Get up close to nature on the most luxurious small boat in Milford Sound. This is an intimate experience with numbers capped at 75, and on-board Nature Guides offering personal attention. The smaller boat explores small nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail for 2hr 15min.
This ‘ecotour’ is perfect for close-up shots of seals, birds and other wildlife, including dolphins ‘riding’ the bow wave and the rarest penguin in the world, the Fiordland crested penguin.
The smaller boat helps you appreciate the sheer size and grandeur of the fiord’s cliff faces rising hundreds of metres out of the water, scarred here and there by tree falls. You’ll get within touching distance of impressive geological features and close enough to catch and drink pure glacial water, or feel the full force from the powerful 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls (we’ve got jackets to keep you dry!).
Join the skipper on the bridge for a birds-eye view and see first-hand how the boat operates. Help yourself to free tea and coffee – delicious lunch options available on board.
Tour Highlights
Luxurious small boat
Within touching distance of flora, fauna and wildlife
Small passenger numbers, friendly Nature Guides
Drink pure glacial water from a waterfall
Free tea and coffee
VENUE LOCATION
LOCATION
Milford, around five hours from Queenstown to Milford depending on road conditions and around 2 hours 30 min to drive from Te Anau to Milford.
STATE
South Island
SESSION TIMES
DETAILS
Sessions in Winter are daily and run at 9:45am and 12:45pm.
Sessions in Summer are daily and run at 10:30am, 1:15pm and 3:45pm.
DURATION
2 Hours 15 Minutes
PARTICIPANTS
MINIMUM / MAXIMUM NUMBERS
Maximum per trip is 75.
GUIDELINES
Children are aged 4 - 14 years inclusive.
Children 3 years and under travel free.
DRESSCODE / WHAT TO BRING
Due to the changeable nature of the weather in Milford it is always a good idea to bring a warm jacket and wear sensible shoes. Raincoats are provided for passengers.
OTHER
Translation sheets are provided in Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Korean and Mandarin. The Scenic Cruise is family and wheelchair friendly, with a whole top deck for viewing and panoramic photo opportunities, and large covered seating areas and viewing windows on other levels. Rates are valid from 01 November 2010 to 30 April 2011.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG IS MY GIFT VOUCHER VALID FOR?
All gift vouchers are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.
CAN I EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF MY GIFT VOUCHER?
Extension options are available upto an additional 3 months from the date of purchase.
If your voucher has not yet expired, we can extend your voucher for an administration fee of $10.00 per month / per voucher (upto three months).
If your voucher has already expired and you contact us within 30 days of its expiry, we can extend it for an administration fee of $30.00 per month / per voucher (one month only).
If your voucher has already expired and you contact us more than 30 days after the expiry of your voucher, the voucher cannot be extended.
WHAT ARE THE EXACT LOCATION DETAILS AND DIRECTIONS?
Once you have made an online booking and activated your experience voucher, you will receive an email containing exact location details.
WHAT ARE THE CONTACT DETAILS OF THE SUPPLIER?
After making an online booking and activating your gift voucher, you will receive an email containing the suppliers' contact details.
There are currently no testimonials for this experience.
MILFORD SOUND ENCOUNTER CRUISE (NZ0002)
To make a booking for this experience, please enter the number of packages required and then click on the 'buy gift voucher' or 'book now' button. Experience Vouchers are valid for 6 Months from the date of purchase.
Operating Days Generally Operates Occasionally Operates Never Operates
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Operating Days Generally Operates Occasionally Operates Never Operates
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Operating Days Generally Operates Occasionally Operates Never Operates
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Operating Days Generally Operates Occasionally Operates Never Operates
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Operating Days Generally Operates Occasionally Operates Never Operates
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
PACKAGE
ADULT
CHILD
CONCESSION
FAMILY
Summer 10:15am
$84.00
$16.00
Summer 1:00pm
$92.00
$16.00
Summer 3:45pm
$74.00
$16.00
Winter 9:45am
$79.00
$16.00
Winter 12:45pm
$92.00
$16.00
Other Related Experience Gift Vouchers to Choose From
From the moment the accelerator hits the floor your adrenaline hits the roof, as you speed in mere centimetres of water along the famous Shotover River and deep into the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.
Jet the entire length of Hanmer's spectacular Waiau Gorge, raft down the Waiau Gorge Canyon and see the surrounding countryside, put yourself in control of a four-wheel quad bike and ride down river crossings, mud, dust and dirt tracks and leap off the historic 135 year old Ferry Bridge for a 35 metre free-fall to the river canyon below.
Get up close to nature on the most luxurious small boat in Milford Sound. This is an intimate experience with numbers capped at 75, and on-board Nature Guides offering personal attention. The smaller boat explores small nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail for 2hr 15min.
Luxurious small boat
Generally Operates 
Occasionally Operates 
Never Operates
