7 day expedition cruise of Doubtful, Breaksea and Dusky Sounds and Preservation and Chalky Inlets (with 1-way helicopter transfer included)On-board specialist nature guides who provide informative commentary and evening talksGuided walks through rainforest and along beautiful deserted shorelinesVisit historic sites and abandoned settlementsTender craft and kayaks for exploration of the coastlineCoach connections from Te Anau and Queenstown at extra cost

Minimum Age: 16 yearsIf you are over 70 years, please consult your doctor to check your physical fitness.

Non-refundable 25% deposit required at the time of booking.Balance payment required 130 days before departure.

Cancellations, Refunds & Amendments

All cancellations must be in writing. Cancellation fees are charged on the following basis per person:Amendments: A $50 fee is charged for amendments to a confirmed reservation. Please note we cannot accept any amendments within 59 days prior to travel.Outside 130 days prior to departure: loss of deposit + NZ$100.00129 - 60 days prior to departure: loss of deposit + NZ$200.00 per personWithin 59 days prior to departure: 100% of your ticket priceNote: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees, which are non-refundable. Cancellation fees are not negotiable – we strongly recommend travel insurance for passengers.Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Overview Itinerary Dates & Pricing Enquire now

Preservation Inlet Discovery Cruise

May/Aug/Sep

South Island

RealNZ

from

NZ$6500

per adult

Enquire Now

Aerial view of Paterson Inlet with the Milford Wanderer expedition vessel

Experiences

Cruises

Adventure Tours

Multi-Day Short Tours

South Island

Start: Manapouri/Te Anau

Locations: Manapouri, Te Anau

Duration: 7 days

Minimum Age: 16

Discover the Untamed Beauty of Fiordland’s Southern Fiords

The Preservation Inlet Discovery Cruise is a rare chance to journey into the untouched wilderness of New Zealand’s deep south. Over seven days, you'll explore five remarkable fiords—Preservation, Chalky, Dusky, Breaksea, and Doubtful Sounds. With no roads and little human presence, these inlets remain as wild and mysterious as when Captain Cook charted them in 1773.

From expansive beaches to ancient rainforests, each fiord offers its own unique landscape and story. Paddle through quiet bays by kayak, venture ashore by tender boat, or relax on deck as sheer cliffs and windswept coastlines unfold before you. It’s an immersive way to experience a place that remains largely inaccessible to most travellers.

Guide explaining historic site to guests during Heritage Tour in Preservation Inlet

Rich History, Rare Wildlife, and Remote Exploration

Preservation and Chalky Inlets once served as harbours for miners and whalers, and today only scattered relics remain—slowly reclaimed by nature. Your journey retraces their footsteps, offering insight into the lives of those who tried to settle these harsh yet beautiful landscapes. These stories are brought to life by knowledgeable guides aboard the Milford Wanderer, a vessel designed for comfort in the wild.

Along the way, you may encounter seals, dolphins, and rare birds that thrive in this protected environment. Every day brings new discoveries, whether it’s a remote beach, a hidden inlet, or the stillness of a starlit night at anchor. It’s an unforgettable escape into one of New Zealand’s most isolated and awe-inspiring regions.

Manapouri Water Taxi office building near the lakefront, gateway to Fiordland adventures.

Aerial landscape of rugged hills, waterways and forested fiord in Preservation Inlet

Pair of New Zealand fur seals resting on rocks in Preservation Inlet

Hikers overlooking forested islands and waterways of Preservation Inlet in Fiordland

Calm reflective fiord waters with mountainous shoreline in Fiordland National Park

Aerial shot of snowy Fiordland mountains and alpine lakes, dramatic winter scenery

Aerial view of Milford Wanderer cruising through Preservation Inlet surrounded by forested hills

Hiker crossing swing bridge over forest stream in Fiordland National Park

Looking up through moss‑covered beech forest canopy in Fiordland National Park

Guests enjoying plated meals in the galley of the Milford Wanderer cruise vessel

Twin berth cabin interior aboard a RealNZ Expedition Cruises vessel

Passengers on small boat approaching a waterfall during Fiordland excursion

People walking along a remote Fiordland beach with forested headlands

Sunset over dramatic hills and fiord waters in Preservation Inlet, New Zealand

Passengers watching a tall waterfall from the deck of a RealNZ Expedition Cruise vessel

Twilight reflections on calm waters of Preservation Inlet, Fiordland National Park

Milford Wanderer cruising near forested islands in Fiordland, aerial view

Guests using Tender Craft Boat from the Mariner during Preservation Inlet Discovery Cruise

Hiker walking along golden sand beach in Preservation Inlet, Fiordland

Group disembarking from small boat onto shore on Preservation Inlet cruise

7 day expedition cruise of Doubtful, Breaksea and Dusky Sounds and Preservation and Chalky Inlets (with 1-way helicopter transfer included)
On-board specialist nature guides who provide informative commentary and evening talks
Guided walks through rainforest and along beautiful deserted shorelines
Visit historic sites and abandoned settlements
Tender craft and kayaks for exploration of the coastline
Coach connections from Te Anau and Queenstown at extra cost

Minimum Age: 16 years
If you are over 70 years, please consult your doctor to check your physical fitness.

Non-refundable 25% deposit required at the time of booking.
Balance payment required 130 days before departure.

All cancellations must be in writing. Cancellation fees are charged on the following basis per person:

Amendments: A $50 fee is charged for amendments to a confirmed reservation. Please note we cannot accept any amendments within 59 days prior to travel.
Outside 130 days prior to departure: loss of deposit + NZ$100.00
129 - 60 days prior to departure: loss of deposit + NZ$200.00 per person
Within 59 days prior to departure: 100% of your ticket price

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees, which are non-refundable. Cancellation fees are not negotiable – we strongly recommend travel insurance for passengers.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

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.