Overnight Milford Sound Cruise Aboard the Milford Mariner

Itinerary

Day 1: Queenstown- Milford Sound

You will be picked up from your hotel in Queenstown and taken in a luxury glass-roofed air-conditioned coach for an overnight cruise in the stunningly beautiful Milford Sound. The journey from Queenstown to Milford takes about 5 hours.

Enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary in English only (interpretative hand-outs will also be handed out in French, German and Spanish). Stop in Te Anau for a short break and to purchase lunch (payable direct) before the excursion continues along the spectacular Milford Road.

The Milford Road (between Te Anau and Milford) is New Zealand’s remotest highway providing access to spectacular mountain valleys. The alpine views are breathtaking and a highlight of any visit to Milford Sound. There will be photo stops and short walks along the way.

Arrive at Milford Sound.

Board the Milford Mariner for a scenic overnight cruise of the full length of Milford Sound.

Designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow to reflect Fiordland's heritage, the Milford Mariner has been custom-built to accommodate private cabins with ensuite bathrooms. It has a spacious dining saloon, observation lounge and large open deck areas, providing excellent viewing opportunities of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. A comprehensive commentary is presented throughout the cruise.

Departing from the Milford Wharf, the Milford Mariner cruises the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The fiord is flanked by sheer cliffs, and dominated by the towering Mitre Peak. You can also see Anita Bay, Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls from your vessel.

The vessel explores in a leisurely way many points of interest, with an experienced nature guide on board.

Keep a lookout for wildlife, especially fur seals basking on the rocks. There is plenty of time for you to go exploring in the kayaks and tender craft and relax on deck.

After reaching the open sea, and as the shadows deepen the Milford Mariner returns under sail (weather permitting) to Harrison Cove for the night.

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres followed by a delicious four-course buffet in the cosy Dining Salon of the vessel and listen to the sounds of the night. Beverages are sold at the licensed, on board bar. (Vegetarian options are available, and must be stated at the time of booking.)

Overnight on the Milford Mariner .

Day 2: Depart Milford Sound – Arrive in Queenstown

After a hearty cooked breakfast on board the vessel the next morning, there is further cruising before returning to the Milford Wharf.

The Milford Mariner will again return to the disembarkation area. Board your coach once more for the return journey home. If you have chosen the flight option, you will be taken to the airport to catch your return flight to Queens town.

Arrive in Queens town where your tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel.

Return time for Cruise option: It arrives Queens town on day 2 at 03:30pm.

Return time for Cruise + fly option: It arrives Queens town on day 2 at 11:40am.