Milford Sound Premium Cruise – (Nov – Apr) – Self Drive

Enquiry Only

Milford Sound Premium Cruise offers a luxury experience aboard the MV Sinbad with canapés, nature guide commentary, and wildlife spotting amidst stunning scenery.

The experience

Milford Sound Premium Cruise delivers the ultimate Fiordland adventure aboard the elegant MV Sinbad, offering an unforgettable journey through one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Operating from November to April, this cruise allows you to soak in the awe-inspiring scenery of Milford Sound while enjoying a relaxed, upscale experience.

As part of the Milford Sound Premium Cruise, guests will be welcomed aboard with a glass of bubbles or a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage. Freshly prepared canapés are served throughout the cruise as you glide past towering rock faces, cascading waterfalls, and dense native rainforest clinging to steep cliffs.

This premium experience includes a specialist nature guide who will enrich your journey with fascinating commentary on the region’s geology, history, and unique wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for fur seals basking on the rocks, playful dolphins, and — in the right season — rare Fiordland crested penguins.

The Milford Sound Premium Cruise offers panoramic views from both spacious outdoor viewing decks and a comfortable indoor lounge, ensuring guests enjoy world-class scenery in any weather. The vessel’s experienced skippers carefully tailor each cruise to provide the best wildlife encounters and photo opportunities, taking into account the day’s conditions and recent wildlife activity.

Without Wi-Fi on board, the Milford Sound Premium Cruise invites you to unplug, disconnect from digital distractions, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Getting to the Milford Sound Premium Cruise is an adventure in itself. The 5–6 hour drive from Queenstown, or 3 hours from Te Anau, travels along the famous Milford Road, renowned for its spectacular lookouts, alpine valleys, and dramatic tunnels. To fully appreciate the journey, many travellers opt to overnight in Te Anau and explore the region’s short walks and scenic stops along the way.

Additional Information:

  • Duration: Approx. 2 hours on water

  • Operates: November to April

  • Canapés & glass of bubbles or non-alcoholic beverage included

  • Panoramic indoor and outdoor viewing areas

  • Specialist nature guide commentary

  • No Wi-Fi available — digital detox guaranteed

  • Suitable for all ages

Supplier: Real NZ

The highlights

The details

Duration
DURATION: 2.25 HRS
TIME OF TOUR: 1:30 PM
Check In
Check In closes 30 minutes prior to departure time.
Location: Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound 9679
Transport
Self Drive Only - Milford Sound is around 5-6 hours (one-way) from Queenstown and around 3 hours from Te Anau.

**PAID PARKING NOTICE** an hourly rate of NZD $10 will apply. They use a barrierless licence plate recognition system. Enter your licence plate at a pay machine located at entry/exit points to the car park or inside the Visitor Terminal. Only credit/debit cards are accepted. The Visitor Terminal is a brief 10-15 minute walk from the paid parking areas.
Additional Inclusions
Glass of bubbles or non alcoholic beverage, graze on a wide selection of gourmet canapés from locally sourced and curated menu. We need to know of any food allergies in advance.

The restrictions

Physical
Walking on and off and around the boat.
Accessibility
This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility. Please note that some areas may require walking or climbing.
Pregnancy & Babies
Pregnant women are able to do our cruises, please let know before booking. Keep in mind there are always risks with any activity.
Children
Children must accompany a paying adult on this tour.

The common questions

Cameras are recommended, but carried at your own risk.
Dress for the weather, weather can change very rapidly in Milford.
Keep your belonging with you on board the ship.
Operate in all weathers.
Our standard cancellation policy of written notice 48 hours prior for full refund applies for this activity. For more information please refer to our terms and conditions.

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