A New Zealand must-do, Piopiotahi Milford Sound has been called the 8th wonder of the world and there’s no better way to experience it than up close on a cruise.

The cruises depart from Freshwater Basin - the end of the Milford Road. The cruise will take you out to the Tasman Sea and as you marvel at the prehistoric landscape, carved by glaciers. Look out for wildlife, including dolphins, seals or even penguins. A highlight of the cruise is getting close to Stirling Falls. At 150m tall, it is taller than a 50 storey building, but the scale of the cliffs make it look small. 

The Southern Discoveries Nature Cruise is my top recommendation as it also visits the underwater observatory, where you can see deep sea coral and learn more about the incredible conditions that allow rare flora and fauna to exist here.

Remember: Fiordland (the region) receives 8m of rainfall over 200 days of the year - that’s more rain than the Amazon Rainforest! Expect that it will be wet, but celebrate if you get a day with sunshine. Book in advance, particularly during peak summer season.

Personal tip: Take a raincoat, but get ready on the front deck for Stirling Falls, you’ll get wet, but it’s a fun experience and you’ve just gotta do it! If you love Milford Sound, you will also love Doubtful Sound.

Pronunciation: Piopiotahi: pee-or-pee-or-tah-hee