Wanting to take a Milford Sound Cruise - This is the one
Rated world wide, as one of the 8th wonders of the world is Milford Sound. located in the Fiordland National Park, on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand, there are also many other sounds in the area. These spectacular features were named incorrectly as "Sounds" rather than "Fjord's". However, this does not detract from their majestic presence in any way. Taking a Milford Sound Cruise is by far the best way to take in this spectacle.
Mitre Peek Milford Sound
Take a Milford Sound Cruise Today
As a tour coach driver/guide for many years, I have had the pleasure of taking hundreds of guests into this magical wonderland of intrigue and beauty.
Towering cliff faces and snow capped mountains mere metres away from you.
View scared cliff faces that have been damaged by avalanches, of snow, rocks and trees.
Immerse yourself in the serenity of this ancient rainforest.
Why do I personally recommend this Milford sound cruise?
- This cruise is great value for money when you compare the overall Great Sights package deal
- No need to drive yourself to Milford Sound, arrive fresh and ready to have your breath taken away.
- The expert commentary provided on route covers the history and interesting stories of the characters, geological features and general points of interest in the area
- Highlight sight seeing and photo stops along the journey to Milford Sound
- Sit back and enjoy the grandeur of this iconic destination in the comfort of a luxury tour coach. Let the expert driver safely negotiate one of the most dangerous roads in New Zealand.
The day's itinerary
The cruise is only part of an overall Great Sights experience. Starting with a hotel or central location pickup from Queenstown. You then travel in a luxury tour coach through farmland, nature reserves and past towering mountains.
Take a refreshment stop in Te Anau before entering the Road to Milford Sound. Steeped in history this road has many stories of battling the elements and disasters, as men and women toiled to make the access to Milford Sound what it is today.
Fully charge your camera battery as you will stop at many spectacular photo locations on the route.
Capture the mesmerizing reflections of the mirror lakes and take pictures of the world's only alpine parrot in its natural environment at monkey creek.
If it's a picture perfect day, there is a chance of a stunning picture of Lake Gunn.
Lake Gunn Reflection
You will then board the boat and take your cruise through the Milford Sound, past towering waterfalls, wild life and daunting cliff faces. The boat skipper will also provide an excellent commentary throughout the boat trip. Be sure to inquire about the various lunch options aboard the vessel.
You then enter the Homer Tunnel and exit to the grandeur of the glaciated Cleddau Valley. Enjoy a stop and walk through native rain forest at the Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound.
After the cruise you have the opportunity, weather permitting, of flying back to Queenstown or close your eyes, relax and relive your excellent day and the Milford Sound Cruise.
Milford Sound Weather
Many ask or are concerned about what the weather may be like in Milford Sound. I can honestly say that whatever the weather you will have a fantastic experience. Milford Sound is so beautiful in the sun but can be equally mesmerizing in the rain with literally hundreds of waterfalls springing up all over the place. I have been in all weather conditions, even staying overnight on a cruise in the rain. There are not enough superlatives to describe Milford Sound.
WARNING!
READ THIS BEFORE DRIVING YOURSELF TO MILFORD SOUND
I know this may sound strange coming from a person promoting self-drive campervan trips around New Zealand.
BUT....
You need to bear in mind that the road to Milford Sound is one of the most dangerous roads in New Zealand for many reasons. So for yours and fellow travellers safety and full enjoyment of this road, I highly recommend you take a coach tour/trip. Especially if you come from a country that drives on the right hand-side of the road.
I have driven this road many times in my role as a Tour Coach Driver and I would horrify you with some of the stories of things I have seen and heard.
PLEASE LEAVE IT TO THE PROFFESIONALS.
Monkey Creek June 2015
The route from Queenstown to Milford Sound
NOW IT'S YOUR TIME TO COMMENT
Have you been here and how was your experience?
What other information can I provide for you?
Please leave a comment below I would love to hear from you.
Hi Mark,
Another great article. I have heard so much about Milford Sound from family and friends.
Milford Sound is at the top of the list of places that I would like to see next time I have a vacation in New Zealand. I will take heed of your advice and get someone else to do the driving 🙂
Brendan
Brendan,
Thank you for your comment I can assure you that you will not be disappointed.
Mark
I have yet to visit New Zealand, but I heard a lot of great things about the place! The scenery that you posted is absolutely stunning. It feels like anyone would fall in love with the place once visited. I would definitely love to take a Milford Sound Cruise if I have the time and money for my next holiday. Definitely goes into one of my must check location in my lifetime!
Leo,
Thank you so much for your reply, yes New Zealand does have some stunning scenery and I am always so proud to show it off. Make sure you save those pennies and come visit us.
Mark
Amazing place and such a lovely plan laid out for a great tour. If I ever go to New Zealand(I sure hope for it) then I am more than intrigued to go and visit Milford Sound and sure as hell I will go with someone professional like yourself rather than take risks. 🙂
Hopefully one day we meet in New Zealand.
Cheers
Hi Monta,
Thank you for your comments. Yes this is the best option by far.
When you come to New Zealand be sure to contact me if I can be of any assistance.
Mark
Wow, Milford sound looks absolutely amazing and the cruise sounds like a winner.
I didn’t know this place existed and now that I do I want to see it for myself.
Great post, as always!
It looks beautiful. I would love to visit New Zealand some day. The Milford sound cruise sounds great. I’m curious of what kind of cruise packages you have for let’s say someone from the Caribbean or South America that is interested to go there?
Dira, Thank you for your comments.
There are a lot, approx 120+ a year, of cruises that come to New Zealand and even into Milford sound. Usually, these are world trips or out of Australia and sometimes include the pacific Islands. So you may have to fly to Australia and do a cruise from there.
This cruise is just a day cruise.
Mark
This looks like it would be fun to get out ad enjoy some of the scenery. I love being outdoors and experiencing nature. To get out and experience one of the wonders in nature would just be a bonus. I am going to favorite this page so that when I start making more travel plans I will have something to reference back to as some great ideas.
Thank you so much for your comments.
Yes being outdoors and experiencing nature is pretty special. When you have done those travel plans be sure to contact me if I can assist any further.
Mark
It is beautiful. I hope I can visit New Zealand some day. The Milford Sound Cruise sounds great. I am wondering what kind of tourist packages they have? For let’s say someone that is coming form South America or the Caribbean? Can they arrange tickets and hotel to go to New Zealand and then board the cruise?