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Milford Sound Fly / Nature Cruise / Fly

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Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. Although the flight to and from Milford Sound has regularly been described as the most stunning part of our tour options, combining this with a Milford Sound cruise with our friends at Southern Discoveries is the most popular option.

After check-in completion, your pilot will give a thorough pre-flight briefing on the route and scenic highlights likely to be encountered. These include the famous Skippers Canyon, the Paradise region (recently made popular as film locations for Lord of the Rings/Hobbit Trilogies), and the Donne glacier among many other awe-inspiring features. Your 35 minute flight concludes with an over flight of the fiord of Milford Sound, prior to landing.

The second half of the adventure begins in Milford Sound, where your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks where you will board the “Spirit of Milford” to enjoy your Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Numbers onboard are capped at 150 passengers ensuring a more intimate experience, Nature Guides offer a personal commentary. The catamaran explores nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail.

Following your Milford Sound cruise your return flight takes in many of the pristine alpine lakes and waterfalls that Fiordland National Park is recognised for, including the Sutherland Falls which span 580m (1900ft). Flight time is another 35 minutes, with a total trip time of approximately five hours. After enjoying your Scenic Flight back from Milford Sound you will land back in Queenstown to complete the journey.

• Return Milford Sound Scenic Flights
• Milford Sound Nature Cruise onboard Southern Discoveries “Spirit of Milford” catamaran
• Reserved seating onboard the boat
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Pilot escort on a gentle 20 minute bush walk from plane to boat through native forest (time permitting)
• Courtesy pick up & drop off from most Queenstown accommodation

01 October 2023 – 30 September 2024

We recommend booking for your first available day in Queenstown due to the weather dependent nature of flying.

Should the weather be unfavourable on the day, you will have maximum flexibility to roll your experience on to another day during your stay

• Contact us for more information
• Cancellation Policy

Discover Our Scenic Flights & Packages

Milford Sound – Fly / Nature Cruise / Fly

Milford Sound & Big 5 Glaciers Scenic Flight

Queenstown 20 Minute Scenic Flight

Milford Sound – One Way Flight

Air Milford Nature Cruise

Once your flight lands into Milford Sound you will experience this intimate cruise with numbers capped at 150, and on-board Nature Guides offering personal attention. The “Spirit of Milford” catamaran explores nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail for 2 hours.

This ‘ecotour’ is perfect for close-up shots of seals, birds and other Fiordland wildlife, including dolphins ‘riding’ the bow wave and the rarest penguin in the world, the Fiordland crested penguin (Spring & Autumn).

The smaller boat helps you appreciate the sheer size and grandeur of the fiord’s cliff faces rising hundreds of meters out of the water, scarred here and there by tree falls. You’ll get within touching distance of impressive geological features and close enough to catch and drink pure glacial water, or feel the full force from the powerful 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls (they’ve got jackets on board to keep you dry!).

Join the skipper on the bridge for a birds-eye view and see first-hand how the boat operates. Help yourself to free tea and coffee, with a delicious buffet lunch included in this option.

Why the Nature Cruise?

Within touching distance of flora, fauna and wildlife

Smaller passenger numbers, friendly Nature Guides

Drink pure glacial water from a waterfall

Free tea, coffee and buffet lunch

Spot seals basking on the rocks and sometimes dolphins and rare Fiordland crested penguins .

Because of the weather dependent nature of flying in the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, we recommend booking in for your first available day in Queenstown . So that, should the weather be unfavorable for flying on the first day, you will have maximum flexibility to roll your excursion on to a following fine weather day.

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Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise

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Explore Lake Wakatipu’s beauty on the Spirit of Queenstown Cruise. Secluded bays, historic landmarks, & stunning mountain views await.

Not certain about dates, or have a question? Ask here

Take a cruise on the Spirit of Queenstown, and see the sights you can’t see from land. Enjoy time on our relaxing and spacious modern boat.

Take an epic voyage of discovery around Lake Wakatipu and go further than any other cruise to explore secluded bays, historic landmarks, and mountain views.

