The ultimate voyage of discovery - explore 5 of New Zealand's most isolated fiords on 7 day cruise
Join us on the ultimate voyage of discovery on an exploration of five of New Zealand’s southernmost and seldom visited fiords; Chalky and Preservation Inlets as well as the stunning Doubtful, Dusky and Breaksea Sounds.
Preservation and Chalky inlets offer remote wind-swept coastlines and grand sweeping beaches. In the past, the natural harbours in this area attracted early whalers and miners. Only a few traces of their attempts to tame the landscape still remain. You’ll experience the extreme isolation of this inspirational wilderness, its beauty, wildlife and fascinating history.
From aboard the purpose-built Milford Wanderer you will trace the route Captain Cook took during his historic 1773 voyage to seek out the hypothetical Terra Australis. During your cruise, you will land on beautiful beaches and spend time exploring the coastline via tender craft and kayak. View the island sanctuary set aside by New Zealand’s first conservationist Richard Henry and enjoy the rich wildlife you will encounter on the cruise.
With on-board nature guides, great facilities and outstanding food, all your needs are catered for against an awe-inspiring natural backdrop.
For more detailed information, please visit our Discovery Expeditions website.
- Suitable for all ages with the exception of children under 10 years
- Children's rates apply for ages 10 - 14 years
- We offer "twin-share" accommodation (2 people per sleeping compartment), but "single occupancy" or "single-share" options may be available
- "Terms & Conditions" for Discovery Expeditions are different so please read carefully
- Limited spaces may be available even if the departure is displaying as "Full" - please contact us for the latest availability
Doubtful Sound reaches about 430m at its maximum depth. Near the entrance there are sills where the water is relatively shallow (90m).
The water temperature in the fiord averages a bracing 11 degrees Celsius.
| DEPARTS - RETURNS | DURATION | DETAILS | AVAILABILITY |
| 4 - 10 Sep 2016 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | SOLD OUT |
| 10 - 16 Sep 2016 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | Limited Spaces |
View 2017 Departure information
View 2018 Departure information
Preservation Inlet Discovery Expeditions depart 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.
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.
Fiordland, one of the world’s wettest regions. Most of the rain falls on the seaward side of the mountains.
Manapouri village receives 1,143mm a year but over in West Arm the rainfall rises to 3,786mm. Deep Cove receives 5,290mm per year.
Please note this is a general guide only, all itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions and crew judgement. In addition to below there is also lots of cruising, and extra kayaking or walking where time allows!
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 visit Luncheon Cove, the site of New Zealand’s first European and sealers settlement. Optional guided walk (2.5km) over predator free Anchor Island.
Day 3 - Explore Dusky Sound
Start the day with a visit to early conservationist Richard Henry’s house site on Pigeon Island. Cruise Facile harbour, site of NZ’s first known European ship wreck. Cruise through Earshell Cove and the narrow channels of Resolution Island to The Basin for a walk or some kayaking.
Day 4 - Dusky Sound to Chalky Inlet
Visit Pickersgill Harbour and Astronomers Pt - named and used by Cook during his five week stay in 1773. Three hour sea passage to Chalky Inlet. Walk on the beach at South Port visiting the old saw mill site. Anchor at North Port near the rusting hulk of the 1800s government steam ship “Stella”.
Day 5 - Chalky Inlet to Preservation Inlet
In the morning visit the town site of Cromarty and the mining relics of Te Oneroa with the option of a 5km return walk to Puysegur Point Light House in afternoon.
Day 6 - Preservation Inlet
Visit Tarawera smelter’s reclining brick chimney and the site of NZ’s first operational whaling station at Cuttle Cove. Take in the golden beaches of Spit Island.
Day 7 - Preservation Inlet to Manapouri
Helicopter from Weka Island Barge to West Arm of Manapouri – flights commencing from 11am. Visit the underground power station* then cruise across Lake Manapouri to complete your journey at the Real Journeys Manapouri Visitor Centre.
(*The Manapouri Underground Power Station is currently closed for maintenance. It is estimated to re-open 1 November 2016).
Please note this is a general guide only, all itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions and crew judgement. In addition to below there is also lots of cruising, and extra kayaking or walking where time allows!
Day 1 - Manapouri to Preservation Inlet
Cruise from Real Journeys Manapouri Visitor Centre to West Arm of Manapouri. Helicopter to Weka Island Barge to board the Milford Wanderer and cruise Preservation Inlet.
Day 2 - Explore Preservation Inlet
In the morning visit the town site of Cromarty and the mining relics of Te Oneroa with the option of a 5km return walk to Puysegur Point Light House in afternoon.
