From NZD
$6500
Preservation Inlet Discovery Expeditions
Join us on the ultimate voyage of discovery on an exploration of five of New Zealand’s southernmost and seldom visited fiords; Chalky and Preservation Inlets as well as the stunning Doubtful, Dusky and Breaksea Sounds.
Preservation and Chalky inlets offer remote wind-swept coastlines and grand sweeping beaches. In the past, the natural harbours in this area attracted early whalers and miners. Only a few traces of their attempts to tame the landscape still remain. You’ll experience the extreme isolation of this inspirational wilderness, its beauty, wildlife and fascinating history.
From aboard the purpose-built Milford Wanderer you will trace the route Captain Cook took during his historic 1773 voyage to seek out the hypothetical Terra Australis. During your cruise, you will land on beautiful beaches and spend time exploring the coastline via tender craft and kayak. View the island sanctuary set aside by New Zealand’s first conservationist Richard Henry and enjoy the rich wildlife you will encounter on the cruise.
With on-board nature guides, great facilities and outstanding food, all your needs are catered for against an awe-inspiring natural backdrop.
More Information
- 7 day expedition cruise of Doubtful, Breaksea and Dusky Sounds and Preservation and Chalky Inlets (with 1-way helicopter transfer included)
- On-board specialist nature guides who provide informative commentary and evening talks
- Guided walks through rainforest and along beautiful deserted shorelines
- Visit historic sites and abandoned settlements
- Tender craft and kayaks for exploration of the coastline
- Coach connections from Te Anau and Queenstown at extra cost
True adventure doesn’t follow an itinerary
Our crew are experts in the area with years of experience and ensure you are getting the very best bespoke experience. Every night they will advise of the plan for the following day to give you plenty of time to take it in. Weather, tides and sea conditions all play a role in the planning, as does the ability of the group.
Therefore, the sample journey is a general guide only, all trips are subject to change based on weather conditions and crew judgment and that’s what makes this expedition unique.
Where time allows, additional walks, tender craft exploration and kayaking activities are offered.
Preservation Inlet – 7 days with heli-out
Day 1 - Manapouri to Breaksea Sound
Cruise across Lake Manapouri, coach over stunning Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound. Board the Milford Wanderer and cruise out of Doubtful Sound with a 3-hour sea passage to Breaksea Sound to conclude the day.
Day 2 - Breaksea Sound to Dusky Sound
Cruise through Acheron passage to Dusky Sound and visit the Shag Islands and Sportsman Cove. In the afternoon visit Luncheon Cove, the site of New Zealand’s first European and sealers settlement. Optional guided walk (2.5km) over predator free Anchor Island.
Day 3 - Explore Dusky Sound
Start the day with a visit to early conservationist Richard Henry’s house site on Pigeon Island. Cruise Facile harbour, site of NZ’s first known European shipwreck. Cruise through Earshell Cove and the narrow channels of Resolution Island to The Basin for a walk or some kayaking.
Day 4 - Dusky Sound to Chalky Inlet
Visit Pickersgill Harbour and Astronomers Pt - named and used by Cook during his five week stay in 1773. Three hour sea passage to Chalky Inlet. Walk on the beach at South Port visiting the old sawmill site. Anchor at North Port near the rusting hulk of the 1800s government steam ship “Stella”.
Day 5 - Chalky Inlet to Preservation Inlet
In the morning visit the town site of Cromarty and the mining relics of Te Oneroa with the option of a 5km return walk to Puysegur Point Light House in afternoon.
Day 6 - Preservation Inlet
Visit Tarawera smelter’s reclining brick chimney and the site of NZ’s first operational whaling station at Cuttle Cove. Take in the golden beaches of Spit Island.
Day 7 - Preservation Inlet to Manapouri
Helicopter from Weka Island Barge to West Arm of Manapouri – flights commencing from 11am. Then cruise across Lake Manapouri to complete your journey at the RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre.
Preservation Inlet – 7 days with heli-in
Day 1 - Manapouri to Preservation Inlet
Cruise from RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre to West Arm of Manapouri. Helicopter to Weka Island Barge to board the Milford Wanderer and cruise Preservation Inlet.
Day 2 - Explore Preservation Inlet
In the morning visit the town site of Cromarty and the mining relics of Te Oneroa with the option of a 5km return walk to Puysegur Point Light House in afternoon.
Day 3 - Preservation Inlet to Chalky Inlet
Visit Tarawera smelter’s reclining brick chimney and the site of NZ’s first operational whaling station at Cuttle Cove. Take in the golden beaches of Spit Island. Cruise to Chalky Inlet, anchoring at North Port near the rusting hulk of the 1800s government steam ship “Stella”.
Day 4 - Chalky Inlet to Dusky Sound
Walk on the beach at South Port visiting the old saw mill site. Three hour sea passage to Dusky Sound. Visit Pickersgill Harbour and Astronomers Pt - named and used by Cook during his five week stay in 1773.