The Spirit of Queenstown cruise is the perfect way to explore Lake Wakatipu and its stunning surroundings. With a spacious and modern boat, you can sit back and relax as you take in the sights you can’t see from land. The cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore secluded bays, historic landmarks, and breathtaking mountain views, all from the comfort of the boat.

Sit back and relax on board Spirit of Queenstown.

$ 49.00

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Our travellers often combine this trip with some of these trips:

18 Day Complete New Zealand Tour

Jet Boat Tour Queenstown

• Total Price: $ 5,207.00 Add All To Cart Add All To Wishlist Browse Wishlist
• This item: Spirit of Queenstown Scenic Cruise ( $ 49.00 )
• 18 Day Complete New Zealand Tour ( $ 4,999.00 )
• Jet Boat Tour Queenstown ( $ 159.00 )

Spirit of Queenstown offers the longest, premium cruising experience on Lake Wakatipu. Board the vessel and enjoy a return cruise towards the western shores of the lake on a modern, spacious, purpose-built catamaran. Cruise past Bob’s Cove and view flora and fauna up close, and enjoy spectacular views towards Glenorchy, Mt Earnslaw, the Southern Alps and Remarkables mountain range. The vessel design ensures unobstructed views out either side of the vessel with large, tall viewing windows and spacious outdoor decks. Informative commentary is provided, and the wheelhouse is open to join and speak with the skipper. There is an onboard café with a selection of hot and cold beverages and snacks available for purchase.

• Explore the secluded bays and inlets of Lake Wakatipu
• Take in breathtaking mountain views and historic landmarks
• Marvel at the turquoise waters of Bob’s Cove and its lush native bush
• Capture panoramic photos from the open-top deck of the spacious and modern boat.
• Warm clothing,
• Waterproof jacket,
• Comfortable shoes

Travellers who bought this trip often also travelled on these trips:

16 Day Ultimate New Zealand Tour

9 Day Southern Dream Tour

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1 Day Milford Sound Tour from Queenstown

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$ 49.00

Milford Sound Boat Cruises

No visit to Milford Sound is complete without a boat cruise around the fiord. This is an iconic New Zealand tourism experience and a Milford must-do.

Depending on whether you’re after a short scenic cruise or a longer more nature-focused option, there’s a range of boat cruises on offer in Milford Sound to suit your preferences. We partner with Southern Discoveries, who are known for their quality vessels and top-notch service.

Nature - A 1hr 45min cruise of Milford on a catamaran style boat

A local favourite, this is the most popular cruise with Milford Sound Lodge guests. Enjoy the knowledge of an onboard nature guide who will provide a running commentary on Milford Sound’s unique marine life and impressive forest-covered mountains.

Expect to get incredibly close to waterfalls and enjoy unhindered views from the open decks or comfy interior cabins.

Discover More – Includes Milford Cruise, Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory

An incredible nature cruise with the addition of a visit to the Discovery Centre, Underwater Observatory and free tea and coffee on board the vessel. Located in Harrison Cove, the Discovery Centre is a floating underwater observatory where visitors can experience the magic of Milford Sound’s inky waters. The 3-hour Discover More cruise is the longest and most personal cruise in Milford Sound.

Ready to Book a Boat Cruise?

You can add activities to your accommodation booking. click the book now button below to book your accommodation and add on your preferred boat cruise., looking for an accommodation and activity package see our packages  for all inclusive deals..

Book Now with your accommodation

Whatever the weather

Every cruise on Milford Sound rewards passengers with spectacular scenery and unique wildlife encounters.

• Sunny days provide sensational views of the snow covered peaks and glacial ice fields towering hundreds of meters above you.
• Cloudy / misty days provide moody vistas with glimpses of peaks and waterfalls, creating a totally enchanting feel.
• Rainy days are something to experience with waterfalls plunging from all directions, some sending spray hundreds of metres out into the fiord.
• Learn more about the incredible array of Marine Life that call Milford Sound home.

