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A group of friends smiling and laughing enjoying the beautiful views during the cruise
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR MILFORD TRIP December 2024

What to expect on your Milford Sound cruise

The crew at Pure Milford are proud to welcome you aboard two modern catamarans to explore their beautiful backyard, Piopiotahi / Milford Sound.

At Milford Sound every day is guaranteed to be special, always memorable, and each one a little different. A Milford Sound cruise is the ultimate wet weather activity, so try and schedule a visit on a rainy day as thousands of temporary waterfalls cascade into the fiord after a downpour. 

With two spectacular vessels to choose from, you are guaranteed a magical and memorable Milford Sound experience. 

The Gem of the Sound is Milford’s only glass roof vessel, with spacious indoor and outdoor viewing decks guaranteeing you the best sightseeing opportunities in the fiord. 

The Maiden of Milford is fresh from extensive refurbishment with light, airy and spacious indoor viewing decks, a fully open top deck for 360 degree veiws - not to mention two bars!

Both vessels are designed with your cruise comfort in mind, with HD cameras projecting live outdoor footage onto TV screens throughout the boat so you can relax – you won’t miss a thing!

Each cruise exploration travels the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea and back, with the crew pointing out the highlights of their place such as towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, local flora and fauna and ever changing natural wonders.

The Pure Milford crew are what set us apart from the rest and ensure each day is one to remember. They share their stories and local insights, educate on the wondrous wildlife, geology and history with a few dad jokes along the way.

Cruises are suitable for all ages, with a dedicated kids corner of books, games and interactive activites to keep little adventurers occupied throughout the exploration of the fiord. 

The highlight of the cruise is the famous finale as the boat noses close Stirling Falls where you can feel the spray of fresh glacial melt! 

Tea and coffee is complimentary throughout the cruise, with a licensed Café Bar offering hot and cold refreshments throughout the cruise.

Driving time from Te Anau is 2.5 hours, and 4.5 hours from Queenstown.

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From the lofty green treetops of the rainforest to the darkest depths of the sound, Milford Sound is a haven for wildlife. Short walks and longer hikes are ideal for spotting birds, while cruises are the best way to get up close to dolphins and seals.

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A cheeky kea boards the coach to Piopiotahi / Milford Sound