Milford Sound Cruises

Milford Sound: A Jewel of Fiordland National Park

Milford Sound, located within the stunning Fiordland National Park in southwest New Zealand, is one of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The national park also encompasses other iconic fiords, including:

• Dusky Sound
• Doubtful Sound

As you cruise into Milford Sound, you’ll be greeted by the majestic Mitre Peak on one side and the awe-inspiring Stirling Falls on the other. Stirling Falls is one of the few permanent waterfalls in the area, providing a spectacular sight year-round.

Milford Sound is among New Zealand’s most popular cruise destinations, and here’s why:

• Spectacular Scenery: Dramatic landscapes that leave you in awe.
• Abundant Wildlife: Unique species that thrive in the fiord’s environment.
• Hiking Opportunities: Trails that cater to all levels of experience.
• Delicious Local Cuisine: Enjoy fresh, mouthwatering food in a stunning setting.

The Best Time to Cruise to Milford Sound

Known as the wettest place in New Zealand, Milford Sound’s frequent rain showers only enhance its beauty, making the waterfalls even more impressive. The best time to plan your cruise holiday is during the spring months of September, October, and November. Here’s why:

• Fewer Crowds: Spring offers a more peaceful experience, as most tourists visit during summer and autumn.
• Good Weather: Enjoy mild temperatures and more daylight hours.
• More Waterfalls: Melting snow and occasional rain create an abundance of cascading waterfalls.
• Nature in Bloom: Witness the landscape coming to life with blooming flowers and awakening wildlife.

Things to Do in Milford Sound

Milford Sound offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy:

• Kayak Tour: Paddle out into the fiord for stunning views and close encounters with local wildlife.
• Visit Milford Sound Lodge and Pio Pio Café: Savor delicious food while soaking in fantastic vistas.
• Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing: Experience an unforgettable flight that includes landing on a glacier.
• Explore Te Anau: Venture to the largest town near Milford Sound, visit the Homer Tunnel, and see the Chasm.
• Hiking: Discover a variety of trails ranging from short walks to multi-day treks in the small Milford Sound settlement.

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the amazing wildlife that calls Milford Sound home:

• Seals
• Penguins
• Bottlenose Dolphins

Top Cruise Lines

There is a fantastic range of cruise lines that sail to the Fiordland National Park and stop at Milford Sound for you to choose from:

• Holland America cruises to Milford Sound
• Celebrity cruises to Milford Sound
• Silversea cruises to Milford Sound
• Norwegian cruises to Milford Sound
• Seabourn cruises to Milford Sound

A lot of them will set sail in Sydney or Melbourne, so all you have to do is decide on 2 things:

• The budget for your cruise holiday – the luxury cruise lines offer beautiful all-inclusive sailings and will therefore be more expensive
• The home port that is closest to you