Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise (Return Flight)

Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise (Return Flight)

For the ultimate Milford Sound experience, spend the night aboard the Mariner and wake up to the dawn of a new day in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Dine in a cosy saloon and stroll the open deck areas to view the scenery of Milford Sound on a cruise along the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Return to Queenstown the next day on a scenic flight over the Fiordland National Park.

Book Your Overnight Cruise this Month with Relaxing Journeys.

* Note: Prices shown are per person (based on two people travelling). Solo traveller prices available on request.

An overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner is the ultimate dinner, bed and breakfast experience.

An overnight cruise is the ultimate way to experience Milford Sound. When all the day visitors have left, the fiord transforms into a peaceful scene of dramatic landscape. It is the perfect opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and get a sense of the serenity that the fiord offers.

After boarding the Milford Mariner, guests enjoy a full length cruise of the fiord out to the Tasman Sea. The flexible nature of the cruise means there is ample time to look out for wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins. The Nature Guide ensures an immersive experience as guests learn all about the history and natural environment of the fiord. Go for a paddle in a kayak, or hop on board a tender craft to explore the fiord up close. The boat will anchor in the shelter of Harrison Cove overnight.

Enjoy a sumptuous three-course buffet dinner in the dining saloon, followed by a Nature Guide presentation in the forward saloon. Beverages are available for purchase at the licensed bar. Overnight accommodation is in private ensuite cabins with twin or double configuration. For breakfast, there are cooked and continental options available from the buffet. There is time for further cruising on the fiord before returning to the Milford Wharf.

TOUR DEPARTURES
This cruise departs daily & offers three departure points :

• Self Drive passengers can depart from Milford Sound wharf at 3.30pm (Summer departs an hour later)
• 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 (pick up times vary).

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 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). 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, a change of clothes for kayaking, insect repellant and camera.

Milford Mariner’s Specifications
Purpose built motor vessel, designed along the lines of a traditional NZ coastal trading scow, the vessel is also equipped with kayaks & two shore tender vessels.

• Length/Beam/Draft: 38m/10m/2.75m
• Max Displacement: 693 Gross tonnage
• Engines: 2 x 6AYM 484KW Yanmar
• Cruising Speed: 11 knots
• Overnight Capacity: 64 passengers
• Spacious Viewing Decks: Three
• Commenced Service: October 2000
• Sails: Gaff rigged

Aircraft

• 3x 9-seater Britten Norman Islanders, 3x 7-seater GA8 Airvans and 1 x 12-seater Cessna Caravan.
• All flights operate subject to weather.
• If due to weather conditions the flight does not operate, Relaxing Journeys will provide a refund for the flight component & you’ll return to Queenstown by coach.

TRIP NOTES
Itinerary and inclusions shown apply to departures from September 2018 onwards. Itinerary and inclusions may vary for earlier departures.

Day by Day Tour Itinerary