New Zealand · BOAT TOURS IN FIORDLAND

15 Boat Tours in Fiordland to Build a Day Around

46 tours  ·  from $83

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 boat tours in Fiordland worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown - From Queenstown to Lake Te Anau
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

1.Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,001 reviews · from $216Our pick

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 15, with hotel pickup, live commentary, scenic stops, snacks, lunch, and a two-hour Cruise Milford sailing. Guides such as Andy, Jess, Joe, and Danny bring Fiordland’s geology and Māori stories to life.

“The day started early and it's quite a long drive there and back but we did get to stop along the way to grab a quick bite. Our guide/driver was Jess and she was awesome! She provided lots of information and history about New Zealand and tried to keep us interested during our long journey. Once we arrived, we did the Milford Sound cruise (which includes lunch on the boat). It was an amazing experience and the views are incredible. This tour provides an easy way to see Milford Sound although if you're prone to car sickness, I would recommend taking something for that as as times it is quite…”

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Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience - The first views: cliffs, water, and Mitre Peak
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Tour Reviews

Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

2.Cruise Milford NZ Small Boutique Cruise Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,930 reviews · from $111

Cruise Milford NZ takes you around Milford Sound for about 1 hour 45 minutes on a boat limited to half capacity. Expect lounge-style cabin seating, skipper commentary, tea, coffee, biscuits, close views of waterfalls, Mitre Peak, seals, dolphins, and possible penguins.

“Difficult to get from free car park to ferry - you need to set up a mini bus or similar to assist GCT”

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Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise - From Milford Sound Wharf to Mitre Peak
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews

Milford Sound: 2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise

3.2-Hour Small Boat Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,561 reviews · 2 hours · from $101

Cruise Milford Sound aboard Mitre Peak Cruises’ smaller vessel for two hours of close-up views of Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, seals, dolphins, and seasonal penguins. Your skipper provides live commentary, with indoor seating, outdoor decks, and complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.

“Our boat trip was absolutely sensational! The skipper was amazing - so entertaining and not to mention the driving skills - we got sooo close to the falls and cliffs it was edge of the seat breathtaking!! We even spotted seals and took off to see them slumming it out in the rocks. An overall gorgeous trip we will never forget.”

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2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise - From the Visitor Centre to the heart of the fjord
2-Hour Experiences, Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews

2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

4.2-Hour Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,520 reviews · from $104

Cruise Milford Sound from the Visitor Centre toward the Tasman Sea, passing Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, and Mt. Pembroke. A smaller boat brings you closer to waterfalls and wildlife, while live commentary explains Fiordland’s geology, history, and Māori heritage. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are included.

“My family enjoyed this tour. I booked with this company as it's advertised as less people on the boat than some of the bigger boats. The tour was fully booked as it was over the holidays, but it was still pleasant. We found a seat on the top Read more”

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Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau - Mirror Lakes and the first views of Fiordland
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Full-Day, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

5.Award Winning Milford Sound Full Day Tour & Cruise from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,198 reviews · from $185

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 16, with guides such as Tania, Andy, Gary, and Allan sharing local stories along the Milford Road. Stop at Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, and mountain viewpoints before a two-hour cruise past waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and penguins.

“We got picked up from our airbnb on the outskirts of town and taken to several stops along the route to Milford Sound. Allan was very informative which made the trip fly by. The packed lunch was more than just a sandwich with a packet of crisps, apple, crackers and chocolate also provided. All in all, this was a very good tour and would highly recommend.”

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Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran - Boarding a roomy, modern catamaran
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Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

6.Nature Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,006 reviews · 1h 45m · from $92

Spend 105 minutes aboard Pure Milford’s modern catamaran, cruising from the visitor centre through Milford Sound and out toward the Tasman Sea. Enjoy three levels of seating, large windows, viewing decks, live commentary, and a chance to see seals, dolphins, waterfalls, and Fiordland crested penguins.

“Great boat with excellent commentary from a knowledgeable skipper who had a great sense of humour.”

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise - The Milford Road is more than a transfer
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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise

7.Milford Sound Coach Tour and Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 868 reviews · 8 hours · from $110

Travel from Te Anau through Fiordland with guides such as Sebastian, Scarlet, and Brendan, stopping for photos and short walks before a full Milford Sound cruise. Expect a comfortable coach, picnic lunch, free hot drinks, live commentary, and about eight hours of spectacular scenery.

“A little stressful to start as bus was running late due to road works and being picked up in Te Anua meant we weren’t sure if we had somehow missed our tour as most people get on in Queenstown. The rest of the tour ran very smoothly. Brendan our guide was super, very knowledgeable and entertaining. We had plenty of stops to break up the journey so it didn’t even feel that long. Bus itself very comfortable with chargers built in and an on board toilet. Surprisingly good packed lunch provided. Free tea and coffee on the boat also. The cruise itself was fantastic, very smooth despite the wild weather…”

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks - The Milford Road is part of the attraction
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks

8.Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, and Walks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 845 reviews · 1 day · from $164

Travel from Te Anau in a small van with a local nature guide, stopping at Lake Gunn, Hollyford Valley, Marian Gantry, and other scenic spots before a two-hour Milford Sound cruise. Expect a packed lunch, short forest walks, wildlife opportunities, and flexible plans shaped by weather.

“It was fantastic. Andrew was a brilliant guide his knowledge on the area was amazing. He was very helpful and polite. The walks he took us on where amazing - showing us the best places to stop in the area and giving us a brief history of the areas. Andrew could call each of the travellers by name, and made sure everyone was enjoying their day out. Definitely book the Milford Sound Tour with them - it was an amazing day out. One of the best day tours I have ever done. Thanks.”