Things to consider when booking your cruise

• Vessel Size  – Boats come in all different shapes and sizes, from small and cozy to large and luxurious and everything in between.
• Length of Cruise  – The distance each cruise covers is always the same, but on longer duration cruises there are more opportunities for the vessel to take its time exploring attractions or viewing wildlife. The shortest cruise take just over 1 3/4 hours; the longest is 3 hours.
• Timing of Cruise  – Morning and late afternoon cruises almost always have space available. Daytime cruises fill up very quickly. We suggest booking in advance to secure the cruise departure time that you prefer.
• Discovery Centre – There is the option of visiting the Discovery Centre, allowing you to venture below the surface of the fiord to experience the rare marine flora that occurs in these cold, dark waters. (Some cruises include this option in their price while others have an additional cost for the visit.)

More Activities

Milford Kayaking Trips

Discover a different view of Milford Sound. Paddle the waters of a World Heritage site, glide through a landscape once carved by glaciers.

Milford Track

Fiordland offers a feast of hiking options, but by far, the most spectacular and most iconic is the Milford Track. Base yourself at Milford Sound Lodge and sample the world-famous Milford Track for yourself with an incredible day walk from Milford Sound.

Scenic Flights Milford Sound

Soar over glaciers, towering peaks, hidden lakes and waterfalls for a view of Fiordland and Southern Alps that must be seen to be believed. Light plane or helicopter flights depart from the nearby airport.

Driving the Road to Milford Sound

You don’t have to travel far along the road to Milford before Fiordland’s striking and dramatic features are revealed. Short walks, waterfalls and impressive valleys dot your journey.

Dive Milford Sound

Discover a dive site unlike any other. Milford Sound is renowned by divers as New Zealand’s ‘coral capital’.

THE 10 BEST Milford Sound Boat Tours

Boat tours in milford sound.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Water Sports
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Scenic Drives
• Hiking Trails
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Mirror Lakes Walk
• Bowen Falls
• Eglinton Valley
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

2. Milford Sound Coach and Cruise tour from Queenstown

3. Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown

4. 2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

5. Milford Sound Cruise Including Underwater Observatory

6. Milford Sound Coach and Cruise from Queenstown with Buffet Lunch

7. Milford Sound Cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau

8. Half-Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

9. Milford Sound Full Day Tour from Te Anau with Cruise

10. Milford Sound Cruise

11. Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise and Lunch from Te Anau

12. Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight and Lunch

13. Milford Sound Day Tour with Lunch from Queenstown

14. Milford Sound Day Tour and Cruise from Queenstown

15. Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Kayak Tour

16. Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

17. Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Tour from Te Anau

18. Milford Sound Coach and Scenic Lunch Cruise from Queenstown

19. Milford Sound Coach and Cruise from Te Anau with Buffet Lunch

20. Milford Sound Nature Cruise

21. Milford Sound Coach & Discover More with Lunch ex Queenstown

22. Milford Sound Coach, Cruise and Underwater Observatory with lunch ex Te Anau

23. Half-Day Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Flight from Queenstown

24. Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour from Queenstown with Flyback

25. Milford Sound Sightseeing Cruise with optional Picnic or Buffet

26. Cruise Milford Small Group Day Tour from Queenstown

27. Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Nature Cruise

28. Private Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

What travellers are saying.

• Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience
• Milford Sound Coach & Cruise tour from Queenstown
• Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
• Milford Sound Cruise Including Underwater Observatory
• Milford Sound Cruise
• Cruise Milford
• Mitre Peak Cruises
• Descend Scuba Diving - Milford Sound
• Envy Experiences
• Pure Milford
• Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Cruises
• JUCY Cruise Milford Sound
• InterCity Milford Sound Day Tour + Cruise from Queenstown
• Fiordland Discovery

Air Milford

Milford Sound Fly, Nature Cruise, Fly - 11:30

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. Although the flight to and from Milford Sound has regularly been described as the most stunning part of our tour options, combining this with a Milford cruise on the fiord happens to be the most popular option. After check-in completion, your pilot will give a thorough pre-flight briefing on the route and scenic highlights likely to be encountered. These include the famous Skippers Canyon, the Paradise region (recently made popular as film locations for Lord of the Rings/Hobbit Trilogies), and the Donne glacier among many other awe-inspiring features. Your 35-minute flight concludes with an overflight of the fiord of Milford Sound, prior to landing. The second half of the adventure begins in Milford Sound, where your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks to board the “Spirit of Milford” to enjoy your Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Numbers aboard are capped at 150 passengers and on this intimate experience, Nature Guides offer a personal commentary. The “Spirit of Milford” catamaran explores nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail. Following your Milford Sound cruise, your return flight takes in many of the pristine alpine lakes and waterfalls that Fiordland National Park is recognised for, including the Sutherland Falls which span 580m (1900ft). Flight time is another 35 minutes, with a total trip time of approximately 4 hours. After enjoying your Scenic Flight back from Milford Sound you will land back in Queenstown to complete the journey.

