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Day Cruises

A RealNZ Day Cruise is one of the best ways to experience New Zealand’s nature in some of the most incredible natural places.

Take a day cruise through the vast Doubtful Sound and rediscover yourself in its secluded peace. Adventure to Milford Sound and take a cruise close enough to feel the powerful spray of waterfalls. Find a unique perspective of Queenstown when you venture across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak. Step back in time and fall in love with history aboard the vintage steamer, TSS Earnslaw, or try something more modern on a Queenstown Lake Cruise. Fall in love with nature all over again when you discover New Zealand’s ‘third island’ and uncover its natural birdlife sanctuary on Ulva Island.

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What day cruises are available?

We operate day cruises in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown (Lake Whakatipu), and Stewart Island. Availability depends on each day and the popularity of the cruise. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Where do the day cruises depart from?

Cruises depart from different locations depending on the destination.

All Milford Sound Day Cruises depart from the Visitor Terminal in Milford Sound.
Doubtful Sound Day Cruises depart from Pearl Harbour at Lake Manapouri.
Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu Day Cruises depart from the Steamer Wharf if you’re boarding the TSS Earnslaw and our Queenstown Lake Cruise vessel, the Spirit of Queenstown departs a little further on from the Steamer Wharf, at St Omer Wharf.
Stewart Island Day Cruises depart from the Stewart Island Ferry Terminal, Oban.

How long do the day cruises last?

Day cruises vary in duration.

Milford Sound Day Cruises run for approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours depending on the boat and day cruise you choose, not including travel time to destination.

Doubtful Sound Day Cruises operates a little differently. Meet at Lake Manapouri, where, included in your day cruise ticket, you’ll get transport across the lake, which can last up to 1 hour. Following that, we’ll cross the Wilmot Pass by coach, through lush and dense forest for another hour before reaching Deep Cove at Doubtful Sound. The Doubtful Sound Day Cruise lasts around 3 hours before returning to land.

Queenstown Day Cruises also vary in length depending on your vessel and the destination. The TSS Earnslaw travels to Walter Peak and back again, which takes around 45 minutes each way. Some guests choose to depart at Walter Peak to enjoy the range of experiences the High Country Farm offers. The Queenstown Lake Cruise is a 1.5 hour round trip.

Are any of the day cruises child-friendly?

Day cruises are all child-friendly, we just ask you to supervise children, especially young ones, when moving about the vessel as there are safety hazards.

Are the day cruises wheelchair accessible/safe for impaired mobility?

Not all of our day cruises are wheelchair accessible or safe for impaired mobility.

Please reach out to our reservations team to discuss which of our vessels can accommodate you best. Email [email protected] or call +64 3249 6000.

Are there any natural hazards and risks I should be aware of when visiting Milford Sound?

Piopiotahi Milford Sound is one of the world's most spectacular environments, and it comes with natural hazard risk. A large earthquake or tsunami is extremely unlikely during your visit, especially a short one. Even so, these hazards do pose a risk to life, and once you are there, your options to stay safe are limited.

What to do: If an earthquake feels LONG or STRONG, Get GONE. Move up and away from waterways (the fiord and rivers) as quickly as possible. If you see or hear a landslide, do the same.

Find out more: realnz.com/en/plan/natural-hazard, civildefencesouthland.govt.nz/piopiotahi-milford-sound & af8.org.nz