Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

Most popular
Meals included
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, Queenstown - Everything New Zealand-1Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, Queenstown - Everything New Zealand-2Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, Queenstown - Everything New Zealand-3Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, Queenstown - Everything New Zealand-4Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, Queenstown - Everything New Zealand-5
See all photos
4.755 reviews

Highlights & inclusions

Private cabins with ensuite bathrooms or shared, bunk-style compartments.
Generous buffet dinner including dessert, with a cooked and continental breakfast the following morning.
Water activities: explore the fiord by kayak or tender boat, guided by a specialist guide (weather permitting).
Nature guide: onboard to share stories of the fiord's history, geology and wildlife.
Wildlife spotting opportunities: watch for seals, dolphins, tawaki (Fiordland crested penguins), native birds and seabirds.
Stay aboard a traditional scow-style vessel.
From
$669.00NZD
Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to experience
I want to

1. Select date

May 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Hot Deal
Last minute deal

2. Select participants

Adult • Single
0
Adult • Twin/Double
0
Children • Twin-Share Cabin Ages 2-15
0
Quad Share Cabin (Per Adult)
0
Quad Share (Per Child)
0

Highlighted reviews

4.7/5
Based on 55 reviews
Read all reviews
J

Joanne Carswell

about 2 months ago

L

Leanne Gray

about 1 month ago

What a fabulous boat trip on Milford Sound ! The day was perfect and our commentator Beck ( I think that was her name) was brilliant, knowledgeable and humorous at times! Wow what pictureous place this is - loved every minute of it. Thank you .

What you can expect

Experience the magic of Milford Sound with an overnight cruise that lets you truly connect with the untouched beauty of Fiordland. As evening settles over the fiord, you’ll be surrounded by peaceful grandeur, towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and mirror-like waters. Enjoy the rare tranquillity of this World Heritage landscape with onboard accommodation, freshly prepared meals, and guided nature experiences under a canopy of stars.

As you relax on the deck, keep your eyes peeled to spot some of the fiord's unique wildlife including dolphins, penguins and seals, while admiring the fiord's many spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforests, rugged mountains and more. As day turns to evening, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious carvery lunch in the ship's dining saloon, before relaxing in the company of your fellow travellers or indulge in some stargazing before retiring to your private cabin.

Read Risk Disclosure Statement

Location

What you need to know

Inclusions
  • Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon/fully licensed bar and observation lounge
  • Private cabins with ensuite bathrooms (twin, double or single occupancy)
  • Four-course evening buffet meal including appetisers, soups, salads, hot dishes, carvery meats and a selection of desserts (vegetarian options available on request)
  • Cooked and continental breakfast
  • Specialist nature guide on board
  • Leisurely, extended full-length cruise of Milford Sound
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities including seals, penguins, and dolphins
  • English only commentary
  • Interpretation hand-out sheets (eight languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai).
  • Kayaking and exploring by tender craft
Duration
  • 17 hrs (from Milford)
  • Departs at 4:00 pm (from Milford) & returns by 9:15 am
  • The boat departs from Milford Sound Wharf, transfers available from Queenstown or Te Anau
  • Operates during summer only (Sep-May)
Departure Location
  • This experience departs from Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford 9679.
FAQs
  • Is there overnight parking for the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise? Yes, overnight parking is available for the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise. RealNZ staff will direct you to the correct overnight parking area when you check in. There is also free parking available at Deep Water Basin Road, which is around a 20-minute walk from the terminal.
  • Is there a smoking area on the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise? Yes, there is a designated smoking area at the back of the boat on the Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise.
  • Can the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise cater for a severe gluten allergy? The Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise can cater to most dietary requirements, including gluten-free requests. Please include any dietary requirements in your booking notes so these can be passed on to the operator.
  • Does the Milford Mariner have a licensed bar? Yes, the Milford Mariner has a licensed bar with a selection of beer and wine. The bar is cashless, so EFTPOS or card payment is required onboard.
  • Does the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise have access for wheelchairs? Unfortunately, the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. The cabins are located on lower levels and are accessed by steep stairs, so guests need to have enough mobility to move around the vessel without a wheelchair.
  • Do the cabins on the Milford Mariner have hair dryers? Yes, cabins on the Milford Mariner have hair dryers available for guest use.
  • Do the cabins on the Milford Mariner have windows? Yes, all cabins on the Milford Mariner have windows. Some cabins have larger windows, while others have portholes.
  • Can the cabin windows open on the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise? No, the cabin windows cannot be opened for health and safety reasons. The onboard temperature is managed by the crew to keep rooms and public areas comfortable.
  • Can I book a single room on the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise if I am travelling alone? Yes, single rooms are available on the Milford Mariner, along with twin, double, and quad-share cabin options.
  • Can infants join the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise? Yes, infants are welcome onboard the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise. A twin cabin with ensuite can be arranged so a baby cot can be placed between the beds.
  • Are transport options from Queenstown or Te Anau available for the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise? Yes, transport is available from both Queenstown and Te Anau for the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, subject to availability.
  • What are the Queenstown pick-up and drop-off times for the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise? Queenstown pick-up is usually around 8:30am, with return to Queenstown around 3:30pm the following day. Times can vary depending on your accommodation pick-up and drop-off location.
  • Is it common to get seasick on the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise? The Milford Sound Overnight Cruise spends most of the journey within the sheltered fiord, although it may head out towards the coast for a short time. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is a good idea to bring seasickness medication.
  • Can I bring luggage on the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise? Yes, you can bring a reasonable-sized bag onboard the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise.
  • Does the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise have a hot tub? No, the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise on the Milford Mariner does not have a top-deck hot tub.
  • Do you offer group discounts for the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise? For large-volume or group bookings on the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, please contact our team directly to discuss availability and possible custom pricing.
Additional Information
  • Cancellations made within 30 days prior to the date of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee
  • Within 30 days, amendment of travel date can be made outside 5 days prior to travel
  • Quad share rooms are not suitable for kids under 5 years of age. If you are travelling with kids under 5 you will need to book a private twin room
  • Infants 0-23 months old travel for free (twin cabins only). Please bring your own cot
  • Twin cabin child rates (2-15yrs) apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult (including overnight)
  • Dress warmly & don't forget your camera
  • Free tea and coffee is available on the cruise boat as well as a fully licensed bar & dinner & breakfast
  • If self driving, Overnight Cruise passengers will need to register their license plate numbers within the visitor terminal upon arriving, with a parking fee of $30 NZD. For free parking, guests can first drop off luggage and passengers at the visitor terminal and then park at Deep Water Basin Road (20 minute walk from the visitor terminal)
Cancellation Policy
  • Change your booking up to 14 days before the start time of your experience​
  • Changes are not permitted within 14 days of your experience​
  • Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

Recent reviews

4.7/5
Based on 55 reviews
L

Leanne Gray

about 1 month ago

What a fabulous boat trip on Milford Sound ! The day was perfect and our commentator Beck ( I think that was her name) was brilliant, knowledgeable and humorous at times! Wow what pictureous place this is - loved every minute of it. Thank you .

Review for Milford Sound Cruise departing Milford

J

Joanne Carswell

about 2 months ago

I

Ian Gault

5 months ago

It was a great experience. Staff were very knowledgeable and friendly, food was great, and seeing the Cascades in all their glory was just amazing. Thank you!

Need help?