Day 3 - Preservation Inlet to Chalky Inlet
Visit Tarawera smelter’s reclining brick chimney and the site of NZ’s first operational whaling station at Cuttle Cove. Take in the golden beaches of Spit Island. Cruise to Chalky Inlet, anchoring at North Port near the rusting hulk of the 1800s government steam ship “Stella”.
Day 4 - Chalky Inlet to Dusky Sound
Walk on the beach at South Port visiting the old saw mill site. Three hour sea passage to Dusky Sound. Visit Pickersgill Harbour and Astronomers Pt - named and used by Cook during his five week stay in 1773.
Day 5 - Explore Dusky Sound
Start the day with a visit to early conservationist Richard Henry’s house site on Pigeon Island. Cruise Facile harbour, site of NZ’s first known European ship wreck. Cruise through Earshell Cove and the narrow channels of Resolution Island to The Basin for a walk or some kayaking.
Day 6 - Dusky Sound to Doubtful Sound
In the morning visit Luncheon Cove, the site of New Zealand’s first European and sealers settlement. Optional guided walk (2.5km) over predator free Anchor Island. Cruise through Acheron passage to Breaksea Sound and then a 3 hour sea passage to Doubtful sound.
Day 7 - Doubtful Sound to Manapouri
Cruise Doubtful Sound and lunch in Hall Arm. Leave the Milford Wanderer in Deep Cove and cross by coach over the stunning Wilmot Pass. Visit the underground power station* then cruise across Lake Manapouri to complete your journey at the Real Journeys Manapouri Visitor Centre.
(*The Manapouri Underground Power Station is currently closed for maintenance. It is estimated to re-open 1 November 2016).
04 November 2014
A week away on Milford Wanderer (a 30m purpose built ship) in a magic part of New Zealand, hidden away and full of treasures. On one hand, every Kiwi should see it, but actually it needs to be our best kept secret. The Real Journeys team were friendly, competent and loved their work. They have the best office :)
We had a typical week of Fiordland (rain, sunshine, wind, flat calm - often in one day), the itinerary worked with all this. Dolphin, albatross, seals and mystical mountain scenery.
You are out of touch with the world - truly unplugged and back to basics, but that doesn't stop fabulous food and a gentle routine of shore trips and history. Go on, just do it.
Visited April 2014
02 May 2013
Six of us booked this last year as it was a Bucket List item and the only way you can truly see what Fiordland is all about. There are 32 paying guests and 6 crew aboard this well appointed ship. The most important person was our cook Chrissy. She was brilliant. Next was Jason, our very enthusiastic Field guide. He kept us all on our toes checking out the wild life and historical sights. "ABB's" and of course our Captains, plus Felix and Keren. They were wonderful, looking after all our needs. This boat goes with the weather so our sailing itinerary changed daily, plans A, B and C according to what would be the best activity on the day.
I highly recommend this Company and its crew. Plus I must mention the adrenalin rush of the helicopter ride to get us back to Manapouri. Phew.
Visited April 2013
20 June 2013
This is a trip that should be on everyone's bucket list. Scenery is spectacular. Food delicious and more that plentiful. Staff friendly and knowledgable. Loved seeing the Dophins and all the seabirds. Especially enjoyed the kayaking and trips ashore. We felt like we were back in the days of Captain Cook as this area has remained so unspoilt.
We were impressed that the staff were so adaptable and could change from Plan A to Plan B to give us the best experience depending on the weather
Accomodation is good - would perhaps have liked a better drying room and newer reference books but we fed this back to the company and they are going to fix this
Also the website was a bit difficult to access information but this is also being addresse
This trip was good value for money and we would recommend it to anyone.
Visited April 2013
06 September 2012
We just felt that we had to write to say how much we enjoyed the Discovery Cruise, last week, 24 to 30 August, and to congratulate the crew on their true Kiwi hospitality. Everyone went out of their way to make sure that we were all comfortable. Chrissy does an amazing job in the galley, and her attention to the extra little finishing touches have to be seen to be believed, and it is wonderful how the others all pitch in to help her, a credit to them all. 2 birthdays were celebrated during the week and for each a cake was made and decorated for us all to enjoy. Whether we were off loading at the shore, from the tender, on our walks, or kayaking, someone was always there to lend a helping hand, Jason, Felix, Kendra and Keren, they should all be very proud of themselves, obviously they love the working environment and it shows through. Peter does a wonderful job in handling the Milford Wanderer, and kept everyone informed as we battled a very disturbed sea on our journey from Chalky Inlet to Dusky Sound. Have already been telling people about this wonderful NZ trip. Many thanks to everyone for all your expertise, we have come away with lots of wonderful experiences and memories from Fiordland.
Visited August 2012
Kay & David Bowie via Customer Feedback
