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Southland Dolphin & whale watching

Our most recommended Southland Dolphin & whale watching

Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on Premium Glass-Roof Catamaran

1. Milford Sound: Nature Cruise on Premium Glass-Roof Catamaran

Climb aboard 'Gem of the Sound', the newest vessel to cruise in the fiord, for a Milford Sound nature cruise. Capture the best views of the incredible fiord with three-levels of indoor and outdoor seating, unique glass roofs, and large viewing decks. Be welcomed on board by a friendly crew and marvel at one of the most stunning places on earth. Relax in the comfortable booth seating with stylish decor and ambient lighting. High-definition cameras project outdoor footage live onto TV screens throughout the vessel - so no matter where are, you won't miss a thing. Admire New Zealand fur seals basking on rocks and feel the spray of cascading waterfalls. Look out for playful dolphins and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin. Travel the length of the fiord and out into the Tasman Sea, to see why Captain Cook failed to discover Milford Sound after charting the Fiordland National Park.

Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

2. Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Full-Day Trip

Enjoy a fun and leisurely day trip to admire the glacial features, wild flora and fauna, and picturesque backdrops of the world-famous fiord at Milford Sound. Start with pickup for the bus journey to Te Anau. Your driver will share their local knowledge as you stop along the way to see spectacular scenery. Marvel at views of waterfalls, wildlife, and the rainforest. Soak up the sights from any of the three indoor and outdoor viewing decks during your cruise and join your jovial crew at the bow as you nose under Stirling Falls for a free shower in some of the world's freshest water.  Benefit from complimentary tea service is available for the entire cruise and espresso coffee, snacks cakes. Additional drinks can be purchased from onboard cafe / bar.

From Te Anau: Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Lunch

3. From Te Anau: Milford Sound Tour with Cruise and Lunch

Take a guided tour by comfortable minibus to explore the natural beauty of Milford Sound and the surrounding area. Your tour includes a sightseeing cruise, a picnic lunch, and plenty of scenic stops along the way. Meet your guide in Te Anau and drive along the lakeside, making a stop at Te Anau Downs to soak in the scenery. Enter the Fiordland National Park and visit Eglinton Valley, to admire the landscape carved by an ancient glacier. Continue to Mirror Lakes and see the Earl Mountains reflected in these clear waters. Relax and take photos by Lake Gunn, before continuing towards Hollyford River. Pass the waterfall at Falls Creek as you head higher into the Darran Mountains, stopping at viewpoints along the way. Keep a look out for local wildlife, including kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot. Enter Homer Tunnel and learn this history of this hand-built tunnel, before arriving at Milford Sound. Board the boat for a sightseeing cruise and see impressive views of Mitre Peak. Back on dry land, take a bush walk through The Chasm and snap photos at Pop's View Lookout, on the return journey to Te Anau.

From Queenstown: 2 Day Fiordland National Park Adventure

4. From Queenstown: 2 Day Fiordland National Park Adventure

The ultimate small group Fiordland combo experience combining a premium Cheeky Kiwi Travel tour to the top Highlights around Te Anau & Milford Sound, a Milford Sound boutique cruise, your choice of a Milford Track day walk or a Milford Sound kayaking experience, Overnight accommodation in Te Anau and a picnic lunch all from Queenstown. This tour is the ultimate way to do the Fiordland region right. Itinerary: Day 1: 1. Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu - Your tour starts in the stunning city of Queenstown. Your guide will point out highlights while setting the scene for the day. As we wind our way around Lake Wakatipu, with amazing views of ‘The Remarkables’ Mountain Range and the lake, stopping for photos is a must. 2. Lake Te Anau – After more amazing views we arrive in Te Anau, home to Lake Te Anau, NZ’s second largest lake. Here we stop for a break before starting the Highlights Tour and making our way to Lake Te Anau, exploring the edges and visiting our favourite spot. 3. Te Anau Bird Sanctuary - We continue to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary for a guided tour and to see some of the rarest birds in the country including the Takahe and Kaka. You will learn about these animals and local environment while exploring this Te Anau asset. 4. Dead Marshes & Rainbow Reach - We visit our first famous LOTR attraction, a viewpoint looking over The Dead Marshes from an elevated position. At Rainbow Reach a cable bridge over the Waiau River (known as The River Anduin in LOTR) leads us into the forest and Kepler Track. 5. Lake Manapouri - Gateway to the Doubtful Sounds, explore the shores of this crystal-clear lake and hearing about its history including the construction of the Manapouri hydro dam, the largest in the country. Then have a quick break at a local coffee shop. 6. Mavora Lakes - Next we make our way to one of the most famous LOTR sights and hidden gems of the region, Mavora Lakes. Enjoy free time to explore, eat lunch or act out some LOTR scenes! 7. Te Anau - We return to Te Anau to check you into your accommodation and free time for the afternoon. Day 2 8. Fiordland National Park - Visit Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River, Falls Creek, the Darran Mountains and Homer Tunnel on the way to Milford Sound. 9. Milford Sound - Board your cruise with Cruise Milford, TripAdvisors No. 1 Cruise operator in Milford Sound. Offering a boutique cruise on a smaller, less crowded boat and with a crew that gives an informative and personal tour, this tour brings you closer to wildlife and nature. Unbeatable 10. Mitre Peak - While on the boat cruise you will be able to marvel at the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak, the iconic Milford Sound mountain. 11. Pop's View Lookout, Te Anau and Queenstown - - After your cruise, do not fear the adventure is not over, there is the return journey with many more amazing stops.

Other Sightseeing Options in Southland

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What people are saying about Southland

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 213 reviews

Absolutely Great fun today jet boating over the Lake and the Shotover River from Queenstown, would recommend this expeirience to you all.It lasts just under an hour and be prepared to get a little wet!Thanks Team!

A stress-free day visiting such a beautiful place. Comfortable coach and very experienced drivers that are highly knowledgeable on the area and history. Cruise topped it off. Highly recommend.

Really worthy experience . The bus route is interesting but the cruise is the magic part of the excursion . 1.5 hour by boat in a wonderful fjord with waterfall and dolphins . Well organised .

The tour was very fun and well planned. Learnt a lot of information during the tour. It was a fun experience.

Debbie our bus driver and guide was passionate about making the experience positive, well done Debbie