Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound
Explore the stunning Milford & Doubtful sounds, with options to suit every budget & experience.
UNESCO world heritage listed, part of the majestic fjordlands in Southern New Zealand and home to seal colonies, penguins & dolphins; Milford & Doubtful sound are unlike any other experience in the world. You’ll discover stunning waterfalls, beautiful rainforests & the towering Mitre Peak, from boat, hike or sky.
For an extraordinary experience, consider spending the night on the water in either Milford & Doubtful sound. Find more details below!
Milford Sound - Coach/Cruise/Coach
The journey to Milford Sound is as spectacular as the destination. Sit back, relax and take in the views from Queenstown to Milford Sound
Comfortable return coach transfers from Queenstown. Custom build coaches, with extra-large windows, glass roof, and angled seating for optimal viewing.
Take the time to enjoy the best of Milford Sound with a leisurely cruise aboard one of our vessels, The Haven, The Mariner, or The Sovereign. Exploring the length of the fiord, you’ll learn about the region’s history and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces, and watch out for dolphins, seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguins.
Our experienced skippers tailor each Milford Sound cruise, considering the weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you’ll see the best Milford Sound has to offer.
Informative, participative and relaxed, a scenic cruise is the perfect way to experience what’s been called the “eighth wonder of the world”.
Booking Details:
Cruise in style on board the newly refurbished Milford Haven. More than a boat, the Haven is a cruising bar and restaurant. Enhance your cruise with something from our café-style menu and pair it perfectly with a fresh craft beer or local wine.
- Extensive rooftop deck and indoor lounge
- Restaurant quality food and beer on tap
- Barista coffee and tea(extra cost)
- Onboard nature guide
- Carries up to 180 guests
Adult/ Child/Infant Tickets: $255/$159/$79.50
Child: Ages 5-15
Start Time: 6:45am
Duration: 12 hours
Connecting 1:00 pm Milford Sound Cruise
Our most spacious vessel ensures your whole party has a great view. With a huge space, and even larger views, you’ll feel wowed by the immensity of Milford Sound.
- An impressive and expansive top deck
- Private function rooms available
- Buffet lunch inspired by overseas cuisine
- Onboard nature guide
- Carries up to 280 guests.
Adult/ Child/Infant Tickets: $255/$159/$79.50
Child: Ages 5-15
Start Time: 6:55am
Duration: 12 hoursConnecting 1:15 pm Milford Sound Cruise
The Milford Mariner is a purpose-built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow perfectly suited to cruising the fiords.
- Spacious viewing decks
- Sails can be set when there’s wind
- Dining saloon and observation lounge
- Onboard nature guide
- Carries up to 120 guests
Adult/ Child/Infant Tickets: $255/$159/$79.50
Child: Ages 5-15
Start Time: 6:55am
Duration: 12 hoursConnecting 1:00 pm Milford Sound Cruise
Milford Sound Cruise Only - Self Drive
Explore Milford Sound Cruises Only - Self Drive
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the eighth wonder of the world with our Milford Sound Cruise. Experience the natural wonderland of sheer cliffs and get up close and personal under thundering waterfalls.
While you soak in the views with delicious locally sourced food and a selection of beverages, our onboard nature guide will share facts about the area and wildlife. Sit back, relax and take in the views as you make your own way to Milford Sound by self-driving, where you’ll join us on our cruise.
Booking Details:
The Sovereign
Our most spacious vessel ensures your whole party has a great view. With a huge space, and even larger views, you’ll feel wowed by the immensity of Milford Sound.
- An impressive and expansive top deck
- Private function rooms available
- Buffet lunch inspired by overseas cuisine
- Onboard nature guide
- Carries up to 280 guests.
Schedule: Daily, October to September
Departures: 11am, 1:15pm
Adult/ Child Tickets: $145 / $49
Departures: 11am, 1:15pm
Duration: Cruise duration: Up to 1.5hrs
The Mariner
The Milford Mariner is a purpose-built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow perfectly suited to cruising the fiords.
- Spacious viewing decks
- Sails can be set when there’s wind
- Dining saloon and observation lounge
- Onboard nature guide
- Carries up to 120 guests
Schedule: Daily, October to April
Adult/ Child Tickets: $145/$49
Departures: 10.30am, 1.00pm
Duration:Cruise Duration: Up to 2 hrs
The Haven
Cruise in style on board the newly refurbished Milford Haven. More than a boat, the Haven is a cruising bar and restaurant. Enhance your cruise with something from our café-style menu and pair it perfectly with a fresh craft beer or local wine.
