The Milford Sound Signature Cruise is your invitation to experience Piopiotahi, Milford Sound. Step aboard one of our unique, character-rich boats, designed for comfort and discovery, and enjoy an unforgettable cruise through this spectacular fiord.
Settle into the welcoming atmosphere as panoramic views unfold around you. With a barista-made coffee or local craft beer in hand, and fresh cabinet treats to savour, our crew will share the stories that bring Fiordland to life.
Unique, character-filled boats: cruise boats that contribute to your experience.
Indoor & outdoor seating: Find your favourite spot, inside or out, and enjoy uninterrupted views.
Local food and beverages: barista coffee, craft beer, and fresh cabinet options available to purchase onboard.
Knowledgeable crew: local nature guides sharing Fiordland's wildlife stories.
Cruise duration: Allow up to 2hrs.
Daily cruise departures: 10.30am, 1pm, 3.25pm.
Flexible cancellation: Reschedules or refunds will be given with up to 24 hours notice.
Arrive at least 20 minutes before your departure. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound.
Board your RealNZ cruise boat
Step aboard one of our signature RealNZ cruise boats: The Milford Haven, with it's extensive rooftop deck and indoor lounge, or the Milford Mariner, purpose-built to replicate a traditional trading scow perfectly suited to cruising the fiord.
Sail beneath Mitre Peak
Take in Piopiotahi’s most famous view. Mitre Peak rises 1692m straight from the water, all sharp ridgelines and sheer faces, an unforgettable first sight and a dream for photographers.
Take in Milford Sound highlights
Cruise by Lady Bowen Falls, the water supply of the settlement, and feel the spray of Stirling Falls. Slip past Copper Point towards the Tasman Sea (weather permitting), look for fur seals at Seal Rock, and glimpse Anita Bay’s, treasured for its pounamu. At Harrison Cove, watch Mt Pembroke and its glacier above the rainforest canopy, and spot the end of the Milford Track across the water.
Explore the Tasman Sea (weather permitting)
Venture to where Milford Sound meets the Tasman Sea, a once-hidden entrance avoided by explorers like Captain Cook due to its treacherous coastline. Here, witness the dramatic meeting of fiord and ocean.
Look for wildlife at Seal Rock
Seal Rock offers a rare resting spot for New Zealand fur seals among Milford Sound’s cliffs. Hunted nearly to extinction in the 1800s for their fur, these seals have remarkably recovered and are now seen year-round.
Feel the spray of Stirling Falls
Stirling Falls cascades 146 meters from a glacier-fed, U-shaped hanging valley between Elephant and Lion Mountains, making it Milford Sound’s second-largest permanent waterfall. Named after Captain Stirling, who navigated the HMS Cleo here in the 1870s, it’s a breathtaking sight. Step onto the deck to feel its refreshing mist.
Reflect on Milford Sound’s magnitude as your cruise ends
Take in your final, breathtaking views of Milford Sound. With towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforest fading into the distance, this unforgettable journey leaves lasting memories of one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.
Amazing experience! Milford Sound cruises are a must-do for anyone visiting New Zealand. The customer service team at RealNZ are phenomenal and go above and beyond to cater to their guests needs. I highly recommend booking your experience with them.
Excellent company doing an excellent job of sharing their beautiful country! Organized, enjoyable cruise. Knowledgeable staff providing an interesting commentary on magnificent Milford Sound.
As with every experience we had with Real NZ, this tour was easy to book, easy to check in for, comfortable, informative and amazingly picturesque. The boat had plenty of room to sit, stand or move about, and tasty snacks. Milford Sound itself is scene after scene of natural beauty. Highly recommend.
We had a lovely afternoon touring Milford Sound with RealNZ. The weather was very kind to us, not too windy, cold or hot, just right. The onboard commentary was interesting and informative, and the cafe was great. Views in this area are spectacular. When booking with RealNZ you can be guaranteed of quality service, well trained and efficient staff and an excellent experience. Highly recommend.
We self drove in to Milford and took a lovely afternoon cruise into the sound. The crew were awesome no faults very polite people behind the cafe. The food and drinks were delicious. The knowledge from the team was amazing and made so much better. I will also mention how some of the seats were window facing and how much better That made our trip. Would visit again and highly recommend.
