Water activity

Milford Sound: Cruise, Underwater Observatory, and Lunch

4.8 / 5

371 reviews

Activity provider: Southern Discoveries
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    Water activity

    Milford Sound: Cruise, Underwater Observatory, and Lunch

    Activity provider: Southern Discoveries
    Likely to sell out
    Likely to sell out

    From US$ 76.88 per person

    Go further, get closer, and discover more on this tour of Milford Sound that includes a picnic lunch. See it all on your cruise, including the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
    Reserve now & pay later
    Reserve now & pay later to book your spot without any charges today. Learn more
    Duration 3 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Live tour guide
    English
    Optional audio guide
    English

    Experience

    Highlights
    • Luxuriate in the beauty of Milford Sound on one of the longest daytime experiences available in the fiord
    • Immerse yourself in a mysterious undersea world at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
    • Listen to lively and informative commentary on the fjord’s history, geology, and wildlife from your skipper
    • Savor a delicious picnic lunch onboard or feel free to bring your own
    • Taste pure glacial water straight from the waterfalls and stand under Stirling Falls
    Full description

    Explore the beauty of the fiord on a vessel that’s purpose-built for the best daytime viewing. Set off on a day-trip that includes a delicious lunch, complimentary tea and coffee, and a visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. Climb aboard a smaller vessel at the Milford Sound Cruise Terminal to discover more of the fiord on an authentic and insightful experience. Get within touching distance of impressive rock walls and waterfalls.

    Join the skipper in the open wheelhouse and say hello to the native seals basking on the rocks as you pass them by. A knowledgeable local guide will ensure you discover the wildlife, nature, and history of this remarkable sanctuary. Also, enjoy a delicious picnic. Visit the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, New Zealand's only floating underwater observatory for an experience unlike any other. Hidden under the surface in Harrison Cove in the middle of Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, the Observatory enables you to experience a different perspective of the fiord.

    Descend 64 steps (10-metres) underwater into a large, fully air-conditioned viewing area and peer out through large windows at the deep underwater haven. Unlike an aquarium, the fish are free to come and go; it’s the people who are contained.

    Includes
    • Milford Sound cruise
    • Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
    • Picnic lunch
    • Complimentary tea and coffee
    • Access to top deck for viewing and panoramic photo opportunities
    • Large viewing windows and covered seating area
      Covid-19 precautions
      Safety measures in place
      • All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
      • The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
      Traveler requirements
      • You must bring your own headphones
      • You are required to bring and wear a mask
      • All participants who are over 12 years old must present proof of full vaccination

      Select participants and date

      Participants

      Date

      Meeting point

      Milford Sound Visitor Centre, Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound, New Zealand. Be sure to allow 5 hours driving time from Queenstown and just over 2 hours from Te Anau or opt for a coach and cruise option departing from Queenstown or Te Anau (available to book on GetYourGuide).

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      Important information

      What to bring

      • Comfortable shoes
      • Warm clothing
      • Sunglasses
      • Sunscreen
      • Jacket
      • Insect repellent

      Know before you go

      • Always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall
      • All vessels are fully licensed with a range of beverages plus a selection of snack foods. Note that smoking is not permitted on any of the vessels
      • Timetables, cruise departures and vessels may vary. In the interest of your safety, the activity provider may cancel any cruise at any time due to unsafe weather conditions or boat maintenance
      Customer reviews

      Overall rating

      4.8 /5

      based on 371 reviews

      Review summary

      • Guide
        4.4/5
      • Transportation
        4.2/5
      • Value for money
        4.5/5
      • Safety
        4.8/5

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      Star rating:

      we were very lucky that the day was sunny and no rain . A bucket list adventure for us kiwis. comfortable boat and healthy lunch included in our package. It had nice fruit and salad type sandwiches etc the underwater extra part was interesting and the fish varied but small. I realize they cant change the fish around the area. Clean interesting place. Skipper of boat very easy to understand and casual but professional.

      Read more

      May 17, 2022

      G
      GetYourGuide traveler – New Zealand Verified booking

      Helpful?

      Thank you for letting me reply it had been 50 years since I last went on the Milford fjord this time with my daughter and son-in-law the whole experience was still fantastic this was helped immensely by all the crew and staff and every New Zealander should do this at least once in their lifetime thank you once again. Brian Smith ,

      April 20, 2022

      G
      GetYourGuide traveler – New Zealand Verified booking

      Helpful?

      The commentary from the skipper of the boat was excellent. He told us about the history of Milford Fjord as well as pointing out all relevant places of interest. Whilst there were no foreign tourists on the cruise I am sure that all kiwi nationals and residents were impressed. The underwater viewing platform was also very interesting

      February 8, 2021

      N
      Neil – New Zealand Verified booking

      Helpful?

      Product ID: 23807