Ultimate Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Boat for Milford Sound Exploration

There’s an overwhelming number of cruise ships in Milford Sound, and the experience can vary significantly depending on the type of boat you choose. If you’re unsure about which one to pick, this guide will help you quickly determine the best option for you!

🎫 **How to Buy Tickets**
• Purchase your boat tickets 3 days in advance on the gofun official website. Not only can you check availability and select your boat online, but you can also take advantage of exclusive discounts. Don’t forget to claim them from me.

🚗 **Free/Paid Parking for Self-Drive**
📍 **Milford Sound Public Carpark**
💰 10 NZD per hour
✅ **Advantages**: Convenient and secure; just a 10-minute walk to the visitor center boarding point.
❌ **Disadvantages**: Irregular parking can lead to hefty fines. The parking lot uses cameras to issue penalties, so ensure you pay for the correct duration and use the right machine.

Avoid paying at the overnight boat parking machine if you’re on a day cruise, or you’ll face a fine!
👉 **Payment Method**: Enter your license plate number at the payment machine and follow the instructions. Payment machines are located at the entrance and exit of the parking lot, as well as inside the visitor center.

(Only credit/debit card payments accepted)

📍 **Deepwater Basin Parking Lot**
✅ **Advantages**: Free
❌ **Disadvantages**: No security, risk of car window breakage, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It takes approximately 20-25 minutes to walk to the visitor center boarding point, plus an additional 20 minutes for check-in, so plan for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

📍 **Overnight Boat Parking**
There is a designated area for overnight cruise parking. The cost for overnight parking is 30 NZD, and you must vacate by 11 AM the next day. A dedicated payment machine is available inside the visitor center. Guests of RealNZ overnight cruises can enjoy free parking in the overnight lot provided by their company.