Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking if requested at check-in.
• Dress warmly and in layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
• Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable, non-slip footwear.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Bring your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Large luggage and bulky items are not permitted on the cruise.

Accessibility

• The cruise is not wheelchair accessible. Guests with limited mobility may find access challenging.

Additional information

• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• The cruise operates in all weather conditions; cruises may be subject to change or cancellation in extreme weather.
• Milford Sound is a natural environment so wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• Commentary is provided during the cruise to enhance your experience.
• Infants aged 0–3 can join free of charge but must be included in your booking.
• Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, but is not assigned.

Inclusions #

• Up to a 3-hour extended cruise of Milford Sound

• Expert naturalist commentary

• Complimentary tea & coffee onboard

• Access to a licensed bar onboard

• Wildlife spotting guide

• Indoor and outdoor viewing decks

Exclusions #

• Food & alcoholic beverages (available to purchase onboard)

• Parking at terminal

Inclusions #

• 1-hour 45-minute Milford Sound cruise
• Stops at points of interest
• Live commentary from the skipper
• Complimentary tea & coffee on-board

Exclusions #

• Transfers

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
• Carry warm, weather-appropriate clothing and a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change quickly on the water.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Bring cash or an EFTPOS/credit card onboard for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.

Accessibility

• Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.
• There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.

Additional information

• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.
• Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Inclusions #

• 1-hour 45-minute to 2-hour Milford Sound cruise

• Expert skipper commentary

• Complimentary tea & coffee

• Wildlife spotting opportunities

• Access to outdoor viewing decks

• Indoor heated lounge area

• Multi-language audio guide app

Scenic flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)

• 35 minutes each way flying time

• Guaranteed window seats

• Expert pilot commentary

Exclusions #

• Other food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)

Boutique boat, big encounters, with a maximum of 75 guests

• Everything you get: 1-hour 45-minute cruise on a boutique vessel, close approaches to Stirling Falls for spray moments, live skipper-led commentary, wildlife at seal colonies, relaxed crowd-free decks, hot drinks, and flexible positioning for photos.
• Why choose this: Best for photographers, couples, and crowd-avoiders. Smaller boats mean closer angles, sharper wildlife shots, and a more personal vibe, without luxury pricing.
• Upgrades: Choose just the cruise, or pair with a Milford Track walk for a land-and-sea combo in one day.

Inclusions #

• 2-hour Milford Sound cruise on a boutique boat

• Maximum 75 passengers only

• Expert skipper & guide

• Close-to-waterfall positioning

• Wildlife encounter opportunities

• Onboard commentary

Guided Milford Track walk (if option selected)

• 10min boat to Sandfly Point

• Up to 4 hours hiking time

• Expert hiking guide

• Track safety briefing and safety gear

Exclusions #

• Lunch & personal snacks (available to purchase onsite)

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking if requested at check-in.
• Dress warmly and in layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
• Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable, non-slip footwear.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Bring your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Large luggage and bulky items are not permitted on the cruise.

Accessibility

• The cruise is not wheelchair accessible. Guests with limited mobility may find access challenging.

Additional information

• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• The cruise operates in all weather conditions; cruises may be subject to change or cancellation in extreme weather.
• Milford Sound is a natural environment so wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• Commentary is provided during the cruise to enhance your experience.
• Infants aged 0–3 can join free of charge but must be included in your booking.
• Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, but is not assigned.

Inclusions #

• Up to a 2-hour extended cruise of Milford Sound

• Expert naturalist commentary

• Complimentary tea & coffee onboard

• Access to a licensed bar onboard

• Wildlife spotting guide

• Indoor and outdoor viewing decks

• Full-day tour to Milford Sound with round-trip transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau (based on option selected)

• Picnic lunch (check menu here) (if option selected)

Exclusions #

• Other food & alcoholic beverages (available to purchase onboard)

• Parking at terminal

Inclusions #

• Up to 2-hour Milford Sound cruise on Milford Haven/Mariner/Sovereign or Monarch vessel (based on option selected)

• Expert nature guide commentary

• Expansive viewing decks

• Wildlife spotting opportunities (not guaranteed)

• Complimentary tea & coffee

• Multi-language audio guide app

Vessel-specific features

• Haven: Rooftop beer garden; bar & restaurant ambience; ~180 guests

• Mariner: Scow-style sailing; open-air top deck; ~120 passengers

• Sovereign & Monarch: Indoor booth seating; rooftop viewing decks; ~280 guests

Exclusions #

• Food and beverages (available to purchase on board)

• Coach transfers

Full-day Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise with Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass journey.

• Starting point: Manapouri, with check-in at the RealNZ Visitor Center before boarding.
• Everything you get: Lake Manapouri cruise, coach transfer over Wilmot Pass through Fiordland rainforest, 3-hour Doubtful Sound cruise, complimentary tea and coffee onboard, live nature and history commentary, wildlife viewing opportunities, multilingual interpretation sheets
• Sights covered: Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, Doubtful Sound, Fiordland rainforest, and Deep Cove.
• Why choose this: A seamless full-day experience showcasing Fiordland’s remote beauty, wildlife, and wilderness.

