Spend the night aboard the iconic Milford Mariner and wake up to dawn in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. It’s the ultimate Milford Sound experience!
Duration: 1 night
Enjoy accommodation in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms or bunk-style compartments
3-course buffet dinner and cooked breakfast prepared by our on-board chef
Choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat
Specialist nature guide on board
Wildlife sighting opportunities – seals, penguins and dolphins
Coach connections available from Te Anau and Queenstown
Family bunk rooms available - please contact us directly on 0800 65 65 01 or [email protected]
DEFINITELY book the overnight cruise. It was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. Milford Sound is such a devastatingly beautiful place, and there is something magical about spending a quiet night on the deck of your ship, taking it all in. The cabins were cozy and surprisingly comfortable, and the whole ship leans hard into nautical explorer vibes (it's very fun and very instagrammable, if that's your thing). You get a chance to jump into the fiord too, and you better do it! If you can swim, don't miss the opportunity, it's not even that cold (and the showers are hot- you'll be fine). The food on board was better than expected, there's a bar, and you'll learn a lot of fun facts from your onboard nature guide. There is no cell service or wifi, so warn your loved ones you'll be off the grid before you drive to Milford.
I highly recommend the overnight tour staying onboard the Milford Mariner. Our coach driver, Brian, picked us up in Queenstown and dropped us back at our accommodation the following day. Brian had a fantastic attitude, he was very helpful, and shared interesting facts at various points along the way, and also accommodated great photo stops. The experience aboard the Milford Mariner was fantastic. The crew, the meals, the accommodation, and of course the spectacular scenery made this an experience we won’t forget. Thank you again to Brian, our coach driver, your great attitude was appreciated.
Booked an overnight cruise to Milford Sound and the whole experience was so memorable, from start to finish! Our driver, Brandon, was super informative and made our journey to the fiord so pleasant, telling us stories about New Zealand and Fiordland, the driving was really smooth (which for me is already a big plus seeing as the roads can be narrow and steep at times) and he is overall a really nice person. The cruise was also very well organized, the rooms were nice and clean, the activities well planned and Riley and Vivian who guided us through some of the things to do were very friendly and informative. 100% would recommend going to Milford Sound with these guys!
This overnight cruise through the heart of Fiordland provides astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound adventure.
You’ll start by departing from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon before cruising through Milford Sound accompanied by our specialist nature guide. They’ll explain the history and geology of the area and be on hand to answer your questions.
This cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and, if you’re lucky, maybe dolphins and penguins too.
The Milford Mariner then anchors in a sheltered cove. From here you can join the guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) or kayaks. If you prefer, you can simply relax on deck and soak in the beauty of this amazing place. If you’re feeling brave there’s always the option of a refreshing swim too. All activities are weather dependent.
As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon – a feast prepared freshly by our on-site chef. Then it’s time to relax in the company of your fellow traveller, indulge in some star-gazing and story-sharing or simply retire to your private cabin.
The next day you’ll be able to dig into a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the fiord.
Things you should know
The trip duration is for 1 night
Accommodation onboard the Milford Mariner (sleeps 64):
Private cabins with ensuite bathrooms - twin, double or single occupancy (a single passenger must pay sole occupancy rate)
Quad share bunk-style compartments with ensuites
Three course buffet dinner including appetisers, soups, salads, hot dishes and a selection of desserts and cheeses (vegetarian options available)
A full buffet breakfast with cooked and continental options is served
There is a licensed bar on board.
Kayaking and tender craft (small boat) activities included
Extra Information
Duvets, sheets and towels provided
Suitable for all ages, with the exception of infants in quad share
Complimentary tea and coffee is available
Departure Times
The trip leaves from the Milford Sound Terminal at 4.00pm and returns by 9.15am the following day.
You are required to check-in at the RealNZ counter 30min prior to departure.
Getting there
The journey to Milford Sound is just as spectacular as the destination itself. Milford Sound is around 5-6 hours (one-way) from Queenstown and around 3 hours from Te Anau by road.
