- General Timings: Boat cruises: 10:30am, 11am, 11:15am, 1:15pm, 1:30pm, and 3:15pm every day. Boat tours usually last 2 hours.
- Closed: Christmas Day
The best time to enjoy the Milford Sound day trip is on weekdays. The crowd is lesser during weekdays and weekends tend to be crowded.
November and March to May is the best time to visit Milford Sound day trip which is shoulder season. The summer months between December and February are the busiest time. On the other hand, if you love winter, visit during the winter months, between June to August.
Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s top visitor attractions offering day trips, boat cruises, flights, and even overnight stays. We’ll break it down for you into three options based on the amount of time you have to enjoy most of it.
Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are the best times to visit Milford Sound when there is less crowd. Although Milford Sound can be visited all year round.
Yes! Summer brings long daylight hours and warmer weather making it ideal to tour Milford Sound. However, it's the busiest time of the year.
Absolutely! Winter (June-August) brings snow-capped peaks and clear skies with fewer crowds. If you want to enjoy Milford Sound peacefully, then winter is the best time to visit.
Heavy rains in spring (September-November) and winter (June-August) bring the most waterfalls to Milford Sound.
Mornings are quiet and peaceful at Milford Sound offering breathtaking views with golden light. However, the afternoon has slightly better weather. Plan your visit to Milford Sound accordingly.
You can visit Milford Track and underwater observatory and enjoy cruises, flights, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and even overnight stays. Boat cruises start at 10:30am every day and lasts 2 hours.
Yes. Seals and penguins are more active in winter, while summer brings dolphins.
A Milford Sound day trip usually lasts 8–12 hours depending upon whether you are starting a day trip from Queenstown (12–13 hours) or Te Anau (8–9 hours) including sightseeing and transfers.
The Milford Sound boat cruise takes 2 hours on average offering sightseeing and stunning views of waterfalls, wildlife, and towering fjord cliffs.
The Milford Sound flight tour takes 1-2 hours. The flight tour is a once-a-lifetime opportunity offering bird’s eye views of fjords, mountains, and glaciers.
Milford Sound Cruise
Small-Boat Milford Sound Cruise
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise, Walks & Return Transfers
From Te Anau: Milford Cruise & Return Transfers
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Scenic Flyover & Cruise
From Queenstown: Premium Milford Sound Tour with Cruise
Premium Milford Sound Cruise with Gourmet Canapes & Champagne
From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Overnight Milford Sound Cruise