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Dusky Sound
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Grand Tour - 9 nights

Experience more... spend 9-nights aboard the Fiordland Jewel

With 1.2 million hectares of UNESCO World Heritage-listed National Park to be explored, our 9-night Grand Tour provides the full Fiordland experience. Relax aboard the Fiordland Jewel and take in the incredible coastlines and fiords of Te Wahipounamu as we delve deep into this unique landscape, journeying from Milford Sound to Doubtful and Dusky Sounds plus Chalky and Preservation Inlets, visiting inlets, basins, beaches and islands along the way.

The plan is to visit all 14 fiords carved by glaciers some 20,000 years ago.  Each day will bring new, breathtaking views, from cascading waterfalls and deep coves to wildlife and bird watching. The enriching experiences available over our journey include short wilderness walks and opportunities to take to the water aboard one of our kayaks, or even pull in a feed of fresh fish.

Sleep easy in one of our nine climate-controlled cabins, all of which have sea views and private ensuites. Meals are prepared to an exceptional standard by our on-board chef. On a clear night, relax in the top-deck hot tub and experience the night sky unblemished by light pollution.

CURRENT AVAILABILITY IN 2024

  • Milford Sound to Dusky Sound/Preservation Inlet - includes Heli out

Wednesday April 10 - Friday April 19 - Fully Booked

  • Preservation Inlet/Dusky Sound to Milford Sound - includes Heli in

Friday April 19 - Sunday April 28 - Fully Booked

Wednesday October 23 - Friday November 1 - only 1 cabin remaining - 1 Captain Cook

CURRENT AVAILABILITY IN 2025

  • Milford Sound to Dusky Sound/Preservation Inlet - includes Heli out

Thursday April 24 - Saturday May 3 - all cabins available - 1 Governor, 4 Captain Cook, 2 Endeavour, 2 Resolution

  • Preservation Inlet/Dusky Sound to Milford Sound - includes Heli in

Sunday October 19 - Tuesday October 28 - all cabins available - 1 Governor, 4 Captain Cook, 2 Endeavour, 2 Resolution

RATES 2024 & 2025

  • Governor Cabin $13,300 per person (sleeps 2) - Super-King Dbl
  • Captain Cook Cabin $11,050 per person (sleeps 2) - Super-King Dbl
  • Endeavour Cabin $11,050 per person (sleeps 2) - 2 King Singles
  • Resolution Cabin $6,925 per person (sleeps 2) - Single Bunkbeds

Retail prices are based on twin share, GST inclusive and in NZD, includes transfer per person into or out of Milford Sound from/to Te Anau (Van) or out of Preservation Inlet or Dusky Sound (Helicopter), excludes beverages purchased from our licensed bar on board the Fiordland Jewel.  View cabins. 

A single occupancy discount of 25% is available on the twin share rate.

Return transfers from Queenstown are available for an additional $200 per person.

DAY 1

Your adventure will start in Te Anau in the morning with a leisurely scenic van transfer into Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, with short stops along the way for photo opportunities and to take in the views. You will board the Fiordland Jewel in Milford Sound in the afternoon.

After meeting the crew and settling into your cabins you can relax and absorb the magnificent beauty of this fiord as we explore this steep and narrow, glacially-carved valley which runs 16 kilometres to the Tasman Sea.  View famous cascading waterfalls which rival some of the world’s tallest and are at their most spectacular on rainy days.

Cruise past Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, the world-renowned Mitre Peak, Mt Pembroke, Bridal Veil Falls plus Fairy Falls then we 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 will anchor at Deepwater Basin for the night.

DAY 2-8

At some stage, depending on the weather, we head down the coast and spend the next few days exploring Bligh, George, Caswell and Thompson Sounds before arriving in Doubtful Sound to discover the untouched wilderness of its winding sea inlets.

At some stage, again depending on the weather, we head south further down the coast to Dusky Sound where we will cruise amongst the various islands, coves and passages, visiting many historically significant sites such as: Luncheon Cove, Anchor Point, Pigeon Island and Resolution Island.

From here we will cruise further south to Chalky and Preservation Inlet where we will cruise and take in spectacular land features such as Cascade basin, a magnificent waterfall that plunges into Long Sound. There may be the opportunity to get ashore for a beach walk to stretch your legs or to visit more historical sites and perhaps walk to Puysegur Point, the most isolated lighthouse in New Zealand.

We may do activities such as:

  • Viewing incredible wildlife - keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals, on rare occasions we may encounter whales
  • Spot birds such as the rare and captivating Fiordland crested penguin, New Zealand falcons, white-faced herons, white herons, cattle egrets, a variety of shags and the common black-backed gull. On our short sea passages we frequently see Albatross including the Royal Albatross which has the longest wingspan in the world.
  • Short walks in Dusky Sound, Chalky and Preservation Inlets
  • Some fishing to catch a feed, if you wish to do so
  • Kayaking and tender boat excursions
  • Stargazing on clear evenings as the unpolluted sky is full of stars and our top deck is the perfect viewing platform, perhaps one night you will be able to do this whilst relaxing in our top-deck hot tub!

DAY 9

Watch the sunrise over a continental breakfast while waiting for your helicopter to arrive on board for your scenic transfer back to Te Anau in the morning.

Of course, the weather is central to a Fiordland experience, so the itinerary of your cruise may differ depending on the conditions on the day. The above sample itinerary is from Milford Sound ending in Dusky Sound/Preservation Inlet and Dusky Sound/Preservation Inlet to Milford Sound is in reverse.  

 

  • Helicopter transfer (one way) to or from Te Anau to Dusky Sound or Preservation Inlet and a van transfer (one way) to or from Te Anau
  • All meals - all dietary requirements are catered for. Complimentary tea & coffee.
  • Use of our kayaks and top deck hot tub (weather dependent)
  • In each cabin: Toiletries - body wash, shampoo & conditioner by Sans [ceuticals], hairdryer, linen and bath towels

Excludes

  • Wine, beer & soft drinks (no spirits), these are available for you to purchase from our licensed on board bar. Please note: Do not bring alcohol on board with you, as this will breach our liquor license.

Fantastic trip from Milford Sound through less travelled Fiords to Preservation Inlet. Milford Sound was very wet which meant the many waterfalls were at their absolute best. Hugely appreciated the wonderful crew, responsive and always client focussed. Fabulous food especially the kai moana. Diversity of wildlife, and the changing landscape as we travelled south made the trip very special concluding with the helicopter ride back to Te Anau. As Guardians of the Fiords the conservation values of the team were front and centre. Lots of good company and stimulating discussion.

Ann, Wellington, New Zealand