Milford: Open for business
The New Zealand Government’s June 2025 announcement that cruise ships will continue to be allowed into Milford Sound addresses one of three major challenges facing the country’s cruise sector.
The other two challenges are the cost of cruising in New Zealand, and the lack of local facilities for vessel hull cleaning to address biofouling concerns.
Eight years ago, a collaboration called the Milford Opportunities Project was formed to address growing visitor numbers and environmental pressures in the sound. One of the group’s key recommendations released in 2021 was to prohibit cruise ships from entering the inner harbour of Milford Sound. The resulting uncertainty led to some cruise lines reconsidering New Zealand in their future itineraries.
Chief Executive Kevin Winders: “The recent announcement is a good start in rebuilding New Zealand’s brand from ‘closed to cruise’, to ‘always open for business’.”
Milford house removes risk
Port Otago now has a small pilot accommodation unit in Milford Sound, removing weather-related risk around marine pilot access via the road.
Our pilots are delivered to cruise vessels several kilometres out in the Tasman Sea beyond Fiordland’s sounds, departing from Milford Sound township on the pilot vessel. It is therefore critical that they are safely in Milford the previous evening. Without a Fiordland-qualified pilot on board, a cruise vessel cannot enter the sounds.
Jodi Taylor managed the build project: “We can now handle any last-minute weather and schedule changes, because our kaimahi are able to stay in Milford Sound, as required. Previously, it was a scramble to try and find beds in a very busy tourist location with limited facilities. This guarantees our pilots have a place to sleep, rest and eat.”
