Real Journeys have teamed up with DoC to offer a Discovery Expedition like no other
Real Journeys have teamed up with the Department of Conservation (DoC) to offer a Discovery Expedition like no other and make a difference. On this unique cruise, you will learn about DoC's conservation efforts in Fiordland from DoC staff onboard.
Highlights:
This 5 day, 4 night expedition includes a helicopter flight, comfortable cabins on board the Milford Wanderer and delicious meals prepared by our on-board chef.
- We offer "twin-share" accommodation (2 people per sleeping compartment), but "single occupancy" or "single-share" options may be available
- "Terms & Conditions" for Conservation Expeditions - please refer to Discovery Expeditions Terms and Conditions - please read carefully
- Limited spaces may be available even if the departure is displaying as "Full" - please contact us for the latest availability
The Dusky Sound Conservation Expedition departs from the Real Journeys Visitor Centre in Manapouri.
Manapouri is about 3 hours from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau by road. You can self drive or if you prefer, let us do the driving for you and get you there by coach.
Just because you’re escaping civilisation doesn’t mean you have to go without its comforts. Our vessel, the Milford Wanderer, is a modern motorised vessel that has been purpose built for navigating southern New Zealand.
The Milford Wanderer
Designed along the lines of a traditional sailing scow, it has old world charm combined with modern facilities and the latest in safety equipment. After recent refurbishment the Milford Wanderer offers "twin-share" compartments and shared bathroom facilities.
The following tour description summarises the intended trip - however weather conditions may dictate the final itinerary.
Day 1
Manapouri to Breaksea Sound
Cruise across Lake Manapouri, coach over stunning Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound. Board the Milford Wanderer and cruise out of Doubtful Sound with a 3-hour sea passage to Breaksea Sound to conclude the day.
Day 2
Breaksea Sound to Dusky Sound
Cruise through Acheron passage to Dusky Sound and visit the Shag Islands and Sportsman Cove. In the afternoon time will be spent as a DOC volunteer assisting DOC with current Conservation projects.
Day 3
Explore Dusky Sound
A day of exploring Dusky Sound with shore landings and activities, exact locations to be visited will to be confirmed by the crew
Day 4
Explore Dusky Sound
Today’s activities will be split over the course of the day dependant on the weather. Time will be spent as a DOC volunteer assisting DOC with current Conservation projects and time to explore some of the Historic sites Dusky Sound has to offer.
Day 5
Dusky Sound to Manapouri
Arrive into Supper Cove, where you will spend 2 hours participating in conservation activities. Helicopter transfer will commence from Supper Cove to West Arm from 11.30am. Cruise across Lake Manapouri back to Manapouri Visitors Centre.
We suggest you park your vehicle in the View Street car park, in Manapouri. This is free parking for unlimited time.
Power points are 240volts and available 7am – 9pm, while the main generators are operating.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in the price of your trip. Complimentary tea and coffee is available throughout the cruise. We have an licensed bar on board the Milford Wanderer and these drinks are available for purchase on-board.
We have an licensed bar on board the Milford Wanderer and these drinks are available for purchase on-board. We also sell a range of bar snacks and some souvenirs.
We set up an account for you for the duration of your cruise and we accept cash, cheque or credit card payments.
We ask all guests to keep any of their medication with them during the transfers as you may be separated from your main bags for some time (possibly hours). We also request hand luggage is limited to a day pack/ handbag, camera, raincoat and your medication.
We strongly prefer our guests to limit their luggage to 1 soft sided suitcase or backpack and 1 day pack (ie small backpack or handbag). Luggage is especially restricted for helicopter transfers.
Please see our detailed list of “what to bring” on the ‘More Info’ tab on this page. We recommend our guests to bring gumboots / waterproof boots for onshore activities as it is often muddy on land and guest have to step into sea surge when going ashore. Please note that all shoes for wearing onshore are to be kept outside your luggage at check-in, as we need to put them in a salt water bath to eliminate any seeds or didymo before entering the National Park (new shoes do not need to be dipped).
Due to Real Journeys’ commitment to the preservation of diminishing fish stocks, it is our company policy not to fish within the Fiordland waterways (in accordance with the Guardians of the Fiordland Fisheries). We therefore ask that you not to bring any fishing gear on-board. However, if weather and timing permits, there may be an option to fish outside these areas (hand line and barbless hooks are provided, must adhere to quota).
All walks are optional. The Nature Guides provide a briefing prior to heading ashore so you can decide if you wish to join in. The walks are generally leisurely and not too strenuous, allowing you time to take in the area’s flora and fauna. Please note that the tracks are often muddy.
We recommend all our guests reconfirm 48 hours prior to departure and provide details of where you will be staying the night prior to departure, confirm your pickup point and departure time.
We can cater for most food requests, ranging from celiac, gluten free, vegetarian and lactose intolerant. Unfortunately we cannot cater for Kosher. Please contact us to discuss any of your dietary requirements.
We have an licensed bar on board the Milford Wanderer and these drinks are available for purchase on-board. The Milford Wanderer is not licensed for BYO so please leave any alcohol at home.
There is a space for guests to hang your wet clothes however it is not a specific drying room.
Unfortunately we cannot cater to guests who wish to scuba dive on our vessel.
We recommend that you bring both gumboots and sandshoes/hiking/tramping boots. As we often do beach/shore landings where at the tide sweeps in/out and short walks, gumboots (preferably ones just below the knee) are ideal to stomp around in if the tracks are wet and boggy underfoot. The crew will advise you of what they recommend you wear on each adventure.
We offer courtesy transfers from Te Anau to Manapouri. For transfers from Queenstown, coach connections are available for an extra cost. Please contact us for further details.
The Milford Wanderer is also utilised for our Milford Sound Overnight Cruises during the summer season (mid December to March).
Click on “Book your cruise now” and search for your preferred departure date and follow the prompts to complete your booking via this website. Alternatively contact us on 0800 65 65 01 (Freephone within New Zealand), phone +64 3 249 7416 or email us on discovery@realjourneys.co.nz and our Reservations team will assist you.
Smoking is only permitted in the designated outdoor areas on-board the Milford Wanderer. You cannot buy cigarettes on board the Milford Wanderer.
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