Milford Sound's beauty is enhanced to an even further extent by evening as the level of solitude increases - and this overnight cruise aboard the charming Milford Wanderer vessel will kick off the experience with a full-length cruise of Milford Sound that is sure to be eternally memorable! While on board the ship you'll be part of a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, accompanied by both your fellow travellers and your experienced, friendly nature guide. During the cruise, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the many local wildlife that inhabits the fjord, including fur seals that can often be seen basking in the sun on the rocks.
As afternoon turns to evening, we'll drop anchor in a sheltered cove, giving you the chance to go for a swim in the pristine waters of Milford Sound. As nightfall approaches, we'll return via sail to Harrison Cove at which we'll spend the night while enjoying a three-course meal in the ship's cosy saloon and relax or have a friendly chat with your fellow travellers. A great escape from the humdrum of everyday life awaits at New Zealand's Milford Sound! The Milford Wanderer operates from Nov through till March.
Note
####CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
- NZ Transport Agency are removing all restrictions from SH94 Milford Road including scheduled highway convoys, open/shut hours and vehicle types, enabling regular access to Milford Sound to resume. There will be a short stretch of highway on the east side of the Homer Tunnel from the Hollyford turnoff which will have Stop/Go traffic management and single lane sections requiring care. All vehicles including tourist buses, private cars and campervans are now freely able to access the entire stretch of SH94 Milford Road with care
Inclusions
- Specialist nature guide on board
- Leisurely, extended full-length cruise of Milford Sound
- Wildlife viewing opportunities including seals, penguins and dolphins
- 1 - 1.5-hour walk on the Milford Track
- English only commentary
- Interpretation hand-out sheets (eight languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai).
- Hearty three-course dinner including soups, roast meats, vegetables, salads and desserts (vegetarian option available on request)
- Cooked or continental breakfast
- Comfortable twin-share cabins with shared bathroom facilities
- Full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea
- Bed linen, duvet, pillow and towel provided
Exclusions
- Beverages are additional on-board
- The scenic helicopter flight is not included unless purchased as an optional extra
Seasons
- The Milford Wanderer operates from Nov through till March
Seasonal price variation
* Prices vary depending on seasons (subject to change). Please call to confirm the price for your preferred tour date
* High Season ($$) : Nov - Dec
* Peak Season ($$$) : Jan - Mar
Time
Ex Milford Sound
- 4.30pm (day 1). Check-in is required 30 minutes prior to departure
- 9.15am (day 2) - Disembark Milford Wanderer
Ex Te Anau
- 12.45pm (day 1) - Depart Te Anau. Check-in is required 30 minutes prior to departure
- 4.30pm (day 2) - Board Milford Wanderer
- 9.15am (day 2) - Disembark Milford Wanderer
- 12.30 (day 2) - Arrive Te Anau
Ex Queenstown
- 09:00 (day 1) - depart Queenstown
- 16:30 - Board Milford Wanderer
- 09:15 (day 2) - disembark Milford Wanderer 11:40 Arrive Queenstown (by air- if flight option selected)
- 15:30 - Arrive Queenstown (by coach)
Departure Location
- Ex Queenstown - Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound
- If selecting coach cruise option ex Te Anau or Queenstown, you will be picked up from your selected accommodation. Please notify at time of booking
- Overnight Cruise passengers should park in the coach carpark after 3.30pm, which will not be charged. Overnight parking in the main carparks will be charged a flat rate of $20 between the hours of 8pm and 8am in addition to any daytime hours.
- $50 for overnight parking between the hours of 5pm-8am
- Passengers are advised to allow 45 minutes prior to their cruise check-in time to find a carpark and make their way to the terminal
FAQs
- What is the difference between Milford and Doubtful Sounds?*
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 road (coach or car) or by 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 travel to Doubtful Sound visitors first take a launch trip across Lake Manapouri and coach over Wilmot Pass.
Is linen and towels provided on the Milford and Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises?
Yes
What To Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm clothing
- A change of clothes
- Swimwear (optional)
- Insect repellent
What to Bring
- Only one overnight bag is to be brought on board the overnight cruise for passenger convenience and safety reasons
Additional Information
- Suitable for most ages, except infants
- Not suitable for wheelchair passengers due to steep stairs. Should you be after a boat that is more suitable, we would suggest the Milford Mariner
Booking Information
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking, however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control. We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
- Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The from price displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you
- Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
