★★★★★
"We loved this cruise. The catamaran is very comfortable and the crew were awesome. Highly recommended!!"
New Zealand · Catamaran tour
Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran
Enjoy a hassle-free cruise on the magnificent Milford Sound. Benefit from a comfortable vessel specifically designed to capture the beauty of the fiord with large windows and spacious viewing decks.
★ 4.71075 reviews
$87From / person
Fiordland National Park, New ZealandMeeting point area
Free cancellation on most bookings · Bookings handled by GetYourGuide
Climb aboard one of the most recently refurbished vessels in the fiord for a Milford Sound nature cruise. Capture the best views of the incredible fiord with three-levels of indoor and outdoor seating, large windows and spacious viewing decks. Be welcomed on board by a friendly crew and marvel at one of the most stunning places on earth. Relax in the comfortable seating and feel relaxed in the knowledge you won't miss a moment of Milford, as high-definition cameras project outdoor footage live onto TV screens throughout the vessel. Admire New Zealand fur seals basking on rocks and feel the spray of cascading waterfalls. Look out for playful dolphins and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin. Travel the length of the fiord and out into the Tasman Sea, to see why Captain Cook failed to discover Milford Sound after charting the Fiordland National Park.
Highlights
- See everything around you aboard a modern, spacious and comfortable catamaran
- Get up close to nature with spacious outdoor viewing decks
- Marvel at wildlife and find out how Captain Cook missed Milford Sound
- Learn all about the fiord from your experienced skipper's engaging commentary
- Relax in comfortable seating and enjoy great meal and beverage options
What's included
- ✅ Scenic cruise on a modern catamaran with large windows
- ✅ HD cameras projecting live outdoor footage onto TV screens
- ✅ Spacious outdoor viewing decks
- ✅ Indoor and outdoor seating
- ✅ Live commentary
- ✅ Experienced skippers and guides
What's not included
- ❌ Food and drinks
- ❌ Parking fees (NZD 10 per hour)
Good to know
Meeting point.Meet at the Milford Sound Visitor Centre and look for Pure Milford. Allow 5 hours of driving time from Queenstown and 3 hours from Te Anau.
Check in at the Pure Milford counter, located on the right-hand side as you enter the terminal. Open in Google Maps
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Warm clothing
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Insect repellent
- Cash
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Know before you go
- There is disabled parking just outside the terminal, with ramp access down the wharf.
- The bottom deck of the Gem of the Sound is explorable for wheelchair users, with accessible toilets and the Cafe/Bar on this deck. Provided it is not too windy, there is access to a small rear viewing deck on this floor too.
- The Maiden of Milford can be accessed from the wharf, however there is an entry door with a large lip that will require to be stepped over, or for a wheelchair to be lifted over. There is a large spacious viewing deck and Cafe/Bar on this level for guests to enjoy. The onboard toilets on this vessel are down a steep flight of stairs, and so if guests have difficulty with or are unable to climb stairs, the accessible facilities in the terminal must be used before and/or after the cruise.
- Please get in touch with our friendly team if you have any questions or concerns regarding access to your cruise, coach tour or flight and we will be happy to assist!
What it looks like on board
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Reviews
★★★★★
"Stunning scenery and the captain’s commentary was funny and informative"
★★★★★
"Great experience on the catamaran. They made the experience fun and engaging. Clean tidy boat, with wonderful facilities. Definitely worth going with this company."
★★★★★
"Fabulous day. What a trip. Great staff who went beyond the beyond to make sure we’d a great day. We were blessed with the weather. The captain of the boat gave fantastic commentary throughout the trip. Couldn’t recommend it more"
★★★★★
"Remarkable scenery and history, we loved our cruise! Definitely go earlier and enjoy the peace and solitude….a once in a lifetime experience!"
★★★★★
"👉 **[Book on GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t188550?partner_id=RIYXUWR)**"
Questions guests ask before booking this tour
GetYourGuide lists the exact inclusions on the booking page — typically snorkel gear and life vests, drinks (often open bar), light food or lunch on the longer trips, and crew. Hotel pickup is sometimes included depending on the operator. Check the operator's inclusion list before booking; this comparison page surfaces the headline product, not every detail.
This tour starts at From $87 per person on GetYourGuide on our last refresh. Prices vary by date, season, and group size, and private-charter options are priced by the boat rather than per head. Click the Book button to see live pricing for your dates.
Most tours on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Look for the cancellation policy on the GetYourGuide tour page before booking — it's flagged prominently on the offer card.
May – October (dry season). Shoulder months (april, november (transition months)) are the best-value window — smaller crowds, lower prices, mostly the same conditions. Avoid november – april (wet season, fewer operators).
10 % cash; often included on premium charters. Cash to the captain at the end of the trip — they share with the deckhands. Service is sometimes included on private charters; check the booking confirmation.
Strict reef-safe rules in French Polynesia marine parks (mineral-only). Pick up a mineral (zinc-oxide) sunscreen before you board; on-board sales are usually marked up.
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