Milford Sound is a breathtakingly beautiful fjord situated in the Fiordland National Park on the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including dramatic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and pristine waters.
One of the best ways to experience Milford Sound is by taking a cruise. In this article, we will take a closer look at which cruise is best for Milford Sound.
Why Take a Cruise in Milford Sound?
Taking a cruise in Milford Sound is an excellent way to experience the beauty and grandeur of this natural wonder. The fjord is home to diverse marine life, including fur seals, dolphins, and penguins. You can also see several waterfalls cascading down from towering cliffs that rise over 1,200 meters above sea level.
Types of Cruises in Milford Sound
There are two types of cruises available in Milford Sound – Scenic Cruises and Nature Cruises. Scenic cruises are ideal for those who want to enjoy the stunning views and take pictures of the landscape. These cruises operate throughout the year and offer spacious viewing decks and comfortable indoor seating.
Nature cruises, on the other hand, are perfect for those who want to explore the wildlife and marine life of Milford Sound up close. These cruises operate during peak season (November to March) when there is plenty of marine life around. They provide opportunities for dolphin spotting, seal watching, and bird watching.
Which Cruise Should You Choose?
The best cruise for you depends on your preferences and interests. If you want to enjoy the stunning views without worrying about wildlife sightings or crowds, then a scenic cruise is ideal for you. On the other hand, if you want to get up close with marine life or explore hidden coves and waterfalls that are not accessible by road, then a nature cruise is perfect for you.
Scenic Cruises
There are several scenic cruises available in Milford Sound, including:
- JUCY Cruise: The JUCY Cruise is a modern, purpose-built vessel that offers comfortable indoor seating and spacious outdoor viewing decks. It operates throughout the year and includes informative commentary on the history and geology of the fjord.
- Real Journeys: Real Journeys offer two scenic cruises – Milford Sound Scenic Cruise and Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise.
The Milford Sound Scenic Cruise is a two-hour cruise that operates throughout the year. It includes informative commentary, free tea/coffee, and snacks.
- Cruise Milford: The Cruise Milford offers a unique cruise experience with its small-group tours. They operate only during peak season (November to March) and offer a more personalized experience.
Nature Cruises
If you want to explore the wildlife and marine life of Milford Sound, then a nature cruise is perfect for you. Some of the best nature cruises in Milford Sound are:
- JUCY Cruise Nature Cruise: JUCY’s Nature Cruise is an ideal choice for those who want to get up close with marine life like dolphins, seals, penguins, and other sea birds. It operates only during peak season (November to March) when there’s plenty of wildlife around.
- Real Journeys Nature Cruises: Real Journeys offers three nature cruises – Encounter Nature Cruise, Discover More Cruise, and Seal Swim Kaikoura & Discover More Combo.
These cruises operate during peak season and offer a range of activities like kayaking, exploring hidden coves, and swimming with seals.
- Go Orange: Go Orange offers a unique nature cruise experience with its small-group tours. They operate only during peak season (November to March) and offer personalized experiences like exploring hidden waterfalls and coves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Milford Sound is a must-visit destination in New Zealand, and taking a cruise is the best way to experience its natural beauty up close. Whether you opt for a scenic or nature cruise, you’re sure to be awed by the stunning landscapes, wildlife sightings, and majestic waterfalls.
So what are you waiting for? Book your Milford Sound cruise now!