Kayaking in Milford Sound

Description

Experience the unbelievably beautiful Milford Sound in the best way possible – by kayak. Considered by many as the eighth wonder of the world, Milford Sound, in Fiordland, New Zealand, is truly a remarkable sight. The amazing peaks that rise straight up from the shimmering surface offset its glassy, calm water. Ancient rainforests cling to the rocky cliff-faces and are parted by glorious waterfalls. Friendly groups of dolphins, seals and penguins inhabit the area and are easily spotted. This kayaking adventure is amazing and will create memories that you will hold for a lifetime.

Rosco’s Milford Kayaks are the longest established owner-operated sea kayaking business in New Zealand. With over twenty years’ worth of experience to back them up, Rosco’s pride themselves on their eco-friendly tours and are the only company to run kayak trips to the outer Fiord (including Stirling Falls). They offer a range of sea kayaking options to choose from but book early to avoid disappointment. All trips depart from Milford Sound besides the Sunriser, which can include transfers from Te Anau.

All Year Round Tours

Sunriser Classic – “Rosco’s original”
The Sunrise Classic is the most popular option during the summer and winter months. This adventure was pioneered by Rosco in 1991 and loops around Milford, giving you the chance to experience the best sights on offer.

• No experience required, minimum age is 14 years old
• 3.5 hours paddling time (10 km)
• Departs between 7.30 am and 10 am depending on the time of year and sunrise (5 hours return trip)
• Available all year 

Day Safari 
Begin the day with a memorable drive from Te Anau along the scenic Milford Road with your guide showcasing the best spots. Sit back and relax on this journey before your kayaking adventure kicks off. As you arrive in Milford prepare to join the Sunriser Classic kayak trip for an unforgettable excursion. 

• No experience required, minimum age is 14 years old
• 3.5 hours paddling time
• Departs between 5.45 am - 7.45 am from Te Anau (11 hour return trip)
• Available all year

Milford Cruiser - "Up close & personal"
The Milford Cruiser is a relaxing kayaking experience with breathtaking views of Milford & Lady Bowen Falls, the tallest waterfall at Milford Sound! This kayaking tour is the perfect experience for first-timers and those who want to enjoy a walk or cruise on Milford Sound, too. 

• No experience required, the minimum age is only 8 years old (25+kg)
• 2 hours paddling time (5km)
• Departs between 8 am - 11 am depending on the time of year and sunrise (3 hours return trip)
• Available all year

Summer Tours

Paddle n Walk – “The finest walk in the world”
This one-on-one after hours Milford Track experience is a must-do for those wanting to experience Milford Sound intimately. Beginning with a paddle across the gorgeous Deepwater Basin, you continue on to Sandfly Point for a gentle walk through the stunning rainforest.

• No experience needed, minimum age is 14 years old
• 1 hour paddling time (30 minutes there & 30 minutes back)
• 3.5 hour walk (10km)
• Departs 2pm (returns by 7.30pm)
• Available summer months only (Oct-Apr)

Kayak & Cruise Combo
Combine the Milford Cruiser Kayaking trip (2hrs) with a scenic boutique-style cruise on Milford Sound with Cruise Milford (2hrs).

• 2 hours Milford Cruiser Kayak Tour (5 km)
• 2 hours cruise on Milford Sound with Cruise Milford
• No experience required, the minimum age is only 8 years old (25+kg)
• Departs between 8 am - 10 am depending on the time of year and sunrise (5 hours return trip)
• Available summer months only (Oct-Apr)

Morning Glory – “The full length of Milford”
The Morning Glory is Rosco’s premium kayaking experience. With a small group limit (seven people); you can experience your beautiful surroundings in a more intimate setting. After paddling from Milford to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting), you will get to relax in the water taxi on your way back. This tour requires some paddling experience and a good level of fitness, as you may encounter waves and sea breeze.

• Experienced paddlers only
• 4 -5 hours paddling time
• Departs 6 am (returns by midday)
• Available summer months only (Nov-Apr)

Stirling Sunriser – “Go further, see more”
As part of a small group (seven people), you will enjoy an intimate, relaxed trip by water taxi to just beyond Stirling Falls (151m). On your kayak, you will have the chance to get up close to the waterfall, and even partway under it, if you’re brave enough! This exhilarating trip is a very popular option and is fun for all.

• No experience required
• 5 hours paddling time
• Departs 9 am (returns by 2 pm)
• Available summer months only (Nov-Apr)

Twilight Wind & Waves – “Adventure paddling at its best”
For the more adventurous kayakers, this experience takes your small group (seven people max.) along the same route as the Stirling Sunriser, but the afternoon breeze adds a bit of choppiness to the water. Most days allow for sailing and kayak surfing, giving an exciting edge to your journey; but the highlight of the trip is witnessing the gorgeous twilight views as you complete the journey, by floating into Deepwater Basin – simply amazing!

• Suitable for people with good water confidence
• 5 hours paddling time
• Departs 4 pm (returns by 9 pm)
• Available summer months only (Nov-Apr)

Trips Include

• 1 - 5 hours paddling in double kayaks (depending on tour)
• Experienced local guides
• Day Safari includes transfers from Te Anau
• Kayak & Cruise Combo includes a 2 hours cruise on Milford Sound

Duration

• Allow 3 - 6 hours
• Allow 11 hours for the Day Safari from Te Anau

Departures

• Early morning or mid afternoon
• Tours depart from Milford Sound (Day Safari departs from Te Anau)

Other Information

• If you are reasonably active you will find our trips fairly easy. If you want a longer challenging trip, book the Morning Glory – you will not be disappointed
• Minimum age is 14 years old, except for the Milford Cruiser the minimum age is only 8 years old
• We provide all specialist paddling attire designed to keep you warm & dry. Polypro undergarments & fleece, neoprene spray decks & gloves, paddle jackets, buoyancy aides & dry bags. Our changing “tent” is heated to a balmy 30 degrees C before & after our trips. Your bags & valuables will be stored in our lockers. We paddle safe, stable double kayaks with foot operated rudders
• Bring: a camera with a fresh set of batteries & plenty of film/memory (we supply a dry bag for it), lunch & snack food, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, insect repellent, shorts, soft shoes, warm fleece or wool hat, a spare pair of warm socks, rain jacket, towel, a change of clothes & finally a bag to keep everything in
• If the weather deteriorates too much to fly back to Queenstown after kayaking you will be put on a bus back, there will be no partial refund if this happens.
• If kayaking is cancelled you will be put on a cruise and partial refund given. 

Normal Retail Prices

• Sunriser Classic (14yrs+):
  • from Milford NZD$165.00
• Day Safari (14yrs+):
  • from Te Anau NZD$199.00
• Milford Cruiser :
  • Adult (15yrs+) from Milford NZD$139.00
  • Child (8 -14yrs) from Milford NZD$99.00
• Paddle n Walk (14yrs+):
  • from Milford NZD$149.00
• Kayak & Cruise Combo :
  • Adult (15yrs+) from Milford NZD$250.00
  • Child (8-14yrs) from Milford NZD$119.00
• Morning Glory (14yrs+):
  • from Milford NZD$230.00
• Stirling Sunriser (14yrs+):
  • from Milford NZD$225.00
• Twilight Wind & Waves (14yrs+):
  • from Milford NZD$225.00
• Fly-Kayak-Fly (Winter Only):
  • from Queenstown NZD$549.00