Top 9 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Milford Sound, South Island

August 9, 2021 Weston Hennigan

Hailed by Rudyard Kipling as "the eighth wonder of the world," the breathtaking Milford Sound is the star of glacier-carved Fjordland National Park, providing an emerald-green and waterfall-rich backdrop for hiking, biking and kayaking. Frequent downpours only enhance this South Island beauty, sending numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. Passionate nature lovers book in advance to hike the 33-mile Milford Track, a legendary route through alpine passes and temperate rainforest.

1. Mitre Peak Cruises

Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,034 reviews

Mitre Peak Cruises

Mitre Peak Cruises offer fantastic 2 hour cruises of stunning Milford Sound on its small purpose built boats (maximum capacity 75). Mitre Peak Cruises takes you where the big boats can't go, taking you closer to the waterfalls, wildlife and spectacular scenery of Milford Sound. Coach, fly and helicopter options are available from Queenstown and Te Anau.

2. Rosco's Milford Kayaks

Excellent
87%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 793 reviews

Rosco's Milford Kayaks

Want to kayak Milford Sound? Roscos Milford Kayaks is the longest owner operated sea kayaking business in New Zealand and great value too! First time paddler or pro, we’ve got a Milford Sound kayaking experience to suit just about anyone! Try 'Rosco's Original' Milford Sound Kayak Trip - Sunriser Classic - paddling the loop of Milford Sound, right through to, the 'Kayak Kombo', Rosco’s ultimate experience where you kayak and you get a Milford Track walk adventure included. The choice is yours and your trip will most certainly be one you will remember!

3. Descend Scuba Diving - Milford Sound

Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 216 reviews

Descend Scuba Diving - Milford Sound

Milford Sound diving trips. We supply everything: boat, gear, guides, food and fun! A scuba experience like no other you can see the famous deep water black coral trees, red corals, dog sharks, octopus, crayfish, seals, penguins, dolphins and over 150 species of fish in a world heritage area marine reserve. We operate with a general maximum of six divers guided and hosted by experienced PADI instructors Lance and Simone whom are the owners/operators of the company. Our passion is dedicated to expanding marine ecology awareness, diving and sharing the local area with you, which makes for a truly personal experience. Includes 4 hours cruising all of Milford Sound. First time divers are welcome to experience diving with us and will be well taken care of. Descend !

4. Cruise Milford

Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,395 reviews

Cruise Milford

Experience Milford Sound the local way - Cruise Milford is the only family owned & operated day cruise operator at Milford Sound. We are also the only company to limit passenger numbers on-board to 50% of the boats capacity to guarantee an uncrowded and much more personal experience on-board our Boutique Small Boat Cruises. Let us show you our Milford Sound, up close and personal. Voted one of the Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand in 2019 & 2020

5. Fiordland Discovery

Excellent
91%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 137 reviews

Fiordland Discovery

Spend a night in the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ in comfort onboard the Fiordland Jewel for our Milford Sound Overnight Cruise. Taking only 20 passengers a night, our boat features a top-deck hot tub, an onboard helicopter pad, and nine private climate-controlled cabins all with ensuites and majestic fiord and sea views. Our friendly expert crew will share with you the incredible natural wilderness and local wildlife of this area. View the fascinating sea life beneath the surface captured by our Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV). Your luxury, bespoke escape away from the crowds includes two cruises of Milford Sound, three-course evening meal, cooked & continental breakfast prepared by our onboard chef, kayaking, Zodiac tender boat explorations & lobster pot pulling (weather permitting) Transport options from Queenstown and Te Anau available in our VW Crafter van (11 passengers) with exclusive charters available upon request.

6. Real Journeys

Excellent
72%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,878 reviews

Real Journeys

Choose a Real Journeys Milford Sound Scenic Cruise and experience the fiord's majestic scenery from the comfort of our spacious modern vessels. Exceptional viewing opportunities, spacious decks and comfortable lounges. Look out for seals, dolphins and penguins en route, cruise close to waterfalls and enjoy the magnificent vistas. Informative commentaries in several languages. Delicious lunches available. Departs Milford Sound (all year). Coach connections also available from Te Anau and Queenstown. Fly back option to Queenstown available (extra cost).

7. Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises

Excellent
75%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,497 reviews

Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises

Spectacular Milford Sound is an amazing experience. Southern Discoveries has a wide range of cruises to suit every interest and budget. They also operate the New Milford Discovery Centre & Milford Deep underwater observatory and relaxing 1 hour Kayaking tours in serene Harrisons Cove. Let us show you our Milford Sound.

8. JUCY Cruise

Excellent
72%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,378 reviews

JUCY Cruise

Join JUCY Cruise Milford Sound and enjoy the scenic boat cruise experience of a lifetime. Begin the day with one of the world's most stunning drives and the ultimate in New Zealand roadies! Follow up your journey with a cruise on magical Milford Sound and enjoy a sightseeing tour of one of the most magnificent places on earth. Highlights of our Milford Sound cruises include Sinbad Gully, Mitre Peak, Copper Point, Seal Rock, a complimentary glacial shower under Stirling Falls and much more, so be sure to bring your camera! Our famously friendly skipper and crew will be on hand to share the secrets of their beautiful backyard, and make sure that you leave as one of the JUCY family. With cruise options to suit every budget, you can rest assured that every JUCY Cruise is guaranteed to be special, always memorable and each one a little different.

9. InterCity Milford Sound Day Tour + Cruise from Queenstown

Excellent
73%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 104 reviews

InterCity Milford Sound Day Tour + Cruise from Queenstown

Milford Sound is undoubtedly one of the world's most spectacular natural phenomena and the journey along the 295km Milford Road is equally impressive. Now with InterCity's limited availability Milford Sound tours you can a journey into Milford Sound from just $119 (+booking fee) and enjoy comfortable seating while you take in the amazing alpine scenery through panoramic windows. Local and experienced driver guides will keep you entertained with an informative commentary and provide plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos along the way. From just $119* per person - the further ahead you book, the cheaper it is!

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