米尔福德峡湾经典游船

• 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.

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.

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.

Yes. Daily coach connections run from Queenstown and Te Anau, with scenic stops and commentary along the way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When informed in advance about guests with hindered mobility, we make every effort to accommodate their needs -  including assigning seating in proximity to main areas. However, please note that all our vessels have at least one sea sill that guests will need to navigate, and none have fully accessible bathrooms onboard. Accessible bathrooms are available at the Milford terminal. Below is a summary of each boat's accessibility:

Milford Sound Signature Cruise boats

• Milford Haven: The Haven is wheelchair accessible via ramps, suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters under 90 cm wide. There is an accessible bathroom onboard. An outdoor viewing area is available on the main deck, though this requires stepping over a sea sill and space may be limited for turning. Seating is assigned on this vessel.
• Milford Mariner: The Mariner is not recommended for wheelchair users, as there are no ramps and guests must climb approximately 20 stairs to board. Guests with limited mobility may still be accommodated, provided they are able to manage stairs. Sea sills are present when accessing the outdoor decks, and bathrooms are located upstairs on the main deck and outside areas.

Milford Sound Classic Cruise boats

• Sovereign: The Sovereign is our most accessible vessel, featuring wider ramps of 150 cm that can accommodate mobility scooters. There is an accessible bathroom on the main deck, though ramps are required to reach it due to high sea sills, with crew assistance available once onboard. Seating is assigned for guest comfort, and the bar is located on the main floor. Buffet selection and coffee service from the upper deck can be assisted by crew or companions.
• Monarch: The Monarch is not suitable for wheelchair users, as there are no ramps and guests must step over a sea sill when boarding. Guests with limited mobility may potentially be accommodated, but stair use is required to access bathrooms, which are located upstairs or downstairs.

Milford Sound Premium Cruise & Business Class boat

• Sinbad: The Sinbad has no ramps, and guests must step over a large sea sill to board. Guests with limited mobility may be accommodated, though some mobility is required to navigate the vessel.

For more information, or to request a specific boat for your cruise, please contact us at 0800 65 65 01 or [email protected].

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.

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.

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.

The Milford Sound Classic Cruise does not include lunch. You can add-on a generous international buffet for $65pp or a picnic lunch box for $38pp to enjoy on your cruise at time of booking. 

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.

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.

前往米尔福德峡湾前，请了解当地可能存在的各类自然风险。

新西兰

• 数百万年来，强大的自然力量塑造了新西兰的地貌。地震与火山活动将这片美丽的岛屿从太平洋中抬升而起，也造就了今天令人惊叹的自然景观。
• 自然灾害是新西兰生活的一部分。全国每年记录约 20,000 次地震，绝大多数规模较小，不易察觉；但较大的地震可能造成损害。了解当地可能发生的自然灾害及应对方式，是规划旅程的重要一环。

米尔福德峡湾

• 米尔福德峡湾（Piopiotahi Milford Sound）风景壮丽而瞬息万变，拥有世界上最令人惊叹的自然景观之一。陡峭的冰川峡谷、高耸的山峰和深邃的峡湾，历经数百万年的地质演变而形成。
• 这里也面临多种自然灾害风险，这些风险可能在任何时候发生，其中部分甚至没有预警。对于游客而言，大型地震、山体滑坡及海啸是最主要的自然风险。
• 虽然这些事件在您短暂停留期间发生的概率极低，但风险始终存在，而且停留时间越长，风险也会随之增加。由于当地地理环境特殊，一旦进入峡湾，可采取的避险措施相对有限，因此建议您在出发前充分了解相关风险。

地震风险

• 与新西兰其他地区一样，峡湾国家公园（Fiordland）经常发生小规模地震。这些地震通常难以察觉，不会对游客造成影响。
• 偶尔发生于峡湾附近的地震可能会让您感觉到轻微摇晃，例如架上的物品晃动或窗户震动，但通常不会影响您的行程。
• 较强的地震可能引发雪崩、落石或山体滑坡，导致道路、码头及步道受到影响，也可能造成交通中断。
• 大型地震虽然罕见，在短期旅行期间发生的可能性极低，但未来仍有可能发生。
• 阿尔卑斯断层（Alpine Fault）几乎贯穿整个南岛，并经过米尔福德峡湾的入口。该断层约每 300 年发生一次 8 级以上的大地震。科学预测显示，未来 50 年内发生此类地震的概率约为 75%（更多资讯请参阅 af8.org.nz）。如此规模的地震几乎必然会对峡湾及周边区域造成重大影响。

地震发生时应采取的措施

• 立即采取「趴下（Drop）、掩护（Cover）、抓牢（Hold）」原则，直至停止摇晃。

• 地震期间移动容易造成受伤，应尽量保持原地避险。越贴近地面，越不容易受到伤害。

• 待震动停止后，请听从工作人员指示，并尽快远离峡湾及河流等水域，前往较高地势。

山体滑坡风险

• 米尔福德峡湾四周山势陡峭，容易发生落石及山体滑坡。地震及恶劣天气可能导致山体失稳，使岩石及碎石高速滑落。
• 小规模落石较为常见，除非距离很近，否则通常不会察觉。
• 大型山体滑坡发生机会极低，但一旦发生，除了可能危及生命，也可能在峡湾内引发海啸。
• 大型地震是峡湾地区发生大型滑坡最常见的诱因。不过，大型地震在短期停留期间发生的可能性仍然极低。

如何做好准备

• 前往偏远地区时，建议车上准备：饮用水、食物、急救用品、保暖衣物、其他应急物资。蒂阿瑙至米尔福德峡湾的道路可能受到雪崩、落石及山体滑坡影响。虽然 Milford Road Alliance 全天候 24 小时监测道路状况，但若道路受阻，救援仍需时间抵达，充足的应急物资将有助于您安全等待。
• 若您看到或听到山体滑坡落入水中，或发现大量扬尘、巨大轰鸣声、水花飞溅等异常情况，请立即听从工作人员指示，并迅速远离峡湾及河流等水域，前往高处。

海啸风险

• 与新西兰所有沿海地区一样，米尔福德峡湾也存在海啸风险。
• 最常见的风险来自太平洋远距离大型地震。这类海啸通常需要数小时才会抵达新西兰海岸线，政府会提前发布官方预警，让民众有时间撤离。
• 另一种较少见但更值得关注的风险，是大型山体滑坡落入峡湾后所引发的海啸。
• 虽然滑坡引发海啸的可能性极低，但一旦发生，可能形成巨浪，并危及生命安全。

海啸发生时应采取的措施

• 地震引发海啸 - 如果您在米尔福德峡湾感受到：持续 1 分钟以上的长时间地震；或强烈到无法站立的地震；请立即撤离（Get Gone），迅速远离峡湾及河流，并前往高地。
• 山体滑坡引发海啸 - 如果您看到或听到：山体滑入水中、大量扬尘、巨大轰鸣声、水花飞溅、水位或水流出现异常变化，请立即撤离，尽快远离所有水域并前往高地。

应急预案

• 米尔福德峡湾已制定完善的应急响应计划，并与多家政府机构协同，在宣布进入紧急状态时共同应对各类灾害，包括：地震、海啸、山体滑坡、雪崩、洪水、极端天气、其他紧急事件。
• 所有旅游运营商均设有各自的应急程序，并与政府整体应急机制保持协调。
• 需要注意的是，如果大型山体滑坡引发海啸，可能不会有任何预警，且外部救援需要一定时间才能抵达。因此，所有游客及工作人员都应了解相关风险，并做好随时迅速撤离至高地的准备。

更多资讯，请访问 Emergency Management Southland 或 AF8 官方网站。