The Nature Cruise is the Southern Discoveries classic. It runs the length of the fiord toward the Tasman Sea, with stops for geology and wildlife, and the crew points out seals, dolphins and penguins when they appear. You can take in the views from the open-top deck or through full-height windows. Departures run through the day.
Top things to do in Milford Sound
Southern Discoveries: Milford Sound's original cruise company
Southern Discoveries runs the Nature Cruise, the longer Discover More Cruise with a dedicated nature guide, and the Captain's VIP Lounge experience. It also offers coach, small-group and scenic-flight connections from Queenstown and Te Anau. The company has been owned by the Queenstown-based Skeggs family since 2008. It also ran Milford Sound's floating underwater observatory, which has been closed since storm damage in September 2024.
Southern Discoveries at a glance
- Operator: Southern Discoveries, family-owned (the Skeggs family) since 2008
- Experience on Milford Sound: Around 70 years
- Departs from: The Southern Discoveries desk inside the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal
- Main cruises: Nature Cruise (about 1 hr 45 mins), Discover More Cruise (up to 2 hrs 15 mins), Captain's VIP Lounge
- Vessels include: Pride of Milford and Spirit of Milford, both with wheelchair ramp access
- Transport: Coach and cruise from Queenstown and Te Anau, Small Group Travel from October 2026, and scenic-flight combos
- Also offers: Milford Track walk combos, and a farm tour combined with a cruise
- Underwater observatory: Closed since September 2024. Latest update
Southern Discoveries cruise options explained
The Nature Cruise
The Discover More Cruise
This is Southern Discoveries' longest and most immersive cruise. A professionally trained nature guide travels with you, numbers are capped at 99, and there's time to slow down and take it all in. Southern Discoveries is a DOC-approved marine mammal viewing operator. The wheelhouse is open, so you can meet the skipper.
Good to know: The Discover More Cruise used to include a visit to the underwater observatory in Harrison Cove. The observatory has been closed since storm damage in September 2024, and the cruise now runs without it.
The Captain's VIP Lounge
The Captain's VIP Lounge is a private lounge aboard the Pride of Milford. It comes with a dedicated host, priority boarding, a private outdoor viewing area and all-inclusive food and drinks, while you still have access to the rest of the vessel.
Conservation and safety
- Cleddau Valley partnership (2026): Southern Discoveries and DOC announced a regional partnership in May 2026, putting NZ$30,000 a year into predator control in the Cleddau Valley.
- Long-running projects: The company has supported the Sinbad Gully sanctuary project beneath Mitre Peak, and tawaki (Fiordland crested penguin) monitoring in Harrison Cove.
- AF8-ready: Southern Discoveries says it is the first Milford Sound operator to equip its vehicle fleet with specialist emergency survival equipment for a major Alpine Fault earthquake.
Know before you go
The Pride of Milford and Spirit of Milford have ramp access for wheelchairs. Accessible toilets are in the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal. Tell the operator about access needs when you book, as vessel assignment varies.
Self-drive: Check in at the Southern Discoveries desk inside the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal. Turn right as you enter. Allow 2–2.5 hours from Te Anau. Parking near the terminal costs NZ$10 an hour, or park free at Deepwater Basin and take the free shuttle.
Coach from Queenstown or Te Anau: Glass-roof coaches with driver commentary and photo stops on the Milford Road.
Small group travel: Mercedes Sprinters with 12 guests, fully hosted, from October 2026.
App commentary: Southern Discoveries' free app offers multilingual commentary.
Frequently asked questions about Southern Discoveries
Southern Discoveries describes itself as Milford Sound's original cruise operator, with around 70 years of local experience.
About 1 hour 45 minutes. It travels the full length of the fiord toward the Tasman Sea.
Discover More is longer, at up to 2 hours 15 minutes. It has a dedicated nature guide and is capped at 99 guests.
No. The observatory has been closed since storm damage in September 2024, and no cruise currently includes it.
It's a private lounge aboard the Pride of Milford with a host, priority boarding, a private viewing deck and all-inclusive food and drinks.
From the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal. The Southern Discoveries desk is on the right as you enter.
The Pride of Milford and Spirit of Milford have ramp access. Accessible toilets are in the terminal.
Yes. The Cruise & Milford Track combo includes a water taxi to Sandfly Point and a self-guided walk to Giant Gate Falls.
Yes: coach and cruise day trips, Small Group Travel from October 2026, and scenic-flight combos.
Southern Discoveries' direct policy allows changes or refunds with more than 24 hours' notice. Check the terms on your ticket.
