The Government's helping protect a tourism crown jewel - with a cash injection for Milford Sound.

It's putting more more than $15 million into a new alpine walk, clearing landfills and upgrading amenities and flood protection - much coming from the visitor levy.

Cruise ships will be permitted back into inner parts of the Sound. 

Southland Mayor Rob Scott says it's essential the ships don't take away from the experience for others.

He explained if lots of cruise ships are blocking the view of Mitre Peak, no one gets the experience. 

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