Milford Sound Cruise - RealNZ

Highlights

Inclusions

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 565 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 1Rude and Disrespectful Driver

  I was extremely disappointed with the behaviour of our driver, Brian S, on my Milford Sound coach and cruise trip. I had placed my backpack on the empty seat next to me because no one was sitting there. Without saying a word or asking me to move it, Brian grabbed my backpack and threw it onto my legs. I found this unnecessarily rude and disrespectful. When I then tried to stand up because I wanted to keep some distance from him, he shouted “SIT!” at me in front of the other passengers. It was humiliating and completely inappropriate. Later, when the bus had stopped, I moved to a different empty seat because I no longer felt comfortable sitting near him. When Brian saw that I was sitting somewhere else, he again commanded me to go back and sit where I had originally been. I had to tell him, “I can choose where I sit.” I could not understand why a paying adult passenger needed to be ordered around in this manner when there were empty seats available and the bus was stopped. He also repeatedly shushed passengers while speaking on the microphone. I understand that a driver may need passengers to listen during important announcements, but there is a respectful and professional way to communicate with adults. His manner came across as unnecessarily controlling and patronising. I paid NZD 339 for this experience. At that price, I expected professional and respectful customer service. I did not pay NZD 339 to be treated like a dog or a four-year-old child. The Milford Sound scenery itself was beautiful, but the driver’s behaviour seriously affected my experience. For a premium-priced tour, the standard of customer service should be much higher. I would like the company to investigate Brian S’s conduct and provide an explanation as to why he handled my belongings without asking, shouted at me in front of other passengers, and attempted to dictate where I could sit when other seats were available. Based on my experience, I found the tour overpriced for the level of service provided.

  worlds910October 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5We loved this experience....

  We loved this experience. The boat trip over was amazing to see and hear about Lake Te Anau. Walking through the cave was a fun experience and something different! Going in the little boat in the cave was super cool.

  kirstenmiller04September 2026via Viator

• 5Stunning day, wish it was...

  Stunning day, wish it was raining for all the waterfalls. Got to see some penguins and fur seals so was good

  Cody_ESeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Stunning Experience

  Absolutely stunning experience! The Milford Sound cruise offered breathtaking views of the mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife. The crew was friendly and informative, and the whole trip was smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommended!

  J4091HDleoniehSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Unforgettable

  Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the journey into Milford and back. We went on a rainy day and there really were 1000’s of waterfalls. I don’t know how anything can better that experience. The Milford Haven was fantastic and the staff were excellent.

  Liam_GSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Great Experience

  Terrific experience. We'll worth it. One of the best views on out bus trip.

  ThekeydetSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in Fiordland & Milford Sound

• Its from-price is 48% below the median of the 28 experiences we list in Fiordland & Milford Sound.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 6 of 28.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Fiordland & Milford Sound

Fiordland is the wild south-west corner of New Zealand's South Island, a land of deep fiords, rainforest and lakes, home to Milford Sound.

Fiordland National Park fills the south-western corner of the South Island, a mountainous wilderness of glacier-carved fiords, lakes and temperate rainforest listed by UNESCO as part of Te Wāhipounamu. Milford Sound, in Māori Piopiotahi, is a steep-sided fiord where Mitre Peak rises about 1,700 metres straight from the water. It is one of the wettest places on Earth, and in heavy rain temporary waterfalls appear down every wall.

Top-ranked sights in Fiordland & Milford Sound: Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Mitre Peak .

See all 28 experiences in Fiordland & Milford Sound