- Extensive rooftop deck and indoor lounge
- Restaurant quality food and beer on tap
- Barista coffee and tea(extra cost)
- Onboard nature guide
- Carries up to 180 guests
Schedule: Daily, October to September
Adult/ Child Tickets: $145/$49
Departures: 8.45am, 11am, 1.15pm, 3.30pm
Cruise Duration: Up to 2 hours
Milford Sound Premium Cruise
Explore Milford Sound onboard the MV Sinbad. Cruising the length of the fiord you’ll enjoy freshly prepared canapes while you take in the beauty of Milford Sound. Learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins.
Our experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you’ll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day.
Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience what’s been called the “eighth wonder of the world”.
- Explore Milford Sound in an intimate setting aboard our smaller vessel.
- Greeted with a glass of bubbles on arrival
- In-depth commentary from our nature expert.
- Explore Fiordland’s flavor with a local, curated canape menu.
- Amazing nature and wildlife viewing opportunity
- Great viewing from both the outdoor decks and indoor lounge
- Full canape menu included
- Milford Sound is in remote Fiordland, with no WIFI available, the perfect place to unplug and recharge
- All ages are welcome on our cruises
Adult Tickets: $219
Departures: 1:30pm
Cruise Duration: Up to 2.5 hours
Restrictions: –
- Milford Sound is in remote Fiordland, with no WIFI available, the perfect place to unplug and recharge
- Adult only cruise
Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise
The Ultimate Milford Sound Experience that Queenstown has to offer.
Booking Details:
Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise and Coach – Queenstown Departure
Spend the night aboard the iconic Milford Mariner and wake up to dawn in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. It’s the ultimate Milford Sound experience!
- Duration: 1 night
- Enjoy accommodation in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms or bunk-style compartments
- 3-course buffet dinner and cooked breakfast prepared by our on-board chef
- Choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat
- Specialist nature guide on board
- Wildlife sighting opportunities – seals, penguins and dolphins
Adult – Double Share Cabin – Double bed with ensuite for 2 adults. Fare is per guest–$859
Adult – Twin Share Cabin – Two single beds with ensuite for two guests. Fare is per guest– $859
Child – Twin Share Cabin – Ages 3-15 – An adult must be booked per child – $485
Adult Single Occupancy – Private cabin with ensuite for one adult. Fare is per guest–$1,495
Adult – Quad share Cabin – Four bunk dorm room with shared bathroom facilities. Fare is per guest – $709
Child – Quad share Cabin – Ages 3-15. Four bunk dorm room with shared bathroom facilities. Fare is per guest. – $409
Infant – $55 (0-23m)
Start Time: 8:30 AM
Duration: Overnight, estimated return 9:15am
Restrictions: –
- Duvets, sheets and towels provided
- Complimentary teas and coffee are available throughout.
- Suitable for all ages, except for infants intending to stay in a quad-share cabin
- Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.
- Snacks and drinks are available for purchase with both eftpos or cash
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Experience the spectacular, remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound on our guided day trip from Queenstown
Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord; three times longer than Milford Sound and a surface area ten times larger with twisting arms. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.
There’s no direct road access, so the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass – New Zealand’s most expensive (and majestic) road. We’ll pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.
Once you arrive, you will board the Patea Explorer for a 3 hour (approximately) cruise on Doubtful Sound – a spectacular pristine fiord. During the cruise, our knowledgeable and friendly skipper or nature guide will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
Booking Details:
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise – Coach/Cruise/Coach
Experience the spectacular, remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound on our guided day trip. Journey across Lake Manapouri, over the breathtaking Wilmot Pass and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. This is a must-do for nature lovers and explorers alike.
- Cruise for 3 hours through the waterways of Doubtful Sound
- Knowledgeable guides will provide commentary and share their passion for this spectacular part of New Zealand
- Keep an eye out for local wildlife, this could include bottlenose dolphins, seals, penguins and seabirds
- Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard
- Comfortable return coach transfers from Queenstown
Adult Tickets: $479
Child/Infant Ticket: $289/$50
Child : Ages 5-15
Start Time: 7:40am
Duration: 12 hrs
Restrictions: –
- Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility
- Manapouri Café will be open daily from 9.00am. Café menu has a range of beautiful homemade food & Allpress Coffee for you to enjoy pre-cruise or to take with you
- Snacks and drinks are also available onboard
- The tour is suitable for all ages
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise - Self Drive
Explore Doubtful Sound Cruise Only - Self Drive
Booking Details:
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Experience the spectacular, remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound on our guided day trip. Journey across Lake Manapouri, over the breathtaking Wilmot Pass and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. This is a must-do for nature lovers and explorers alike.
