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If you’re looking for one of the best ways to see Milford Sound, the famous Nature Cruise should be high on the list. Since I started living in Queenstown, I’ve been to Milford Sound a lot, like, a lot.
I have taken quite a few cruises through this fjord and let me tell you, it’s mindblowing. I wanted to share my experience on one in particular, the Milford Sound Nature Cruise, so you can easily decide if this is the right choice for you.
After all, there are a lot of options out there! And I bet your goal is to have an epic trip to Milford Sound. So let’s jump right in and make sure you have the experience of a lifetime.
What is the Milford Sound Nature Cruise?
The Milford Sound Nature Cruise is more than just a boat ride. It plops you smack dab into the middle of one of my favorite places on the South Island.
People love this cruise (there are HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews!), myself included, because of how close you get to the towering walls of the fjord, waterfalls, and wildlife. It’s one of the best ways to spot often difficult-to-see Fiordland crested penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and dusky dolphins.
Even if you don’t spot any dolphins or penguins, the Milford Sound Nature Cruise is one of the few ways to see the unparalleled beauty of Milford Sound. While you can hike a lot of it, the only way to really experience the epic landscape is from the water. Standing on the front deck and taking in the prehistoric-looking terrain is just incredible.
I highly recommend taking an earlier cruise if you want to increase your chances of seeing dolphins or penguins. It’s possible to see them throughout the day, but they are more active in the morning. The 9:30 am cruise is their earliest option and I think it’s a perfect time for the experience. You even get a complimentary cup of coffee or tea to keep you cozy first thing in the morning!
The Milford Sound Nature Cruise is $145 NZD and you can add on lunch for an extra $35 NZD. Keep in mind that parking is also $10 NZD an hour at the nearby lot.
If you’re located in Queenstown and don’t have transportation, or don’t want to make the 4-hour trip to Milford Sound on your own, you can take this cruise as part of a full-day experience from Queenstown. It makes a couple of other fun stops along the way and includes lunch. Tickets are $315 NZD.
Book the Nature Cruise here or choose the tour that includes transport from Queenstown here!
What are the highlights of the Milford Sound Nature Cruise?
Seal Rock – Tucked deep into the Milford Sound fjord, Seal Rock is the year-round hangout spot for local fur seals. These adorable animals prefer this rock to sleep on because it’s easy to climb onto and keeps them safe. Luckily for you, you get to see them up close!
Possibility to see rare penguins and dolphins – Fjordland crested penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and dusky dolphins, while rare, still call this area home. This cruise offers a great opportunity to see them in their natural habitat! It’s not guaranteed, but still a pretty decent chance.
Naturalist guide – The guide on this cruise is excellent and has a deep understanding of both the wildlife and nature found in Milford Sound. They are passionate and make the whole experience so much better! Even though this wasn’t my first guided cruise on Milford Sound I still learned a lot.
Smaller vessel than scenic cruises – The smaller the boat the better when it comes to cruises like this. While it’s big enough to hold all of its passengers it’s still small and able to maneuver up close to waterfalls, cliffs, and wildlife. This is important when you (hopefully) spot dolphins!
See all of Milford Sound – Milford Sound is 15 kilometers (9 miles) long and on this cruise you get to see all of it! Trust me, it never gets boring and is incredible the entire time. Be sure to make your way to the front deck for some great photos!
Glacial facial under Stirling Falls – This is a highlight for sure! The boat goes right up next to Stirling Falls and you get to open your mouth and taste a little of that fresh fjord mountain water. Ponchos are provided so you don’t get too wet.
My experience on the Milford Sound Nature Cruise
It was still chilly when I parked my car and made my way to the dock to check-in. As far as a morning on the Milford Sound is concerned, this was just what I was hoping for. Slightly overcast with calm waters. I have visited this place a lot over the years and my favorite memories are when the weather is just a little moody and dramatic.
After checking in and wrapping my hands around a fresh cup of coffee, I found a seat inside the cabin. We set off and I watched excited travelers begin to point and marvel at Bowen Falls. Our guide informed those aboard all about Milford Sound’s tallest waterfall and how it uses hydroelectric generators to provide electricity for the Milford Sound Township.
After finishing my coffee, I found my way to the front deck to take in the incredible views of the cliff faces along the fjord. Our guide told us it was time to meet the resident fur seals of Seal Rock, I love this part! They navigated the boat right up next to it for us to watch as they slept, swam, and called out in our direction.
As we continued on, the guide excitedly told us they had spotted Fiordland crested penguins and we made a detour to see them up close. Recognizable by their distinct yellow brows, everyone on board pulled out binoculars and cameras as we spent time watching them a little ways off on shore. It’s not every day you get to see them!
A full hour had passed in the blink of an eye and just like that we reached the turnaround point. There was still one more big stop on the way, Stirling Falls. The staff provided jackets to all who wanted to experience a Glacial Facial, one of the most fun experiences on these cruises. Pulling the boat up under the waterfall we all stared up and opened our mouths for some delicious, but cold, glacial water! Thanks to the jackets we didn’t get wet and everyone was smiling and laughing about the experience we just had.
I have had friends who took this cruise tell me they saw dolphins. Sadly, we didn’t see any that day, but my time was incredible regardless. Once we made it back, I said my goodbyes to the people I made friends with, thanked the wonderful guide, and walked back towards my car. My heart was full from a great day on the Milford Sound!
Book the Milford Sound Nature Cruise here!
Milford Sound Nature Cruise FAQs
Related Read: If you’re wondering where to stay nearby, check out my guide on the closest hotels and campgrounds to Milford Sound!
Is the Milford Sound Nature Cruise worth it?
It is totally worth it! You do not want to miss out on this cruise. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the Milford Sound.
However, if I had a choice I would say I like the Milford Sound Boutique Cruise more only because the boat is smaller and can get into shallower water. It also offers a full-day experience from Queenstown if you can’t or don’t want to drive.
Regardless of the cruise you take, you’re going to have an amazing time and I wish I could see your face when you experience it for the first time! I know it’s a day you’ll never forget.
Ready to book?
The Milford Sound Nature Cruise departing from Milford will cost you $145 NZD or $180 NZD including lunch. It’s perfect if you’re staying nearby or want to do the scenic drive to Milford Sound yourself.
Reserve your spot on this nature cruise, departing from Milford here!
Need transportation?
If you’d rather not worry about getting yourself to Milford Sound, there are tours that include transportation from both Queenstown and Te Anau. The transport is snazzy too – a glass-roofed bus so there are incredible views the entire way. Lunch is included along with great road trip stops on the way.
Book the Nature Cruise with transport from Queenstown for $315 NZD
Book the Nature Cruise with transport from Te Anau for $265 NZD
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
Milford Sound is one of my favorite places in the entire world and without a doubt, the best way to experience it is on a cruise. I loved this Nature Cruise of Milford Sound and can’t wait to go again when my family comes to visit me in New Zealand! Hopefully, you found this review of the cruise helpful before you book!
While you’re planning your trip, check out my other blogs about visiting Milford Sound:
15 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Milford Sound, New Zealand
BEST Time to Visit Milford Sound (My Advice After Visiting in ALL Seasons!)