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Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

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An ultimate dinner, bed and breakfast experience in **New Zealand**'s naturally gorgeous **Milford Sound** can be had with an **overnight cruise** aboard the Milford Mariner cruise ship. We'll depart from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon and travel down the full length of Milford Sound itself while headed towards the Tasman Sea, all while in the company of an experienced, qualified and friendly nature guide who will fill you in on all the history and culture of the region. As you relax on the deck, keep your eyes peeled to spot some of the fiord's unique wildlife including dolphins, penguins and seals, while admiring the fiord's many spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforests, rugged mountains and more. As day turns to evening, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious carvery lunch in the ship's dining saloon, before relaxing in the company of your fellow travellers or indulge in some stargazing before retiring to your private cabin.
Inclusions
* Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon/fully licensed bar and observation lounge * Private cabins with ensuite bathrooms (twin, double or single occupancy) * Four-course evening buffet meal including appetisers, soups, salads, hot dishes, carvery meats and a selection of desserts (vegetarian options available on request) * Cooked or continental breakfast * Specialist nature guide on board * Leisurely, extended full-length cruise of Milford Sound Wildlife viewing opportunities including seals, penguins, and dolphins * English only commentary Interpretation hand-out sheets (eight languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai). * Kayaking and exploring by tender craft
Itinerary
* An overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner is the ultimate dinner, bed and breakfast experience * Depart from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon and cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea accompanied by a specialist nature guide. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife * The Milford Mariner then anchors in a sheltered cove, where you can join the nature guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) and kayaks. Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax on deck * As evening falls, enjoy a carvery buffet in the dining saloon
Seasons
* Peak season: November - March - prices are dynamic, from price will show for low season.
Time
* Cruises depart at 4.00pm (day 1) * Returns at 9.15am (day 2) * Check-in is required 30 minutes prior to departure
FAQs
*How long does it take to travel to Milford?* If you are travelling from Queenstown it will take around 5hrs to reach Milford. Te Anau to Milford is around 2hrs 20mins. This timing allows for stops along the way for photos or short walks to places of interest. If driving, make sure you fill your vehicle with petrol in Te Anau before travelling to Milford (there are no petrol stations at Milford Sound or en route). *At Milford where do you park and go to check in?* Check in for your cruise at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal. Check in is required 20 minutes prior to departure. Overnight Cruise passengers should park in the coach carpark after 3.30pm, which will not be charged. 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. *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. 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.
What To Bring
* Non-slip shoes/ boots * Waterproof jacket * Warm sweater/fleece jacket * Change of clothes * Sunscreen/sunglasses * Insect repellent * Swimwear (optional) * Camera * Cash for bar and snacks * Overnight bag
Additional Information
* Pricing is based on a per person rate * Child rates apply for 1 - 14 years * Infants (0 - 4 years) may travel in twin/double cabins only. Infants (0 - 12 months) carried free of charge if sleeping in a cot, otherwise child rates apply. * Passengers to provide their own cot, unless by prior arrangement
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 * Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction * Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
Package options
About Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
About Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Experience an exclusive dinner, accommodation, and breakfast on an overnight cruise aboard the Milford Mariner to explore Milford Sound, New Zealand.Depart from Milford Sound wharf in the afternoon, cruising the length of Milford Sound towards the Tasman Sea, with an expert nature guide providing historical and cultural insights into the region.
Why Milford Sound Overnight Cruise is a must
Overnight cruise experience with dinner, accommodation, and breakfast on the Milford Mariner ship. Expert nature guides provide information throughout the journey. Opportunity to spot native wildlife such as dolphins, penguins, and seals. Enjoy stunning views of waterfalls, lush rainforests, and spectacular mountains. Private cabins with en-suite bathrooms. Kayaking and small boat exploration activities available. Includes a 4-course buffet dinner and a cooked or continental breakfast.
Top things to do at Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Cruise the length of Milford Sound towards the Tasman Sea. Admire waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife like dolphins, penguins, and seals. The vessel will anchor in a secluded cove, allowing guests to explore by small boat and kayak with a nature guide. Enjoy a carvery buffet dinner in the dining saloon. Relax on the spacious deck or stargaze at night.
How to get to Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
If traveling from Queenstown, it takes approximately 5 hours to reach Milford. From Te Anau, it takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. This time includes stops for photos or exploring points of interest. It is advisable to refuel in Te Anau before traveling to Milford, as there are no petrol stations in Milford Sound or along the way. Check-in is required at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal 30 minutes prior to departure. Overnight cruise passengers should park in the coach parking area after 3:30 PM, free of charge, and allow 45 minutes to find parking and get to the terminal.
Location of Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Milford Sound wharf in Milford Sound, New Zealand.
Opening hours of Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
The cruise departs at 4:00 PM on day one and returns at 9:15 AM on day two. Check-in is required 30 minutes prior to departure.
Facilities at Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Spacious viewing decks Fully licensed dining saloon and bar Observation lounge Private cabins with en-suite bathrooms
Know Before You Go
Wear non-slip shoes/boots. Bring waterproof clothing, a warm layer/fleece jacket, and a change of clothes. Recommended items include sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, swimwear (optional), camera, cash for the bar and snacks, and an overnight bag. Fares are per person, and child rates apply to children aged 1-14 years. Infants (0-4 years) can only stay in twin/double cabins, and infants (0-12 months) travel free if sleeping in their own cot or if arrangements are made in advance. Confirm your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making the reservation. The vessel used for the cruise may be subject to change without prior notice.