- Duration: 7 hours
- Start with a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip over the epic Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Sound
- A 3-hour cruise through the waterways of Doubtful Sound
- Cruise onboard the Patea Explorer (Southern Express, Fiordland Navigator, Mariner or M.V. Sinbad may substitute)
- Commentary by our knowledgeable Skipper and Nature Guide
- Wildlife viewing, including dolphins, fur seals and even occasionally penguins
- Snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard
Adult/Child Tickets: $379/$189 – Must be booked with at least 1 adult
Infant : Free – Must be booked with at least 1 adult
Start Time: 7:30am / 10:30am
Duration: 7.5 hrs – Daily departures from Manapouri
Restrictions:
- Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility
- Manapouri Café will be open daily from 9.00am. Café menu has a range of beautiful homemade food & Allpress Coffee for you to enjoy pre-cruise or to take with you
- Snacks and drinks are also available onboard
- The tour is suitable for all ages
Getting there
All Doubtful Sound experiences start at our Manapouri Visitor Centre, located at 64 Waiau Street. Manapouri is a 2.5 – 3 hour drive from Queenstown and 30 minute drive from Te Anau.
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise and Coach – Queenstown Departure
Doubtful Sound is pristine, unforgettable and out of this world. So get ready to create some lifelong memories as we take you on the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience.
Your itinerary starts with a 45min-1hr cruise across Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop off at the west arm. A coach then takes you across the Wilmot Pass, where you’ll travel on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove, you’ll be met by our crew and vessel.
Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, our vessels, The Fiordland Navigator and The Wanderer, blend old-world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, dining saloons with fully licensed bars, and observation lounges.
As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you don’t miss a thing, whether you’re encountering a pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins.
After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat, or simply relax onboard. For those looking to refresh, there’s even a chance to go swimming. All activities are weather-dependent.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course dinner prepared by our onboard chef, served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, try some local wines from our bar, and if the skies are clear, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars.
Kick off the next day with a hearty cooked breakfast or a nourishing continental selection and get ready to explore the other arms of the fiord. Before long, you’ll return to Deep Cove, and take the trip back to Manapouri where you’ll tell the story of your experience in the remote wilderness of New Zealand.
Booking Details:
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.
The trip begins on the shore of Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop onto a vessel to cross over to West Arm. Here, you’ll board our RealNZ coach to cross the scenic Wilmot Pass, before arriving at Doubtful Sound, and your home for the night.
- Explore the nooks and coves of Doubtful Sound all the way out to the Tasman Sea.
- Our onboard chef will feed you well. Freshly baked afternoon tea, local platters, a gourmet buffet dinner and a selection of hot and continental breakfasts will be served.
- Understand what you’re experiencing with our onboard nature specialist. They’ll tell you about the land, local flora and the resident fauna who may come out to say hello.
- Be the captain of your own boat! Choose to explore a sheltered shoreline by kayak or hop into our small boat with a nature guide.
- Leave the driving to us, and explore our coach connections, available from Queenstown
Adult – Double Share Cabin – Double bed with ensuite for 2 adults. Fare is per guest–$1099
Adult – Twin Share Cabin – Two single beds with ensuite for two guests. Fare is per guest– $1099
Child – Twin Share Cabin – Ages 3-15 – An adult must be booked per child – $599
Adult Single Occupancy – Private cabin with ensuite for one adult. Fare is per guest–$1949
Adult – Quad share Cabin – Four bunk dorm room with shared bathroom facilities. Fare is per guest – $899
Child – Quad share Cabin – Ages 3-15. Four bunk dorm room with shared bathroom facilities. Fare is per guest. – $499
Start Time: 8:30 AM return next day
Duration: One Night – return next day approx. 3pm
Restrictions:
- Duvets, sheets and towels provided
- Complimentary teas and coffee are available throughout.
- Suitable for all ages, except for infants intending to stay in a quad-share cabin
- Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.
- Snacks and drinks are available for purchase with both eftpos or cash
- Waiau St Café, below the Manapouri Visitors Centre, opens from 9am – 1.00pm. The menu offers a range of homemade food and Allpress Coffee to enjoy before the experience or to take with you
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