Change of Overnight Cruise Experience at Milford Sound

TRENZ May 2011

Media Release

Real Journeys is undergoing a major refit of the Milford Wanderer this winter in response to the demands of the modern traveller. 

For almost twenty years the Milford Wanderer, with specialist nature guides on board, has taken passengers on daytime Nature Cruises and Overnight Cruises.

“The Milford Wanderer is one of our most loved and talked about boats and for nineteen years we’ve had amazing feedback from all over the world.  People love the friendly atmosphere, the specialist nature guides and the kayaking they experience on the overnight cruise.  But passengers had started telling us they don’t want the quad-share cabins any more, so they had to go,” said Real Journeys CEO Dave Hawkey.

The nineteen-year-old vessel has been sent to Wanganui to undergo a 2.7 million dollar refit.  The quad-share bunk-style compartments will be reconfigured to stylish twin/double cabins with shared modern bathroom facilities (vessel layout) for a maximum of 36 overnight passengers. 

The saloon is being extended to provide more space and more luxurious seating inside. 

The interior will be re-designed with extensive use of wood panelling and brass light fittings in keeping with the character of the vessel. 

All the operating systems of the vessel including its plumbing and lighting are being revamped to make the vessel quieter and even more environmentally friendly.

“I’ve had letters from people telling me the Milford Wanderer gave them their first opportunity to go kayaking and to see dolphins in the wild.  The Milford Wanderer has quite a following and I think they’re going to love what we’re doing with the upgrade,” said Mr Hawkey. 

When the Milford Wanderer returns to the water for cruises in November this year, it will rejoin the more luxurious Milford Mariner which has twin share cabins with ensuite bathrooms.  During the day these two vessels and the MV Sinbad will be used for Nature Cruises.

Additional facts about Milford Wanderer:

• Purpose built motor vessel designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow.
• Ketch rigged fore and aft sails, jib and flying jib.
• Commenced service 1 October 1992.
• Overnight capacity 36 passengers, daytime capacity 90 passengers.
• Overnight cruises run from November to April and include dinner, cooked breakfast and activities like wildlife viewing, kayaking and exploring in the vessel’s tender craft.

For more information or images please contact:

Tsehai Tiffin - Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: +64 3 442 4830
Mobile: 021 523 899
Email: ttiffin@realjourneys.co.nz