Kids loved it - we were lucky enough to see a dolphin, 5 penguins and 4 seal pups, not to mention the captivating views and waterfalls. Topping up kids bottle with Lady Bowen's purest spring water was an unexpected bonus ☺️
Explore Milford Sound on one of our unique, signature cruise boats.
The Haven
Explore Milford Sound onboard the stylish Milford Haven. Enhance your cruise with one of our fresh cabinet bites pair it perfectly with a fresh craft beer or local wine.
Sit back, relax and journey to Milford Sound on one of our glass-roof bullet coaches from Queenstown or Te Anau. Our expert drivers know every twist and turn of the Milford Road, including the best spots for incredible photos, wildlife sightings, and those magical moments in nature. Along the way, they’ll share fascinating stories and insights about the area, bringing the landscape to life.
Departures leave daily from Queenstown at about 7am and Te Anau at about 10am.
By Air
The fastest and most scenic option between Queenstown and Milford Sound is to fly, with window views over glacial valleys and the Southern Alps.
Flight connections operate multiple times daily in season; pair a flight with a RealNZ cruise for the close-up fiord experience. Flights are available via fixed-wing plane or helicopter and are weather-dependent.
There are two places to park your car at Milford Sound, one is paid parking, and the second is free parking:
Paid parking
This is closest to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, only a 5 - 10 mins walk along a path with a beautiful view of the fiord. The paid parking is clearly signposted as you enter the small village of Milford Sound. Parking costs an hourly rate of $10. The car park is managed by Milford Sound Tourism, and the money collected is used to fund Milford Sound’s facilities and infrastructure. Overnight parking is available at the terminal for $30, from 3.30pm until 11am the following morning. This can be paid by card or paywave inside the terminal building. Payment machines do not accept cash.
Free parking
There is a free car park for day and overnight visitors located at Deepwater Basin Road, about a 20-minute stroll to the Visitor Terminal along a scenic forested pathway. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to park your vehicle and walk to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, as you need to check in for your RealNZ cruise 20 minutes prior to departure. You should always allow extra time to check in and board your boat.
Our Classic Milford Sound Cruise has a 24-hour cancellation policy for bookings made directly with RealNZ. Reschedules or refunds will be given in the event of a cancellation, and amendments can be made to your booking when RealNZ receives notification at least 24 hours prior (NZ time) to your departure time.
Risk disclosure
Milford Sound
Nestled amidst towering cliffs and lush rainforests, the breathtaking beauty and raw nature of Milford Sound captivate all who visit, but it also comes with its share of natural hazards. Visitors to Milford Sound should be aware of various natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, severe weather events, flooding, landslides, and avalanches. The Alpine Fault, capable of producing Magnitude 8 earthquakes, poses a significant risk of triggering landslides and tsunamis, while the area's mountainous terrain and high rainfall lead to frequent landslides and potential road closures due to flooding and avalanches.
Earthquake
The Alpine Fault runs approximately 800km up the spine of the South Island of New Zealand and is one of the world’s major geological features. Responsible for the prominent geological features that are evident in Milford Sound, the Alpine Fault is active, with rupture events occurring on average every 300 years. The latest significant earthquake was in 1717 AD. For more information, see the link here: AF8 website.
Analysis indicates that major ruptures are likely to exceed Magnitude 8. The next Alpine Fault event is likely to be very destructive and could trigger landslides and potentially a localised tsunami. An Alpine Fault rupture of Magnitude 8 is anticipated to damage critical infrastructure in Milford Sound, such as key road networks.
Tsunami
Milford Sound is susceptible to both local and distant-sourced tsunami events. Scientific analysis indicates that in the event of any severe earthquake (Magnitude 8 or higher), a destructive landslide (including submarine) induced tsunami could be generated. Supporting analysis also indicates that the substantial volume of water displaced by a landslide may result in a tsunami reaching very significant wave and run-up heights.
In areas such as Milford Sound, where numerous visitors are received each day, a landslide-induced tsunami of any significant height would pose a significant risk to people at Milford Sound. The only warning these people would receive of a potential tsunami is the onset of an earthquake. This section will be updated once a new risk assessment of landslide-induced tsunamis has been completed.
Severe Weather Events
Flooding
Milford Sound’s mountainous terrain results in significant annual rainfall, with the area receiving in excess of 7 metres of rain each year on average. Low soil absorption typically sees rain run directly into the sea, lakes, or high-capacity rivers throughout the area. It is not unusual to get rainfall accumulations of 200 mm in 24 hours with intensities of up to 30 mm per hour.
