Queenstown
Updated 4th August 2026
Experience Milford Sound in Comfort with More Personal Cruise Experiences
Mitre Peak Cruises offers one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Travelling aboard modern purpose-built cruise vessels with guest numbers limited for a more personal experience, you’ll enjoy spacious viewing decks, uninterrupted photo opportunities and informative commentary from knowledgeable local skippers. Every cruise journeys the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea, passing towering waterfalls, rainforest-covered cliffs, towering Mitre Peak and an abundance of wildlife, including seals, dolphins and, occasionally, Fiordland crested penguins.
Choose from a range of Milford Sound experiences, including the classic 2-hour nature cruise, scenic coach and cruise tours from Queenstown and Te Anau, spectacular scenic flight combinations and unforgettable helicopter experiences. Whether you’re driving to Milford Sound yourself or looking for a fully guided day trip, Mitre Peak Cruises combines exceptional scenery, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere to create an unforgettable Fiordland adventure.
Which Mitre Peak Cruise Is Right for You?
Whether you’re driving to Milford Sound or looking for a fully guided day trip from Queenstown or Te Anau, Mitre Peak Cruises offers an experience to suit every style of traveller. Compare the options below to find the experience that best matches your time, budget and travel plans.
Choose the tour that suits you best:
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise – Perfect if you’re self-driving to Milford Sound and want the full two-hour cruise experience.
- Queenstown Coach & Cruise – Sit back and enjoy a fully guided day trip through Fiordland without the need to drive.
- Te Anau Coach & Cruise – Ideal for visitors staying in Te Anau who want a relaxed day exploring Milford Sound.
- Milford Track Cruise – Designed for Milford Track walkers needing a scenic cruise connection at the end of their hike.
- Fly–Cruise–Fly – Combine spectacular aerial views of Fiordland with a Milford Sound nature cruise and save valuable travel time.
- Helicopter & Cruise – The ultimate Milford Sound experience, combining a scenic helicopter flight with a cruise through one of New Zealand’s most spectacular fiords.
Why Choose Mitre Peak Cruises?
- ✓ Maximum of 75 passengers for a more personal cruise experience
- ✓ Cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea
- ✓ Get closer to waterfalls and wildlife
- ✓ Complimentary tea and coffee on board
- ✓ Spacious indoor lounges and outdoor viewing decks
- ✓ Local skippers providing informative commentary
- ✓ Cruise, coach, flight and helicopter options available
Every Mitre Peak Cruise includes informative commentary, complimentary tea and coffee, spacious viewing decks and the opportunity to see waterfalls, rainforest, seals, dolphins and, if you’re lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
Tours for self drive tours to Milford Sound
Cruise only from Milford Sound
Price: Adult NZ$169 • Child NZ$80 • Infant (0–3) Free
Duration: 2 hours
Departs: Milford Sound Visitor Terminal
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound aboard Mitre Peak Cruises’ signature 2-hour Nature Cruise. Cruise the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea while your local skipper shares fascinating commentary on Fiordland’s history, wildlife and iconic landmarks. With passenger numbers limited to a maximum of 75, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, spacious viewing decks and excellent opportunities to photograph towering waterfalls, Mitre Peak, native fur seals, dolphins and, during the season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
Highlights:
- 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea
- Maximum 75 passengers for a more personal experience
- Complimentary tea & coffee on board
- Informative local skipper commentary
- Spacious indoor lounges and outdoor viewing decks
- Excellent opportunities to photograph waterfalls and wildlife
Milford Sound Cruise + Milford Track
Price: Adult NZ$398.02 • Child (8–14 years) NZ$262.83
Duration: Approximately 7 hours
Departs: Milford Sound Visitor Terminal – 8:30 am
Group Size: Maximum 12 walkers
Experience two of Fiordland’s greatest attractions in one unforgettable day. Begin with a small-group guided walk along the famous Milford Track, following the Arthur River through lush rainforest to the spectacular Giant’s Gate Falls. Your knowledgeable nature guide will introduce you to the area’s unique wildlife, native plants and fascinating history before returning to Milford Sound for a relaxing 2-hour Mitre Peak Nature Cruise. Combining one of New Zealand’s Great Walks with a scenic cruise through Milford Sound, this package is the perfect way to experience Fiordland from both the forest and the fiord.
