Description
Sit back and relax as your cruise departs from Milford Sound Wharf, and makes its way out past the iconic Mitre Peak. Cruise the length of the 16km fiord, out past St Annes Point Lighthouse, while listening to informative commentary from our skipper who will highlight points of interest along the way including the mighty Lady Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls. We go further, and get you closer than any other operator in Milford Sound.
Whether you choose to keep warm with a complimentary tea/coffee seated inside our lounge or want to get outside and breathe in the pristine alpine air, you are going to be inspired by the majesty of the region.
Our cruises have strictly limited passenger numbers, rewarding you with an intimate experience of Milford Sound while allowing for unobstructed photo opportunities from our outdoor viewing decks.
Be sure to keep an eye out for seals basking in the sun, pods of dolphins or rare Fiordland Crested Penguins that can be found seasonally within the region.
Milford Sound Cruise Highlights:
- Two hour cruise, with frequent stops at spectacular points of interest
- Complimentary tea and coffee available on-board
- Interactive and informative commentary from our Skipper
- Great photo opportunities as we get you closer to waterfalls and wildlife
- Maximum capacity of 75 guests, giving you plenty of room to enjoy the views
- We go further, and get you closer than any other operator in Milford Sound
Is there food onboard?
Complimentary tea and coffee are available throughout the duration of your cruise. While you are welcome to bring your own food and drink on board to enjoy throughout the cruise, we also have a pre-order picnic lunch option available to purchase prior to your departure. Please note that lunch options are only available for coach packages.
What facilities are onboard?
We have toilets located at the back of the boat on either side.
What weather can I expect?
Milford Sound receives over 6.8 metres of rainfall each year and can experience many different seasons in a single day. Temperatures can range from an average of 6 degrees Celsius in winter and 15 degrees Celsius in summer. Your trip to Milford Sound will be unforgettable regardless of the weather on the day.
How long is the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound?
Please allow a minimum of 4 hours to drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound. We would also recommend that you allow a minimum of 2 hours to drive from Te Anau. However, there are a number of scenic viewpoints along the way and to make the most of your experience, it is well worth allowing extra time on top of this for you to stop and see them.
Parking
Free parking at Deepwater Basin (40 minute nature walk). Paid parking 10 minute walk from the terminal. An hourly rate of NZD $10 per hour applies, if you arrive and pay for parking after 3pm an hourly rate of NZD $5 per hour will apply. Disability parking outside of the visitor terminal (As long as you can display badge).
Important Info
Reservations
All prices stated are in New Zealand Dollars and include Goods and Services Tax. Prices are subject to change without notice.
- To confirm your booking, full payment is required at the time of booking.
- Child rate applies to passengers aged 4 to 14 years inclusive.
- Children 3 years old and under travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.
- Online bookings for all packages require at least 24 hours notice for confirmation. Contact Mitre Peak Cruises directly for last-minute bookings: 0800744633.
- Lunch add-on option requires confirmation 24 hours prior to travel. Lunch add-on is available for Coach passengers only.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation, no-show & refund policy:
- To receive a full refund, cancellation must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled cruise departure time.
- Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice or no-shows (failing to arrive at the wharf at the scheduled check-in time) will incur a 100% cancellation fee – no refund will be issued.
- To receive a full refund, cancellation must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled coach departure time from Queenstown.
- Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice or no-shows will incur a 100% cancellation fee – no refund will be issued.
- To receive a full refund, cancellation must be made at least 7 days prior to the scheduled coach departure time from Te Anau.
- Cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice or no-shows will incur a 100% cancellation fee – no refund will be issued.
- Passengers who arrive late at the wharf or at the coach pick-up point, or who fail to board the vessel/coach, will be classified as no-shows.
- Once the cruise or coach has departed, it is not possible to join the tour at a later point or on a different vessel/coach on the same day.
- In the event of a no-show or late arrival, the full fare is forfeited, and no alternative cruise, partial refund, or credit will be offered.
Passengers delayed en route (traffic, flights, etc.) We understand that unforeseen delays can occur; however, cruises and coach transfers operate on fixed schedules. Unfortunately, we are unable to delay departures or provide refunds/credits if passengers miss the cruise or coach due to late arrival caused by traffic, flight delays, or any other reason outside our control.
Amending your booking
- You may amend your booking (change date, time, or passenger names) within the required cancellation period (up to 24 hours prior to departure for Cruise Only, and up to prior to departure 48 hours for Coach-Cruise-Coach) by calling 0800 744 633.
- Any price difference for the new date/time will apply. Amendments are subject to availability.
Cancellations or changes by Mitre Peak Cruises
- Mitre Peak Cruises reserves the right to cancel or amend any departure time, route, or itinerary at any time for safety, operational, or weather-related reasons.
- Minimum passenger numbers are required for each cruise to proceed. If minimum numbers are not met, we may cancel the departure and will offer you either a full refund or the option to transfer to another available sailing (subject to availability).
- In the rare event we must cancel a cruise (e.g., due to severe weather or mechanical issues), we will provide as much notice as possible and offer a full refund or rescheduling where feasible.
Passengers are recommended to insure themselves against cancellation charges and possible loss of personal belongings.
Safety Management
Risk Disclosure
All activity inherently involves risks and potential hazards, and we cannot anticipate or eliminate all risks, however together we can manage and mitigate risk.
Often, we are operating in unmodified and uncontrolled terrain and a balanced and conservative approach is taken to accommodate changing conditions. Our risk management includes monitoring of natural hazards including potential atmospheric, land or water related occurrences. (Landslides, earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic, storms, flooding, avalanche, rock, or ice fall).
We provide information to participants before and during the activity to ensure their participation suits their ability and objectives and is as safe as practicable with any potential changes identified prior or during the trip. It is important clients acknowledge there are risks, understand safety information and briefings before and during their activity and follow the instructions set out by our experienced and trained teams.
Prevention of accidents and incidents is key in all our operations, and this is achieved when we all approach activities with care, control, and responsibility.
Safety Management
Mitre Peak Cruises is committed to ensuring the highest level of safety of all staff, visitors, contractors, and others who may interact with any part of our activities. This is achieved through developing and maintaining a culture where safety is our paramount consideration in everything we do. We actively promote safety objectives, not only in the operation of our assets and equipment, but also through maintenance practices, the management of passengers and the training and competency assessment of all staff to a very high standard.
Our teams of experienced and capable managers and skilled staff have specialist knowledge relevant to each of our aviation, marine and adventure operations. We have implemented Safety Management Systems approved by the relevant regulators. Should other providers be contracted to deliver services, we check to ensure operators are regulated and audited for H&S compliance to a high standard.
Road Closure
The Milford Road is subject to closure by the Land Transport Authority at any time. For the latest road report visit www.milfordroad.co.nz.
Mitre Peak Cruises accepts no responsibility for travel disruptions due to road closure. Passengers affected by road closure can reschedule or cancel with a full refund.
Promotional Purposes
Photographs of passengers may be used by Mitre Peak Cruises for promotional purposes.
33088
