Overnight Cruises

Overnight cruises are the ultimate way to escape, recharge, and explore the beautiful wilderness Fiordland National Park has to offer.

Operating in Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, our popular overnight cruises are great for those who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of real remote New Zealand and wake up to secluded sunrises. For those who want to get further off the beaten path, Discovery Cruises are multi-day adventures into the depths of Fiordland and Stewart Island, exploring where few people have travelled, and no roads lead.

Our comfortable purpose-built overnight vessels are fitted with you in mind. Onboard you’ll find all you’ll need to have a relaxing stay. Cosy beds, an onboard chef, a stocked bar and unlimited tea and coffee, a resident nature guide, and an open wheelhouse just to name a few.

Whether you want to wake up to Mitre Peak at sunrise in Milford Sound, soak up the solitude and silence of Doubtful Sound, or feel deep in remote New Zealand on a Discovery Cruise, your retreat into the wilderness on an overnight cruise will be an unforgettable one. Want to explore for the day? Discover our Day Cruises.

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What overnight cruises are available?

RealNZ offers one-night overnight cruises in Milford Sound and one or two-night overnight cruises in Doubtful Sound. For the most adventurous explorers, we offer multi-day Discovery Cruises in Fiordland’s remotest fiords, as well as around the quiet beaches and forest of Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island.

Where do the overnight cruises depart from?

Overnight cruises depart from different locations depending on your destination and booked departure point.

Coach transfers are available departing from Te Anau or Queenstown, heading to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound.

Otherwise, the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise departs from the Visitor Terminal in Milford Sound, and the Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise departs from Pearl Harbour, Manapouri.

Fiordland Discovery Cruises depart from Pearl Harbour, Manapouri, and the Stewart Island Discovery Expedition departs from the wharf at Oban, Stewart Island, so you will need to factor in your crossing from Bluff to Stewart Island.

How long do the overnight cruises last?

Overnight cruises vary in duration. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sounds are typically two days and one night. In winter, Doubtful Sound also offers three-day and two-night experiences. Discovery Cruises are multi-day and range from 5 to 7 days in experience duration, depending on your destination.

Are any of the overnight cruises’ child-friendly?

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise and Milford Sound Overnight Cruises are child-friendly. Nothing onboard is unsuitable for children, but young children will need supervision around the vessel for their own safety. Please note that the cruises cater to the idea of disconnecting in the wilderness. There is no phone signal, which achieves a feeling of being present in an incredible, remote environment. This experience might not be enjoyed by some children who will look for more thrilling entertainment. Guests know their children best, and they will know if this kind of experience will be enjoyable for their children.

Discovery Cruises are not suitable for young children due to the nature of some of the on-land activities.

Are the overnight cruises wheelchair accessible/safe for impaired mobility?

Overnight Cruises are not wheelchair accessible due to the vessels operating on multiple floors with connecting stairs. If you have impaired mobility and are comfortable walking up and down stairs on a moving vessel, you may feel comfortable embarking on a Milford or Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise. Note that there is a period when the vessels go out to sea which will impact the vessel’s movement.

Discovery Cruises are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with impaired mobility due to the on-land activities and vessel layouts.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Dietary requirements can be accommodated. Please make a note of them as you make your booking. Allergies can also be accommodated, but please be aware the kitchen contains and handles allergens.