Southern Discoveries – Milford Sound Cruises

Southern Discoveries is Milford Sound's original and longest-running cruise operator, locally and family owned with over 70 years of experience on the water. Their signature Nature Cruise takes guests the full length of Piopiotahi / Milford Sound on modern catamarans with full-height windows, 360° outdoor viewing decks, and live commentary from the skipper. Wildlife encounters with NZ fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and Fiordland crested penguins are a regular highlight, alongside close passes to Stirling Falls and Lady Bowen Falls. Options include self-drive cruise, coach and cruise from Queenstown or Te Anau (not wheelchair accessible), and fly-cruise-fly packages via scenic flight.

Inclusive statement

Southern Discoveries has worked with MakingTrax to make the Milford Sound experience accessible to guests of all abilities. The Pride of Milford vessel is specifically designed with full wheelchair accessibility in mind, and the team goes out of their way to ensure every guest can experience this extraordinary place comfortably.

Good to know

The two wheelchair-accessible vessels are the Pride of Milford and Spirit of Milford — both board via ramp access directly from the wharf. The Pride of Milford is fully wheelchair accessible with excellent onboard mobility throughout. Note that Southern Discoveries cannot always guarantee which vessel will operate your cruise, as vessel allocation depends on daily schedules, passenger numbers and charter requirements — contact in advance if wheelchair accessibility is essential. Accessible toilets are available at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal prior to boarding. Parking at Freshwater Basin (paid, $10/hr) is a 10-minute step-free walk to the terminal; free parking at Deepwater Basin is a 25-minute walk. Four mobility car parks are located directly at the terminal (follow "Coaches Only" signage — charges apply). Contact MakingTrax for fly-cruise-fly and power wheelchair arrangements. We have yet to develop an Access Guide — please contact us directly. We are not quite Adapting Aotearoa Endorsed as have yet to develop an Access Guide, although currently going through the Endorsement Process