It was Churrrrr! Hope i have use it in the correct kiwi-way ◡̈ - My family and I enjoyed the day trip with Southern Discoveries (SD). From the pick-up at our hotel, seamless check-in at the SD reception in downtown Queenstown, to the detailed and funny stories from our driver/guide (Shayle), it was awesome/Chur ! Kudos especially to Shayle from bringing us safely (despite meeting some road conditions/obstructions) and sharing so many interesting facts and stories.

Amazing experience. - I've had 4 attempts over 55 years to see Milford Sound, and I finally have. It was everything I was hoping for. The staff were amazing! We arrived a couple of hours earlier than we were booked for, and were told we could get the early boat that was just about to leave. The scenery was breathtaking, commentary was informative and funny. You have to listen to the captains little jokes. The picnic lunch was great, the boat itself was very comfortable. The parking is expensive and the signage was confusing. Heard a few people ask the exact same question we asked.

Amazing - Amazing Amazing Amazing 👏 To the young lady at I information in Lake Te Anau i wish i knew your name.. thank you thank you my wife and i were given special seating in the tour bus...also our amazing bus driver Stan (Southern Discovery) his pronounciation of the Maori names was quite simply beautiful nga mihi nga mihi nga mihi kia a koe Stan...My wife and i were so humbled to hear our language spoken with such clarity...KIA ORA

You have to see the Milford Sound by boat. - Super fun excursion. The captain pointed out wildlife, we saw dolphins and fur seals. Told us about the geology and history of the Sound. And the views were beyond amazing. We had the buffet and there was something for every taste. I completely recommend this cruise you will not be disappointed.

Incredible! - This was amazing! Incredible cruise and most breathtaking views! By far one of the best things to have seen in New Zealand.

Beautiful Views with Boxed Lunch - No one can dispute the views while on the tour are amazing, whether in rain or sunshine. However one would have expected much more detailed information on the geology of the area or history. It was basically a boat ride not a tour by any means.

Cranky staff - The views were great. Service staff were not helpful. EFTPOS facilities need updating. It was expensive for what it was.

Disappointed - A long way to drive for a very short boat ride. We were crammed in a boat with a lot of people, stuck in a line for our meal, which was just mediocre food. You have a tray of food, no where to walk, reserved seats all around you by the windows, nowhere to sit - it was awkward and annoying. Boat trip was going on while trying to get food, so you could not look out and see things. So many people and nothing special. It was pretty, mountains are steep, but it went by so fast. Captain mumbled and you couldn’t understand everything he was saying, just some words here and there. None of the servers at the meal looked happy or like they wanted to serve you - more like they were annoyed you were there. For how long you drive to get there, they should make this ride out in the sound longer and more special, make it worth the trip - I would not do this one again.

Good scenery - mediocre cruise with rubbish buffet - Purchased the cruise including buffet to complete our journey in NZ and was to be the highlight of the trip. Drove from Te Anau to Milford Sound. This was definitely 10/10. Picked up the tickets and passed several staff who greeted us whilst embarking the ship. Took our seats and awaited the start of the 11:15am cruise. About 20 minutes later we were away. An announcement was made that the buffet would be closing in 5 minutes. Generally, I have been on other cruises where food is at the end of the trip and not before noon. Went to the buffet and it was rice, noodles, limp lettuce, quinoa, pork belly, small chicken wings and potato bake. The food had been clearly sitting there at least an hour as the sauce had developed a thick skin on it. Not worth the $70AUD paid. I only ate 2 mouthfuls and returned my plate, mentioning to a staff member there how bad it was, who just shrugged and said 'oh ok' - very disinterested. The rest of the cruise was a little better, but it did not get close to the waterfalls and returned after about 1h 15mins. There were 2 young male tour guides doing their best to impress the young female tourists only, which at least provided for some amusement. Limited narration was provided that was a bit uninspiring - I think he was concentrating on moving the ship. Overall, I would suggest packing your own lunch or buy some in Te Anau. I would not recommend this tour operator. Try a smaller cruise. The staff lack any enthusiasm or professionalism, and this is evident in the experience received. I did receive a partial refund of the buffet from Natalija N. as a 'gesture of goodwill'. It was evident from their email that my complaints were not believed and that no improvements would be made. Milford Sound remains a must see for anyone visiting New Zealand's South Island.

Great location, poor sightseeing cruise and really lowsy food - Purchased the cruise including buffet to complete our journey in NZ and was to be the highlight of the trip. Drove from Te Anau to Milford Sound. The drive was definitely 10/10. Picked up the tickets and passed several staff who greeted us whilst embarking the ship. Took our seats and awaited the start of the 11:15am cruise. About 20 minutes later we were away. An announcement was made that the buffet would be closing in 5 minutes. Generally I have been on other cruises where food is at the end of the trip and not before noon. Went to the buffet and it was rice, noodles, limp lettuce, quinoa, pork belly, small chicken wings and potato bake. The food had been clearly sitting there at least an hour as the sauce had developed a thick skin on it. Not worth the $70AUD paid. I only ate 2 mouthfuls and returned my plate, mentioning to a staff member there how bad it was, who just shrugged and said 'oh ok' - very disinterested. The rest of the cruise was a little better, but it did not get close to the waterfalls and returned after about 1h 15mins. There were 2 young male tour guides doing their best to impress the young female tourists only, which at least provided for some amusement. Limited narration was provided that was a bit uninspiring - I think he was concentrating on moving the ship. Overall, I would suggest packing your own lunch or buy some in Te Anau. I would not recommend this tour operator. Try a smaller cruise. The staff lack any enthusiasm or professionalism and this is evident in the experience received. I did receive a partial refund of the buffet from Natalija N. as a 'gesture of goodwill'. It was evident from their email that my complaints were not believed and that no improvements would be made. Milford Sound remains a must see for anyone visiting New Zealand's South Island.