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Home » All Luxury Escapes » 10 Day South Island Adventure Itinerary

10 Day South Island Adventure Itinerary

From NZD$20,699 / USD$12,299 per adult subject to availability

Luxury Escape Includes

  5 Star

Tour Planner

  Tour Planner

Luxury Lodges

  Luxury Lodges

Boutique Stays

  Boutique Stays

  Car Rental

  Breakfast

  Lunches

Pre Dinner Drinks

  Pre Dinner Drinks

Evening Meals

  Evening Meals

  Heli Hike

Scenic Flight

  Scenic Flight

Boat Cruise

  Boat Cruise

  Jet Boat

• 10 Nights Luxury Lodge & 5-Star Boutique Accommodation
• Premium Rental Car - 10 Day Hire
• Abel Tasman Cruise and Sea Kayak
• Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike
• Milford Sound Scenic Flight- Nature Cruise- Scenic Flight
• Daily Gourmet Breakfast
• Two Delectable Lunches
• Seven nights of Pre-dinner Drinks and Canapés
• Eight Exquisite Evening Meals

Luxury Escape Price

*Please note USD pricing and conversions vary.

GET A QUOTE

The South Island is famous worldwide for its adventure offerings, and our New Zealand South Island itinerary for 10 days brings you the best outdoor adventures in the country.

Hike in alpine splendor, kayak a stunning stretch of coastline and cruise the majestic fiord, Milford Sound. Everywhere you travel, your adventures take place against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery.

For adventurous travelers, our recommended New Zealand South Island itinerary for 10 days is as follows:

• Day 1 – Arrive in Nelson
• Day 2 – Abel Tasman Cruise & Sea Kayak
• Day 3 – Springs Junction, Maruia River Retreat
• Day 4 – Springs Junction, Maruia River Retreat
• Day 5 – Franz Josef, Glacier Heli Hike
• Day 6 – Wanaka
• Day 7 – Wanaka
• Day 8 – Queenstown
• Day 9 – Queenstown, Milford Sound Scenic Flight- Cruise- Scenic Flight
• Day 10 – Queenstown
• Day 11 – Depart Queenstown

Read on for the full details of our recommended New Zealand adventure itinerary.

Luxury Adventure: New Zealand South Island Itinerary 10 Days

Day 1 arrive in nelson.

Your exclusive New Zealand experience begins in Nelson, situated at the picturesque northern end of the South Island.

Driving time Nelson to Abel Tasman 1 hour

Venture into Abel Tasman National Park, which offers secluded golden-sand beaches, lush native forests, and crystal-clear bays. This is the perfect way to unwind as you become acquainted with New Zealand.

Split Apple Retreat, an exclusive, intimate luxury lodge, retreat, and wellness spa will re-ground you during your stay. The retreat is renowned for its gourmet Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine, where every ingredient has been selected for its positive contribution to health and wellness. Indulge in the spectacular setting and unparalleled service.

Stay 2 nights at Split Apple Retreat

Included: Pre-dinner drinks and canapés, daily breakfast, world-class tasting menu featuring Asian/Mediterranean cuisine and use of all facilities.

Accommodation: Split Apple Retreat

Day 2 Abel Tasman Cruise & Sea Kayak

Explore the highlights of the remote Abel Tasman coastline this morning on a cruise and kayak tour that showcases the beautiful golden-sand beaches, rich marine life, tranquil lagoons and carved granite coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park. Your experience includes guided sea kayaking along the granite coastline, opportunities to hike sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track , and swim off the sandy beaches. A delightful picnic lunch and refreshments are supplied as part of your full-day excursion.

