Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise
4.5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise

By RealNZ
Recommended by 92% of travellers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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One thing better than a day cruise on spectacular Milford Sound is an overnight cruise. Cruise the length of the sound on the Milford Mariner, and anchor overnight at Harrison Cove. Experience the sound after the day trippers have departed, and before they arrive. Explore further by paddling on a kayak, perhaps even spotting birds and wildlife, and getting up close to waterfalls.
Lowest price guarantee

Ages 0-120, max of 64 per group
Duration: 2 days
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • A 3-course buffet dinner plus a cooked breakfast are included
  • Sleep in a comfortable private cabin with ensuite bathrooms
  • Use of kayaks is included
  • Spend longer than the average day tripper at one of New Zealand's most beautiful sites

  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Overnight Milford Sound Cruise
  • Private cabins with en suite bathrooms
  • Use of kayaks or tender boats
What's not included
  • Drinks, fully licensed bar is available on cruise
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off


Start:
  • RealNZ - Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand
    Please arrive 20 minutes before your departure time.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Infants must sit on laps
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2264RJMFN_MILFORD

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • 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.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 64 travellers

    • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2264RJMFN_MILFORD

    From
    $1,298.00
    per group (up to 2)
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • RealNZ
      5,883
      Queenstown, New Zealand
      Joined in May 2009
    • Wanderer45053008845
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour
      We really enjoyed this tour. The nature guide, Gabriel, especially made this tour special. Very knowledgeable and friendly.
      Written 12 February 2025
    • ptboPete
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      A unique experience
      A unique experience riding on an old steamship. It can be quite warm in the cabin on a hot day but lovely out on the open deck. The view of the lake and surrounding hills were impressive and the visit to Walter Peak and farm quite informative. Be aware though, that there are different types of excursions. I thought we had booked the farm experience which included the buffet meal and sheep shearing demo but had mistakenly chosen the Eco tour which included a tour of the gardens/orchard, tree planting and a delicious charcuterie lunch with all items being made on the farm or locally.
      Written 12 February 2025
    • peb747
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Doubtful Sound is beautiful and quite magical
      We made this trip 10 years when it was operated by people who really did care about the area, history and wildlife. In comparison, RealNZ who took over the operation are simply a tourist operator and sadly the trip reflected this eg photo of the RealNZ boat exhaust polluting Doubtful Sound throughout trip. But if you can ignore the obvious commercialisation and want to see the beauty of the Sound then the trip may well be worthwhile for you. Good luck.
      Written 10 February 2025
    • gilchristroberts
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic trip, a must do!
      Amazing overnight trip. Spectacular scenery and very knowledgeable guide, Gabriel, gave excellent commentary throughout the trip. Staff were all very accommodating and friendly and worked hard to make sure everyone had a brilliant time and that things ran smoothly. All meals and snacks were good (scones when we boarded, snacks before tea, cake before we left the next morning, plus dinner, evening cheese board and breakfast!). Comfortable cabin and clean facilities. Welcomed into the wheelhouse at any time to chat to the Skipper and watch what's going on. Kayaking guided by PJ was a lovely way to experience the environment, followed by a swim before dinner. Was lovely to be secluded and not see any other boats at our overnight mooring. The 'sound of silence' was a lovely experience. *Onboard the Wanderer.
      Written 9 February 2025
    • tumbleweedchris
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A Surprise Favorite
      I booked the Earnslaw thinking it would be a nice trip after some busy days, but didn't expect it to be as nice as it was. The boat is really cool. You can feel the history walking around the decks. You can even watch them shovel coal into the fire in the engine room. Such a fun time on this historic boat. The sights are nice, but you don't need to glue yourself to a specific spot to see everything. I recommend exploring the ship more than trying to secure a specific seat. The views on the left side of the ship on the way out and right side on the way back were better in my opinion. The lunch was quite wonderful as well. We had a nice spot overlooking the lakes and mountains. The buffet was quite busy, but gets less hectic after the first wave of serving. There is a great selection of meat to choose from and some really solid desserts as well. After the buffet, you have enough time to watch the farm show that is included. The show features some sheep sheering and herding. It's a nice bonus. Overall, I would say riding the Earnslaw is a must while in Queenstown. I really enjoyed the lunch buffet and thought that made for the perfect excursion. Plan this after you do all the high adrenaline stuff as a nice way to unwind.
