We helicoptered into Preservation inlet - a stunning 30 minute chopper flight - then 6 days on the Milford Wanderer, the history, botany, scenery and activities were first class- great lectures at night - far too much great food - the two 3 hour sailings out to sea were an exciting experience.
Preservation Inlet Discovery Expeditions
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Sample Itinerary
True adventure doesn’t follow an itinerary.
Our crew are experts in the area with years of experience and ensure you are getting the very best bespoke experience. Every night they will advise of the plan for the following day to give you plenty of time to take it in. Weather, tides and sea conditions all play a role in the planning, as does the ability of the group.
Therefore, the sample journey is a general guide only, all trips are subject to change based on weather conditions and crew judgment and that’s what makes this expedition unique.
Where time allows, additional walks, tender craft exploration and kayaking activities are offered.
Preservation Inlet – 7 days with heli-out
Day 1 - Manapouri to Breaksea Sound
Cruise across Lake Manapouri, coach over stunning Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound. Board the Milford Wanderer and cruise out of Doubtful Sound with a 3-hour sea passage to Breaksea Sound to conclude the day.
Day 2 - Breaksea Sound to Dusky Sound
Cruise through Acheron passage to Dusky Sound and visit the Shag Islands and Sportsman Cove. In the afternoon visit Luncheon Cove, the site of New Zealand’s first European and sealers settlement. Optional guided walk (2.5km) over predator free Anchor Island.
Day 3 - Explore Dusky Sound
Start the day with a visit to early conservationist Richard Henry’s house site on Pigeon Island. Cruise Facile harbour, site of NZ’s first known European shipwreck. Cruise through Earshell Cove and the narrow channels of Resolution Island to The Basin for a walk or some kayaking.
Day 4 - Dusky Sound to Chalky Inlet
Visit Pickersgill Harbour and Astronomers Pt - named and used by Cook during his five week stay in 1773. Three hour sea passage to Chalky Inlet. Walk on the beach at South Port visiting the old sawmill site. Anchor at North Port near the rusting hulk of the 1800s government steam ship “Stella”.
Day 5 - Chalky Inlet to Preservation Inlet
In the morning visit the town site of Cromarty and the mining relics of Te Oneroa with the option of a 5km return walk to Puysegur Point Light House in afternoon.
Day 6 - Preservation Inlet
Visit Tarawera smelter’s reclining brick chimney and the site of NZ’s first operational whaling station at Cuttle Cove. Take in the golden beaches of Spit Island.
Day 7 - Preservation Inlet to Manapouri
Helicopter from Weka Island Barge to West Arm of Manapouri – flights commencing from 11am. Then cruise across Lake Manapouri to complete your journey at the RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre.
Preservation Inlet – 7 days with heli-in
Day 1 - Manapouri to Preservation Inlet
Cruise from RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre to West Arm of Manapouri. Helicopter to Weka Island Barge to board the Milford Wanderer and cruise Preservation Inlet.
Day 2 - Explore Preservation Inlet
In the morning visit the town site of Cromarty and the mining relics of Te Oneroa with the option of a 5km return walk to Puysegur Point Light House in afternoon.
Day 3 - Preservation Inlet to Chalky Inlet
Visit Tarawera smelter’s reclining brick chimney and the site of NZ’s first operational whaling station at Cuttle Cove. Take in the golden beaches of Spit Island. Cruise to Chalky Inlet, anchoring at North Port near the rusting hulk of the 1800s government steam ship “Stella”.
Day 4 - Chalky Inlet to Dusky Sound
Walk on the beach at South Port visiting the old saw mill site. Three hour sea passage to Dusky Sound. Visit Pickersgill Harbour and Astronomers Pt - named and used by Cook during his five week stay in 1773.
Day 5 - Explore Dusky Sound
Start the day with a visit to early conservationist Richard Henry’s house site on Pigeon Island. Cruise Facile harbour, site of NZ’s first known European ship wreck. Cruise through Earshell Cove and the narrow channels of Resolution Island to The Basin for a walk or some kayaking.
Day 6 - Dusky Sound to Doubtful Sound
In the morning visit Luncheon Cove, the site of New Zealand’s first European and sealers settlement. Optional guided walk (2.5km) over predator free Anchor Island. Cruise through Acheron passage to Breaksea Sound and then a 3 hour sea passage to Doubtful sound.
Day 7 - Doubtful Sound to Manapouri
Cruise Doubtful Sound and lunch in Hall Arm. Leave the Milford Wanderer in Deep Cove and cross by coach over the stunning Wilmot Pass. Then cruise across Lake Manapouri to complete your journey at the RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre.
More Information
Departure Location
Preservation Inlet Discovery Expeditions depart from the RealNZ Visitor Centre in Manapouri, 64 Waiau Street.
Getting to Manapouri
Manapouri is about 3 hours from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau by road. Let us do the driving for you and get you there by coach, or you have the option to self-drive.
Milford Wanderer - your home in the fiords
The Milford Wanderer
Just because you’re escaping civilisation doesn’t mean you have to go without its comforts. Our vessel, the Milford Wanderer, is a modern motorised ship that has been purpose-built for navigating southern New Zealand.
Designed along the lines of a traditional sailing scow, it has old world charm combined with modern facilities and the latest in safety equipment. The Milford Wanderer offers "twin-share" compartments and shared bathroom facilities.
- 32 passengers per departure
- Warm, comfortable accommodation (two passengers per sleeping compartment)
- Duvets, sheets and towels provided
- Modern shared bathroom facilities with hot showers
- Delicious meals prepared by onboard chef
- Open bridge policy - chat with the skipper during the voyage
- Kayaks and small motorised craft available for passenger use
