Milford Sound Cruise Including Underwater Observatory
Overview
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.
Inclusions
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
- Complimentary tea and coffee on board the boat
- Entry/Admission - Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre, Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound Highway 94, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand
This is where your experience will begin. Check in with friendly staff 15 minutes prior to your cruise departure, and let the journey begin.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Milford Sound, Milford Sound, Southland Region, South Island
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.
Duration: 2 hours
Pass By: Mitre Peak, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
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.
Pass By: Stirling Falls, Milford Sound New Zealand
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.
Pass By: Bowen Falls, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound 9679 New Zealand
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.
Pass By: Sinbad Gully, Southland 9679, New Zealand
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.
Stop At: Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, Milford Wharf Harrison Cove, Milford Sound New Zealand
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
Duration: 45 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre, Freshwater Basin, Milford Sound Highway 94, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand
This is where your experience will begin. Check in with friendly staff 15 minutes prior to your cruise departure, and let the journey begin.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Milford Sound, Milford Sound, Southland Region, South Island
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.
Duration: 2 hours
Pass By: Mitre Peak, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
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.
Pass By: Stirling Falls, Milford Sound New Zealand
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.
Pass By: Bowen Falls, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound 9679 New Zealand
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.
Pass By: Sinbad Gully, Southland 9679, New Zealand
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.
Stop At: Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, Milford Wharf Harrison Cove, Milford Sound New Zealand
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
Duration: 45 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Service animals allowed
- Commentary in English only, translation sheets on cruise highlights are provided on board cruise
- Car Parking: On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark at a fee of $10 per hour. Please allow 10 minutes to walk from the main carpark to the Milford Wharf Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you can park free of charge at Deepwater Basin Carpark and walk over to Freshwater Basin to the Cruise Terminal. This walk is approximately 30 minutes in duration, so additional time will need to be allocated in order to do this comfortably and arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to your cruise for check-in.
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 75 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Majalia_M
August 2023
We booked to celebrate my parents 50th anniversary ... they visited me from Canada. It was a very special celebration and they enjoyed every moment of the cruise as part of their South Island experience. I've been to Milford during Summer and recently during Winter to tour my family. Milford Soun...
We booked to celebrate my parents 50th anniversary ... they visited me from Canada. It was a very special celebration and they enjoyed every moment of the cruise as part of their South Island experience. I've been to Milford during Summer and recently during Winter to tour my family. Milford Sound will always be a breathtaking view!Jorja_G
June 2023
the most memorials part of my experience was the waterfalls, seeing dolphins and the amount of information shared at the observatory
the most memorials part of my experience was the waterfalls, seeing dolphins and the amount of information shared at the observatorySahika_J
June 2023
Extremely happy with this cruise. It was informative, the captain made time to stop and point out things of interest including twice showing us some deals, and the underwater observatory was fantastic! Food provided was fresh and plentiful. We had a fabulous time, thank you!
Extremely happy with this cruise. It was informative, the captain made time to stop and point out things of interest including twice showing us some deals, and the underwater observatory was fantastic! Food provided was fresh and plentiful. We had a fabulous time, thank you!Vinay_U
June 2023
I booked the cruise for 4th of June at 10 am. Me and my girlfriend planned the Queenstown trip for 3 nights and 2 days. On 3rd June, we left Christchurch in the morning and reached Queenstown around 7 pm. I received a message from the tour operator notifying me about Milford Sound road closure ...
I booked the cruise for 4th of June at 10 am. Me and my girlfriend planned the Queenstown trip for 3 nights and 2 days. On 3rd June, we left Christchurch in the morning and reached Queenstown around 7 pm. I received a message from the tour operator notifying me about Milford Sound road closure till 10 am the next day due to snowfall and assured a cruise later that day for those whose can make it. As I was driving, I didn't notice it until we reached Queenstown. We planned 2 days perfectly for the trip. On the 4th we booked an early cruise for 10 am and after that at 6:30pm we made reservations for dinner with our common friends as it was my girlfriend's birthday. On the second days we booked the shotover jet, onsen hot pools and ice skating and the rest of the time for shopping. Just when I noticed the email, I contacted the tour operator stating that we cannot make it to a later cruise. A total 8 hours drive back and fourth from Queenstown to Milford Sound and 2 hour cruise, we cannot make it back in time to our reservation if we leave Queenstown for the cruise at 10 am. I contacted the tour operator about this and they said they cannot process a refund. I understood the situation and kindly asked for voucher for us, that we can use later as it's not our fault. They asked me to contact viator about this and I did. At first the customer care told that they would do a refund. Then the next day they send me an email saying they cannot process a refund and to which I replied if they could give me a voucher. Within minutes, I received the email from another customer care executive saying after careful valuation, they cannot do the refund or issue a voucher for the same. I was charged 258 dollars for a service that I didn't receive and it's not our fault. The worst experience that I ever experienced.McCorrie
June 2023
Southern Discoveries was super accomodating, initially booked for Sunday but the roads were closing so they were able to rebook us for Saturday no problem. Best value for money as well, sizeable packed lunch included as well as the only cruise to stop at the underwater observatory and got us up...
Southern Discoveries was super accomodating, initially booked for Sunday but the roads were closing so they were able to rebook us for Saturday no problem. Best value for money as well, sizeable packed lunch included as well as the only cruise to stop at the underwater observatory and got us up close and personal with dolphins and right up to the waterfalls!indiefrug
May 2023
Absolutely breathtaking cruise…we were absolutely mind blown ! Excellent staff. Great optional picnic lunch but there is food to buy on board. Excellent commentary during the trip about animals that were spotted & talk of history & weather…very informative.
Absolutely breathtaking cruise…we were absolutely mind blown ! Excellent staff. Great optional picnic lunch but there is food to buy on board. Excellent commentary during the trip about animals that were spotted & talk of history & weather…very informative.