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Main Saloon & Dining Area

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1 x Governor Cabin | Super King Bed

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4 x Captain Cook Cabins | Super King Beds

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2 x Endeavour Cabins | King Single Beds

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

There is no better way to soak up the majesty of Piopiotahi Milford Sound  than aboard the Fiordland Jewel. Our purpose-built catamaran is designed to take in this incredible location, often known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, in total comfort. 

With a boutique atmosphere, an overnight experience aboard the Fiordland Jewel is the perfect mix of ultimate relaxation and adventurous exploration, with opportunities for kayaking and tender boat excursions, as well as well-deserved pampering with a soak in the top-deck hot tub and delicious meals cooked by our onboard chef.

Spending the night in this very special part of the world means truly taking in its splendour. Our small group cruises accommodate a maximum of 22 passengers per night, in nine climate-controlled cabins each with ensuite and sea views.

Our onboard helipad means you can be ensconced in this spectacular scenery in just 30 minutes from Queenstown. No matter how you arrive, a night aboard the Fiordland Jewel will be one to remember for years to come.

Saturday November 1, 2025 to Sunday April 26, 2026
Saturday October 31, 2026 to Sunday 25 April, 2027
Duration - 18 hours
Check in 2.35pm, board at 2.50pm. Depart 3.10pm. Arrival back next day 8.45am 

Available for Exclusive Hire/Private Charter (subject to availability) - Price on Application

  • Two cruises of Piopiotahi Milford Sound - afternoon & morning.  Duration: 18 hours
  • 3-course plated dinner, cooked & continental breakfast prepared by our onboard chef - all dietary requirements are catered for. *Please advise us of your dietaries in advance for the chef's preparation*
  • Complimentary tea & coffee
  • Kayaking & tender boat explorations (weather permitting)
  • View underwater film footage captured by our Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV)
  • Use of top-deck hot tub following dinner

TRANSPORT IS AVAILABLE  FROM QUEENSTOWN & TE ANAU (*Limited seats available)

Our friendly professional driver will pick you up from your accommodation and return you there following your cruise. Please request transport when making your booking and we will get back to you regarding availability. 

  • Return van transport from Queenstown or Te Anau to Milford Sound NZD$300 per person 
    QUEENSTOWN pick up time 8.00-9.00am, drop off Queenstown approx. 3pm.
    TE ANAU pick up time 11.30am-12.00pm, drop off Te Anau approx. 12.00pm 

Van transfer subject to availability, minimum numbers. (We can also recommend other options if our van is unavailable.)

If joining the van in Te Anau, we recommend having lunch prior to commencing the journey (own arrangement)

Helicopter and fixed wing transfers are also available options, either one way or return from Queenstown or Te Anau. Please let us know if you would like us to recommend details of local operators and, if you have reserved a flight/s, which operator you have booked with for our planning.

 (*Ground transfers are strongly recommended in case your flight is cancelled due to bad weather*) If utilising our van transfer as the flight back up please book the earliest flight ~ 10-10.30am.


PARKING IN MILFORD SOUND

Overnight Cruise Parking for Fiordland Discovery is located within Car Park C, where we have a dedicated area near the entrance. Available from 2.00pm.

You are welcome to drop off passengers & luggage at the terminal building before parking here. Please use the Fiordland Discovery desk in the terminal for bag storage while you park, if needed. It is an approx. 15 minute walk between the parking and the wharf.

For payment, please use the pay machine designated for overnight parking located inside the terminal at the wharf (not in the car park). This is a licence plate recognition system - card payment only. Overnight rate is NZD$30.

Alternatively, free parking can be found in the Deep Water Basin Car Park. This is a left-hand turn just before you enter Milford Sound /Piopiotahi. If parking there please allow at least 30-45 minutes to park your vehicle and make your way to the terminal building. The main car park is charged per hour.

Please ensure you leave enough time to park your car and check in at 2.45pm.

**PLEASE NOTE: Parking is no longer available in the Coach Park bays at the terminal building.


Safe Driving in New Zealand

Driving in New Zealand can be very different to driving at home, with some roads, particularly within the Fiordland National Park, windy and narrow. The scenery itself is spectacular so we highly recommend giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy the journey, and also to ensure you fully understand New Zealand road rules and signs before embarking on your trip.

For information on driving safely in New Zealand please visit DriveSafe.org.nz to learn about our road rules and conditions. For a relaxing journey, we recommend allowing plenty of time for photo stops, lunch/drink breaks and for exploring the local area. 

 

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Our overnight stay on the Fiordland Jewel was one of the highlights of our just completed holiday in the South Island. Francis and his crew made this event extremely memorable, informative and highly enjoyable - and the food was excellent! Plus the overnight anchorage location made for a fantastic stargazing spot.

Upon disembarking, we were discussing the next adventure we would like to take with Fiordland Discovery.

Veronique & Neil, Australia

Our large family group of nine sailed on the Fiordland Jewel for their overnight cruise in Milford Sound, and I am finding that words fail me in trying to convey how wonderful it was. We were in the midst of a 3-week trip to New Zealand and Australia, and this was without doubt the highlight of the entire trip.

Hilary, Connecticut, United States

Amazing, personable, and one of a kind experience. The crew and captain were super helpful, kind, and interesting. The boat was impressive, and we 100% want to go back.

Julie, California, United States

Itinerary

DAY 1

  • Arrive at the Milford Sound terminal (if travelling by road) or land on the boat (if travelling by helicopter)

  • Cruise down the southern side of the fiord, past Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, the world-renowned Mitre Peak, Mt Pembroke, Bridal Veil Falls and Fairy Falls

  • If weather permits, we cruise into the mouth of the fiord past Anita Bay, and head into the Tasman Sea for a glimpse of the West Coast, before returning into the sound

  • Venture up the north side of the fiord past Dale Point, the Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, Seal Rock, Stirling Falls, The Lion and the Cascade Range

  • After cruising, we anchor at Deepwater Basin for the night. There is the opportunity to explore nearby in the on board sea kayaks and tender boat, before returning to the Fiordland Jewel for drinks and a three-course meal

DAY 2

  • Dawn arrives at 6am in December but can be as late as 8am in March. Watch the sunrise over continental breakfast, which is served 7am-8am, before returning to the terminal at 9.00am

  • Return to Queenstown or Te Anau

WHAT TO BRING

  • NZ CASH /CURRENCY

  • SUNSCREEN LOTION & SUNGLASSES  

  • INSECT REPELLENT

  • CAMERA

  • WATERPROOF JACKET

  • CHANGE OF CLOTHES

  • NON-SLIP SHOES

  • SWIMMING COSTUME / TOGS (OPTIONAL)

  • ONE BAG ONLY, IF POSSIBLE

  • If you wish to enjoy wine, beer and other beverages from our licensed bar, payment can be made by NZ CASH/CURRENCY, EFTPOS & CREDIT CARD.  Please note:  Do not bring alcohol on board with you, as this will breach our liquor license