Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, South Island, New Zealand
4.5 (258 reviews) Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent Ranking #2 in Southland Region Speciality Museums
Small boat the best
Had a 3 hour tour, with a picnic, such a nice little treat, they even made me a vegan sandwich. We say dolphins, seals, and a rare Yellow Crested Penguin, the Captain made sure he circled the around so we could get a good look at the marine life, and waterfalls. I was a rainy day, so there were a million beautiful waterfalls, just lovely experience.
Address
Milford Wharf Harrison Cove, Milford Sound, New Zealand.
Mobile
Website
http://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/milford-sound/milford-discovery-centre-milford-deep-underwater-observatory
Working hours
Monday : 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday : 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday : 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday : 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday : 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday : 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday : 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 13:24
User Ratings
4.5 based on (258 reviews)
Reviews
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5gpbc 5:00 PM Feb 18, 2020
Amazing Bus and Boat Trip
On Nov 15, we took a Southern Discoveries Tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound. The bus driver took us on a long drive to get around the mountain ranges but the views were wonderful. There were dense rainforests, glacier-carved valleys, and beautiful waterfalls. He mentioned so much about the history of the land and the people. Eventually, we drove through the Homer Tunnel, which is 1.2 km long. Once we came out, our bus seemed so small compared to the spectacular mountain valley. Milford Sound is actually a fiord that is flanked on both sides by sheer mountain rock face. It’s 16 km long. There are two permanent waterfalls and hundreds of temporary ones coming down the mountains. Given that the fiord gets over 200 days of rain, there will be more waterfalls on a rainy day. There are seals, dolphins, penguins in the area who might be seen. We boarded a cruise boat that showed spectacular views even though it was a very rainy day. On the last part of the cruise, we were dropped off at the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, which is suspended 10 metres below the water. The underwater guide taught about the sound, and the diversity of the underwater fishes and vegetation. The top of the water in the fiord is fresh water and the remaining is seawater. We boarded the boat again and made our way back to the main port. After the cruise, we headed back to Queenstown. The trip took about 10 hours but it was worth it.
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4Stu T 5:00 PM Oct 24, 2021
Great Cruise
Milford Sound is such a spectacular place, but you can't take in all of it from the township, so going a cruise is essential. We did the 3-hour Discover More Cruise this time. I've done cruises before on prior visits bit this was the first time we'd included the Underwater Observatory. The cruise itself is amazing. Regardless of whether it's a fine day or pouring with rain that makes endless waterfalls, it's spectacular either way. My daughter was disappointed that we didn't see dolphins, but we did see the seals. The Underwater Observatory was interesting, but if you're pressed for time I wouldn't call it essential. The lunch provided was great, plenty of food. The commentary from the captain was pretty good (but not as good as the Te Anau Glow Worm Cave trip). Without the international tourists, it was blissfully quiet, which made it even better. I dread the day that the floodgates open and it gets overwhelmed again.
