Fiordland - Scenic Cruising

Fiordland National Park is a World Heritage Site and includes Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds which cruise ships will cruise by.

Milford Sound (Piopiotahi in Māori) is perhaps the most famous of all, with its well photographed, Mitre Peak.

Ironically, Milford like Doubtful and Dusky, are all fiords, but were incorrectly termed sounds by Captain Cook who charted the region in the 1770’s. The word ‘sounds’ subsequently appeared on maps and remains to this day.

Milford Sound (Piopiotahi in Māori) is a fiord in the south west of New Zealand's South Island, within Fiordland National Park, which is also classified as a World Heritage Site.

Milford Sound is a popular and scenically stunning place to visit. Milford’s abruptly carved peaks are majestic, with the dramatic figure of Mitre Peak rising from the fiord.

Some cruise ships offer overland tours to Queenstown, Mount Cook and Dunedin. Ask your cruise ship for more information. The drive into and out of Milford is a journey in itself in terms of the beautiful scenery you will view en route and can only be accessed on an overland tour.

Doubtful Sound on the other hand is more subdued. The rounded hills put up a greater resistance to glaciation so are not as dramatically carved into the abrupt cliff faces that appear in Milford, but the scenery is still awe inspiring.

Wildlife is slightly more abundant here so you have a higher chance of seeing the resident pod of dolphins or penguins and seals.

Cruise ship visits to Fiordland National Park tend to be scenic cruises as there are many restrictions on the use of ship's tenders for environmental and safety reasons.

Fiordland - Things to see and do

Activities in Fiordland National Park tend to focus on cruising the fiords, including the world famous Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, and hiking or walking in the national park.

To learn more about the Fiordland region, visit fiordland.org.nz.