Quick Details
Adult
Ages 15+
NZ$ 179
Child
Ages 5 - 14
NZ$ 89
Infant
Ages 4 & Under
Free
Milford Sound Scenic Small Boat Cruise
Join our boutique small boat cruise and experience Milford Sound the local way. Let us show you our backyard on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! If you’re looking for other ways to explore, check out our range of Milford Sound cruise options for unforgettable scenic experiences.
Quality over quantity is one of the core values of what we do. The boat is surveyed for 150 passengers, but we limit passenger numbers to 75 for an enhanced viewing experience. This guarantees your cruise will be uncrowded and gives our nature guides the opportunity to share their knowledge with you on a very personal level.
As locals, we know all the secret spots. During the cruise, we stop at several points of interest like the Hanging Gardens, the Fairy and Stirling Falls, and local seal colonies.
Relax with complimentary coffee, tea and biscuits and enjoy the skipper’s commentary while marveling at the breathtaking scenery. The smaller size of the vessel enables us to get you up close and personal with the local wildlife, like New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and the very rare Fiordland crested penguin (spring/early summer). A “Glacial Facial” under the Stirling Falls is an experience not to be missed.
You are more than welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks along for the cruise.
Both boats have wheelchair access to the main cabin, please let us know if you will require any mobility assistance.
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- CMNZ Ltd. offers a 100% refund of the ticket price if the cancellation is made more than 24 hours before the booking time.
- Cancellations made within 24 hours of the booking time may not be eligible for a refund.
- All transactions are processed in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).
- Due to exchange rate fluctuations, the refund amount may differ slightly from the original charge.
- CMNZ Ltd. is not responsible for any exchange rate differences or bank/credit card fees incurred during the refund process.
- CMNZ Ltd. offers a 100% refund of the ticket price if the cancellation is made more than 24 hours before the booking time.
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Your safety and experience are our top priority.
If your trip is cancelled due to weather, road closures, or events beyond our control (e.g., extreme conditions or natural events), you can:
- Receive a 100% refund, or
- Reschedule to another available day that suits you.
CMNZ Ltd. cannot be held responsible for cancellations caused by circumstances outside our control, including acts of nature, strikes, or other major disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions for Boutique Small Boat Cruise
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The boutique small boat cruise lasts 1 hour 45 minutes.
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All ages are welcome.
- Adult fares apply from age 15+
- Child fares for ages 5–14
- Infants aged 4 and under cruise free
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Although the vessel is surveyed for up to 150 passengers, Cruise Milford limits bookings to 75 passengers per cruise to ensure a more personal, uncrowded experience
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You’ll have the opportunity to see:
- Waterfalls (e.g. Stirling Falls, Fairy Falls, Hanging Gardens)
- Seal colonies (New Zealand fur seals)
- Dolphins
- The rare Fiordland crested penguin (particularly in spring / early summer)
- Dramatic fiord cliffs, cascading waterfalls, hanging gardens, and scenic fiord terrain
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Yes, we provide complimentary coffee, tea, and biscuits on board.
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Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks.
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A “Glacial Facial” is when the cruise boat positions itself beneath Stirling Falls, allowing passengers to experience the refreshing mist of the waterfall cascading down above. It’s a special, immersive moment included in the cruise.
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Yes — both boats have wheelchair access to the main cabin. Guests who require mobility assistance are encouraged to let the operator know in advance.
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Check-in happens at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound Highway.
You should arrive a bit before departure time (check local schedule).
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The cruise-only fare structure (as listed on the main cruises page) is:
- Adult: NZ$179
- Child (ages 5–14): NZ$89
- Infant (0-4): Free
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Yes, children are allowed (ages 5–14 at the child rate; 0–4 free).
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- Dress in layers — weather in the fiord can change quickly
- Bring a waterproof jacket or rain gear (Milford is a high-rain area)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera / phone for photos
- Any personal snacks or drinks you’d like beyond the provided refreshments
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Yes, the cruises operate on rainy days. The only thing that might cancel a cruise is strong wind. This only happens approx. 3x a year.
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Because the vessel is smaller and less crowded, the cruise can get you quite close to waterfalls (like Stirling Falls) and wildlife (seals, dolphins).
This closer access is one of the selling points of the boutique cruise approach.
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Yes, both boats have restrooms on-board.
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The Fiordland crested penguin (tawaki) is most often seen in spring / early summer.