruises. Let us show you our Milford Sound, up close and personal. Voted one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand in 2019 & 2020
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Cruise Milford
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 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$289
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
2,296 reviews
Excellent
2,090
Very good
175
Average
24
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Mette Leth
Aarhus, Denmark29 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Our experience were a little different, since we visited after the massive flood, that wrecked a lot of the area.
The personel on the cruise were friendly and helpful, had a great chat with one of them.
The view is... Amazing. Simply put. I am ever so greatful for the men and women who made our trip possible after a challenging time with the weather in Milford Sound.
We saw waterfalls, seals, a seal pup and the mother, breathtaking views and got a shower in a waterfall.
The boat was small and even at full capacity, there weren't that many people. Compared to the really big boats down there, ours were tiny, but for me that was definitely better.
I will most certainly use this cruise again, if I ever get the chance.
The personel on the cruise were friendly and helpful, had a great chat with one of them.
The view is... Amazing. Simply put. I am ever so greatful for the men and women who made our trip possible after a challenging time with the weather in Milford Sound.
We saw waterfalls, seals, a seal pup and the mother, breathtaking views and got a shower in a waterfall.
The boat was small and even at full capacity, there weren't that many people. Compared to the really big boats down there, ours were tiny, but for me that was definitely better.
I will most certainly use this cruise again, if I ever get the chance.
Written 25 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.
Thank you very much for your kind review. We are the only company at Milford Sound to limit passenger numbers to 50% of the boats capacity to offer a much more personal experience. We are very happy to hear you've enjoyed your time with us and hope to welcome you back on-board one day.
Written 26 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tex
New Zealand31 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Wonderful crew and beautiful journey. Intelligent, informal and informative commentary, which wasn’t in any way overbearing. Crew were super-friendly and relaxed and made the trip feel like a day out on a friend’s boat. They took the time to respond to the changing environment (wildlife encounters, going out onto the Tasman as it was such a calm day, drenching the braver kids under waterfalls etc) and we never felt like we were just following the ‘beaten track’. Just perfect all round. Thanks for a really great day, it couldn’t have been better!
Written 24 July 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.
Thank you very much for your amazing review. We are happy to hear you and your family had a great time on-board and under the Stirling Falls.
Written 17 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Solo Family Travels
Melbourne, Australia25 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We had already booked another company’s cruise for the subsequent morning when we realised it was likely to be rainy - and with the sun shining on our first afternoon in Milford Sound (quite unusual!) we decided to take another cruise with a different company. The boat was very comfortable and the narration throughout the trip was very informative (although a little hard to hear at the top outside deck). It was a great introduction to a breathtaking location.
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.
Thank you for taking the time to leave this kind review. It's great to hear you've got the chance to compare Milford Sound on a sunny day with a rainy day experience.
Written 26 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel B
5 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
We booked on this tour as we wanted to ensure we had small numbers of people on our boat trip.
It did not disappoint. The boat was so spacious and there was plenty of room for all the guests.
Milford Sound itself was extraordinary.
The skipper was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the sound but also about any wildlife that we happened to see.
On our trip (1045am in early November) we managed to see seals, penguins and dolphins.
The skipper was able to get up close and personal with the seals and penguins - this being another benefit of the smaller boat.
I could not recommend this cruise enough. Its worth the additional £ for its intimate nature.
It did not disappoint. The boat was so spacious and there was plenty of room for all the guests.
Milford Sound itself was extraordinary.
The skipper was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the sound but also about any wildlife that we happened to see.
On our trip (1045am in early November) we managed to see seals, penguins and dolphins.
The skipper was able to get up close and personal with the seals and penguins - this being another benefit of the smaller boat.
I could not recommend this cruise enough. Its worth the additional £ for its intimate nature.
Written 2 November 2022
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.
Charity T
Levin, New Zealand28 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We chose Cruise Milford for their late cruise which allowed us to get our ferry from the Milford Track and still have a cruise. It was the only boat out at the later time and this created a intimate atmosphere on board. We circled the fiord enjoying the great commentary and the cosy warm atmosphere of the boat. I imagine that larger boats would be far more impersonal and harder to move about and get the best views. We all could fit under the waterfalls (fun fun fun!!!) and the crew could just chat about things. We asked lots of questions and were all 100% satisfied with our experience. When the hoards return these qualities will really make your choice important so I'd recommend Cruise Milford for an trips around the fiord.
Written 23 April 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.
Hi Charity,
Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are so pleased you've enjoyed your afternoon cruise with us and the famous "Glacial Facial" under the Stirling Falls (definitely an experience not to be missed). As a small family business we can't thank you enough for your support!
Written 7 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachael Fox
Takaka, New Zealand237 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
We had the most beautiful day doing a cruise through Cruise Milford. Hamish and Julia were incredible, humerous and knowledgeable about the area, flora/fauna with very trained eyes for spotting dolphins! We were very blessed to see both dusky dolphins and bottlenose dolphins! Highly recommend doing your cruise with Cruise Milford. Thanks guys!
Written 4 December 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.
Thank you very much for your kind review. We are very happy to hear you've enjoyed your time with us. We can't thank you enough for choosing our small family business for your Milford Sound experience.
All the best,
Hamish & Lisa
Written 9 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DrClem
Gisborne, New Zealand5 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
Did a cruise with these guys and could not rate them higher. Hamish our skipper was wonderful took his time to show us all the spots plus a whole lot that the other boats didn’t seem to go to. Boat is modern and comfortable. Highly recommended. Thanks guys you have been the highlight of our holiday.
