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 departure dates please see the 'More Info' tab.
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.
Below is a list of departure dates with availability status. We try to keep this as up-to-date as possible. These cruise are very popular and do book out. When the departure shows "limited spaces", please call us on 0800 656501 for the latest number of cabins available for booking. Private Single Occupancy rooms also available, please contact us for pricing.
| DEPARTS - RETURNS | DURATION | DETAILS | PRICING | AVAILABILITY |
2020 Departures |
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| 28 Nov - 4 Dec 2020 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $3850 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 6 - 12 Dec 2020 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $3850 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 12 - 18 Dec 2020 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $3850 pp | SOLD OUT |
| DEPARTS - RETURNS | DURATION | DETAILS | PRICING | AVAILABILITY |
|
|
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| 10 - 16 Jan 2021 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $3850 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 16 - 22 Jan 2021 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $3850 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 24 - 30 Jan 2021 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $3850 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 30 Jan - 5 Feb 2021 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $3850 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 4 - 10 Apr 2021 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 10 - 16 Apr 2021 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 18 - 24 Apr 2021 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 24 - 30 Apr 2021 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 2 - 8 May 2021 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 8 - 14 May 2021 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 16 - 22 May 2021 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 22 - 28 May 2021 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 1 - 7 Aug 2021 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 7 - 13 Aug 2021 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 15 - 21 Aug 2021 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 21 - 27 Aug 2021 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $4100 pp | Limited Spaces |
| 29 Aug - 4 Sep 2021 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 4 - 10 Sep 2021 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $4100 pp | Limited Spaces |
| 12 - 18 Sep 2021 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $4100 pp | Limited Spaces |
| 18 - 24 Sep 2021 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $4100 pp | Limited Spaces |
| 26 Sep - 2 Oct 2021 | 7 days | Cruise + Heli | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
| 2 - 8 Oct 2021 | 7 days | Heli + Cruise | $4100 pp | SOLD OUT |
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.
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.
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. Next update October 2019).
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. Next update October 2019).
5 November 2018
We helicoptered into Preservation inlet - a stunning 30 minute chopper flight - then 6 days on the Milford Wanderer, the history, botany, scenery and activities were first class- great lectures at night - far too much great food - the two 3 hour sailings out to sea were an exciting experience.
19 April 2018
We had to book this trip over a year ago and it was well worth the wait. The scenery was stunning, the crew were wonderful, the food was amazing and the cabin was cosy and warm. We wanted for nothing and spent our time gazing at the views, walking with a very knowledgeable guide, chatting with new friends and taking numerous photographs. We saw kaka, kakariki, robins, dolphins, seals, penguins and albatross. We were so tired at night, that we went to bed at 9 and awoke fresh at 7 for breakfast. We even had the chance to swim! It was expensive, we saved for a year, but it was worth every cent and we helped a conservation project with our payment. We had the best time and thank all the crew for their excellent, hard work. One piece of advice, take sea sickness tablets for the sea journeys and try to stay outside in the fresh air! The first crossing was the worst, after that, it was a breeze. Our lovely Hannah brought us hot water bottles even though she was suffering herself. Caring, everyone of them.
4 January 2018
The week long cruise with Real Journeys called Preservation Inlet Discovery Expedition was the very best of small tour cruising. The crew go above and beyond what you would expect to ensure everyone has a fantastic time. The meals were excellent, the side tours from the boat catered for all passengers and we saw some wonderful parts of New Zealand and learnt such a lot about NZ's early history in the deep south. Teas and coffees were available at any time so not a shop as such, a good library covering a huge range of topics about the area we were in, all the crew were so knowledgeable and helpful, interesting after dinner talks and pictures. This trip was definitely a highlight of 2017, and we would recommend it to other 50+ couples and singles.
11 October 2017
I am full of praise for this journey of a lifetime I shared with 32 like minded New Zealanders. A very special part of NZ historically and conservation wise and added to that is the sheer beauty. The staff treated us royally. Food delicious. Talks hugely informative. Accommodation really comfortable. Walks long and short great. Feeling hugely privileged to have been there.
30 September 2017
In August 2016 we did the 6 night discovery expedition with Real Journeys to Preservation Inlet. The trip began with a helicopter trip over the snow covered southern alps - amazing scenery! Captain Cook spent 5 weeks in the Preservation Inlet area so there is lots of history to explore and lots of tramping/hiking to do. The hike to Puysegaur Point lighthouse is a must do - it must be the most isolated lighthouse in New Zealand. I was up to the top of my gum boots in mud twice on that walk and it was still awesome. Kayaking from the boat was also a highlight of the trip. The boat takes 32 passengers, and 6 crew. The crew is amazing, the food is amazing. There are seals, penguins and dolphins. Get in shape, pack your gummies and go. We enjoyed it so much that in July 2017 we did the 5 night Stewart Island discovery expedition.
3 September 2017
A 7 day 6 night Discovery Cruise starting from Lake Manapouri. This was perhaps the most awesome journey my wife and I have ever been on! From the helicopter flight in to the ride over Wilmott Pass back to Lake Manapouri. The main event was the Southern Fiords. Forest covered slopes rising 1000 metres almost vertically, waterfalls at every turn, bird life greeting us every morning, caring, knowledgeable crew and so it went on. Words don't do this place justice. Hopefully the photos give you some idea. It was a privilege to be involved.