Whilst the roading infrastructure is well developed to cope with most heavy rain events, significant and sustained rain events have the potential to close roads and isolate Milford Sound while repairs are carried out.
Landslide
Landslides are a regular occurrence in Milford Sound due to regular severe weather and the area's soil conditions. They are primarily vegetation-based near the coast, where topsoil is limited; however, further inland, they have a higher content of rock and soil.
Snow/ Avalanche
Avalanches also threaten the road networks that service the Milford Sound area. While the preventative actions of the Milford Road Alliance (i.e. avalanche control) significantly reduce avalanche risk, avalanches continue to occur periodically.
Upgrade your experience
Make your trip to Milford extra special on our Premium Cruise or let us do the driving on a Day Trip from Queenstown. Upgrade your experience with RealNZ.
Since 2022, our collaboration with Central Otago’s Wet Jacket Wines has poured real support back into Piopiotahi Milford Sound.
Every glass of Putangi Pinot Noir onboard helps fund predator control at Harrison Cove — a crucial refuge for tawaki, Fiordland crested penguins, during breeding and moulting.
Your sip supports trap-line upgrades, the logistics to service this remote coastline, and even purpose-built “penguin hotels” that give nesting females safe harbour.
• Coach from Queenstown or Te Anau for a relaxing, scenic journey with photo stops. • Fly(fixed-wing or helicopter) from Queenstown for jaw-dropping views. Flights are weather-dependent. • Self-drive via Te Anau on SH94. Allow extra time for photo stops and changing alpine conditions, especially in winter.
Is the road to Milford Sound safe to drive?
The Milford Road is an alpine highway with narrow sections, the one-lane Homer Tunnel, and frequent rain or snow in cooler months. In winter you may need to carry chains; always check the day’s conditions before you go, drive in daylight where possible, and allow generous time. If you would rather sit back and enjoy the scenery, our coach services are a great stress-free option.
Is there parking available in Milford Sound?
Both paid and free parking are available in Milford Sound. The main car park in Milford Sound is the closest to the Visitor Terminal and is clearly signposted as you enter the small village centre. It is only a 5 - 10-minute walk along a beautiful path with views of the fiord and costs an hourly rate of $10. The free parking is slightly further away from the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, about a 25-minute stroll along a scenic forested pathway and is located at Deepwater Basin Road. You should allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to park your vehicle and transfer to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, where you should check-in for your cruise 20 minutes prior to departure.
Do you have an option to travel via coach to Milford Sound?
Yes. Daily coach connections run from Queenstown and Te Anau, with scenic stops and commentary along the way.
I want to take a flight over Milford Sound, is this possible?
Absolutely. Scenic flights, via fixed-wing plane or helicopter, pair beautifully with a Milford Sound cruise and are available as return options from Queenstown, subject to weather. Our team can package coach–cruise–fly or fly-cruise–fly experiences with trusted flight partners.
Where does the Milford Sound Day Cruise depart from?
All RealNZ cruises depart in Piopiotahi Milford Sound from the Milford cruise terminal area. Your booking confirmation includes check-in instructions and timings. If you require coach connections, check out our day trips to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau.
How long does the Milford Sound cruise last?
Milford Sound cruises vary in duration, typically lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours. The exact length depends on factors such as your chosen boat, weather, wildlife encounters, and overall conditions. During these scenic cruises, you'll navigate the entire length of the stunning fiord. Departing from the Visitor Terminal, the cruise takes you to the Tasman Sea, offering breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, and captivating landscapes before returning to the terminal.
What is the best time of day to cruise Milford Sound?
There is no “wrong” time of day to cruise Milford Sound. Mornings are often calmer and quieter. Midday brings brighter light for photography. Late afternoon can mean softer, golden light. Cruises depart multiple times a day.
What should I wear on a Milford Sound Day Cruise?
Milford Sound's weather changes fast. Wear warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy, non-slip shoes. Bring a beanie/hat, sunscreen (yes - even in winter), and a small day pack for your camera, water, and any medication. If you plan to spend time on deck near waterfalls, a light rain shell is perfect.
Is the Milford Sound Day Cruise child-friendly?
The Milford Sound cruise is extremely child-friendly, offering an unforgettable experience for your little ones. While exploring the boat, it's important to be cautious due to potential hazards like steps and railings. Ensuring your children's safety is paramount. Kids will love the cruise, especially as it brings them up close to magnificent waterfalls and offers opportunities to spot fascinating wildlife.
