Traveling to New Zealand’s South Island means enjoying some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. Among these, Milford Sound is a standout—a fjord that captures the imagination with its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. This tour, offered by Southern Discoveries, combines two of Milford’s iconic experiences: a walk along the world-famous Milford Track and a scenic cruise through Milford Sound.
We’re here to give you a detailed look at what makes this experience special, the practical details you need to know, and a balanced view based on genuine reviews. Whether you’re a nature lover, an avid hiker, or simply after stunning scenery, this tour offers a compelling way to explore Fiordland in one action-packed day.
Three things we really like about this experience are: the combination of land and sea adventures, modern boats designed for comfort and views, and the flexibility of choosing whether to walk or cruise first. A potential consideration is that the walk is self-guided, requiring a fair amount of basic fitness, and the tour may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded, hassle-free day of exploring Milford Sound, and those who appreciate the balance of guided comfort with independent adventure.
Good To Know
- Combination of Land and Sea – Experience both a scenic walk and a boat cruise in one day, maximizing your time in Milford Sound.
- Flexible Options – Choose to walk first or cruise first, depending on your preference for weather or energy levels.
- Stunning Views & Wildlife – Get close to waterfalls, towering cliffs, seals, and dolphins while learning from onboard commentary.
- Self-Guided Walk – A gentle 11 km return walk through rainforest, with well-marked trails suitable for most fitness levels.
- Modern, Comfortable Boats – Cruise aboard purpose-built catamarans with panoramic windows and outdoor decks for unobstructed views.
- Value for Money – The tour offers a comprehensive experience with options to add a picnic lunch, all within a 7.5-hour window.
A Deep Dive into the Experience
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The Itinerary and What to Expect
This tour is designed for travelers who want to experience both the grandeur of Milford Sound from the water and a taste of New Zealand’s legendary hiking trail. It runs for approximately 7.5 hours, with two departure options—walking first at 9 am or cruising first at 10:30 am—making it flexible to meet your plans.
Starting with the Milford Track walk, you’ll take a short boat ride from Deepwater Basin to Sandfly Point, the formal start of this renowned trail. The walk itself covers about 11 km round-trip, crossing lush rainforest, crystal-clear streams, and spotting native birds like fantails and bellbirds. The trail is well-marked and offers a peaceful, nature-filled stroll. One reviewer, Roland from Germany, pointed out that while the walk is scenic, it’s quite flat and may feel somewhat tame if you’re expecting dramatic vistas. His comment that “the walk is a bit boring” might resonate with those who crave constant panoramic views, but for many, the tranquility and birdlife are the highlight.
The walk’s endpoint at Giant’s Gate Falls is a perfect spot to pause, have a picnic, or even take a short swim if weather permits. After completing the walk, you’ll return to Deepwater Basin, feeling refreshed and ready for the next part of your adventure.
The Milford Sound cruise aboard a purpose-built catamaran offers a different perspective—one of dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife encounters. The vessel’s design prioritizes comfort and panoramic views, with large windows and outdoor decks. You’ll get close to iconic sites like Stirling Falls, where the spray from 15,000-year-old waterfalls creates a misty spectacle, and Bowen Falls, visible from many angles.
Passengers often note the quality of onboard commentary, which is available in eight languages via a free app—an excellent feature for international travelers. The guides are knowledgeable, sharing stories about the landscape’s formation, flora, fauna, and history. During the cruise, expect to see New Zealand fur seals basking on rocks and bottlenose dolphins playing nearby, which can be a real treat, especially on calmer days.
The Value of the Experience
This tour packs a lot into a single day, providing a comprehensive taste of Milford Sound. Including the optional picnic lunch makes it a convenient all-in-one package, saving you from planning additional meals. The price reflects the quality of the boat, the inclusive nature of the experience, and the knowledgeable guides.
