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Milford Sound Discover More Cruise with Underwater Observatory

4.8
391
Don't just see Milford, but experience it on the longest and most personal cruise in Milford Sound!

Don't just see Milford, but experience it on the longest and most personal cruise in Milford Sound!

Highlights

  • Cruise on the original, locally owned and operated Milford Sound Cruise
  • The only cruise that includes a visit to New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory
  • See rare black coral growing in its natural habitat and meet colourful sea creatures
  • Learn about the story of Milford Sound and our conservation efforts with entertaining videos and easy to read information panels

If you’re looking for an experience that’s more authentic, more insightful, and more personal – this is it!

Cruise on our small boat while our onboard nature guide chats with you and answers questions. Drink glacial water, touch natural artefacts and get under massive waterfalls.

The adventure continues at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory where you can experience the amazing world beneath the surface.

Descend 64 steps (10 metres) underwater into a large viewing area where windows open your eyes to this underwater haven. Unlike an aquarium, the fish are free to come and go; it’s the people who are contained.

Adult $179.00
Child $89.00 (Aged 5 - 14 years)
Infant $0.00 (0-4 years - Picnic Lunch not included for infants.)

What's included

  • Milford Sound Discover Cruise
  • Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
  • Interesting commentary

Duration

  • Allow approximately 3 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, State Highway 94, Milford Sound. Allow approximately 5 hours drive time from Queenstown or 3 hours from Te Anau.

Restrictions

Notes

  • Departure: Check-in is at Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, State Highway 94, Milford Sound.

    Lunch: Picnic Lunch can be added for $35pp (Adult or Child).

  • Not valid in conjunction with any other special offers.

    Car parking in Milford Sound is $10 per hour, if parking in the main car park, please allow 10-12 minutes to walk to the terminal. There is free parking in Deepwater Basin, please allow 25-30 minutes to walk to the terminal. If you choose to self-drive, we recommend arriving into Milford Sound at least one hour prior to your scheduled cruise departure to allow sufficient time to find a car park and make your way to the Milford Sound Cruise Terminal. For further information about car parking please visit milfordsountourism.nz/parking.

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.8

391 reviews

Showing all 391 authenticated Bookme reviews

Sabine LOUET from France wrote on 21 February 2024

Magnifique expérience

Le seul point négatif de cette croisière est la taille un peu trop grande du bateau, de mon point de vue. Bien que, malgré sa taille, il passe plutôt très près de la cascade, ce qui était vraiment chouette. Et sans doute que ça permet de ne pas être malade, parce que ça secoue pas mal quand même !! On a eu une chance phénoménale avec le temps, ce qui nous a permis de vraiment profiter de l'expérience des fjords. Le passage par l'observatoire permet de découvrir l'environnement autrement, c'était sympa (même si, parlant très mal anglais, on n'a rien compris à ce que la guide a raconté, mdr) Une chouette expérience !

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axelr from Australia wrote on 29 August 2023

Cruise was lovely but food option is overrated

Had a nice time on the cruise and the underwater observatory was interesting but nothing really special. The big disappointment however was the food option for $35 you get a sandwich and a few snacks. Downstairs they have a buffet for staff which looks amazing but you don't have access to. Honestly just bring your own food. Between 4 of us for $140 we could have made an amazing lunch. I've attached a photo of the lunch.

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emmaw3 from New Zealand wrote on 12 April 2023

Epic

Milford Sound (or fjord) very well organised with each cruise, southern discoveries had a personal touch and bonus - getting to do the observatory. Hugely knowledgeable guides more than happy to tell you everything you’d like to know about the unique ecosystem. Skipper even stopped to have a yarn and a biccy with us, had great fun! Thank you team!

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alxblack from Canada wrote on 06 February 2023

Great way to see the fiord!

We loved our tour with sourthern discoveries! The cruise was peaceful and pleasant. We were blessed with perfect weather and we seemed to be the only boat on the fiord (9:30am departure). The lunch was pretty good! Only feedback would be for the sandwich to be labelled with what’s in it. Otherwise loved the variety of snacks - and you get quite a lot of food. The underwater observatory was super cool and informative! The speakers on the boat were a bit fuzzy so I couldn’t make out what the guide was saying when I was outside. Would definitely recommend this cruise :)

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Shibin Joseph from New Zealand wrote on 22 February 2024

Awesome

.

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This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

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When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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