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FiordlandSailing trips & boat tours

Our most recommended Fiordland Sailing trips & boat tours

Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on Premium Glass-Roof Catamaran

1. Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on Premium Glass-Roof Catamaran

Climb aboard 'Gem of the Sound', the newest vessel to cruise 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, unique glass roofs, and large 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 booth seating with stylish decor and ambient lighting. High-definition cameras project outdoor footage live onto TV screens throughout the vessel - so no matter where are, you won't miss a thing. 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.

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Tour with Lunch

2. From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Tour with Lunch

In the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is known as one of New Zealand’s top scenic attractions. On this day tour from Queenstown, jump on board an air-conditioned coach and be entertained with commentary from your driver/guide. After passing through the 1.2-kilometer-long Homer Tunnel, descend into Milford Sound. Here jump on board a boat to cruise along the fjord. Take in the famous sights, like the uniquely-shaped Mitre Peak and the glacier-scarred rock. Keep an eye out for marine life like dolphins, seals, and penguins too. The fjord is dotted with waterfalls that tumble through the valleys and crash into the sound far below, making the scenery in Milford Sound spectacular, rain or shine.

Lake Te Anau: 3-Hour Boat Cruise with Guided Walk

3. Lake Te Anau: 3-Hour Boat Cruise with Guided Walk

Your tour will begin when you arrive at the historic wharf of Lake Te Anau 5, where you'll be greeted by your crew and welcomed aboard “Faith”. You'll then receive a personalized briefing about safety onboard the ship and what to expect during the cruise.  Once onboard, you’ll be free to roam around and your crew will offer you a drink and a chat during the 40-minute journey to the Hidden Lakes wharf. During this time, you’ll learn about the history of your cruise ship, the vessel’s journey from Scotland in the 1980s and its Royal Navy service during WW2. Upon arrival at the Hidden Lakes, experience a guided walking tour of Fiordland National Park of roughly 45 minutes, and learn about the surrounding flora and fauna from your guide. Once back at the wharf, enjoy a selection of canapés and desserts in the calm of the cove. Finally, sit back and enjoy the journey home or visit the engine room to take a turn behind the wheel.

Milford Sound: Kayaking Tour

4. Milford Sound: Kayaking Tour

Experience Milford Sound at its most serene on this early morning kayaking trip. Beat the crowds and enjoy kayaking in the typically settled morning conditions of this world-famous fiord. Start your trip with a short scenic cruise past the iconic Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. Here, enjoy up to 1 hour of kayaking around the spectacular Harrison Cove and entrance to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. No previous experience is required on this trip and a special kayak lift lowers you into the water making it easy to get started. At the underwater observatory, descend 10 meters beneath the water’s surface by spiral staircase to a viewing chamber. See rare black coral and colorful sea creatures in their natural habitat. On the journey back to the meeting point, sip on complimentary tea and coffee to warm up again.

Milford Sound: Fly | Cruise | Fly

5. Milford Sound: Fly | Cruise | Fly

Gaze down at the mountains and glaciers of Milford Sound as you take the flight of a lifetime onboard a fixed-wing aircraft. Savor the awe-inspiring scenery from your window seat as you enjoy an informative commentary from a knowledgeable local pilot. Soar over incredible features of the surrounding landscape, such as Coronet Peak skifield and Skippers Canyon. Absorb panoramic views over the Shotover River, the second-richest gold-bearing river in the world. Marvel at the sight of shimmering Lake Wakatipu below, as you fly along the Dart River Valley into UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Mount Aspiring National Park. Enjoy an unforgettable experience as you jet across snow-clad peaks, the Olivine Ice Plateau, Mount Tutoko, and the Tutoko Glacier. Take in the breath-taking scenery of Fiordland National Park, the rugged West Coast, and the Tasman Sea, before descending into Milford Sound. Be amazed by the dramatic cliff faces and aerial views of cascading Stirling Falls, as you are led on a walk through beech forest and onboard a 1hr 45min cruise through the natural wonders of Milford Sound. Get the camera ready to snap the iconic Mitre Peak, standing 1692 meters above sea level. Look out for seal colonies, penguins, and dolphins from the open-air viewing deck, as you travel the full length of the fiord. Soak in the stunning landscape as you are greeted by your pilot for another memorable flight with a different flight path back across a World-Heritage-listed area to Queenstown.

Te Anau: Evening Scenic Cruise

6. Te Anau: Evening Scenic Cruise

Glide over scenic lake Te Anau with this Fiordland Historic Cruises group tour. Enjoy the snow-capped peaks reflected in the pristine lake while sipping complimentary drinks and savoring tasty canapés. Anchor in an idyllic sheltered cove, and explore the historic ship Faith. Listen as your local crew shares the facinating story of the ship with you. Learn more about the stunning scenery you’re seeing. Take some time to bask in being in some of the most remote and untouched land in New Zealand. Get plenty of room, as this company caters to small groups of passengers. Hear personalized commentaries from the crew. Get the chance to help raise the sails and steer this classic ship over the lake.

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What people are saying about Fiordland

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,291 reviews

It was a beautiful way to end the two weeks in NZ. The vessel was modern, spacious, clean and comfortable. Highly recommended!

Great. Kids loved it pity was a bit dry so not as many waterfalls. Still a beautiful part of our country will go again

This trip was an unbelievable experience. Would highly recommend this company to anyone. Thanks!!

Just amazing! Great service and mind blowing experience :)

This was a fantastic tour with the best boat on the Sound