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Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau - Eglinton Valley and the first Fiordland views
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Lunch Experiences, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

9.Premium Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Lunch from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 755 reviews · from $185

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound with a guide such as Steve or Jeremy, stopping at Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, the Homer Tunnel, and more. The small-group tour includes transport, picnic lunch, snacks, water, and a two-hour Milford Sound cruise on a smaller boat.

“It was a distinct advantage in starting this tour from Te Anau early as it meant we missed the crowds arriving from Queenstown at Milford Sound This was exceptional value for money with Steve, our driver and tour guide being very informative, friendly and helpful. We had the opportunity of several photo opportunity stops to take in the fantastic scenery and we were blessed with lovely sunny weather both on the tour and on the Milford Sound scenic boat journey.”

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Milford Sound: Nature Cruise - Grand Views & Optional Lunch - Boarding at Freshwater Basin
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Milford Sound: Nature Cruise – Grand Views & Optional Lunch

10.Nature Cruise – Grand Views & Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 723 reviews · 90 - 135 minutes · from $98

Take a 90 to 135 minute Milford Sound cruise with Southern Discoveries, sailing past Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls, and Copper Point. Choose open-air or indoor viewing, hear live English commentary, and watch for seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Optional picnic or buffet lunch is available.

“Milford sound was a great experience. The Southern Discoveries cruise did a great job showing all the key viewing points. The English tour guide was excellent. The experience is humbling.”

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From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip - Mirror Lakes reward a quick stop
1-Day Tours, Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

11.Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 717 reviews · 7h 30m · from $136

Travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound by glass-roof coach with local guides such as Dean, Simon, or Johnny, stopping at Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek before a two-hour cruise beneath cliffs and waterfalls. Food is available onboard, but bring warm waterproof clothing and allow about eight hours.

“Andrea our tour guide was excellent who gave us a lot of information about the local town flora n fauna . She has worked on the cruise n lived in Te anau so her knowledge was really good . Cruise was very spacious , peaceful and had a great time enjoying the views , captain was excellent.”

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Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau - Eglinton Valley brings the big views
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Full-Day, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

12.Full-Day Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Walks from Te Anau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 712 reviews · from $192

Travel from Te Anau through Fiordland with a local guide such as Jacob, Helen, Geoff, or Hari. Expect frequent photo stops, short forest and alpine walks, a picnic lunch, and a two-hour small-boat cruise from Milford Sound toward the Tasman Sea.

“This is a long 2-2 hours bus trip to the Milford Sound from Te Anau, but it worth everything. The Guide was very informative, and the bus stops were very nice. The Milford Sound fjord cruise was excellent”

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Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park - Pure Wilderness - Reaching Lake Manapouri and the Quietest Moment
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Jet Boat Rides, National Parks, Tour Reviews

Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park – Pure Wilderness

13.Jet Boat Journey through Fiordland National Park – Pure Wilderness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 678 reviews · from $127

From Te Anau, Fiordland Jet takes you by road and jet boat along the Upper Waiau River to Lake Manapouri. Expect warm gear, native forest, three Lord of the Rings filming locations, local stories, high-speed turns, 360-degree spins, and a short guided walk.

“Alex was awesome. Such a good time and informative. We really enjoyed the trip and it was well worth it :)”

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Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch - Te Anau, the practical gateway to Fiordland
Boat Tours in Fiordland, Cruises & Boat Tours, Fiordland Tours, Lunch Experiences, Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews

Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch

14.Milford Sound Premium Coach & Cruise from Queenstown with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 581 reviews · from $214

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a glass-roof coach with local commentary, scenic stops, and USB charging. Cruise for up to two hours toward the Tasman Sea with hot drinks, wildlife views, and a buffet lunch. Guides such as Vaughan, Greg, Yoda, and Junior have helped make the long journey lively.

“Though the experience was enjoyable, there was a challenge with the PA system in the bus. I know the guide provided interesting historical commentary and none of us could hear it. Things were quite confusing when instructions were given as my family had to find the guide to have him repeat the instructions.”

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Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown - Mirror Lakes gives you a quiet first stop
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Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

15.Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 547 reviews · from $197

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound by glass-roof coach, stopping at Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, and Monkey Creek before a 90-minute cruise. Drivers such as Matt, Adrian, Dwayne, and Annette provide lively commentary. Lunch, selected hotel transfers, WiFi, and a mobile ticket are included.

“This tour is a great buy, and the quality is well worth the cost. Would do it again in a heart beat.”

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New in Boat Tours in Fiordland

★ 4.5Premium Milford Sound Cruise Including LunchFrom $18532 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Overnight Cruise Fiordland JewelFrom $837128 reviews
★ 4.5Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise159 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Extended Cruise with Southern DiscoveriesFrom $1239 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Luxury Lunch Cruise onboard The Fiordland JewelFrom $21612 reviews
★ 4.5Milford Sound Coach & Cruise ex Te Anau Stunning Views with LunchFrom $183121 reviews
★ 5.0Premium Milford Sound Full Day Tour and CruiseFrom $193104 reviews
★ 5.0River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local GuideFrom $14321 reviews
★ 5.0Queenstown to Te Anau via Milford Sound inc Cruise & LunchFrom $2084 reviews
★ 4.7Waterfalls, Wildlife, and Rainforest CruiseFrom $8365 reviews
★ 4.9Premium Small Group Cruise with Canape LunchFrom $23226 reviews
★ 4.7Milford Track: Full Day Guided Hike and Nature CruiseFrom $21570 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Private Milford Sound Day Tour from Te Anau(Cruise InFrom $2099 reviews
★ 4.5Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Coach TourFrom $12864 reviews
★ 4.9Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.From $8648 reviews

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