SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Self-Guided Scenic Track Walk
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 7 h 18 min
- Group size
- Up to 200 people
- Guide
- English
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
Southern Discoveries pairs a nature cruise of up to 2 hours with a self-guided walk of up to 4 hours on the Milford Track, reached by water taxi from Deepwater Basin. The whole day runs about 7 hours 15 minutes, and you can do the walk or the cruise first; the 10:30am departure has you cruise first. A reviewer notes a walk of a couple of kilometres from the water taxi back to the terminal.
On our Milford Sound cruise comparison it's a text link rather than a card because its record is tiny, 6 reviews, but no other listing lets you walk part of the Milford Track in a day. The listing mentions lunch but also says food is sold on board, so bring your own, and it doesn't say whether parking or transport to Deepwater Basin is included. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before.
Good for
- Walkers who want a taste of the Milford Track without the four day hike
- Self-drivers staying in Te Anau or near Milford
Think twice if
- You're on a coach day with a fixed timetable
- You want a tour with a long review record
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
Experience two of Fiordland's most iconic attractions in a single, unforgettable day.
If you select the 9.00am departure: Start with a self-guided walk on the world-famous Milford Track. The gentle 11-km walk to Giant's Gate Falls and back lets you experience the track's magic without committing to the full hike.
Then join our premium Nature Cruise on a spacious catamaran, purpose-built to get you closer to stunning waterfalls, wildlife, and cliff faces. Our expert onboard commentary, available in eight languages via a free app, shares captivating stories about the area's natural history and wildlife.
Walk first with the 9am departure OR Cruise first with the 10.30am departure - both options offer a perfect blend of adventure and comfort in one of New Zealand's most spectacular locations.
Experience the majesty of Milford Sound in two unique ways, all in one day.
From the listing by Southern Discoveries on Viator.
What's included
- Flexibility in timings to start with either the Walk or Nature Cruise first
- Access to a self-guided walk on the Milford Track (up to 4 hours) including water taxi
- Nature Cruise for up to 2 hours in Milford Sound
Not included
- Food can be purchased onboard the cruise for an additional cost
Meeting point
For the 10:30am departure, please check in at the Southern Discoveries desk 15 minutes before departure. After your cruise, head to Deepwater Basin Boat Ramp by 12:45pm to meet your track transport for the Milford Track walk portion of your activity.
For the 9am departure, please arrive at Deepwater Basin Boat Ramp 15mins before your departure time to check in for your Track Transport. Your Cruise departs from the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal at 3:15 pm; please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure for check-in at the Southern Discoveries desk.
Checking in
9am Departure = Milford Track first at 9am then Nature Cruise at 3.15pm
Arrive at Deepwater Basin Boat ramp 15 minutes prior. Look out for a Fiordland Outdoors sign near the water’s edge. This is your check in point for the water taxi to the start of the Milford track walk.
After the walk make your way around to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and check in at the Southern Discoveries desk for your cruise. Ensure you check in 20 minutes prior to departure.
10.30am Departure = Nature Cruise first at 10.30am then Milford Track from 1pm
Check in at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal at the Southern Discoveries desk for your cruise. Ensure you check in 20 minutes prior to departure.
After your cruise make your way around to Deepwater Basin Boat ramp. Look out for a Fiordland Outdoors sign near the water’s edge. This is your check in point for the water taxi to the start of the Milford track walk. Please note the water taxi will be transferring people back and forth from the track. If it’s not there when you arrive just wait at the sign, it won’t be too far away.
Where it ends
For the 10:30am departure, please check in at the Southern Discoveries desk 15 minutes before departure. After your cruise, head to Deepwater Basin Boat Ramp by 12:45pm to meet your track transport for the Milford Track walk portion of your activity.
For the 9am departure, please arrive at Deepwater Basin Boat Ramp 15mins before your departure time to check in for your Track Transport. Your Cruise departs from the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal at 3:15 pm; please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure for check-in at the Southern Discoveries desk.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- The tour duration is a total of 7hrs and 15mins this is made up of transport departing from Deepwater Basin (water taxi) to the start of the walk, 4hrs on the track and some downtime between returning from the Milford Track walk and being able to check in at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal for the Cruise. Alternatively selecting the 10.30am departure will have you cruise first.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our cruises page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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