Boat Cruise - Mitre Peak Cruises Milford Sound
from NZD$68.00
About
Description
Mitre Peak Cruises takes you into the very heart and soul of the Fiord, where the big boats can't go. Join us and experience the majestic natural beauty of Milford Sound. Up close and personal.
Mitre Peak Cruises offers regular two-hour cruises on Milford Sound traversing the deep waters of Milford. The only Milford cruise option that always goes past St Anne’s lighthouse, and out into the Tasman Sea, a Mitre Peak Cruise gives our passengers a chance to enter Milford Sound from the outside, approaching it just as the first sealers did at the end of the 18th century.
Our informative guides point out scenic highlights along the way, such as the Bowen Falls (dropping 160 metres seaward), Sinbad Gully (a classic example of a hanging valley), snow-capped Mount Pembroke, and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself, towering 1692 metres from the ocean floor.
Having smaller launches (approximately 20 metres) allows Mitre Peak Cruises to navigate closer to the shoreline, getting our passengers up close to the incredible surroundings. Purpose-built for Milford waters, the boats make great viewing platforms should we encounter the local fur seal colonies – once nearly hunted to extinction – the rare Fiordland crested penguins or pods of dusky dolphins.
With more rainfall than any other part of New Zealand, Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound provide spectacular scenery whatever the weather.
Milford Underwater Observatory
A visit to the Milford Deep Underwater Observatory allows visitors to descend 10.4 metres below the Sound’s surface to witness the vibrant underwater life first hand.
The fully air-conditioned viewing room provides a unique opportunity to view the real life environment below the surface of the fiord – so different from the artificial environment of an aquarium. Rare black and red corals can be seen as well as anemones, sponges, sea stars, horse mussels and a multitude of fish.
Trip Includes
- Two hour Milford Sound cruise (longest cruise of all the boats)
- Free tea and coffee on board
- Knowledgeable guides and informative commentary
- Optional visit to the Underwater Observatory (extra cost)
Duration
- 2 hours
- Allow an extra hour if you visit the Underwater Observatory
Departures
- Operates all year round (rain, hail or shine)
- Summer - 8.55am, 9.55am, 11.10am, 1.35pm, 2.50pm & 4.30pm
- Winter - 9.55am, and 2.50pm
- Departs from main visitor terminal in Milford Sound (5hrs from Queenstown)
Location
- Milford Sound is located in the Fiordland National Park, 2.5 hours drive past Te Anau and 4 hours drive from Queenstown
Other Information
- Purpose built, all weather vessels offer superior comfort and personalised service
- Maximum capacity on board the boat is 75 passengers. We limit our numbers to keep our cruises uncrowded enhancing your enjoyment and appreciation of this spectacular wilderness area
- Complimentary tea & coffee
- Children 4 years old and under are free
- Milford Sound is located 4.5hrs drive from Queenstown and 2.5hrs from Te Anau
- Underwater Observatory not available with 2.50pm cruise