Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre — Attraction in Fiordland Community

Southern Discoveries’ Milford Sound experience is an unparalleled adventure that transports you into a realm of awe-inspiring natural beauty. From the moment you step aboard their modern vessel, you are treated to a world-class excursion that leaves an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

The journey through Milford Sound is a mesmerizing tapestry of breathtaking landscapes. Towering peaks, veiled in mist, frame the glassy waters below. Cascading waterfalls, like delicate ribbons of silver, cascade down the lush green cliffs, creating a symphony of sound and sight. The serenity and untouched magnificence of this World Heritage-listed site are simply unparalleled.

The crew of Southern Discoveries is a perfect blend of professionalism and warmth. They skillfully navigate the vessel, ensuring your comfort and safety while imparting fascinating knowledge about the region. Their passion for the area shines through their commentary, adding depth and context to the natural wonders that unfold before your eyes.

Mitre Peak, a symbol of Milford Sound’s grandeur, rises majestically from the depths of the fjord. As you draw closer, the sheer scale and beauty of this iconic mountain captivate your senses. The boat takes you within close proximity, allowing you to appreciate the intricacies of its form and the magnitude of its presence.

The experience offered by Southern Discoveries extends beyond the boat journey. Optional add-ons, such as kayaking or scenic flights, provide opportunities to explore Milford Sound from different perspectives, adding an extra layer of adventure to your visit. These activities immerse you even further into the natural wonders, revealing hidden coves, unique wildlife, and breathtaking vistas.

Moreover, Southern Discoveries’ commitment to environmental conservation is commendable. They actively engage in sustainable practices and prioritize the preservation of Milford Sound’s pristine ecosystem. By choosing Southern Discoveries, you contribute to the protection of this extraordinary natural sanctuary.

In conclusion, Southern Discoveries’ Milford Sound experience is an unforgettable odyssey into the heart of nature’s grandeur. With its knowledgeable crew, breathtaking vistas, and dedication to conservation, it is an excursion that surpasses expectations. Prepare to be awestruck, inspired, and forever changed by the ethereal beauty of...

Misleading ,unethical and  "Not Sorry" "Can't do anything" attitude from the Reservations & Front Desk

Southern Discoveries does not liaise with their online/website deal partners and expect customers to liase with them instead and check the details.

I have booked my tickets online and reached to the Milford Terminal on time (at 10:30 am stated in my ticket)

The ticket clearly mentions Nature Cruise & Entry to Milford Sound Underwater Observatory and total tour time is 3 Hours.

On my arrival at 10:30 my name was not in the list and front staff told me to go in the available cruise there ( which looked fishy to me but I focused on Cruise instead)

Later on when we were back to the terminal, I realized that the cruise was for only 2 hours, whereas we paid for 3 hours cruise including entry to underwater observatory.

So, I rushed to the front desk and checked and the blame game begun.

1st they told : You didnt pay for Underwater Observatory and Your ticket is for Nature Cruise.( Certainly trying to leverage benefits of doubt). 2nd response : after showing my online booking details they say , it is just mentioned in highlight but you dont actually get the entry tickets. And they mentioned that they checked with reservations as well. 3rd response : Then I managed to call reservations immidiately and they said that Cruise was at 9:30 but you came late.(Thats the lamest reply I've ever got). My ticket says 10:30 cruise time and 9:30 is nowhere mentioned how would I know.

This looked completely dodgy to me and I didnt agree on it at all.

I clearly remember why I selected these guys over jucy and real journeys ,because of 3 hours and entry to underwater observatory.

I would have ignored this incident but Being a responsible citizen its my duty to bring this forward and if you do this to some international traveller it may hamper the image of our beautiful Aoteroa & its people (can't risk all the efforts our NZ government putting into tourism) I know you guys are getting commercialised and loosing kiwiness but I didn't expect to be...

I'll start by saying that we were initially unsure which company to choose for our Milford Sound cruise, as they all seemed quite similar and had both good and bad reviews. At the last minute—literally just 12 hours before the trip—we decided to book with Southern Discoveries, swayed by something we saw on their Instagram account.

On 13.10.24 we went on a breathtaking cruise to Milford Sound with them, opting for their Coach & Cruise from Queenstown. We departed from the Frankton bus hub in Queenstown at 6:40. The spacious seats on the bus really surprised us - super comfortable for the journey! Our driver = guide, Benjamin was incredibly knowledgeable, had a great sense of humor, and drove very well, making the trip even more enjoyable.

The journey included several stops: our first refreshing break was at Alpine Centre Cafe & Bar in Te Anau for 30 minutes. We then stopped at Elington Flats and enjoyed the spectacular view, followed by a stop at the beautiful Mirror Lakes. Another quick stop at Knobs Flat toilets allowed us to refresh before we visited Monkey Creek to spot the native Kea bird. Our last stop before boarding the cruise was at The Chasm which is a short 10-minuts round walk.

The cruise itself departed at 12:45 and lasted for 1 hour and 45 minutes. It was absolutely spectacular - we were also lucky enough to see a few penguins and seals lounging on the rocks, which added to the experience!

We brought all our drinks and food with us, so we didn't buy anything on the trip. One thing to note is that the temperature inside the bus was sometimes pretty cold, so make sure to bring warm clothes to wear during the drive. Our experience was absolutely amazing and we highly recommend it for anyone wanting an unforgettable Milford...