| An overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner is the ultimate dinner, bed and breakfast experience.
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 lavish carvery buffet in the dining saloon. Then relax in the company of fellow travellers or indulge in some star-gazing before retiring to your private cabin.
Tour Inclusions:
- Private cabins with ensuite bathrooms (twin, double or single occupancy)
- Three course evening buffet meal
- Spacious viewing decks
- Dining saloon/fully licensed bar and observation lounge
- Accommodation is in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms (twin, double or single occupancy)
- Three course evening buffet meal
- Cooked breakfast
- Kayaking and tender craft (small boat) activities included
- Specialist nature guide on board
- Milford Sound Discovery Centre (underwater observatory) option for self drive customers only (extra cost)
- Coach connections from Queenstown or Te Anau with courtesy transfers from most accommodation
- Suitable for all ages
Tour Departures:
This cruise departs daily & offers three departure points :
- Self Drive passengers can depart from Milford Sound wharf at 4.30pm
- If you are staying in Queenstown a luxury coach leaves at 8:30am
- Or passengers can leave by luxury coach from Te Anau at 12:45pm
Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off service is available from inner city Queenstown or Te Anau hotels. Pick-up and drop-off details must be advised at the time of booking.
Your Overnight Experience
With specialist nature guides on board, the Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise offers a close-up experience of Milford Sound’s rainforest, soaring rock walls, and wildlife. Throughout the cruise, the guides share stories of the fiord’s history and are happy to answer your questions.
Cruises have a flexible itinerary that allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and to pause to view highlights. Cruise so close to waterfalls that water soaks the foredeck, or drift gently while watching out for dolphins, seals and penguins.
Complimentary Activities
Milford Mariner offers a relaxed environment, where you can do as much or as little as you like. The following activities are complimentary and are available to all guests:
- Kayaking
- Tender craft (small boat) excursions
If relaxation is more your style, then you can choose to soak up the views from the deck, read a book, or interact with our knowledgeable crew.
Dining Experience
As evening falls, enjoy a lavish three course buffet carvery in the dining saloon. Evening dining includes hors d’oeuvres followed by a three-course meal (vegetarian option available - please advise if required at the time of booking).
Then relax in the company of fellow travellers or indulge in some star-gazing before retiring to your private cabin. In the morning enjoy a choice of cooked and continental breakfast, served in the dinning saloon.
Onboard Accommodation
The Milford Mariner has 28 cabins with ensuite bathrooms (16 cabins with twin single beds, 12 cabins with double beds). There are also two family cabins (4 bunks) with ensuite bathroom (if heavily booked the 2 family cabins may be provided as twin-share). Bed linen, duvet, towel and pillow are provided.
What to bring
One overnight bag only to be brought on board for passenger convenience and safety reasons. Limited lock-up storage facilities are available at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound. It is advisable to bring swim wear, sunscreen, sun hat, comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, and camera.
The Vessel’s Specifications
Milford Mariner, a purpose built motor vessel, designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow. The vessel is also equipped with kayaks and two shore tender vessels.
- Length/Beam/Draft: 38.2m/10m/1.8m
- Max Displacement: 693 Gross tonnage
- Engines: 2x 336KW Volvo Penta
- Cruising Speed: 11 knots
- Overnight Capacity: 60 passengers
- Spacious Viewing Decks: Three
- Sails: Gaff rigged
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