Highlights:
- Guided walk on the world-famous Milford Track
- Visit the spectacular Giant’s Gate Falls
- Small walking groups (maximum 12 people)
- 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Complimentary tea & coffee on board
- Local guide and skipper commentary
- Excellent opportunities to photograph waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife
Milford Sound Tour Options From Queenstown
Coach - Cruise - Coach From Queenstown
Price: Adult NZ$430.64 • Child (4–14 years) NZ$430.64 • Infant (0–3 years) NZ$430.64
Duration: Approximately 12 hours
Departs: Queenstown – 7:00 am
Meeting Point: Selected Queenstown accommodation or designated coach pick-up locations
Experience Milford Sound without the stress of driving on this fully guided day trip. Travel in comfort aboard a modern coach through the spectacular Fiordland National Park, with regular sightseeing stops at iconic locations including Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley and the Homer Tunnel. Once in Milford Sound, relax on Mitre Peak Cruises’ 2-hour Nature Cruise, where you’ll enjoy close-up views of waterfalls, towering cliffs and native wildlife before returning to your coach for the scenic journey back.
Highlights:
- Return luxury coach travel through Fiordland
- Scenic stops along the famous Milford Road
- 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Complimentary tea & coffee on board
- Informative driver and skipper commentary
- Comfortable coach with panoramic windows
- Great opportunities to photograph waterfalls, mountains and wildlife
Coach - Cruise - Fly From Queenstown
Adult: NZ$991.82 • Child (3–14 years): NZ$991.82 • Infant (0–2 years): NZ$991.82
Duration: Approximately 9.5 hours
Departs: Queenstown – 7:00 am
Meeting Point: Selected Queenstown accommodation or designated coach pick-up locations
Experience Milford Sound from three unforgettable perspectives on this premium Fiordland adventure. Travel by luxury coach from Queenstown with scenic stops along the spectacular Milford Road before boarding Mitre Peak Cruises for a relaxing 2-hour Nature Cruise through Milford Sound. Complete your journey with a breathtaking scenic flight over Fiordland National Park, the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, returning to Queenstown from the air.
Highlights:
- Luxury coach journey from Queenstown
- Scenic sightseeing stops along Milford Road
- 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Scenic flight back to Queenstown
- Complimentary tea & coffee on board
- Picnic lunch included
- Informative commentary throughout the day
Fly - Cruise - Fly From Queenstown
Adult: NZ$823.47 • Child (2–14 years): NZ$575.70 • Infant (0–1 years): Free*
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Departs: Queenstown – 10:00 am
Meeting Point: 39 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown
See Fiordland from the air and the water on this unforgettable half-day adventure. Enjoy spectacular scenic flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound on different flight paths, soaring above the Southern Alps, Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park. Between flights, relax aboard Mitre Peak Cruises’ 2-hour Nature Cruise, where you’ll experience Milford Sound’s towering waterfalls, dramatic cliffs and abundant wildlife from the water.
Highlights:
- Scenic flights to and from Milford Sound
- Different flight paths each way
- 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Complimentary tea & coffee on board
- Spectacular aerial views of Fiordland and the Southern Alps
- Excellent opportunities to photograph waterfalls and wildlife
- One of the fastest ways to experience Milford Sound from Queenstown
*Infants travel free if seated on an adult’s lap and weigh less than 11 kg. Infants over 11 kg are charged the child fare.