Inclusions #

• Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour
• Cruise across Lake Manapouri
• Coach trip over Wilmot Pass
• Knowledgable nature guide
• Informative commentary
• Interpretation hand-out sheets in 5 languages: English, German, French, Spanish & Japanese
• Complimentary tea & coffee

Exclusions #

• Meals & drinks

What to bring

• It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a warm sweater or fleece jacket.
• It is advised to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and an insect repellent.

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Accessibility

• Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.

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Additional information

• The cruise vessel is subject to change without notice.

Helicopter ride, glacier landing, and Milford Sound cruise: all in one 4-hour adventure.

• Everything you get: A 4-hour adventure from Queenstown combining a helicopter flight over Fiordland, a glacier or alpine landing for a rare photo stop, and a guided cruise through Milford Sound beneath cliffs and waterfalls. Guaranteed window seating and live pilot commentary.
• Why choose this: Perfect for travelers wanting Milford’s highlights without the long road trip. In just hours, you’ll fly above the Southern Alps, step onto ancient ice, and sail the fiord.

Inclusions #

• 4-hour Milford Sound aerial and cruise tour from Queenstown

• 2-hour cruise in Milford Sound

• Return scenic helicopter flight between Queenstown and Milford Sound

• Guaranteed window seat in a modern Airbus helicopter

• Glacier or alpine snow landing for photos

• Scenic cruise through Milford Sound waterfalls & cliffs

• Live commentary from both pilot-guide and cruise host

• Complimentary tea and coffee served during your cruise

Exclusions #

• Picnic lunch onboard the cruise (available to purchase onsite)

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.
• Don’t forget personal toiletries and any necessary medications for your overnight stay.
• Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the scenic views.
• Bring non-slip walking shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, sweater/fleece jacket, change of clothes, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent, and swimwear for this experience.
• Pack your meds – better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.
• Bring local currency for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed anywhere on the vessel.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Dangerous items, including sharp objects and flammable materials, are strictly prohibited.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible. The vessel and some boarding areas may require navigating stairs and uneven surfaces.
• Guests must inform the operator in advance or when booking for guests with limited mobility so that rooms may be assigned in proximity to the main areas.
• Guests can provide their specific dietary requirements when making a booking.

Additional information

• Check-in is required at least 20 minutes before departure; late arrivals may not be accommodated.
• All guests must be aged 5 years or older to participate in the overnight cruise.
• Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice—please inform the operator at least 48 hours before departure.
• The cruise operates in most weather conditions, but may be canceled or rescheduled in the event of severe weather.
• Overnight accommodation is provided in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms.
• Complimentary tea and coffee are available on board.
• Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase; a valid ID is required for alcohol consumption.
• Luggage storage is limited—please bring only essential overnight items in a small bag.
• The use of drones is not permitted on board or in the surrounding area.
• Fares are per guest. Double and twin-share cabins require a minimum of 2 guests. A single occupancy option is available at a higher fare.

Inclusions #

• Overnight cruise on Milford Sound

• Access to kayak or small boat for exploring shoreline

• Private cabins with ensuite bathrooms or shared, bunk-style compartments

• Canapés inspired by local ingredients

• 3-course buffet dinner including dessert options

• Continental and buffet breakfast

• Onboard chef

• Wildlife viewing opportunities

• Specialist nature guide

• Round-trip coach transfers from Te Anau and Queenstown (based on option selected)

Milford Sound’s first luxury business class experience from Queenstown.

• Everything you get: Travel in glass-roof Mercedes vehicles with just 15 guests, a private morning tea at Lake Te Anau, and curated scenic stops. Board RealNZ’s Sinbad vessel for an exclusive Milford cruise with sparkling wine, Māori-inspired dining, and expert nature commentary.
• Why choose this: For those who want Milford without the crowds, this experience delivers space, comfort, and premium service at every step.
• Upgrades: Return by luxury Mercedes, or upgrade to a fixed-wing flight or helicopter with alpine landing for aerial views of the fiord.

Inclusions #

• Full-day luxury small-group tour of Milford Sound with return transfers from Queenstown

• 2-hour luxury boat cruise aboard Real NZ's Sinbad vessel

• Small group tour (max 15 passengers)

• Morning tea at Lake Te Anau, gourmet canapes & glass of sparkling wine on cruise

• Nature guide commentary during cruise

• Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi

• Access to indoor lounge & outdoor viewing decks

• Complimentary tea, coffee & soft drinks

• Return by luxury coach, fixed-wing flight, or helicopter (based on option selected)

• Alpine mountain landing (if option selected)

• Expert commentary from driver guide, host, skipper & pilot

Exclusions #

• Additional alcoholic beverages or meals (available to purchase onboard)

• Personal expenses

What to bring

• Bring suitable clothing for changing weather conditions in Fiordland, including a warm layer and a waterproof jacket.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for scenic stops.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
• Carry any personal medication you may require during the day.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on the tour vehicles or cruise.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the experience.
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted on vehicles or vessels.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• The experience departs daily at 7am from Queenstown, launching October 2025.
• Tour duration is a full day: 9–13 hours.
• Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.
• The maximum group size is 15 guests for a personalized experience.
• Child rates apply for ages 5–15 years; children under 5 are not permitted.
• Return by scenic flight or helicopter is available as an optional upgrade, subject to weather conditions and additional cost.
• Only select food offerings and one glass of sparkling wine are included; additional meals or drinks are not provided.