      Written 8 February 2025
    • schatzieNoosa
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Everything perfect, but the dog was handled badly😢
      What a close to perfect evening. Lovely cruise, amazing food and magic scenery until the sheep shearing show. Being a dog lover I felt saddened to see a dog denied water after sitting on a hot podium in full sun numerous times a day, having to run up and down steep hills to chase sheep, then sitting back on the podium panting, exhausted to be padded by hundreds of tourists and not a bowl of water in sight! When I politely asked the dog handler if there was a reason why the dog had no access to water he became very defensive. Asking me if I accused him of dehydrating the dog....if she was thirsty she could drink down the lake,about 200 metres away while still on the podium being padded by many tourists? Unbelievable!🤨
      Written 7 February 2025
    • V1516TBaj
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Doubtful sound day trip
      Pick up and drop off from Te Anu. Very efficient and convenient. Every transport journey had informative and humerus commentary. They scenery was stunning and we were blessed with excellent weather. Would thoroughly recommend and would do it again
      Written 6 February 2025
    • Donna Z
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous luncheon
      Beautiful day on Lake Wakatipu. The buffet lunch was delicious. Watching the dogs work the sheep was interesting. Made for a lovely day.
      Written 5 February 2025
    • juliegS6930GR
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Queenstown boat trip
      Lovely boat trip on the lake commentary was very informative. We were very lucky with the weather beautiful day glorious views👌
      Written 4 February 2025
    • DBbrad
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Poorly Mannered Guests
      I was not sure about booking a buffet dinner and should have listened to my instincts. The food was good, but of course not warm. I don’t care for jostling with other guests to get my meal. This was exceptionally disappointing, it was like a competition to fill our plates. There were children running around with no respect for their turn in line. The same was true for lining up for the boat. Adult guests ran (yes RAN) onto the boat and saved seats. To say this was supposed to be a romantic evening is such a stretch. The demo was interesting but again, children were running up on the stage as the dog was working the sheep in the field behind. The crowd talked throughout the presentation. We must have been very unlucky to be part of such a crowd.
      Written 2 February 2025
    • Mary F
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Lush farm, delicious dinner
      Super easy to find, lovely staff, fantastic food, beautiful farm. Perfect evening whilst staying in queenstown, would recommend.
      Written 2 February 2025
    • ccookdo
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great day in Queenstown
      Wonderful combination of delicious food and very entertaining display of sheep and sheep dog work . One of the best excursions we’ve taken in years. Highly recommended.
      Written 1 February 2025
    • trishweb2018
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Interesting journey and fabulous food
      The trip across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw was fantastic and the lunch at Walter Peak Station exceeded our expectations. Beautiful food and great service. The farm demo was informative and very professional. I have been recommending this experience to all my friends
      Written 1 February 2025
    • Cheryl M
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful Scenic Cruise
      This cruise was breath taking, well timed and the cruise amenities were excellent. I loved that everything was on time and well executed. I’m really so impressed with RealNZ’s professional and execution of excellent customer service. I was only disappointed that we were unable to see wildlife but understand this cannot be controlled.
      Written 31 January 2025
    • Flyer12095018157
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best night ever
      The whole experience from the ride on the steamboat to get there, the buffet was outstanding, the gardens at the house are gorgeous the sheep shearing demo and sheep round up - everything far exceeded my expectations
      Written 30 January 2025
    See all 5,883 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles54 reviews
    Excellent
    44
    Very good
    6
    Average
    2
    Poor
    1
    Terrible
    1