Coach - Cruise + Scenic Walks From Te Anau
Adult: NZ$330.69 • Child (5–15 years): NZ$257.57
Duration: Approximately 9 hours
Departs: Te Anau – 8:00 am
Meeting Point: Complimentary pick-up from most Te Anau accommodation
Experience Fiordland by road, water and on foot with this full-day adventure from Te Anau. Travel in a comfortable Mercedes coach along the spectacular Milford Road before joining Mitre Peak Cruises for a relaxing 2-hour Nature Cruise. On the return journey, enjoy a series of short guided walks and scenic stops, where your local guide will introduce you to Fiordland’s unique native plants, wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights:
- Return coach travel from Te Anau
- Guided scenic walks and nature stops
- 2-hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Complimentary hotel pick-up
- Picnic lunch included
- Complimentary tea & coffee on board
- Local guide commentary throughout the day
One Way Scenic Flight (Milford to Queenstown)
Adult: NZ$570.95 • Child (3–14 years): NZ$466.27 • Infant (0–2 years): Free*
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Departs: Milford Sound – 11:15 am
Meeting Point: Mitre Peak Cruises Office, Milford Sound Visitor Terminal
Complete your Milford Sound adventure with a spectacular 45-minute scenic flight to Queenstown. Soar above the dramatic fiords, towering peaks and glaciers of Fiordland National Park before crossing the Southern Alps, the famous Milford Track and the magnificent Sutherland Falls. Every passenger enjoys a guaranteed window seat, providing uninterrupted views all the way to Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown.
Highlights:
- 45-minute scenic flight to Queenstown
- Guaranteed window seat
- Fly over Fiordland National Park and the Southern Alps
- Views of the Milford Track and Sutherland Falls
- Informative pilot commentary
- Complimentary transfers to central Queenstown accommodation
- A spectacular alternative to the return road journey
*Infants travel free if seated on an adult’s lap and weigh less than 11 kg. Infants over 11 kg are charged the child fare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mitre Peak Cruises
What makes Mitre Peak Cruises different from other Milford Sound cruise operators?
Mitre Peak Cruises offers a more personal Milford Sound experience with passenger numbers limited to a maximum of 75 guests. Every cruise travels the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea and features spacious viewing decks, informative local skipper commentary, complimentary tea and coffee, and excellent opportunities to get close to waterfalls, wildlife and Fiordland’s spectacular scenery.
Which Milford Sound experiences can I book with Mitre Peak Cruises?
Mitre Peak Cruises offers seven different experiences, including the Milford Sound Nature Cruise, guided Milford Track & Cruise package, Coach & Cruise from Queenstown, Coach, Cruise & Scenic Walks from Te Anau, Fly–Cruise–Fly, Coach–Cruise–Fly and one-way scenic flights from Milford Sound to Queenstown. With a range of cruise, coach and flight options, there’s an experience to suit every itinerary and budget.
What is included on every Mitre Peak Cruise?
Every Mitre Peak Cruise includes a relaxing 2-hour cruise through Milford Sound with informative commentary from a local skipper, complimentary tea and coffee, spacious indoor lounges and outdoor viewing decks. Along the way you’ll enjoy spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, towering cliffs and opportunities to see New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and, during the season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
What Milford Sound tours are available from Queenstown?
Visitors travelling from Queenstown can choose from several experiences, including Coach & Cruise, Fly–Cruise–Fly, Coach–Cruise–Fly, or a one-way scenic flight from Milford Sound back to Queenstown. Each option combines Milford Sound’s spectacular scenery with different transport experiences to suit your available time and travel style.
Can I combine a Milford Sound cruise with a Milford Track walk or scenic flight?
Yes. Mitre Peak Cruises offers several combination experiences, including a small-group guided walk on the world-famous Milford Track followed by a 2-hour Nature Cruise. You can also choose premium Fly–Cruise–Fly, Coach–Cruise–Fly or one-way scenic flight options to experience Fiordland from both the air and the water.
Should I choose a Milford Sound cruise only or a tour package?
If you’re driving to Milford Sound, the 2-hour Nature Cruise is the ideal option. If you’d prefer to avoid the long drive from Queenstown or Te Anau, a guided Coach & Cruise, Fly–Cruise–Fly or Coach–Cruise–Fly package combines transport, sightseeing and your Milford Sound cruise into one convenient experience.
