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Good cruise n it's staff . Food also good
was dissapointed with the wild life seen
Nice and relaxing but weather was not the best.
Very quick and attentive Fully enjoyed
Everything, trip was very awesome
Yes. We love the experience of getting to know the wonderful landscapes of Milford Sounds through you
Beautiful cruise, captain and MC were really friendly and funny made the cruise that much better!
Very straightforward. Everything very easy to follow. The ships captain was very funny and knowledgable as were the staff onboard
Fantastic experience, crew was great and scenery was amazing
We had an awesome experience. Thank you.😁🤗👍🙏✈️
All the information provided by the whole trip was very interesting 😊
Great cruise areound the sound. Loved the captains commentary!
Obviously the stunning area delights and delivers. All on its own. The buying of tickets and check in was all very smooth. Unfortunately all the seats on deck were wet and it would have taken minimal effort for the crew to have given these a quick wipe over for people who wanted to enjoy being outside especially those with children.
The cruise at Milford sound was amazing. The crew was very helpful and caring onboard. We loved having the complimentary coffee and hot chocolate and the sandwiches we bought were delicious. The scenery is spectacular and our captain was so funny and informative. We loved the cruise!
Fantastic experience and fortunate to see a lot of cascade waterfall since it was raining during the activity. Check in process was very quick, straightforward. The experience with Pure Milford also fantastic, really have an unforgetable moment.
4.6/5
(113)
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Milford Track Guided Walk (if option selected)
I had been out kayaking the day prior and was not sure it was worth it to come all the way back out for the cruise. It was totally worth it! Stunning views, super comfy boat, lovely crew (didn't get his name but your guy from British Columbia is fabulous! However. Things they don't tell you (or I missed) you have to pay to park which is kind of baloney when you have no other option. Or there is an option to park out and walk in about 30 min, but no way to know that until I asked someone at check in. Also make sure you leave enough time to walk around the harbor from the paid parking to the boats. I arrived 15 minutes early as instructed and almost didn't make it
The small boat cruise was very pleasant. Access to the photo areas was relatively easy, as there were not too many people on board.
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Excellent commentary by a very experienced and friendly crew, whilst showing us beautiful and unique sights.
I really liked the Mitre Peak's boat. We were not too many on it and thanks to its size, we could get very close from the falls. The crew was nice and having hot drinks available is a big plus!
Boarding was easy and efficient, boat was not crowded and the cruise was enjoyable. (and wet!!) We took my daughter and her husband who had wanted to do this cruise and they were delighted. Loved every minute of it, and said they would do it again. The small boat is the way to go. The only small issue was if outside (front or back) you could not hear the commentary.
Fantastic trip out in the sound! Really pleased I booked the smaller boats after seeing the huge lines of people for the bigger boats. The boat wasnt packed and we all got a great spot to see all the beautiful sights! Would definitley do the trip again.
Headout helped me to go back to the site where I ordered so I could buy another ticket for the exact cruise. Also I could change the date of the cruise for free, which helpex me reserve tickets ahead of time. The cruise was amazing. Spacious as promised, could see from wherever we wanted and choose our seats. just the right weather (lots of rain), couldn't get enough of the leaking mountain and river, informative explanations to those who wanted, free tea/coffee/hot chocolate which helped a lot, as most of us got wet just from the short walk from the station to the port .We went also near a meeting ooint of the river and got a nice splash of water.
It was a wonderfull experience and we had the chance to have sun! The landscape is amazing. The small boat allows a good experience.
Breath taking views. Very good commentary from the Skipper. I have never been up close to so many mountains and water falls. For my family it was a once in a life time experience
One of the best trips. Staff were helpful and a water fall shower on the boat was immensely fun.
It was perfect and a amazing experience
Beautiful weather knowable ship captain
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Queenstown
Start your journey in the stunning city of Queenstown on a comfortable AC minibus where your guide will guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
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Lake Wakatipu
Free Admission
Devils Staircase
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Lake Te Anau
Free Admission
The largest lake in the South Island, Lake Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Meet some of the local animals or wildlife and then stop at Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track, to hear the stories and admire the views.
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Eglinton Valley
Free Admission
Eglinton Valley is a stunning flat-floored valley surrounded by towering peaks. Its vibrant grasslands make it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or a photo stop.
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Mirror Lakes
Free Admission
A short walk from the highway, Mirror Lakes offers reflective views of the surrounding mountains. On calm days, the reflections are almost perfect, creating an optical illusion.
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Lake Gunn
Free Admission
Hollyford River
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Darran Mountains
Free Admission
The Darran Mountains are a rugged mountain range within Fiordland National Park, offering jaw-dropping vistas and a chance to click photos of some large, cheeky, and colourful birds.
Homer Tunnel
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Milford Sound
Tickets included
Embark on a 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound, a breathtaking fjord known for the towering Mitre Peak rising sharply from its waters and the famous Pop's View Lookout that offers panoramic views of the Hollyford Valley and beyond.
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Queenstown
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Minibus
Cruise
These are the sights you can look out for during the cruise:
Lynette was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable about the history of the region and the stops and locations were wonderful.
The view is awesome. The travel guide Jeff was excellent. He explained the history and all relevant information to Milford sound, which made our trip a remarkable experience.