Parking
Overnight parking is available in the Realnz coach area outside of the Milford Terminal for $30, from 3.30pm until 11am the following morning. This can be paid by card or paywave inside the terminal building.
Free parking is available at Deep Water Basin Road. Guests have the ability to drop luggage and other passengers off, head to Deep Water Basin Road and park there (free of charge), walking down to the terminal after doing so and joining their overnight cruise. This walk takes approximately 20 minutes and is marked.
Guests should always allow extra time for themselves to check in and board their vessels.
By far the most satisfying way to experience Milford (or Doubtful) Sound is to do an overnight cruise; it gives you more time in the fjord when it's at its best—first thing in the morning and early evening.
What to bring
Only one carry-on bag is recommended for passenger convenience and for safety reasons. Don't forget the following:
Non-slip walking shoes/boots
Waterproof jacket *
Warm sweater/fleece jacket
Change of clothes *
Sunscreen/sunglasses
Insect repellent *
Swimwear (optional)
Camera
Personal medication, including for asthma and allergies
* Essential items if you are doing any water activities.
Milford Mariner
About the Milford Mariner
The Milford Mariner is a purpose built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords
Sleeps 64
Private cabins with ensuites (twin or double bed configuration)
Limited quad-share bunk-style compartments with ensuites (Call to book)
Spacious viewing decks and observation lounge
Dining saloon and licensed bar
Carries 30 kayaks and 2 tender craft onboard
FAQs
In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.
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How long does it take to travel to Milford Sound?
If you are travelling from Queenstown it will take around 5 hours to reach Milford. Te Anau to Milford is around 2 hours 30 minutes. This timing allows for toilet and photo stops along the way. If driving, make sure you fill your vehicle with petrol in Te Anau before travelling to Milford as there are no petrol stations at Milford Sound or en route. For more details, refer to our Driving Times webpage.
At Milford where do you park and go to check in for Overnight Cruises?
Overnight parking is available at the terminal for $30, from 3.30pm until 11am the following morning. This can be paid by card or paywave inside the terminal building.
Free parking is available at Deep Water Basin Road. Guests have the ability to drop luggage and other passengers off, head to Deep Water Basin Road and park there (free of charge), walking down to the terminal after doing so and joining their overnight cruise. This walk takes approximately 20 minutes and is marked.
Guests should always allow extra time for themselves to check in and board their vessels.
What is the Milford Sound Levy?
The Milford Sound Levy is paid to the Milford Sound Tourism authority and helps to maintain, preserve and develop the Fiord. For more information, see the Milford Sound Tourism website.
Are linen and towels provided on the Milford and Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises?
Yes, bedding and towels are provided to all guests.
Overnight Cruises and Quadshare - We are a group of three people and would like to book a shared quad-share room. Will this mean we would be sharing with another person?
Yes, you could potentially be sharing with another guest. Alternatively you could choose to pay for the entire quad cabin, or two double cabins, to ensure privacy. If you wish to pay for an entire quad cabin, please contact us directly.
Note: quad-share cabins are mixed gender.
What weather can I expect in Fiordland?
Fiordland’s weather is what gives the region its unique character. Rainfall is what makes Fiordland a land of lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and fiords. Visitors should always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during their stay. It is recommended to bring sensible clothing for cool and wet weather to fully appreciate your stay.
The temperatures you can expect in the different seasons are as follows:
Spring (September-November) 10-19 Celsius / 50- 66 Fahrenheit
Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?
Many say you have not seen Fiordland unless you have seen it in the rain. When it rains in Fiordland the landscape is dramatic - rock faces stream with waterfalls, mist hangs around the tops of the mountains and rivers and streams rage. From a dry comfortable vantage point on the bus or boat, this landscape is spectacular for sightseeing.
How likely are we to see wildlife in Fiordland?
While we cannot guarantee you will see wildlife, sightings of fur seals are reasonably common in both Doubtful and Milford Sounds. A pod of bottlenose dolphins resides in Doubtful Sound so you have a good chance of seeing these fascinating mammals, and in Milford Sound dolphins are occasional visitors. In both sounds the rare Fiordland crested penguin can at times be observed.
