An excellent way to explore Milford Sound is through taking a cruise. This will enable you to witness all its major highlights – Lady Bowen Falls (dropping 160 meters), Stirling Falls, Mitre Peak and more will come into view.
Be sure to bring along a camera and plenty of memory cards – there will be photo opps at every turn!
Lady Elizabeth Bowen Falls
Milford Sound cruises are an iconic part of New Zealand tourism. Boasting breathtaking cliffs, large cascading waterfalls and diverse wildlife – Milford Sound is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Though Milford can experience over 200 days of precipitation annually (despite planning accordingly and packing an appropriate waterproof jacket ), you’re still sure to enjoy breathtaking scenery while onboard your vessel!
One of the first sights you will witness upon arriving is Lady Bowen Falls. At 168 meters in height and named for Lady Diamantina Bowen – wife of one of New Zealand’s first governors. She was instrumental in reconciling Maori people and British rule.
The captain will bring you close to a waterfall so you can experience its power firsthand, and other highlights of your cruise include Stirling Falls, Mitre Peak and Seal Rock, Sinbad Gully and more. Our onboard nature guide will also inform us about Milford Sound’s landscape as we sail through it; Milford Sound also makes for an excellent opportunity to spot marine animals like bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins while on cruises in this area.
Stirling Falls
Most cruises will pass this stunning waterfall reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, but by booking an exclusive tour such as this one you can actually get underneath and sit directly under. Your onboard nature guide may even fill your glasses directly from its source – which some say can make you appear 10 years younger!
Milford Sound, situated within Fiordland National Park and part of UNESCO World Heritage, is home to New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and alpine mountain parrots known as kea. Take a cruise through this breathtaking wilderness and behold its iconic sights like Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls – you won’t regret it!
Milford Sound can best be experienced through Cruise Milford. Their catamaran tours never feel overcrowded and stop at all of the must-see sites to allow guests to interact with wildlife in this remarkable place. Check out their excellent reviews on Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook and KKday!
Mitre Peak
Mitre Peak stands out as an iconic landmark in Milford Sound and attracts visitors ever since the first indigenous societies settled the area centuries ago. Now tourism and outdoor recreation comprise an important industry.
Mitre Peak Cruises offer two hour cruises through Milford Sound for you to appreciate its beauty at your own leisure. Their small boats allow them to get close to all its natural features – towering cliffs and thunderous waterfalls alike – plus you may spot seals sunbathing on rocks as well as Pilot Whales or Southern White Whales (as they call themselves).
Milford Sound is often best visited during spring and autumn because the weather tends to be clearer. However, rainy forecasts should never deter visitors; when rain falls it brings stunning waterfalls cascading down its cliffs into its fiord. And you might even spot one of Milford’s native parrot species known as Kea – named after its similarity to kiwi fruit!
Sinbad Gully
Southern Discoveries’ Nature Cruise provides one of the finest Milford Sound boat tours. Discover Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls and Mitre Peak close-up – or book three different times: 10:30 am, 1:15 pm or 3:15 pm!
Milford Sound is an unforgettable travel experience and the boat cruise through its interior is truly magical! Boasting beautiful waterfalls and towering mountains, Milford Sound makes for a magical destination that looks beautiful any time of the day!
Fiord mountains appear to rise out of the sea; their glacial ice caps one of nature’s most breathtaking sights; stunning waterfalls cascade down their sides as well.
Mount Pembroke
Milford Sound offers breathtaking fjords, majestic cliffs and cascading waterfalls that have earned it the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll never forget your experience exploring New Zealand’s awe-inspiring natural area: you won’t soon forget it.
No matter the time of year, cruising around this magnificent destination is the best way to experience its magnificent sights. On clear days you can witness snow-covered peaks and glacial ice fields while rainy days provide spectacular waterfall views from cliff-sides – creating a moody yet charming environment.
Southern Discoveries’ sightseeing cruise offers an affordable and breathtaking tour experience, limiting passenger numbers to 50% of their boat to ensure it never feels overcrowded. On this full-day excursion you will see Bowen and Stirling Falls, Mitre Peak and Sinbad Gully among many other stunning highlights – check it out on Viator, Klook or Tripadvisor for tour details.
Are You Planning a Trip to Milford Sound? Find Inspiration Here on 10 Things to Do in Milford Sound for Families as Well as Day Trip Ideas with Kids