9 August 2017
Real Journeys 7 day Preservation Inlet Discovery Expedition exceeded our expectations, the crew were outstanding their enthusiasm and knowledge was exceptional. It was interesting to learn the history associated with the area and experience the mystical landscape whilst studying the Flora and Fauna. Highly recommended well worth the two year wait. Book it now!!!
6 August 2017
Can't rate this highly enough if there was an option to give six I would. Just come back from a magical seven day cruise from preservation inlet to doubtful sound. The ship and the crew are unbelievable add to your bucket list and go.
10 July 2017
This was a bucket list holiday ever since we heard about it 10 years ago. Real Journeys 7 day Preservation Inlet Discovery Expedition from Doubtful Sound to Preservation Inlet, exploring Dusky, Chalky and Breaksea Sounds. Shore excursions to view nature at its best, stunning landscapes and historic sites, highlight was Astronomers Point, where Cook's crew set up a temporary observatory, whilst on their second voyage of discovery in 1773. Best of all, small boat, 32 passengers, 6 crew who were amazing, and the helicopter ride at the end. Great food and company, weather was mostly kind, and we visited all sites on the itinerary.
22 May 2017
From the moment we left Queenstown with Real Journeys we knew that we were in good hands, this company is very professional and certainly know how to look after their clients. We helicoptered in to meet the Milford Wanderer and our 7 day voyage started at Preservation Inlet .The vessel gave us a very comfortable home for our voyage The crew - Chris (Skipper) Felix (no 2) Stefan (Cook) Richard (our guide)Mike (Tender Skipper) and Annette( that looked after us so well) were fantastic .We traveled the fiords and what a special place this is with the surrounding hills and calm seas . Blue cod and crayfish what more could one want..... A great week ,thanks Milford Wanderer
11 May 2017
We left Te Anau driving to Manapouri in our own cars though there is a free bus provided. We were ferried across the lake, taken by helicopter to the small landing stage on a barge then taken by tender to join the Milford wanderer. For seven days we cruised our southern fjords. The historical stories told so ably by Chris brought an amazing dimension to the beautiful places we visited. Each day brought new adventures off the boat as we explored the area and our chef, John, supplied us with tasty interesting meals and snacks. Our party of 12 were all thrilled with the whole experience. We did two, three hour open sea trips between Sounds. The sea was fairly wild but we were warned and it was suggested we took sea sickness meds. I found this part of the trip exhilarating as Miriam threw out food for the many species of albatrosses who flocked around. We saw a couple of royal albatrosses amongst them. Safety was paramount and three of the five staff members had skippers tickets. It was a thrill to visit predator free islands and see the difference in the state of the bush. I loved every minute of this opportunity to see more of our magnificent country. Thankyou "Real Journeys"
11 May 2016
This is a 7 day, 6 night adventure for the reasonably fit person who loves to learn about New Zealand History, flora and fauna, wildlife, enjoys water sports, (Kayaking and fishing) or just taking in the magical vistas of New Zealands Southern Most Fiords of Preservation Inlet, Dusky Sound, Chalky Inlet (if weather permits), and Doubtful Sound while being treated like Kings and Queens. Six wonderful staff look after your every need, including dietary needs. You are taken to incredible bays and inlets to go for walks or tramps and to view all manner of interesting things including wildlife. Our first sea voyage was a bit rough!, but all passengers were well looked after and seeing the amazing Albatrosses sweeping all around the vessel - Wow! A magical trip, from the helicopter flight from West Arm Manapouri to Preservation Inlet, to the final farewells on the Wharf at Manapouri. Absolutely incredible experience.
4 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
2 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
6 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
Click on “Choose Date” and search for your preferred departure date, then 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 6000 or email us at discovery@realjourneys.co.nz and our Reservations team will assist you. Please note that for website bookings the full payment will be required to confirm your booking, whereas phone & email bookings can be secured with a non-refundable deposit, with the remaining balance due 120 days before departure.
We suggest you park your vehicle in the View Street car park, in Manapouri. This is free parking for unlimited time.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Unfortunately we cannot provide to this level of detail as some places visited are weather dependent. We visit historic places, abandoned settlements, deserted shorelines and places of interest.
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 offer a discount for groups of 10 or more people. Please enquire about availability and bookings.
Yes, we offer returning Discovery Expeditions customers a 10% discount. Please enquire directly with us about making your booking to receive the discount.
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.
Nearer the departure date, we will provide a detailed list of “what to bring”. However, 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.
The kayaks are available on all our Discovery Expedition departures – please ensure you talk to the crew onboard if you wish to go kayaking. Please note that all kayaking is weather and time dependent.
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).
Power points are 240volts and available 7am – 9pm, while the main generators are operating.
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.
The Milford Wanderer was also utilised for our Milford Sound Overnight Cruises (Real Journeys) during the summer season (November to March).
For November 2020 to March 2021 - we will be operating Discovery Expeditions during these months and new departures have now been added.
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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