Amazing trip to Milford Sound. From the moment of booking, the Real Journeys team pay incredible attention to detail, resulting in an effortless trip. Che, our bus driver, was informative and funny. The trip to Milford was beautiful, and the team stops for bio breaks every couple of hours. Once on the boat, the cabins were larger than anticipated (though still small, boat cabins), with comfortable beds and cozy pillows. Bob, the chef, puts out a very good spread, including veal, beef, chicken and vegetarian options. The crew couldn’t have been nicer and more helpful. The scenery of Milford is indescribably beautiful - don’t miss an opportunity to see this incredible place!
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Milford Sound Overnight Cruises
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This overnight cruise through the heart of Fiordland provides astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound adventure.
You’ll start by departing from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon before cruising through Milford Sound accompanied by our specialist nature guide. They’ll explain the history and geology of the area and be on hand to answer your questions.
This cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and, if you’re lucky, maybe dolphins and penguins too.
The Fiordland Navigator then anchors in a sheltered cove. From here you can join the guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) or kayaks. If you prefer, you can simply relax on deck and soak in the beauty of this amazing place. If you’re feeling brave there’s always the option of a refreshing swim too. All activities are weather dependent.
As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon – a feast prepared freshly by our on-site chef. Then it’s time to relax in the company of your fellow traveller, indulge in some star-gazing and story-sharing or simply retire to your private cabin.
The next day you’ll be able to dig into a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the fiord.
Things you should know
- The trip duration is for 1 night
- Accommodation onboard the Fiordland Navigator (sleeps 72):
- Private cabins with ensuites bathrooms (twin, double or single occupancy)
- Quad share bunk-style compartments (shared bathrooms)
- There’s a three course buffet dinner including appetisers, soups, salads, hot dishes and a selection of desserts and cheeses (vegetarian options available)
- A full buffet breakfast with cooked and continental options is served
- There is a licensed bar on board. Due to the remote location, we can only accept cash
- Kayaking and tender craft (small boat) activities included
Extra Information
- Duvets, sheets and towels provided
- Suitable for all ages, with the exception of infants in quad share
- Complimentary tea and coffee is available
Departure Times
The trip leaves from the Milford Sound Terminal at 4.30pm and returns by 9.30am the following day.
You are required to check-in at the RealNZ counter 30min before your departure time.
Getting there
The journey to Milford Sound is just as spectacular as the destination itself. Milford Sound is around 5-6 hours (one-way) from Queenstown and around 3 hours from Te Anau by road.
Free parking is available for Overnight Cruise passengers in the RealNZ Bus Parking.
By far the most satisfying way to experience Milford (or Doubtful) Sound is to do an overnight cruise; it gives you more time in the fjord when it's at its best—first thing in the morning and early evening.
Fodors.com
What to bring
Only one carry-on bag is recommended for passenger convenience and for safety reasons. Don't forget the following:
- Non-slip walking shoes/boots
- Waterproof jacket *
- Warm sweater/fleece jacket
- Change of clothes *
- Sunscreen/sunglasses
- Insect repellent *
- Swimwear (optional)
- Camera
- Cash for bar and snacks
- Small bag only
* Essential items if you are doing activities. Activities take place even if it is raining.
About the Fiordland Navigator
The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords
- Sleeps 72
- Private cabins with ensuites (twin or double bed configuration)
- Quad-share bunk-style compartments with shared bathroom facilities (mixed gender)
- Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and observation lounge
- Carries kayaks and tender craft onboard
FAQs
In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.
Our places. Our experiences. Milford and Doubtful Sounds, NZ.
Milford Sound at the mountainous north end of Fiordland National Park is the classic fiord - a deep water inlet between steep sided high mountains. Milford Sound is a middle-sized fiord at around 13 kms in length and it is famous for its dramatic scenery, especially Mitre Peak. This fiord is the most accessible of Fiordland National Park’s 14 fiords and it can be reached by bus, car or flight connections from Queenstown.
Doubtful Sound is located in the heart of Fiordland National Park where the mountains are still very impressive but not as high as Milford Sound. Doubtful Sound is three times longer and has a sea surface area roughly ten times larger than Milford Sound. Its three arms are Hall, Crooked and First Arm. It is famous for its wilderness scenery and wildlife sightings. To get to Doubtful Sound visitors first take a launch trip across Lake Manapouri and drive over Wilmot Pass.
Visitors with enough time choose to visit both fiords as they have different characters.
Our places. Our experiences. Milford Sound Overnight Cruises.