Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Scenic Cruise
Queenstown, New Zealand
About This Activity
Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound the eighth wonder of the world. This glacier-carved fiord features the iconic 1,692m Mitre Peak, year-round Stirling Falls, and resident colonies of fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins. Standard 2-hour scenic cruises start from NZ$165 per adult; premium lunch cruises from NZ$229. The 4-hour drive from Queenstown along the Milford Road passes through Homer Tunnel and the Eglinton Valley — one of the world's great scenic drives. Rainy days actually enhance the waterfalls dramatically, sending hundreds of temporary falls down the cliff faces. Overnight cruises let you experience the fiord at dawn without crowds.
Seasonal note: Accessible year-round; best visibility November–February; waterfalls most dramatic May–July after rain; wettest March–May
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 10 of our curated itineraries.
Best 3 Days in New Zealand — from Queenstown
Queenstown
Best 5 Days in New Zealand — from Queenstown
Queenstown → Auckland → Wellington
Best 7 Days in New Zealand — Fast Pace
Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch → Queenstown
Best 7 Days in New Zealand — from Queenstown
Queenstown → Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua
Best 10 Days in New Zealand — Fast Pace
Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch → Queenstown
Best 10 Days in New Zealand — from Queenstown
Queenstown → Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua
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