Milford Sound is a rare environment where the high annual rainfall coupled with the distinctive narrow shape of the fiord, causes a phenomenon called “Deep Water Emergence”. This is when a layer of fresh water lies over the sea – replicating the deep ocean environment, but at a much shallower depth.

Nestled amongst the towering mountains of Fiordland National Park, The Milford Deep Underwater Observatory offers visitors a rare glimpse of deep sea life, a type of underwater world usually only found below 40 metres in the open sea.

Your incredible journey into the sea begins with a 10 metre descent down a spiralling staircase into a spacious and air-conditioned viewing chamber.

From here, you have an undisturbed 360º view of the ocean.

Unlike an aquarium, the fish are free to come and go, you can see sea stars climbing the rock face, black coral feeding in front of the windows.

It’s a world of primeval creatures, exotic habitats and the fascinating sights of the ocean depths!

Prepare to immerse yourself in another world where the secrets of the deep come to life all around you.

You are never sure whether an octopus, a seal or any ocean predator may appear from the unfathomable dark water of the fiord.

Marvel at anemones, sponges, sea stars, horse mussels and fish. What happens here is completely natural.