Milford Sound Cruise Including Underwater Observatory

based on 340 reviews

Duration:3 hours (approx.)
Location: Fiordland & Milford Sound, South Island

From $101.13

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If you’re looking for an experience that’s truly authentic, more insightful and completely personal – this is it! This all-inclusive trip is the longest and best value cruise experience. It includes your choice of Nature Cruise, and a visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
This is where your experience will begin. Check in with friendly staff 15 minutes prior to your cruise departure, and let the journey begin.
2. Milford Sound
An all-inclusive nature experience with excellent wildlife viewing, this package gives you the longest, best value daytime cruise experience in Milford Sound. The Cruise, and underwater observatory package enables you to really explore the beauty of the fiord. With a visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory included, it’s the complete cruise experience. Milford Sound is home to species such as black coral which are usually only found at depths of more than 50 metres. Our Milford Sound Underwater Observatory allows you to experience this amazing world beneath the surface. You’ll descend 64 steps (10 metres) underwater into a large, fully air-conditioned viewing area where windows with excellent clarity 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. No Milford Sound experience is complete without a visit to this phenomenon.
3. Mitre Peak
Mitre Peak is a beautifully dramatic mountain in the South Island of New Zealand, located on the shore of Milford Sound. It is one of the most photographed mountain peaks in the entire country.
4. Stirling Falls
Milford’s second-highest waterfall is the Stirling Falls, a staggering 151m in height – three times the height of Niagara Falls, but the 1,300m mountain behind displaces this incredible height. This is the famous waterfall that Hugh Jackman ‘jumped off’ in the movie Wolverine. The sheer drop of the Stirling Falls allows boats to get right underneath – it’s an incredible feeling to have the power of 151m worth of glacial water falling so close to you.
5. Bowen Falls
The stunning Lady Bowen Falls is Milford’s highest waterfall. It plunges 162m from a hanging valley into the head of Milford Sound and provides electricity for the Milford Sound township by feeding a small hydroelectric scheme, as well as being the water source for the settlement.
6.
Nestled behind the world famous Mitre Peak, the Sinbad Gully is characterised by extremely steep glacially carved walls punctuated by near vertical granite cliffs. These walls slowed pest invasion into the gully and as a result a number of unique native species remain in the Sinbad. Southern Discoveries is passionate about preserving Milford Sound’s beauty for future generations which is why it’s a key partner in a major conservation project – the Sinbad Sanctuary Project. The aim is to see the valley of New Zealand’s most photographed mountain (Sinbad Gully is at the base of Mitre Peak) become a sanctuary for native species.
7. Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
Our Milford Sound Underwater Observatory is a unique opportunity to visit New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory, accessible only by boat. Descend by spiral staircase to 10 metres beneath the water’s surface. See rare black coral growing in its natural habitat and meet colourful sea creatures. Relax as our guide tells you more about the unique history, geology and wildlife of Milford Sound. Learn about the story of Milford Sound and our conservation efforts with entertaining and easy to read information panels

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Maksim_M
Unforgettable experience in the magnificent Fiordland. Knowledgeable captain, approaching up close to the waterfall, and stunning underwater observatory.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-02 20:58:44

Posted By : GoPlaces17383147496
Great cruise. The Captian / Guide provided great commentary. The under water observatory is well worth doing just for the design/logistics let alone the sea life.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-28 18:49:27

Posted By : Peter_D
Amazing scenery and waterfalls, loved the whole cruise. Easy to organise the online tickets Viator, just turned up and less than a minute we were already on the boat.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-27 21:53:24

Posted By : juergen_n
We enjoyed the amazing scenery along the cruise as well as an interesting and very informative tour at the underwater observatory.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-23 21:07:19

Posted By : Robertos-Journey
Cruising Milford Sound was on the bucket list for my current trip around the world. Southern Discoveries provided a worthwhile and educational experience in the rain and fog which is so prevalent in the rainiest place in New Zealand. The captain offered a lot of insight, we got in close to magnificent waterfalls – of which there are hundreds during and after the rain – but the Underwater Observatory was closed due to – wait for it - excessive rain clouding the water. Good food was served, the tour departed exactly as scheduled and the cruise terminal is modern and clean with bathrooms and souvenirs.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-23 05:18:04

Posted By : apriljS4789DZ
It is a little bit of a walk from the parking lot to the depot for the cruise ships but it is worth it when you get on the comfortable, not overly crowded boat to ride around Milford Sound (Fjord). You can see most everything from either inside or outside. The views are breathtaking and the cruise is not to long or to short. As goldilocks would say... it is just right!
The underwater Observatory is a unique experience that adds a little more enjoyment to the trip.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-22 17:08:13

Posted By : K2115LOshirleys
We enjoyed our 1/2 day cruise on the sound. The captain was very informative. We had ample opportunity to take great photos. The Underwater Observatory was a treat. We learned a lot about the history of Milford Sound, the ongoing research carried out by the crew. Highly recommend them.

PS. They have a great picnic lunch you can reserve ahead of time. Plenty of good quality food and snacks.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-21 15:04:17

Posted By : Lee_C
The captain was very professional and skillful, it is so near to the waterfall and it enable us to view the rainbow formation by the waterfall!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-15 17:02:37

Posted By : Andrew8502
The boat trip was awesome and the scenery simply stunning. Can see why it is called the 8th wonder of the world. The underwater observatory is fascinating and well worth a visit too. If you are visiting the area you must visit Milford sound.

Only negatives. Expensive parking and pretty mediocre cafe which could be greatly improved.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-08 18:05:07

Posted By : Travel08971431455
The cruise was excellent and ran really smoothly. Amazing views and helpful commentary. Really enjoyed the observatory but my highlight was the two close up experiences with dolphins. #SDShareandWin
#SouthernDiscoveries.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-06 17:20:56