Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Self-Guided Scenic Track Walk

4.7 (6 reviews) 7 h 15 min Free cancellation

out of 5

6 reviews

4.7

Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Self-Guided Scenic Track Walk — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Self-Guided Scenic Track Walk, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience two of Fiordland's most iconic attractions in a single, unforgettable day.

If you select the 9.00am departure: Start with a self-guided walk on the world-famous Milford Track. The gentle 11-km walk to Giant's Gate Falls and back lets you experience the track's magic without committing to the full hike.

Then join our premium Nature Cruise on a spacious catamaran, purpose-built to get you closer to stunning waterfalls, wildlife, and cliff faces. Our expert onboard commentary, available in eight languages via a free app, shares captivating stories about the area's natural history and wildlife.

Walk first with the 9am departure OR Cruise first with the 10.30am departure - both options offer a perfect blend of adventure and comfort in one of New Zealand's most spectacular locations.

Experience the majesty of Milford Sound in two unique ways, all in one day.

Day Cruises Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Private and Luxury Audio Guides Walking Tours Water Tours

At a glance

Duration: 7 h 15 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 200 people
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Operated by: Southern Discoveries

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–14 years) · Adults (15–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Flexibility in timings to start with either the Walk or Nature Cruise first
Included: Access to a self-guided walk on the Milford Track (up to 4 hours) including water taxi
Included: Nature Cruise for up to 2 hours in Milford Sound

Not included

Not included: Lunch: Food can be purchased onboard the cruise for an additional cost

Itinerary

Stop 1

10 min

If you start with the Walk first you will meet at Deepwater Basin for the Water Taxi with a 10-minute boat journey from Deepwater Basin in Milford Sound to Sandfly Point.
Milford Track

4 hours Admission included

Up to 4hrs on the famous Milford Track. Walk at your own pace, and explore this stunning 11-kilometer return walk self-guided.
Stop 3

2 hours

This is your check in point for the Nature Cruise portion of your trip. If you walk first your cruise will depart at 3.15pm with check in 15 minutes prior.

If you start with the Nature Cruise your cruise will depart at 10.30am with check in 15 minutes prior.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

For the 10:30am departure, please check in at the Southern Discoveries desk 15 minutes before departure. After your cruise, head to Deepwater Basin Boat Ramp by 12:45pm to meet your track transport for the Milford Track walk portion of your activity.
For the 9am departure, please arrive at Deepwater Basin Boat Ramp 15mins before your departure time to check in for your Track Transport. Your Cruise departs from the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal at 3:15 pm; please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure for check-in at the Southern Discoveries desk.

End point

For the 10:30am departure, please check in at the Southern Discoveries desk 15 minutes before departure. After your cruise, head to Deepwater Basin Boat Ramp by 12:45pm to meet your track transport for the Milford Track walk portion of your activity.
For the 9am departure, please arrive at Deepwater Basin Boat Ramp 15mins before your departure time to check in for your Track Transport. Your Cruise departs from the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal at 3:15 pm; please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure for check-in at the Southern Discoveries desk.

Using your ticket

9am Departure = Milford Track first at 9am then Nature Cruise at 3.15pm

Arrive at Deepwater Basin Boat ramp 15 minutes prior. Look out for a Fiordland Outdoors sign near the water’s edge. This is your check in point for the water taxi to the start of the Milford track walk.

After the walk make your way around to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and check in at the Southern Discoveries desk for your cruise. Ensure you check in 20 minutes prior to departure.

10.30am Departure = Nature Cruise first at 10.30am then Milford Track from 1pm

Check in at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal at the Southern Discoveries desk for your cruise. Ensure you check in 20 minutes prior to departure.

After your cruise make your way around to Deepwater Basin Boat ramp. Look out for a Fiordland Outdoors sign near the water’s edge. This is your check in point for the water taxi to the start of the Milford track walk. Please note the water taxi will be transferring people back and forth from the track. If it’s not there when you arrive just wait at the sign, it won’t be too far away.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
The tour duration is a total of 7hrs and 15mins this is made up of transport departing from Deepwater Basin (water taxi) to the start of the walk, 4hrs on the track and some downtime between returning from the Milford Track walk and being able to check in at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal for the Cruise. Alternatively selecting the 10.30am departure will have you cruise first.

Options

Nature Cruise + Walk

Starting point:

Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre, Freshwater Basin Milford Sound Highway, 94, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand
Milford Track + Nature Cruise

Starting point:

Deepwater Basin, Southland Region 9679, New Zealand