How much luggage can I take on my overnight cruise?
We recommend each passenger brings no more than a carry-on sized bag due to space restrictions in the cabins. For a list of what to bring please see the 'more info' section or your booking confirmation.
Is there luggage storage at Milford Sound?
There is limited luggage storage available at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.
What is the difference between a double room and a twin room?
A double room is a private room for two people, with one bed to share. A twin room is a private room for two people, with two single beds.
What happens if the weather changes and we can’t fly out from Milford?
Your travel agent or the outlet where you purchased your Milford Sound trip will refund the flight component of your ticket. You will return to Queenstown by coach.
What is the difference between Milford and Doubtful Sounds?
Our places. Our experiences. Milford and Doubtful Sounds, NZ.
The main difference between Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound is their locations in Fiordland. Milford Sound, in the northern region, is captivating with its dramatic beauty. Doubtful Sound, on the other hand, is further south, in the heart of Fiordland, and is vaster and wilder, approximately ten times larger than Milford Sound.
What are the driving conditions to Milford like in the winter?
Driving conditions during winter (May to September) can be difficult. Extreme care is needed as freezing temperatures mean the road can ice over in shaded places. During the winter it is mandatory to carry snow chains in your vehicle as the road can sometimes be covered in snow. These are available for hire from petrol stations in Te Anau and Queenstown.
If you are not confident about driving in winter conditions then take a RealNZ coach to Milford Sound so you can relax and take in the stunning scenery.
Are there any natural hazards and risks I should be aware of when visiting Milford Sound?
Visitors to Milford Sound should be aware of various natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, severe weather events, flooding, landslides, and avalanches. The Alpine Fault, capable of producing Magnitude 8 earthquakes, poses a significant risk of triggering landslides and tsunamis, while the area's mountainous terrain and high rainfall lead to frequent landslides and potential road closures due to flooding and avalanches. Learn more here.
What is the difference between a sound and a fiord?
Throughout Fiordland the fiords are officially mapped as sounds. Strictly speaking, they should be called fiords.
A fiord is a glaciated valley - typically narrow and steep-sided - that has been flooded by the sea after the glacier’s retreat. A sound, on the other hand, is a river valley flooded by the sea following a rise in sea levels or depression of the land, or a combination of both.
Online transactions/prices are conducted in what currency?
All prices and transactions on the RealNZ website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD). This is specified on the Terms & Conditions page.
What happens if there is an emergency?
Our staff are trained to deal with incidents and in case of an emergency you should listen to their instructions. We have a portable defibrillator on each of our overnight cruise vessels (Milford Mariner, Milford Wanderer and Fiordland Navigator). In addition to this we also have portable defibrillators at the following locations: • Milford Sound Visitor Terminal • RealNZ Visitor Centre, Manapouri • Cavern House (Te Anau Glowworm Caves) • Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, Walter Peak • TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship • Stewart Island Ferry (Bluff - Oban - Bluff)
Can my dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, dietary requirements can be catered for. Please provide detailed information regarding your dietary requirements when making a booking.
Is the boat accessible for individuals with impaired mobility?
When we are informed in advance about guests with hindered mobility, we make every effort to mitigate the impact by assigning rooms in proximity to the main areas. However, it’s important to note that our vessels are not optimally equipped for potential needs. While we extend a warm welcome to individuals with impaired mobility, all our vessel’s doorways feature a sea sill, there are no ramps within the boat, and a flight of stairs separates rooms from the main saloon.
What happens if my travel is disrupted by COVID-19?
If your travel plans are disrupted by COVID-19, our standard cancellation policy applies. This includes flexible cancellation options designed to accommodate unexpected changes. To ensure you are fully covered for any unforeseen circumstances, we strongly encourage you to obtain travel insurance. Travel insurance can help cover any costs incurred from having to cancel or reschedule your trip due to COVID-19, giving you peace of mind.
For more details on our cancellation policy and the specific terms and conditions, please refer to our Terms and conditions page or contact our customer service team.