This afternoon unwind and indulge in the facilities and activities on offer at Split Apple Retreat, or explore Abel Tasman National Park further. Every aspect of the retreat revolves around relaxation. Facilities at the retreat include a salt-water infinity pool, a Japanese spa, a sauna, a steam room, a yoga pavilion, and a meditation theatre – make the most of your stay with a massage treatment, a private yoga session, a cooking lesson with Chef Pen, or a guided meditation.

Day 3 Springs Junction, Maruia River Retreat

Driving time Abel Tasman to Maruia River Retreat 2.5 hour s

Situated along the magnificent Maruia River and protected by mountains from the east and west, the Maruia River Retreat is a stunning boutique lodge and private nature resort focusing on relaxation and luxury wellness. The complete Maruia experience invites visitors to dine on gourmet meals, admire the outstanding views and rest in the privacy and comfort of self-contained villas.

Whether it’s a spa day, a yoga class, or just relaxing in one of their saunas or hot tub, it is all about YOU and your wellbeing at Maruia River Retreat. Enjoy many exclusive nature walks, guided garden tours or even take a white water rafting trip.

*Option to add on Helibike Nelson Old Ghost Road Heli Bike

Stay 2 nights in Springs Junction.

Included: Daily continental breakfast spread, 3-course gourmet dinner, daily yoga classes and use of all facilities.

Accommodation: Maruia River Retreat

Day 4 Maruia River Retreat

Today, stay in and pamper yourself or you may like to explore the nearby hidden gems of the area. Enjoy private access to the outdoor forest tub surrounded by a canopy of beech forest trees and amazing views of the Maruia River. Spoil yourself with a treatment of your choice in the Wellness Centre or join a local nature guide for a walk through the native forest to learn about the local ecology.

Choose your own views with a range of scenic helicopter flights on offer, organise a local guide to pick you up for either a half day or full day of guided trout fishing in the local rivers or rent a mountain bike and explore the advanced mountain bike tracks nearby.

Day 5 Franz Josef

Driving time Maruia River Retreat to Franz Josef 4.5 hours

Franz Josef’s cloak of ice once flowed from the mountains right to the sea. Following millennia of gradual retreat, the glacier is now 19 km inland and accessible only by helicopter. A glacier experience is a crowning moment for thousands of annual visitors with helicopter flights which land atop Franz Josef Glacier and glacier heli-hikes being the two best ways to view the glacier.

You will be perfectly poised to experience the solitude and grandeur of the West Coast from your accommodation at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, an exclusive luxury hotel. Encircled by native bush, Te Waonui Forest Retreat has been built with both comfort and ecological awareness in mind.

Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.

Included: 5 course degustation dinner, daily breakfast.

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 6 Glacier Heli Hike + Wanaka

With the combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a 2.5 hour hike through the most spectacular glacier features, it’s no wonder guests often label their Glacier Heli Hike as the highlight of their visit to Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Driving time Franz Josef to Wanaka 4.5 hours

Discover Haast Pass today as you venture through the heart of the Southern Alps once more on the journey to Wanaka. This is a densely forested wilderness with cascading waterfalls, tumbling rivers, and hanging glaciers. There are many short walks and viewing points to take in along the Haast Pass Highway to break the journey. A stop at the Blue Pools (a natural viewing attraction) is highly recommended.

Driving time Wanaka to Mahu Whenua – 30 minutes

Escape the bustle of town at Mahu Whenua, a ridgeline homestead and eco sanctuary. This luxurious high country homestead offers total privacy, unforgettable experiences, and exquisite food and wine in a setting which spans over 55,000 hectares of majestic natural beauty.

Stay 2 nights in Wanaka.

Included: Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon tea, pre-dinner canapés, refreshments, picnic, and premium wine and other beverages, as well as use of lodge facilities.

Accommodation: Mahu Whenua

Day 7 Mahu Whenua

Explore your surrounds at Mahu Whenua today, with the option to enjoy the Homestead facilities, which include two open fireplaces, a large open living area with expansive views, a media and games room, a library, a pool table, an outdoor spa pool, a sheltered swimming pool, and a large deck that makes the most of the incredible location.

