Southern Discoveries Milford Sound day trips from Queenstown

Southern Discoveries Milford Sound – Kayak, Nature & Scenic Cruises

Join us on one of our cruises for an awe-inspiring journey of a lifetime, discover Milford Sound which has been described as the eighth wonder of the world. Reach out and touch sheer rock cliffs and drink pure glacial water straight from the waterfalls, see seals sunning themselves on the rocks and dolphins riding the bow wave from the viewing decks of one of our small luxury catamarans. Add kayaking or a trip to the new Milford Discovery Centre on to your cruise, the only floating structure in Milford, where you’ll experience the unique underwater world of Milford.

Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Day Trips

Let us take you to Milford Sound while you sit back, relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery and informative commentary. Our experienced, local coach driver will show you the best short walks and photo stops on the Milford Road, and will connect you seamlessly with our Milford Sound Scenic Cruise.

Travel on a comfortable, glass-roof coach while you take in the incredible, panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound
Our friendly and experienced local drivers will give informative commentary and show you the best short walks and photo stops along the way
Board Milford Sound’s original cruise and get beneath waterfalls, among towering mountains and see native wildlife. Foreign language commentary and information sheets are available
Cruise includes FREE International Buffet Lunch and FREE tea and coffee, freshly prepared by our onboard chefs
Coach trip includes pick up/drop off service from plenty of Queenstown accommodations
Option to return to Queenstown on a scenic flight – meaning you’ll see even more of the spectacular region!

Scenic Cruise on Milford Sound

Check out Milford’s awe-inspiring scenery from our spacious observation lounges or large, outdoor viewing decks on one of our modern, purpose-built catamarans. Move freely around the boat and enjoy the comfort and stability that only a twin-hull vessel can provide.

Cruise the length of the fiord out to the Tasman Sea, stopping at waterfalls and points of interest along the way
Spacious observation lounges with tall viewing windows and plenty of comfortable indoor seating
Soak up the sun on our large viewing decks with 360-degree views of the towering fiord
Family friendly, with a lively and informative commentary from our skipper
Multi-lingual commentary available on select departures
Travel options include a comfortable, glass-roof coach so you can take in the incredible, panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound
Visit the skipper in the open wheelhouse
Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared lunch options while you cruise the fiord. Our hot International Buffet Lunch is available on our 1.30pm sailing (must be pre-ordered, at extra cost)
FREE International Buffet Lunch included on our 11.00am departure over winter
Complimentary tea and coffee

Encounter Nature Cruise

Get up close and personal with this pristine environment on our small boat, Encounter Nature Cruise. Reach out and touch sheer rock cliffs and drink pure glacial water straight from the waterfalls, see seals sunning themselves on the rocks, dolphins riding the bow wave or if you’re lucky, spot rare Fiordland crested penguins (in season).

Small boat with fewer passengers for an intimate Milford Sound experience
Interactive and personal with a fun and friendly atmosphere
Specialist nature guides share their local knowledge with lively and informative commentary
Taste pure glacial water from towering waterfalls
The ideal cruise for close-up photos of seals, dolphins or penguins
Raincoats provided on board so you can stand on the bow under tumbling waterfalls
Large, outdoor viewing deck with covered seating
Have your photo taken with the skipper in the open wheelhouse
Range of lunch options available (must be pre-ordered, at extra cost)
Complimentary tea and coffee

Milford Sounds Discover More Cruise

Cruise the length of the fiord out to the Tasman Sea, stopping at waterfalls and points of interest along the way

Spacious observation lounges with tall viewing windows and plenty of comfortable indoor seating
Soak up the sun on our large viewing decks with 360-degree views of the towering fiord
Family friendly, with a lively and informative commentary from our skipper
Multi-lingual commentary available on select departures
Travel options include a comfortable, glass-roof coach so you can take in the incredible, panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound
Visit the skipper in the open wheelhouse
Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared lunch options while you cruise the fiord. Our hot International Buffet Lunch is available on our 1.30pm sailing (must be pre-ordered, at extra cost)
FREE International Buffet Lunch included on our 11.00am departure over winter
Complimentary tea and coffee

Nature Cruise on Milford Sound

Cruise the length of the fiord out to the Tasman Sea, stopping at waterfalls and points of interest along the way
Spacious observation lounges with tall viewing windows and plenty of comfortable indoor seating
Soak up the sun on our large viewing decks with 360-degree views of the towering fiord
Family friendly, with a lively and informative commentary from our skipper
Multi-lingual commentary available on select departures
Travel options include a comfortable, glass-roof coach so you can take in the incredible, panoramic views on the road to Milford Sound
Visit the skipper in the open wheelhouse
Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared lunch options while you cruise the fiord. Our hot International Buffet Lunch is available on our 1.30pm sailing (must be pre-ordered, at extra cost)
FREE International Buffet Lunch included on our 11.00am departure over winter
Complimentary tea and coffee

Cruise & Kayak Milford Sound

Double the adventure with our Cruise & Kayak Milford Sound experience! This trip includes a Milford Sound cruise, entry to the Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory and 1 hour of kayaking around sheltered Harrison Cove. Kayak through crystal clear waters in one of the most majestic places in the world.

Immerse yourself in the ultimate, all-inclusive Milford package – above, on and below the water
Choose from our Scenic, Nature, Encounter Nature or Discover More Cruises
Visit the Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory
Intimate, up-close, kayak experience with spectacular views of the Pembroke Glacier
Includes all equipment and clothing, safety briefing and a specialist kayak and nature guide
Automated lift for easy entry and exit from the kayaks
Suitable for all experience levels, no previous kayaking experience necessary
Double kayaks available which are perfect for families. Minimum child age is 4 years

Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory

Hidden under the surface in Harrison Cove is a unique and beautiful environment – there’s nowhere else in the world quite like it. In the middle of Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, the Underwater Observatory enables you to experience the magic of this special world, previously the exclusive realm of divers.

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

New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory is a unique, interacting learning experience
Be guided through the Milford Sound story on colourful information panels covering culture, heritage, history, geology and wildlife
Watch dramatic Milford Road and Homer Tunnel avalanche videos
Immerse yourself in a mysterious undersea world and encounter the extraordinary rare black coral and colourful sea creatures teeming just below the surface
Thanks to its unique underwater environment, Milford Sound is home to species of black coral usually found at depths of more than 500 metres

How to book the Milford Discovery Centre

Add on to any of our cruises, except the last cruise of the day. Entry is included on our Discover More Cruise. Please allow an additional 45-60 minutes.
Choose to experience it all with our Cruise & Kayak Milford Sound package