Grand Tour New Zealand Cruise

Your adventure will start in Manapouri in the morning with a leisurely scenic van transfer into Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, with short stops along the way for photo opportunities and to take in the views. You will board the Fiordland Jewel in Milford Sound in the afternoon. After meeting the crew and settling into your cabins you can relax and absorb the magnificent beauty of this fiord as we explore this steep and narrow, glacially-carved valley which runs 16 kilometres to the Tasman Sea. View famous cascading waterfalls which rival some of the world’s tallest and are at their most spectacular on rainy days. Cruise past Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, the world-renowned Mitre Peak, Mt Pembroke, Bridal Veil Falls plus Fairy Falls then we venture up the north side of the fiord past Dale Point, the Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, Seal Rock, Stirling Falls, The Lion and the Cascade Range. After cruising, we will anchor at Deepwater Basin for the night.

At some stage, depending on the weather, we head down the coast and spend the next few days exploring Bligh, George, Caswell and Thompson Sounds before arriving in Doubtful Sound to discover the untouched wilderness of its winding sea inlets. At some stage, again depending on the weather, we head south further down the coast to Dusky Sound where we will cruise amongst the various islands, coves and passages, visiting many historically significant sites such as: Luncheon Cove, Anchor Point, Pigeon Island and Resolution Island. From here we will cruise further south to Chalky and Preservation Inlet where we will cruise and take in spectacular land features such as Cascade basin, a magnificent waterfall that plunges into Long Sound. There may be the opportunity to get ashore for a beach walk to stretch your legs or to visit more historical sites and perhaps walk to Puysegur Point, the most isolated lighthouse in New Zealand. We may do activities such as: Viewing incredible wildlife - keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals, on rare occasions we may encounter whales Spot birds such as the rare and captivating Fiordland crested penguin, New Zealand falcons, white-faced herons, white herons, cattle egrets, a variety of shags and the common black-backed gull. On our short sea passages we frequently see Albatross including the Royal Albatross which has the longest wingspan in the world. Short walks in Dusky Sound, Chalky and Preservation Inlets Some fishing to catch a feed, if you wish to do so Kayaking and tender boat excursions Stargazing on clear evenings as the unpolluted sky is full of stars and our top deck is the perfect viewing platform, perhaps one night you will be able to do this whilst relaxing in our top-deck hot tub!

Watch the sunrise over a continental breakfast while waiting for your helicopter to arrive on board for your scenic transfer back to Te Anau in the morning. Of course, the weather is central to a Fiordland experience, so the itinerary of your cruise may differ depending on the conditions on the day. The above sample itinerary is from Milford Sound ending in Dusky Sound/Preservation Inlet and Dusky Sound/Preservation Inlet to Milford Sound is in reverse.

Itineraries are subject to change.