    Hallie C
    Sydney, Australia2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Family
    Highly recommend! Once in a lifetime experience that provides so much more than a simple day tour from Queenstown. We took the coach from Queenstown which I would also highly recommend as it doesn’t just free you from driving but also adds a ton of value! Our driver was Ryan and he provided a lot of great information (and jokes) as we drove and made sure we stopped at the best places for photos. The whole Real NZ crew were amazing and made our experience 5 stars. Kayaking in the sound was the highlight of my trip. Also loved the nature presentation from Sarah and getting to meet other travelers at dinner.
    Written 30 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    ACS O
    Bury St. Edmunds, UK115 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2024 • Couples
    We had a great overnight on the Mariner on Milford Sound. The first afternoon it was pouring with rain but that brought out all the waterfalls and in the morning we awoke to a glorious blue sky and stunning views. I enjoyed the Kayak and my wife did the tender boat. Food was great and atmosphere very sociable. Good drive down with a knowledgeable coach driver with some interesting stops along the way.
    Written 3 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Bglbudi
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2023
    We were so fortunate to be able to experience Milford Sound both in sunshine and in rain. Seeing cliffs transform into waterfalls overnight was totally breathtaking. Our crew were very experienced, knowledgeable and friendly, as well as being thoroughly entertaining. The cabin was comfortable and meals were delicious. A highlight of our South Island visit!
    Written 11 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Julia B
    Halstead, UK35 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles

    Milford sound overnight mariner with Real Journeys

    We booked through a travel agent in the uk and this review is for anyone who didn’t see a brochure for the trip so you know what you are actually getting. We were staying in Queenstown, and had booked a coach, overnight boat trip then fly return. Pick up was arranged from our hotel at 9.15 which took us to the coach which left at 9.30. We then proceeded to have a running commentary for the next 6 and a half hours on the coach, which really could have been done in 3. So many stops for breaks and food, and toilets and photos it was never ending. We did not know that the boat isn’t ready to board until 4.30.
    Cabins were small, beds were comfy. No luxury in terms of bathrooms, but all en-suite. No storage, but not on the boat for long. The boat travels maybe for an hour up the Milford sound. This is one fjord. Then turns around to go back halfway so you can go on a small boat and look at what you’ve already seen, or go kayaking (not for beginners no matter what they say, water is choppy even when calm, and they give zero instruction or help). You can also swim off the back of the boat. These Activities take about an hour. Dinner is a good buffet, but don’t be fooled into going last for desserts, the good ones all go and you will be left with fruit salad and ice cream and jelly.
    There is a slide show that we didn’t go to so I can’t comment, and a bar.
    From when the boat ties up for activities the boat stays where it is until after breakfast the next day. Breakfast is at 7. Cleared at 7.30 whilst you head out of the sound for 30 seconds and turn around so you can see all the things you saw the day before again whilst having a running commentary in the almost non existent wildlife . My favourite part was “many people ask what fish there are in the sound. There are many fish, I won’t name them all. I hope that answers the question”. They want to change your sheets at 8, you get off at 9. If you have the joy of the return bus it is waiting with the same driver when you dock. If you’ve booked a flight you can either take a shuttle or walk along the road (20 min walk) to the airport . The flight for us was at 11 so a 2 hour wait. There is nothing at the airport except flies - no shelter and no loo, but there is a cafe halfway between the boats and the planes. I suggest you wait there till the last minute. Our flight was late leaving and the flies bit all of us several times dispute buying repellent at the cafe (secretly I think the flies love the potion that was sold to us and the locals are having a laugh at the tourists expense by selling it).

    Written 10 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are very disappointed that your UK travel agent did not give you a chance to review the details of our Milford Sound Overnight Cruise experience before he/she booked this for you. We are also very disappointed that you didn’t enjoy the cruise or the spectacular surroundings of Milford Sound, which has famously been labelled the 8th wonder of the world. The itinerary for this trip includes a coach trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound, which includes commentary and all the scenic stops visitors expect to see along the famously stunning Milford Road as well as essential bathroom stops. Once on board in Milford Sound, the overnight cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife. Guests are given a thorough safety briefing about the water activities when they first arrive on board, a second time when the vessel arrives at Harrison Cove, and then a third time – one-on-one – when they are ready to get out on the water. Crew are always ready to assist if required. And we can assure you the locals are bitten by the sandflies too! Thank you for your feedback and we hope you enjoyed the rest of your holiday – the team at Real Journeys.
    Written 22 January 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Ken G
    Oakland, CA88 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2022
    This was one of the most memorable experiences we had on our New Zealand tour.
    We had been having some rain in the last few days, so we were concerned that we might not see much in Milford Sound. But in the afternoon, when we arrived at the boat, it had cleared up enough to see the beautiful mountain scenery surrounding the entrance to the sound. Most people just go in, tour around for a couple of hours, and then go out, but our tour stayed overnight on the Mariner. It was very comfortable, and we were so lucky that the weather cleared and we got to see the mountains and all the waterfalls all along the edge of the sound (which they told us was really a fjord - I still don't know the difference). We got close to some of the falls, and we got sprayed under a couple of them. The boat crew told us that was good luck, and also that it hadn't rained there for a while, so the falls were pretty light. What was really good luck was that while we had clear weather on the first afternoon going in, overnight it started to rain. Which was really fortunate, because in the morning the falls were incredible. Where they had been kind of small, in the morning they were huge. And in places where there had been hardly a trickle, now there were 3 or 4 falls all lined up against the mountainside. It was quite incredible to see the contrast. And where we had been sprayed a little, now we got soaked, which meant that we were going to have really good luck. I guess we did, because we were out of New Zealand by the time they had torrential rains, with Auckland getting 15" in one day!
    Written 10 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    jshigi
    Bellevue, WA135 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2019
    Tip of the day - the rooms on the boat are small so leave you big luggage at the hotel in Queenstown and just pick it up when you get back. Bring a small backpack for the overnight cruise.

