Private Tour
Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Rated one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand.
Join our boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound the "local" way.
We limit passenger numbers on all cruises to half of the boats capacity (capacity 150 passengers) to guarantee an uncrowded and much more personal experience.
Let us show you our backyard on this once in a lifetime experience.
Relax with complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits and enjoy the skipper’s live commentary while marvelling at the breath-taking scenery.
The smaller size of the vessel enables us to get you up close and personal with the local wildlife like New Zealand Fur Seals, dolphins and the very rare Fiordland Crested Penguin (spring/early summer). A “Glacial Facial” under the Sterling Falls is an experience not to be missed.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please feel free to bring your own food and drinks on-board the cruise.
Please note proof of age for children is required upon check-in at Milford Sound.
For any extra information regarding the drive, transport or the cruise please contact us via phone or email.
The main car park at Milford Sound costs $10 per hour. Payment can be made at payment stations on site. This Car park area is approximately a 10 minute walk to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal building.
A free car park is available on the corner of Milford Road and Deepwater basin, the walk from here to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal building will take approximately 40min.
Disability Parking can be found outside the main Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and is wheelchair accessible.
Office hours for bookings assistance: 8am to 8pm
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Milford Sound
The best thing about Milford Sound Cruises is that the weather doesn’t matter! On a sunny day, it is beautiful and on a wet day it is spectacular! Fiordland has some of the worlds highest waterfalls and they are a popular feature of Milford Sound. In all weather, you will see water cascading down massive cliffs into the sea. Milford Sound is in the Fiordland National Park, which is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site which covers 26,000km² and encompassing four national parks. It is widely considered to be one of the World’s top travel destinations. At Cruise Milford we know that you will have a wonderful and truly memorable day out on your Milford Sound cruise. We love sharing the natural beauty of this special place to visitors and your captain will inform you about the Sound, it’s history and wildlife.
Mitre Peak
Mitre Peak is the most photographed mountain located in New Zealand
What‘s Included
Complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits on-board all sailings
No food sold on-board the cruise
Parking fee- $10 per hour (Payment can be made at the parking stations on site with card only).
Options
Day Trip from Queenstown
Duration: 12 hours
Packed Lunch Box included
Cruise only
Award-winning customer service: Received TripAdvisor Best of the Best award for New Zealand experience in 2019 & 2020
Duration: 2 hours: all cruises have a duration of 1hr 45min
free coffee, tea and biscuits
Full length of Milford Sound: We cruise down the southern side of the fiord, turn around in the Tasman Sea and travel back on the northern side
Boat: Our two boats hold 150 passengers- all cruises are limited to 75 to guarantee an uncrowded experience
uncrowded experience: Join our uncrowded boutique small boat cruise on Milford Sound. We limit passenger numbers to 1/2 of our capacity
Reviews
2,934 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best in Milford Sound by a mile
darrocht,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is hands down the best tour operator in Milford. The boat was immaculate and staff were very friendly. With only 75 people on board a 150 capacity boat it didn't feel crowded and there was plenty space to move around and take photos. The skipper, a South African fishing legend called Craig, was extremely knowledgable and took the time to answer my numerous questions about the geography, fauna and flora of this spectacular place. If you want to be cruched by 400 people then go with the bigger operators, but if you would like a boutique, intimate cruise then you can't do better that Cruise Milford. Thanks to Craig, Leo and Locky for a very memorable day exploring Milford Sound with my mum. I'd give six stars if that was possible.
Highlight of our NZ trip.
stephenwK3661UA,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience was brilliant. Easy check in and crew were fantastic. Commentary was very informative. Boat size and limited passenger numbers made it very easy to get around the vessel and enjoy the views.
Great little cruise!
meganfX4356HD,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super easy to book online, check-in was very easy, instructions were clear. Went all the way out to the end of the fjord, saw all of the waterfalls, and the captain was very informative and gave a lot of information along the way. Great views all around the entire boat, as well as complementary coffee, tea, and biscuits. Great experience would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a 1 to 2 hour cruise in Milford Sound!
Absolutely amazing place....
Ryan C,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing place. Wonderful experience and great tour lead by very informative captain and great team of people.
Amazing time!!
Triciawynsx,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing time and the cruise was just perfect! A smaller boat with less people so everyone could have a great view and good commentary on board 🤩
Look no further
garrettj929,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome boat tour of the Milford Sound with friendly staff and a very entertaining captain. Educational, entertaining and stunning sights. Highlight of our trip thus far.
Worth it!
kiko06,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a nice ride on Milford Sound. Weather was great.Also great that there was coffee and tea incl. cookies. Information through loudspeakers on the individual spots was interesting. Great scenery and waterfalls. We even saw two seals on a rock. Very friendly crew.
Best way to see the Fiords
HowardHooper,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This small boutique cryise is easily the best n out of Milford Sound. Smaller and less crowded we really enjoyed this tour of the majestic Fiord.
Fabulous trip, highly recommend, best place!
Jacqueline H,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend this tour, so beautiful & amazing scenery, excellent & so learned so much about Milford Sound & New Zealand in general. Thank you for a great day!
Must do
domi2607,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Superb mini cruise with a human-sized boat. Charming staff The experience is magical with the beauty of the place
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Operated by Cruise Milford New Zealand Ltd.