The flexibility in timing allows you to tailor your day: walking first when you’re fresh or cruising first if you prefer to start with a relaxed boat ride. The tour’s structure also suits different weather preferences—walking in the morning on a clear day might reveal more wildlife activity, while cruising later can be more atmospheric if the weather is cloudy or misty.
Practical Details
The tour is suitable for most healthy individuals comfortable with a 11 km walk, although it’s not designed for those with mobility issues or heart problems. You’ll need to bring sunscreen and insect repellent, especially during summer months, to stay comfortable during the walk.
Meeting points can vary depending on your booking choice, but the coordinates provided are straightforward to find. The tour operates with a “reserve now, pay later” option, which adds flexibility to your trip planning.
More Great Tours NearbyReal Traveler Insights
From reviews, we see that the boat cruise is often described as “grand” and “scenic,” with many noting the excellent visibility and close encounters with waterfalls and wildlife. Justin from the UK mentioned seeing dolphins and fur seals, emphasizing the cruise’s wildlife highlights.
However, some travelers felt the walk was less impressive than the cruise. Roland’s comment about the walk being “something of a letdown” highlights that expectations for the trail should be tempered—it’s beautiful, but not necessarily dramatic.
Both reviews appreciate the guides’ expertise and the boats’ comfort, making the experience enjoyable regardless of weather conditions, which can vary in Fiordland.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is a thoughtful choice for travelers seeking a balanced day of adventure and relaxation. It’s ideal for those who want a well-organized, all-in-one trip that showcases Milford’s most famous sights without the hassle of planning multiple activities. Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those wanting a taste of New Zealand’s iconic landscape will find plenty to love here.
However, if you’re after a more challenging hike or a more intense wilderness experience, this tour might feel a bit tame—though it compensates with comfort and convenience.
Final Thoughts
This combined Milford Sound tour offers a genuinely enjoyable way to see one of New Zealand’s most spectacular locations, with the bonus of a walk through pristine rainforest and a scenic cruise beneath waterfalls and cliffs. The well-designed boats, informative commentary, and flexible schedule make it a strong choice for most travelers.
It’s particularly suitable for those who want a hassle-free, multi-sensory experience in Fiordland, combining the best of land and sea in one memorable day. The genuine praise for the guides and the stunning scenery ensures that you’ll leave with impressive photos and stories to tell.
For travelers who appreciate comfort, wildlife spotting, and iconic landscapes, this tour is a solid pick—delivering great value with a view that’s hard to beat.
FAQ
Is the walk self-guided?
Yes, the Milford Track walk included in this tour is self-guided on a well-marked trail. It’s suitable for most fitness levels, but basic fitness is recommended for the 11 km round-trip.
Can I choose whether to do the walk or cruise first?
Absolutely. The tour offers two departure options: walk first at 9 am or cruise first at 10:30 am, allowing you to pick based on your preferences or weather.
What should I bring on the tour?
You should bring sunscreen and insect repellent to stay comfortable during the walk. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are also advisable.
Is there a meal included?
You can pre-order a freshly prepared picnic lunch to enjoy during your day, which adds to the convenience and value of the experience.
Is the boat cruise suitable for everyone?
The modern catamarans are designed for comfort and offer plenty of vantage points. However, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or individuals with certain health issues.
Can I expect wildlife during the cruise?
Yes. Many travelers report seeing fur seals basking on rocks and dolphins playing in the wake of the boat—these wildlife encounters are some of the highlights.
How long does the entire tour last?
The complete experience runs around 7.5 hours, blending walking, cruising, and optional lunch, making it a full but manageable day trip.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates rain or shine. The boats are covered, and the scenery can be dramatic under various conditions. Always check the weather forecast beforehand and dress appropriately.
To sum it up, this Milford Sound experience by Southern Discoveries is a well-balanced, rewarding way to see one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. It offers an excellent mix of gentle adventure and scenic luxury, perfect for travelers looking for a memorable, hassle-free day. With knowledgeable guides, modern boats, and options to customize your schedule, it’s a worthwhile addition to any South Island itinerary.
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