Fiordland Discovery Milford Overnight Cruise

Departures operate from 16 Dec 2023 to 31 March 2024. This cruise departs daily from Milford Sound wharf at 3.00pm.

Milford Sound is simply like no other place on Earth. With majestic peaks that tower hundreds of metres both above and below sea level, cascading waterfalls and pristine rainforest, it’s undoubtedly the most spectacular of New Zealand’s thirteen fiords.

Not only is the landscape phenomenal – the natural wildlife here is abundant too. Seals, dolphins and penguins can all be spotted from above the water on your scenic Fiordland Discovery overnight boat cruise, while rare black coral, lobsters and schools of fish can be viewed as the boat’s ROV (remotely operated vehicle) delves deep into the sea.

The natural wonders of Milford Sound can be enjoyed at dawn, dusk or underneath the stars on our luxury overnight boat Fiordland Jewel.

Once on board Fiordland Jewel you have the option of relaxing and enjoying the stunning scenery in intimate and well-appointed surroundings or indulging in a little adventure. We have a range of fantastic activities available. Of course, all activities in Milford Sound are weather-dependent, especially at the mouth of the fiord. But on a calm day, we’re able to launch our ROV into the rarely-seen waters, paddle below the towering cliffs in kayaks or enjoy a spot of fishing.

Explore underwater
Our state-of-the-art ROV is an unmanned, remote-controlled underwater explorer with a high-definition camera, so you can view the amazing world beneath the waves, from the comfort of our vessel’s lounge.

Explore by kayak
Once we’ve anchored for the night, feel free to use one of our kayaks to explore the nearby coastline – a fantastic way to end the day!

Tender trips
The small boat at the back of our vessel, called a tender, may take you closer to the shore to see wildlife, waterfalls and other interesting landscape features.

Go fish!
Milford Sound itself is a marine reserve so we are unable to fish there, but the mouth of the fiord and the Tasman Sea are renowned fishing spots. Here we’ll hook you up with a fishing rod – blue cod is the fish of choice in Fiordland. We may also have the opportunity to lift cray pots (lobster traps) if conditions allow.

Fiordland offers you a wealth of opportunity to re-connect with yourself, your friends, and with nature. At the end of the day, the fresh sea air and activities you take part in will leave you hungry in more ways than one and the menu prepared by our Chef on board the Fiordland Jewel is designed with this in mind. We pair our cuisine with some of the best wine Central Otago has to offer, exclusively supplied by Mt Difficulty Wines.

The Fiordland Jewel offer 9 luxury cabins all with King sized beds with ensuite bathrooms and only take a maximum of 20 passengers per night:

Governor’s Cabin
One cabin available. The Governor’s Cabin is at the top of the boat all by itself with its own full width forward window and large side windows. The bed is king size and it has a bathroom, shower and toilet. It sleeps up to two people in their own private cabin, on the private top deck.

Captain Cook Cabins
Four cabins available. On the main deck with a sea view. King size double bed and an ensuite bathroom with toilet and shower. Sleeps up to two people.

Endeavour Cabins
Two cabins available. On the main deck with a sea view. Two King single beds and an ensuite bathroom with toilet and shower. Sleeps up to two people.

Resolution Cabins (Pricing on Request)
Two cabins available – shared accommodation. On the main deck with a sea view. Two bunk bed sets with an ensuite bathroom with toilet and shower. Sleeps up to four people

• Non-slip shoes/boots
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm sweater/fleece jacket
• Change of clothes
• Sunscreen/sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Camera/Smartphone
• Cash (NZD) for bar and snacks
• We prefer you bring one bag only
• Swimwear (optional)

• Fiordland Discovery reserves the right to amend timetables, cancel cruise departures and substitute vessels at any time for safety or operational reasons including due to unsafe weather conditions or vessel maintenance.
• Minimum passenger numbers for Milford Sound Overnight Cruises do not apply.
• In the event of a cruise being cancelled prior to departure, passengers will be given the option of an alternative sailing or a full refund on the cruise portion only.
• Adult prices only.
• Fiordland Discovery defines infants as 3 years of age and under. Infants travel free of charge on board the Jewel. We are unable to supply additional beds/cots. They must either sleep in the parents bed, or as per alternative arrangements, made in agreement with Fiordland Discovery.
• Children 4+ years are charged at full fare.
• Due to variability of weather and other conditions beyond our control Fiordland Discovery cannot guarantee certain activities will be available.
• The actual route activities and anchorages may vary.
• All meals, coffee/tea are provided.
• Complimentary beer or wine before dinner.
• Cash bar service available.
• Please don’t bring alcohol on board as it will breach the liquor license on board the Fiordland Jewel.