We loved the natural beauty of Milford Sound and coming up close to the waterfall for a glacial wash. The driver of Altitude Tours passenger van Erik was super interesting like a walking encyclopedia and made the trip a real joy.
Our guide Albert was very knowledgeable about the whole area of Queenstown. It was a great relaxing drive with great views. Milford sound was breathtaking. Would highly recommend this tour.
We knew from the pictures that Milford Sound would be spectacular. Two things made this even better. Our guide Lynette clearly loves people and her job sharing her knowledge. As importantly, she's a safe and smooth driver which can be a big deal traveling 8 total hours in a bus on the narrow and twisty roads. The captain of the boat found opportunities to get us up close to a group of seals and then a couple of penguins. He also took us almost underneath a waterfall which was an amazing experience. Dress for cold and wet as we did and you won't have to run inside. We usually like to do our own discovering on trips but we're really glad we signed up for this full-day tour.
4.9/5
(18)
2 Boarding points
Sights covered
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Personalised table for 2 and the knowledgeable hosts and guides made it well worth the $$$. Food was good and topped off with a cheese board. The all female crew only added to the experience.
From the moment we stepped on board the cruise boat we could sense a good vibe ,after receiving our complementary glass of champagne and canapés everyone were ready for a great time ,the crew were very friendly and helpful with any of our questions.The cruise itself out to the Tasman Sea was very enjoyable with the onboard nature expert explaining many points of interest.On reflection we can honestly recommend the whole experience.
This was a truly amazing experience in a magical part of the world.
It was very exclusive and peaceful. The crew and the food were fantastic, and the weather was stunning.
4.6/5
(139)
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Our ticketing experience was perfect with no problems. Our trip out was out standing. Great crew on both boats and I think Tabitha was our guide. Very interesting and so knowledgeable and that's a credit to her. Apart from being quite windy and rather cold out experience was very memorable. My favourite part was seeing the Dolphins and where we stopped and the boat was turned off. Very tranquil.
The whole experience from booking to end was smooth and efficient. The trip more than lived up to our expectations and was very good value. Doubtful Sound was absolutely stunning and we were lucky to have a beautiful sunny day after heavy rain so the waterfalls were really impressive. The boat trip across Lake Manapouri and the coach trip over the pass really add to the whole experience. Good commentary from everyone throughout the trip without bombarding you with too much information. I would highly recommend this trip.
See Milford Sound by air and sea—helicopter flight, alpine landing, and scenic cruise.
See Milford Sound by air and sea—helicopter flight, alpine landing, and scenic cruise.
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This observatory at Milford Sound is New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory. Accessible only by boat, you can witness Milford Sound’s deep-water emergence where freshwater meets saltwater from the sea. Owing to this phenomenon you’ll get to see species like the black coral, amongst many others, come to shallower waters instead of their natural home leagues under the sea. This is also your ticket to surround yourself with Milford Sound’s inky black water.
Timings: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM; daily
Best time to visit: Summer months (December-February) offer warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, rainfall can be higher. Winter months (June-August) have cooler temperatures and shorter days but offer calmer seas and potentially clearer underwater viewing.
To avoid peak crowds, visit during weekdays or shoulder seasons (spring and autumn).
Best time to visit the observatoryAddress: Harrison Cove, Milford Sound 9600, New Zealand
The Milford Sound Underwater Observatory is located in Harrison Cove, a picturesque inlet within Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Southland, New Zealand. It's accessible only by boat tours offered by Southern Discoveries.
Getting to the observatoryIt's New Zealand's only floating underwater observatory, offering a window into the fascinating marine life hidden beneath Milford Sound's turquoise waters. Accessible by boat, it allows you to observe creatures and ecosystems that thrive beyond the surface, even without diving.
Expect a kaleidoscope of marine life like black coral forests, colorful fish, playful dolphins (with luck!), and glimpses of penguins. You'll also witness underwater waterfalls and discover hidden stories of shipwrecks and Maori fish traps.
The observatory descends 10 meters below the water surface, offering a comfortable and dry vantage point without any diving experience needed.
Summer offers warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours but expect more rain. Winter boasts calmer seas and potentially clearer views but with cooler temperatures and shorter days. Consider visiting Milford Sound on weekdays or shoulder seasons to avoid peak crowds.
The observatory is accessible only by boat tours.
Absolutely not! The observatory provides a safe and accessible environment for all ages and abilities.
Black coral forests, bioluminescent light shows (especially in summer evenings), and dancing kelp forests with shy nudibranchs and flitting fish are some top contenders.
Yes! Discover the story of visionary John Roberts, nicknamed "Aquajohn," who brought this underwater dream to life in 1994. You'll even find a piece of the legendary 1968 shipwreck "Wahine" on display.
Your visit helps fund essential programs protecting Milford Sound's delicate underwater environment. You'll learn about the challenges faced by this unique ecosystem and the observatory's vital role in its conservation.
This watery wonder opened its hatches in 1994, making it over 29 years old! It was the brainchild of local visionary John Roberts, who dreamt of sharing the fiord's underwater secrets with the world.
Absolutely! The observatory is fully wheelchair accessible and offers comfortable viewing platforms for everyone to enjoy the underwater magic.