You could also indulge in the activities on offer around Wanaka, from hiking in Mt Aspiring National Park to kayaking on Lake Wanaka and touring the wineries of Central Otago. Heli-accessed hiking, farm tours, and winery tours are also on offer.

Day 8 Queenstown

Driving Mahu Whenua to Wanaka – 30 minutes Driving time Wanaka to Queenstown – 1.5 hour s

Today your journey takes you to Queenstown, the ultimate luxury destination on New Zealand’s South Island. From world-class luxury lodges to indulgent spa experiences.

Queenstown is also known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and with this title comes a plethora of adrenaline activities from whitewater rafting and canyoning through to skydiving and bungy jumping.ces, superb cuisine and exclusive tours, Queenstown is a delight to experience.

Your accommodation near Queenstown is at Blanket Bay Lodge, in the picturesque and remote Glenorchy region. Voted one of the world’s best luxury lodges, Blanket Bay is nestled amidst the rugged snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. All rooms at Blanket Bay are positioned to take full advantage of the magnificent lake and mountain vistas. Natural materials are showcased throughout, echoing the lodge’s integration and interaction with the environment. 

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Included: Daily pre-dinner drinks, dinner, breakfast and full use of sports equipment and lodge facilities.

Accommodation: Blanket Bay

Day 9 Milford Sound

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna.

Each tour begins with a complimentary pick-up from your central Queenstown accommodation. After check-in completion, your pilot will give a thorough pre-flight briefing on the route and scenic highlights likely to be encountered. These include the famous Skippers Canyon, the Paradise region (recently made popular as film locations for Lord of the Rings/Hobbit Trilogies), and the Donne glacier among many other awe-inspiring features. Your 35 minute flight concludes with an over flight of the fiord of Milford Sound, prior to landing.

The second half of the adventure begins in Milford Sound, where your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks to board the “Spirit of Milford” to enjoy your Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Numbers aboard are capped at 150 passengers and on this intimate experience, Nature Guides offer a personal commentary. The “Spirit of Milford” catamaran explores nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail.

Following your Milford Sound cruise, your return flight takes in many of the pristine alpine lakes and waterfalls that Fiordland National Park is recognised for, including the Sutherland Falls which span 580 m (1900 ft). Flight time is another 35 minutes, with a total trip time of approximately 4.5 hours. After enjoying your Scenic Flight back from Milford Sound landing back in Queenstown you will be returned to your accommodation to complete the journey.

Day 10 Blanket Bay

Today is spent at your leisure, either relaxing at Blanket Bay and perhaps indulging in one of the spa treatments on offer, or adding another activity from the wide array on offer in Queenstown. Options range from guided nature walks or fishing in crystal clear waters, to more adrenaline-fuelled activities such as Jet-boating through the wilderness of Mt Aspiring National Park, skydiving in one of the most scenic locations on earth or heli hiking on a magnificent glacier.

Day 11 Depart Queenstown

As your unforgettable New Zealand vacation draws to a close, return to Queenstown Airport. Soak in the views one last time before departing Queenstown at your leisure.

Planning your Adventure Holiday with our New Zealand South Island Itinerary for 10 Days

Our New Zealand adventure itinerary is fully customisable, as we know every traveler has different interests and must-do activities.

With so many rewarding adventure activities available in New Zealand, we have left space in this itinerary for you to pick and choose your favorites. For example, you have a free day in Queenstown to choose from the wide range of activities on offer. Sample jet-boat rides, “funyak” (inflatable kayak) adventures, skydiving, bungy jumping, 4WD tours, and much more.

We can also add adventure activities to our other South Island luxury holiday packages . Alternatively, we can modify this itinerary to match your timeframe if you have more or less than 10 days in New Zealand.

Contact our team at New Zealand Luxury Escapes today to begin planning your New Zealand adventure.

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Our three hour cruise & underwater observatory experience is the longest and most personal in Milford Sound. On our Discover More Cruise, you won’t just see Milford Sound, you’ll experience it.