Day 5 - Explore Dusky Sound
Start the day with a visit to early conservationist Richard Henry’s house site on Pigeon Island. Cruise Facile harbour, site of NZ’s first known European ship wreck. Cruise through Earshell Cove and the narrow channels of Resolution Island to The Basin for a walk or some kayaking.
Day 6 - Dusky Sound to Doubtful Sound
In the morning visit Luncheon Cove, the site of New Zealand’s first European and sealers settlement. Optional guided walk (2.5km) over predator free Anchor Island. Cruise through Acheron passage to Breaksea Sound and then a 3 hour sea passage to Doubtful sound.
Day 7 - Doubtful Sound to Manapouri
Cruise Doubtful Sound and lunch in Hall Arm. Leave the Milford Wanderer in Deep Cove and cross by coach over the stunning Wilmot Pass. Then cruise across Lake Manapouri to complete your journey at the RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre.
Just because you’re escaping civilisation doesn’t mean you have to go without its comforts. Our boat, the Milford Wanderer, is a modern motorised ship that has been purpose-built for navigating southern New Zealand.
Designed along the lines of a traditional sailing scow, it has old world charm combined with modern facilities and the latest in safety equipment. The Milford Wanderer offers "twin-share" compartments and shared bathroom facilities.
- 32 passengers per departure
- Warm, comfortable accommodation (two passengers per sleeping compartment)
- Duvets, sheets and towels provided
- Modern shared bathroom facilities with hot showers
- Delicious meals prepared by onboard chef
- Open bridge policy - chat with the skipper during the voyage
- Kayaks and small motorised craft available for passenger use
Image Gallery
Highly recommended18 August 2022
This cruise was unquestionably the best trip we have experienced in years. Fiordland itself is hard to beat with its wild coast, protected, placid harbours, soaring peaks, lush moss and fern gardens and its magical forests, hung with mosses of many colours. But the cruise itself was a treat. Our crew, consisting of Roydon, Richard, Kate, Hilary, Felix and Chris, was exceptional. We were plied with scrumptious food, cared for like family and given the most wonderfully illuminating commentaries on Fiordland history, geology, weather, the myriad of flora and fauna both terrestrial and marine and lots of anecdotes about some of the characters and heroes of the area, all delivered with heartfelt passion and knowledge. We were encouraged to be off the boat to explore, hike and kayak as much as possible while those less agile were treated to some delightful and very informative excursions by tender. You must experience this trip!
tonjonnz, Via TripAdvisor
"The most amazing 6 days"5 November 2018
karenbrook, Auckland, NZ via TripAdvisorWe helicoptered into Preservation inlet - a stunning 30 minute chopper flight - then 6 days on the Milford Wanderer, the history, botany, scenery and activities were first class- great lectures at night - far too much great food - the two 3 hour sailings out to sea were an exciting experience.
"6 night cruise on the Milford Wanderer in April - Magnificent"19 April 2018
JulieB8405, West Melton, NZ via TripAdvisorWe had to book this trip over a year ago and it was well worth the wait. The scenery was stunning, the crew were wonderful, the food was amazing and the cabin was cosy and warm. We wanted for nothing and spent our time gazing at the views, walking with a very knowledgeable guide, chatting with new friends and taking numerous photographs. We saw kaka, kakariki, robins, dolphins, seals, penguins and albatross. We were so tired at night, that we went to bed at 9 and awoke fresh at 7 for breakfast. We even had the chance to swim! It was expensive, we saved for a year, but it was worth every cent and we helped a conservation project with our payment. We had the best time and thank all the crew for their excellent, hard work. One piece of advice, take sea sickness tablets for the sea journeys and try to stay outside in the fresh air! The first crossing was the worst, after that, it was a breeze. Our lovely Hannah brought us hot water bottles even though she was suffering herself. Caring, everyone of them.
"First hand look at NZ's history"4 January 2018
JAA13, Opunake, NZ via TripAdvisorThe week long cruise with Real Journeys called Preservation Inlet Discovery Expedition was the very best of small tour cruising. The crew go above and beyond what you would expect to ensure everyone has a fantastic time. The meals were excellent, the side tours from the boat catered for all passengers and we saw some wonderful parts of New Zealand and learnt such a lot about NZ's early history in the deep south. Teas and coffees were available at any time so not a shop as such, a good library covering a huge range of topics about the area we were in, all the crew were so knowledgeable and helpful, interesting after dinner talks and pictures. This trip was definitely a highlight of 2017, and we would recommend it to other 50+ couples and singles.
"Discovery Expedition"30 September 2017
Wendy A, Wellington, NZ via TripAdvisorIn August 2016 we did the 6 night discovery expedition with Real Journeys to Preservation Inlet. The trip began with a helicopter trip over the snow covered southern alps - amazing scenery! Captain Cook spent 5 weeks in the Preservation Inlet area so there is lots of history to explore and lots of tramping/hiking to do. The hike to Puysegaur Point lighthouse is a must do - it must be the most isolated lighthouse in New Zealand. I was up to the top of my gum boots in mud twice on that walk and it was still awesome. Kayaking from the boat was also a highlight of the trip. The boat takes 32 passengers, and 6 crew. The crew is amazing, the food is amazing. There are seals, penguins and dolphins. Get in shape, pack your gummies and go. We enjoyed it so much that in July 2017 we did the 5 night Stewart Island discovery expedition.
