Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise

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Overview

Available languages

English

48 hours

Mobile ticket

An overnight cruise amidst spectacular Milford Sound, is a once in a lifetime experience. While on board the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a bed

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Maximum capacity - sleeps 60

Vessel information: The cruise has spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, fully licensed bar and observation lounge.

Need to bring: Non-slip shoes/ boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent, swimwear (optional), camera, cash for bar and snacks. Overnight bag only required.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What To Expect

Day 1

Overnight in Milford Sound

Accommodations

Spend the evening in your own private cabin.

Food and Drinks

DINNER

Dinner

Enjoy a 3 course buffet dinner, prepared by onboard chef.

1

Milford Sound

An overnight cruise of Milford Sound is the ultimate way to experience the fiord.

Admission Not Applicable
2

Milford Sound

Choose between kayaking or tender boat to explore the surrounding area. For the adventurous, take the opportunity to jump into the water from the vessel.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
Day 2

Breakfast aboard the Mariner before departure

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

Cooked and continental breakfast available, prepared by onboard chef.

1

Milford Sound

Spend the morning cruising leisurely back through Milford Sound to your departure point.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable
2

Mitre Peak

Cruise past Mitre Peak

Admission Unknown

What‘s Included

Dinner

Breakfast

Overnight Milford Sound Cruise

Private cabins with en suite bathrooms

Use of kayaks or tender boats

Drinks, fully licensed bar is available on cruise

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Options

Double Cabin

Reviews

4.75

159 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

130
22
4
2
1
  • Superb, informative, in the hands of a great team.

    492alanj,,Jan 3, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    This trip was part of a long holiday within New Zealand organised for us by Trailfinders. From the beginning it was a very positive experience – we were collected from Queenstown by driver and guide craig – and his expertise. Communication was very much appreciated. The trip to Milford signed went very quickly – it involved a number of stops for refreshments, et cetera, but also to catch the best of the Flora and foreigner – craig was very knowledgeable and generous in his advice and insights. The coach was not full and we were able to spread out – and along with our 15 or so other travelling colleagues we arrived in good time for the ceiling of the Milford Mariner. We had a single room with a double bed and ensuite shower et cetera – cozy but completely adequate – up on deck the staff were very helpful - with commentary, dinner and a short lecture/talk - and then it was off to bed – for a 7 am start – to catch the Sound without other ships/boats. We were off the ship by 9am - and the informative stops along the way back continued – and we were lucky – the clouds had closed in and flights were not able to land so driving in and out was the only mechanism to see the fantastic scenery and the Sound. On our way back we realised that we had left a some items in the room on the ship - and we were amazed at how quickly everything was sorted out – and were able to be handed the items in Queenstown some hours later – thanks to the whole team at RealNZ - especially Craig and his driver colleague Brandon, and the crew on the ship - a seamless high quality operation. We highly recommend this RealNZ trip. 5*

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  • Wow! What an amazing trip!

    RVfam,,Dec 31, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    This was an incredible experience! Our family of 4 shared a quad bunk which was perfect. We had blue skies the first day and it rained overnight so the waterfalls the next day were stunning. The views are unmatched and it truly felt like we were the only people in the sound. We enjoyed the trip out to the Tasman Sea in the morning. We saw seals and birds. The staff and food were both fabulous! We have a celiac in our family and there was a great selection of gluten free options except for the muffins when we first arrived on board. The only thing I would change was a longer time kayaking. Several people recommended this trip to us when we were planning our trip to New Zealand and we're so glad they did. This was an unforgettable experience and we highly recommend it!

  • A not-to-be-missed experience

    SoccerSkiSail,,Dec 19, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Returning after 16 years to share this awesome experience with my partner. I’d highly recommend to anyone that enjoys experiencing Milford Sound from the water and likes a few water activity options. Crew is friendly and professional. Boat is clean and comfortable with yummy meals too boot. Treat yourself! Don’t worry about the weather - it drives the experience and nature’s features one gets to take in.

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  • An unforgettable experience that I could not recommend more for anyone visiting.

    411coler,,Dec 18, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Amazing experience and incredible way to see the area with greater depth. Would highly recommend for anyone visiting Milford Sound. Crew was amazing.

  • Great Experience

    vallotelli,,Dec 9, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    The bus trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound is approx. 6 hours each way but we had a fantastic trip with Brandon. He is such a lovely guy and his enthusiasm and knowledge made the journey there and back fly by. On the cruise, we had miserable weather on the evening we set out which meant we couldn’t kayak which was a bit of a shame but it made for a great experience the next morning when the rain cleared and the water was running off the mountains. One small point is that it would have been great to get a bit more info from the nature talk on the boat in the evening.

  • So worth it!

    croberts2018,,Nov 28, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    A great experience seeing Milford Sound in the early morning. Well worth the drive and staying overnight. The staff onboard were great and the good weather we had was a treat.

  • Don't miss this!

    Peter S,,Nov 25, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    If you want to do milford sound cruise this is the one to do. Great staff food and scenery. What's not to love. Had the sound to ourselves.

  • Great way to see the Fiordland

    michellelS3162XP,,Nov 24, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Well-planned cruise providing up close views of the fiords and its wildlife. We especially enjoyed the tender boat excursion and the guide’s knowledge of the area. The numerous flights of stairs are challenging for those with leg disabilities.

  • Milford Sound Waterfalls

    Teresa H,,Nov 23, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    This overnight cruise was exceptional. We were able to see the penguins and tons of waterfalls from the cliffs. The stateroom was excellent and clean. The staff and food was plentiful. Great excursion for a family or couples.

  • Don't miss this trip.

    lovemadeira56,,Nov 23, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Great experience, it gets you see the sound without myriad of other boats and the constant drone if sight seeing aircraft. The ship was first rate with excellent food, cabin and most of all the brilliant crew. Lucky to see dolphin,penguin and seal on our trip. The lady (her name escapes me) who commentated on the wildlife and history was first rate. All in all one of if not the highlight of our holiday so far.

From NZ$1,338.00

4.75
(159 reviews)