To make the most of the journey, pack essentials for a comfortable day trip, including waterproof layers, a sun hat, and ample food and water. Additionally, bring along games to keep them entertained during travel.
Can I see Milford Sound with a baby?
Yes - families with babies are welcome. Our boats have warm indoor lounges and outdoor viewing decks, so you can dip outside for fresh air and views, then tuck back inside. We recommend bringing warm layers, a hat, and ear protection if your baby is noise-sensitive. Feeding and changing are easiest during the calmer moments of the cruise.
Are cruises wheelchair accessible/safe for impaired mobility?
When we are informed in advance about guests with hindered mobility, we make every effort to mitigate the impact by assigning rooms in proximity to the main areas. However, it’s important to note that our boats are not optimally equipped for potential needs. While we extend a warm welcome to individuals with impaired mobility, our boats all have at least one sea sill that the guests will need to navigate. None have fully accessible bathrooms on board. However, there are accessible bathrooms at the Milford terminal. Below are the boats descriptions based on accessibility:
The Sovereign & The Monarch: Our most accessible boats, though guests still need to be able to navigate a sea-sill, and it can’t accommodate electric wheelchairs due to turnaround space.
Milford Haven: Guests need to navigate a sea-sill and will be confined to the café level; there is an outdoor viewing deck on the same level, which can be accessed via a sea-sill but turning in a wheelchair can be tight.
Milford Mariner: Not recommended for wheelchair users due to steep, narrow stairs to the main viewing deck and high sea-sills.
The Sinbad: Semi-accessible bathroom on board but accessed over high sea-sills, no access to the top deck.
Will I see wildlife on the Milford Sound cruise?
Going on a Milford Sound cruise gives you the unique opportunity to encounter native wildlife living in this remote paradise. There might be playful Keas, Fiordland crested penguins, chatty dolphins, graceful albatross, and relaxed NZ fur seals. However, it's essential to appreciate that these creatures are wild, often unpredictable, and some are facing decline. While knowledgeable nature guides will search for wildlife, the animals’ spontaneity means sightings are not guaranteed. A journey into Milford Sound offers a chance to connect with the natural world, and each sighting becomes a testament to the untamed beauty of this incredible environment.
Will I get cold or wet on the Milford Sound cruise?
Milford Sound can be a cold and wet place, but that doesn’t mean you need to be! Pack for most weather outcomes, like a rain jacket, a warm layer, sunscreen, and a sunhat, and you’ll be comfortable for whatever the weather brings.
Will the Milford Sound cruise go ahead in bad weather?
Aside from road closure due to snow, the Milford Sound cruise is likely to go ahead in most weather. Very strong wind is usually the only weather to cause cancellations, but Milford Sound is typically sheltered from wind and rough tides. In Milford Sound, we welcome heavy rain, as it brings out the hundreds of waterfalls.
Does the Milford Sound cruise include lunch?
The Milford Sound Signature Cruise does not include lunch. You can purchase freshly prepared cabinet food, barista coffee and a range of beverages on the cruise.
Do you cater to dietary requirements on the cruises?
We can cater to dietary requirements on the cruises. Please let us know what requirements you have when you make your booking, and we can make sure there are options for you.
What is the Milford Sound cruise cancellation policy?
Our Milford Sound Signature Cruise, Milford Sound Classic cruise, Milford Sound Day Trip from Queenstown and Milford Sound Day Trip from Te Anau all have a 24-hour cancellation policy for bookings made directly with RealNZ. Reschedules or refunds will be given in the event of a cancellation, and amendments can be made to your booking when RealNZ receives notification at least 24 hours prior (NZ time) to your departure time.
Milford Sound Premium Cruise and Milford Sound Business Class require 48 hours notice for cancellations or reschedules.
Milford Sound Overnight Cruises require 14 days notice prior to departure for cancellations or reschedules.
Are there any natural hazards and risks I should be aware of when visiting Milford Sound?
Visitors to Milford Sound should be aware of various natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, severe weather events, flooding, landslides, and avalanches. The Alpine Fault, capable of producing Magnitude 8 earthquakes, poses a significant risk of triggering landslides and tsunamis, while the area's mountainous terrain and high rainfall lead to frequent landslides and potential road closures due to flooding and avalanches. Learn more here.
