Tour operator
Nomad Safaris
A Queenstown 4WD tour company running small-group trips into Skippers Canyon, Macetown and Lord of the Rings filming locations around the Wakatipu Basin.
Southern Discoveries
A family-owned Milford Sound cruise company with a Queenstown visitor centre on St Omer Wharf, running full-day coach, cruise and flight combinations to the fiord.
At a glance
- Type
- Milford Sound coach and cruise
- Area
- Beach Street, Queenstown, New Zealand
- Official site
- southerndiscoveries.co.nz
Good to know
- Coach and cruise packages
- Fly-cruise options
- Family friendly
- Optional picnic lunch
Why we recommend it
Southern Discoveries describes itself as the original Milford Sound cruise company, and it is one of the main operators taking visitors from Queenstown to the fiord. The business is locally and family owned, and its Queenstown visitor centre is on St Omer Wharf at 110 Beach Street, on the town's waterfront, with its head office in Te Anau and a terminal at Milford Sound itself.
From Queenstown, the classic option is a full-day coach and cruise. The road to Milford Sound is about 288 kilometres each way, roughly five hours on the coach, with stops for short walks and photographs along the way and commentary from the driver. Variations add a farm tour, upgrade to small-group travel with a longer Discover More cruise or a Captain's VIP cruise, or replace the return drive with a scenic flight. The company also runs a Queenstown wine tour with pick-ups from central accommodation.
On the water, every cruise travels the full length of the fiord, weather permitting, and passes highlights such as Stirling Falls and Harrison Cove. The boats have indoor seating, open-top viewing decks, full-height windows and guides on board. A picnic lunch can be added, with vegetarian and vegan options, and ponchos are sold on board. The company's website also has a section on its conservation work, and it also offers experiences based in Te Anau and Wānaka as well as those departing from Queenstown.
All the cruises are suitable for children, and the long day is broken up by stops, but it is a full day, so it suits travellers with the stamina for an early start and a late return. If you have more time, staying in Te Anau and joining a cruise there shortens the drive considerably.
Weather is assessed for every departure, and cruises can occasionally be postponed or cancelled. Bookings changed or cancelled more than 24 hours before departure can be refunded or rebooked. Pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers, comfortable shoes and insect repellent for sandflies, and check the road conditions if you are driving yourself. For enquiries, the reservations team can be reached by email or phone.
Southern Discoveries FAQs
Where is the Southern Discoveries office in Queenstown?
The Queenstown Visitor Centre is at St Omer Wharf, 110 Beach Street.
How long is the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound?
It is about 288 km and around five hours each way by coach, with stops along the way.
What does the cruise include?
Every cruise travels the full length of the fiord, weather permitting, passing Stirling Falls and Harrison Cove.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is optional. A picnic lunch with vegetarian and vegan options can be added.
Are the cruises suitable for children?
Yes. All the cruises are described as suitable for children.
Can you fly instead of driving?
Yes. Packages include a scenic flight and cruise, and a coach and cruise with a return flight.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather is assessed for every departure, and cruises may be postponed or, rarely, cancelled. Changes made more than 24 hours ahead can be refunded or rebooked.
What should I bring?
A waterproof jacket, warm layers, comfortable walking shoes and insect repellent for sandflies.