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South Island

Start: Queenstown
Duration: 2 days
Travel Time: 31 hours

The Milford Sound Overnight Cruise from Queenstown is a 31-hour, two-day Fiordland experience operating from October to April. Return coach travel along the Milford Road and one night aboard the Milford Mariner are included. Guests stay in a private ensuite cabin and receive a buffet dinner, breakfast, nature commentary and kayaking or tender-boat exploration when conditions allow. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Experience Milford Sound After the Day Visitors Leave

Travel from Queenstown through Southland and Fiordland National Park, enjoying commentary and scenic stops along the spectacular Milford Road. After boarding the Milford Mariner at approximately 4.00pm, cruise beneath towering peaks, rainforest-covered cliffs and waterfalls before anchoring in a sheltered cove. Staying overnight allows you to appreciate the evening stillness of Piopiotahi Milford Sound once most day cruises have departed.

Explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat when conditions allow, or relax on the spacious viewing decks while the onboard nature guide explains the fiord’s geology, history and wildlife. After a buffet dinner and a comfortable night in your private ensuite cabin, wake among the dramatic morning landscapes and enjoy breakfast onboard. The vessel then cruises towards the Tasman Sea, weather permitting, before returning to the terminal for the coach journey back to Queenstown.

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About the Milford Mariner

The Milford Mariner is a purpose-built vessel inspired by a traditional trading scow and designed for comfortable overnight cruising in Fiordland.

  • Sleeps up to 64 guests
  • Private twin, double and single ensuite cabins
  • Limited quad-share bunk compartments with ensuites
  • Spacious viewing decks and observation lounge
  • Dining saloon and licensed bar
  • Kayaks and tender craft carried onboard
  • Return coach transport from Queenstown
  • Scenic travel along the Milford Road
  • One night aboard the Milford Mariner
  • Private ensuite cabin
  • Buffet dinner and breakfast
  • Afternoon refreshments, tea and coffee
  • Specialist nature commentary
  • Kayaking or tender boat activity, weather permitting
  • Bedding and towels

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.

  • Adult: 16 years +
  • Children: 3-15 years, children must be accompanied by an adult, including in their room overnight - twin room recommended.
  • Infant: 2 years and under.
  • 14 days or more before departure: Full refund**.
  • Less than 14 days: No refund
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

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