Written 6 November 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.
Thank you for your lovely review. We are very grateful that you have supported a small family business. Hamish loves showing our guests this beautiful part of New Zealand and was very humbled that you considered our cruise the highlight of your holiday.
All the best!
Written 23 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
anneh
11 contributions
Dec 2019
We chose this boat to avoid the large coach parties; it doesn't fill up [ policy] so there was plenty of room to move around for views and photos. You could stay inside or go outside where an overhead covering area kept rain off you - and your camera!. Hot drinks and small snacks were available all the time. The commentary was useful but better still was the chance of talking to the well informed crew. The small size of the boat meant we could get up really close to waterfalls and wildlife. Recommended!
Written 9 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.
Thank you for your kind review. We are very happy to hear you've enjoyed your time with us at Milford Sound.
Written 11 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jen
2 contributions
Oct 2020
We did the full day tour from Te Anau and Wow what a fantastic choice we made. Lovely small group tour. Our Guide was knowledgeable and experienced and we felt secure in the knowledge that we didn't have to drive ourselves there. he knew all the best stops to make and really made the road trip so interesting. Lisa in the office is so friendly and caring you could tell that she really wanted us to feel well looked after and to have our best time, which we did! Milford Sound turned on the best weather for us too but I have no doubt that with these guys we would have had a fantastic day regardless! Morning Tea and lunch was so good and beyond our expectations too. Thanks Lisa and Karlyn and the rest of the team.
Written 3 November 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.
Wow, thank you so much for your amazing review. I am so happy you have enjoyed your day with us. The day tour from Te Anau is definitely the best way to fully take in all the beautiful scenery the Fiordland National Park has to offer.
We hope you've enjoyed the rest of your holiday through the South Island.
Written 23 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Petra
Rugby, UK10 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Easy to book, nice small boat, witty commentary from the captain.
We only booked about 2 days before and the 2.45 was the only one with spaces. The last hour of the drive is quite scary so we were glad not to be on an early boat trip.
Parking is NZ$25 for 5 hours so we timed our visit accordingly.
Brooke, at the checkin counter was very helpful and moved us up to the 1.30 as there were spaces.
It was clear where to board and the staff were all very helpful.
We were blessed by a sunny day following the previous day of heavy rain which enhanced the waterfalls.
Loved the commentary from the captain and how close we were able to get to the shoreline to see the foliage.
Free beverages are a nice touch and this whole day was the highlight of our trip.
Thank you
We only booked about 2 days before and the 2.45 was the only one with spaces. The last hour of the drive is quite scary so we were glad not to be on an early boat trip.
Parking is NZ$25 for 5 hours so we timed our visit accordingly.
Brooke, at the checkin counter was very helpful and moved us up to the 1.30 as there were spaces.
It was clear where to board and the staff were all very helpful.
We were blessed by a sunny day following the previous day of heavy rain which enhanced the waterfalls.
Loved the commentary from the captain and how close we were able to get to the shoreline to see the foliage.
Free beverages are a nice touch and this whole day was the highlight of our trip.
Thank you
Written 23 February 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.
Hi, we are going to be in milford sound in 4 Jan, can you please let us know what should we wear? Is it very cold? We have a one and half year toddler.
Written 30 December 2021
I don't see the option to book the cruise + coach on TripAdvisor with this operator - only see it on their website. I'd prefer to book via TripAdvisor if possible...anyone see the option?
Written 19 January 2020
Cruise M
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Hi there,
We are currently in the process of loading our coach and cruise on TripAdvisor. For the day tour we require a lot more details from you compared to the cruise only so we want to make sure we get it right. This should be up and running by next week. You can book a cruise only through TripAdvisor and then ring us on 0064 3 398 6112 to add on the coach. Or just sent us and email with your TripAdvisor booking reference.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
The Cruise Milford Team
Written 20 January 2020
Hi, does this only involve the cruise and not the transfers from queenstown? Is the drive from queenstown smooth and doable?
Written 11 January 2020
We drove ourselves but you may be able to get a coach/cruise with the same company. The drive is long and winding but easy, and there are lots of points to stop and see some stunning sights. We left just before 7am for a 2.45pm cruise to get ahead of all the coaches and stopped for breakfast at Te Anau. This gave us plenty of time to stop on the way.
Written 12 January 2020
Cruise M
Milford Sound, New Zealand
No there is no cellphone coverage or Wifi at Milford Sound.
Written 15 December 2019
How bad is the parking? We would like to do the cruise but worry about the parking. What time would be best time of the day to start the cruise?
Written 19 November 2019
Cruise M
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Hi. Parking can be completely full at certain times of year and you can have up to a 40 min wait for a carpark.
Written 20 November 2019
How far in advance do I need to book? We are arriving in Christchurch on feb10 and plan to do a self drive around the South Island. We really would like to do your cruise but are not sure at present of when in our 3 week holiday we will get to Milford Sound.
Many thanks,
Sian
Written 20 January 2019
Cruise M
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Thanks for your question, I would say you would be ok to leave it till 2 - 3 days before.
Written 21 January 2019
Do you collect Travellers from Sherwood in Queenstown?
Also, we have a person in our group with bladder issues. Does your bus and boat have bathroom facilities?
Written 15 October 2018
Cruise M
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Hi Yes we pick up from in front of the Hotel and yes the Bus has a toilet on-board.
Written 17 October 2018
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