"Preservation Inlet to Doubtful Sound"3 September 2017
A 7 day 6 night Discovery Cruise starting from Lake Manapouri. This was perhaps the most awesome journey my wife and I have ever been on! From the helicopter flight in to the ride over Wilmott Pass back to Lake Manapouri. The main event was the Southern Fiords. Forest covered slopes rising 1000 metres almost vertically, waterfalls at every turn, bird life greeting us every morning, caring, knowledgeable crew and so it went on. Words don't do this place justice. Hopefully the photos give you some idea. It was a privilege to be involved.
Richard C, Christchurch, NZ via TripAdvisor
"Exceeded our expectations"9 August 2017
Glen B, Auckland, NZ via TripAdvisorReal Journeys 7 day Preservation Inlet Discovery Expedition exceeded our expectations, the crew were outstanding their enthusiasm and knowledge was exceptional. It was interesting to learn the history associated with the area and experience the mystical landscape whilst studying the Flora and Fauna. Highly recommended well worth the two year wait. Book it now!!!
"Discovery expedition"6 August 2017
391lucindaj via TripAdvisorCan't rate this highly enough if there was an option to give six I would. Just come back from a magical seven day cruise from preservation inlet to doubtful sound. The ship and the crew are unbelievable add to your bucket list and go.
FAQs
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Click on “Choose Date” and search for your preferred departure date, then follow the prompts to complete your booking via this website. Alternatively contact us on 0800 65 65 01 (Freephone within New Zealand), phone +64 3 249 6000 or email us at [email protected] and our Reservations team will assist you. Please note that for website bookings the full payment will be required to confirm your booking, whereas phone & email bookings can be secured with a non-refundable deposit, with the remaining balance due 120 days before departure.
We suggest you park your vehicle in the View Street car park, in Manapouri. This is free parking for unlimited time.
We offer courtesy transfers from Te Anau to Manapouri. For transfers from Queenstown, coach connections are available for an extra cost. Please contact us for further details.
All walks are optional. The Nature Guides provide a briefing prior to heading ashore so you can decide if you wish to join in. The walks are generally leisurely and not too strenuous, allowing you time to take in the area’s flora and fauna. Please note that the tracks are often muddy.
We recommend that you bring both gumboots and sandshoes/hiking/tramping boots. As we often do beach/shore landings where at the tide sweeps in/out and short walks, gumboots (preferably ones just below the knee) are ideal to stomp around in if the tracks are wet and boggy underfoot. The crew will advise you of what they recommend you wear on each adventure.
We ask all guests to keep any of their medication with them during the transfers as you may be separated from your main bags for some time (possibly hours). We also request hand luggage is limited to a day pack/handbag, camera, raincoat and your medication.
We recommend all our guests reconfirm 48 hours prior to departure and provide details of where you will be staying the night prior to departure, confirm your pickup point and departure time.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in the price of your trip. Complimentary tea and coffee is available throughout the cruise. We have an licensed bar on board the Milford Wanderer and these drinks are available for purchase.
We have an licensed bar on board the Milford Wanderer for you to purchase drinks. We also sell a range of bar snacks and some souvenirs.
We set up an account for you for the duration of your cruise and we accept NZD cash or credit card payments.
We strongly prefer our guests to limit their luggage to 1 soft sided suitcase or backpack and 1 day pack (ie small backpack or handbag). Luggage is especially restricted for helicopter transfers.
Nearer the departure date, we will provide a detailed list of “what to bring”. However, we recommend our guests to bring gumboots / waterproof boots for onshore activities as it is often muddy on land and guest have to step into sea surge when going ashore.
The kayaks are available on all our Discovery Expedition departures – please ensure you talk to the crew onboard if you wish to go kayaking. Please note that all kayaking is weather and time dependent.
Due to RealNZ's commitment to the preservation of diminishing fish stocks, it is our company policy not to fish within the Fiordland waterways (in accordance with the Guardians of the Fiordland Fisheries). We therefore ask that you do not bring any fishing gear on board. However, if weather and timing permit, there may be an option to fish outside these areas (hand line and barbless hooks are provided, must adhere to quota).
We can cater for most food requests, ranging from celiac, gluten free, vegetarian and lactose intolerant. Unfortunately we cannot cater for Kosher. Please contact us to discuss any of your dietary requirements.
We have an licensed bar on board the Milford Wanderer and these drinks are available for purchase on-board. The Milford Wanderer is not licensed for BYO so please leave any alcohol at home.
There is a space for guests to hang your wet clothes however it is not a specific drying room.
Unfortunately we cannot cater to guests who wish to scuba dive on our vessel.
The Milford Wanderer is also utilised for our Milford Sound Overnight Cruises during the summer season (November to March).
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