Milford Sound Nature Cruise & Milford Track Guided Walk

Overview

The ancient canopy of a pristine rainforest and the 1,692-meter vertical rise of Mitre Peak serve as the stage for this 7.5-hour land and sea expedition. Provided by Southern Discoveries, this journey transitions from a self-guided 11-kilometer trek on the world-renowned Milford Track to a premium nature cruise that reaches the Tasman Sea. You move from the moss-covered floor of the Giant’s Gate Falls trail to the spray-drenched decks of a modern catamaran, experiencing an environment where the vertical scale of Fiordland is explored from both the mountain path and the water. Because this is a high-demand activity combining New Zealand’s most famous hike with a deep-fiord cruise, you should secure your Nature Cruise & Track Walk early to ensure a seamless 2026 discovery of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. The journey begins at Deepwater Basin with a 10-minute boat transfer to Sandfly Point, the end-point of the traditional Milford Track. You’ll perform a vertical transition into the rainforest for an 11-km return walk. The path is largely flat, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way. You’ll cross crystal-clear streams and follow the river toward Giant’s Gate Falls, a spectacular vertical drop that serves as the perfect turnaround point for a picnic or a refreshing (though freezing) swim.
2. The core of the expedition is a 2-hour cruise aboard a spacious catamaran. You’ll glide past the sheer triangular face of Mitre Peak and experience the "Glacial Facial"—a vertical immersion into the spray of the 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls. The vessel ventures out to the Tasman Sea, providing a panoramic perspective of the rugged coastline and the chance to spot New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.
3. The final phase involves a relaxed return to the pier while listening to expert commentary on the region's geological formation. You can utilize the Southern Discoveries app for narration in eight languages. The session concludes back at the visitor terminal, where you can reflect on your 11-km vertical journey through the rainforest and the marine highlights of the sound.