About Southern Discoveries - Discover More Cruise

We’ve made it easy for you to experience Milford Sound-Piopiotahi with us during the school holidays. Milford Sound Discover More cruise is a special cruise inspired by the way we love to explore our famous fiord.

Cruise on our small boat while our onboard nature guide chats with you and answers questions. Drink glacial water, touch natural artefacts, and get under massive waterfalls. The adventure continues at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory where you can experience the amazing world beneath the surface. Cruise on the original, locally owned, and operated Milford Sound Cruise. Your experience includes a delicious picnic lunch.

Stay a little longer and see a little more on this authentic Milford Sound experience.

Southern Discoveries Milford Sound Visitors Centre, Milford Sound 9640

• 0800 264 536
• 03 441 1137
• reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz
• southerndiscoveries.co.nz/milford-sound/cruises/discover-more-cruise

Endorsements

Physical address

Postal address.

PO Box 49 Te Anau 9640

Milford Sound Cruises

Nature cruise.

Get incredibly close to nature, including the famous Stirling Falls. From the large open-top deck or comfy interior cabins, enjoy our most popular Milford Sound cruise.

• Up to 2-hour cruise
• Spacious cabins and unobstructed views through full-height windows
• Commentary from our passionate skippers
• Keep an eye out for seals on the rocks, or if you are lucky, dolphins and penguins in the water
• Includes FREE tea and coffee
• Licenced bar on board
• "To Kai" Buffet available on the 1:15pm Nature Cruise.
• Picnic lunch available for purchase.
• Add-on coach transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau or flight transfer from Queenstown
• Gift vouchers are available for our Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Buy now  if you don't know your travel date and you don't want to miss out!
• Download the Southern Discoveries app for multilingual commentary for our cruise experiences.
• Southern Discoveries Ltd wishes to notify our customers about the natural risks and hazards prevalent in Milford Sound, the remote location where our operations are situated. Detailed information of these risks and hazards can be found here.

Welcome aboard, and get ready to dine in style! Your Milford Sound Nature Cruise lunch options are listed to your right.

• Freshly prepared picnic lunch is available to purchase on all Milford Sound cruises
• Please note we do not include a drink with your picnic lunch as we are trying to reduce our use of single use plastic so please take your water bottle with you
• A selection of snacks are available to purchase onboard all vessels
• A fully licensed bar is available on all vessels, except the Lady Stirling
• Free tea and coffee is available on all cruises
• All meat is certified halal
• The menu may vary at times due to seasonal supply
• Please note that the ingredients and contents of each meal are only a guide and these may be subject to change
• Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available – please indicate your preferences when you are booking online
• If you have specific dietary requirements or special group requests, please call to discuss with the reservations team
• Passengers are not permitted to bring their own alcohol onboard our vessels
• We only accept credit card or cash payments, we can not accept eftpos or debit cards

The food is as good as the views! We offer a choice of lunch from our onboard galley; either a full "To Kai" Buffet, or a Picnic Lunch.

To Kai means "Your Food". Our to Kai Buffet offers fresh seasonal dishes with hot and cold options. Available on our 1:15pm Nature Cruise only.

Please note we do not include a drink with your meals as we are trying to reduce the use of single use plastic so please remember to take your water bottle with you.

• from   Queenstown
• from   Te Anau
• from   Milford Sound

Premium glass-roof coach departs early allowing you to arrive relaxed and ready for your Milford Sound cruise. Expert coach drivers provide time for photo stops and short walks along the Milford road journey.

Jump on an early morning coach trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Return by scenic flight enjoying amazing views of the mountains and valleys of the Southern Alps and Fiordland National Park.

Depart Queenstown by coach; enjoy the sights and photo stops on the road to Milford Sound. Return by helicopter flight experiencing spectacular views across the Southern Alps.

Enjoy a spectacular return scenic helicopter trip that includes our Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Experience the spectacular Fiordland mountains and Southern Alps from above. Departs from Queenstown.

Spectacular scenic flight with Air Milford. Depart Queenstown for a 4-hour return journey including our Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Enjoy expansive views of the Southern Alps and Fiordland mountains.

Make your own way to Milford Sound and enjoy the spectacular Milford road at your own pace. You will find car parking at two locations in Milford Sound within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

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