    We did this for our honeymoon and it was one of our favorite things! You can drive there in a car but I have heard that it is a lot easier to go on a tour bus which is what we did. We slept overnight on the Milford Mariner boat in Milford Sound. We were going to fly back in a helicopter to Queenstown but the weather got too rainy/windy. Heard that the helicopter has some sick views.

    We did the Milford Mariner cruise ship because the cabins had their own private bathrooms. The Milford Wanderer has shared bathrooms/bunks I think.

    The previous year for New Years eve we did the an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. We liked this Milford Sound cruise even more than Halong Bay because there were only 2 boats in the whole sound even on New Years eve! For Halong Bay there were at least 50+ ships. Milford felt a lot more serene and relaxing.

    Even the drive in on the bus was wonderful because they stopped at some cool hiking points. We opted for the kayak option during the overnight cruise which I would highly recommend since you do hiking on the way to Milford Sound.

    Can't recommend this enough!
    Written 30 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    downhillcyclist
    United Kingdom386 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2024 • Family
    The Milford Mariner overnight cruise is an excellent experience. Milford Sound is absolutely stunning. Nice little cabin with ensuite & radiator (bring a small rucksack / overnight bag ). Great dinner & breakfast. Bar on board (card, not cash). Be prepared for wet weather - it poured with rain but that did make the waterfalls even more spectacular. Short trips in tenders or kayaks offered - wet if raining! Wonderful scenery. Unmissable experience.
    Written 30 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    saigon75
    Austin, TX552 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My hubby & I loved this cruise & want to thank the staff who made it extra special: Peanut the knowledgeable & accommodating guide & coach driver; the lovely duo Ruby & Amy onboard & the hilarious young man from Germany with a bright future ahead of him. Everything has already been said about how incredible the cruise was so I won’t add more. I will say tho that we were hesitant to kayak having heard about 2 others capsizing just the night before but we do have experience/can swim & it felt very stable & safe. It was in fact a top experience for us over our 2 week stay. So glad we didn’t miss it. And I’m also thankful I picked RealNZ over the other & much pricier option.
    Written 9 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    chr_8
    lb,il237 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2023 • Solo
    I was there with a tour group and a highlight of my stay in New Zealand was to overnight in the Milford Sound. It was the reason I had picked the tour in the first place. The food was better than I had expected and I found the scientific commentary engaging. Taking an offered excursion with a smaller group in a tender got us closer to the wildlife on shore. My room was clean and quiet and the ensuite bathroom a luxury under the circumstances. The only negative was that there are a variety of accommodations on board and while everyone else in the group got a cabin on a higher floor with windows I was on a lower level and the only window/porthole in my room was about six feet off the floor necessitating that I stand on the bed to look out.
    Written 21 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Hinemoa McCawe
    18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2021 • Family
    Spectacular scenery even in the rain. The Milford Mariner provided superb food and catered to my food intolerances. The staff are genuinely friendly, funny and only too willing to help. The cabins were warm, linen clean and spotless. The stories and knowledge shared of tangata whenua, native Fauna & Fauna and the area in general was great. As a family of 4 with children under 10 it was throughly worthwhile and enjoyable.
    Written 24 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise provided by RealNZ

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