Northern Fiords New Zealand Cruise
Explore Doubtful, Nancy, Caswell, Bligh and Milford Sounds aboard the Fiordland Jewel
Truly explore New Zealand’s largest National Park aboard our purpose built catamaran, the Fiordland Jewel, on a six-night scenic expedition deep into the Northern Fiords. Part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site, this untouched treasure of the south is rich in history and teeming with birds and sea life. The mountains seem to rise straight out of the sea, making for incredible vistas on every turn.
Stay six nights in one of our nine climate-controlled cabins, all of which have sea views and private ensuites. On a clear night, relax in the top deck hot tub and experience stargazing in a sky entirely free of light pollution. Take one of our kayaks out for a paddle and soak in the exceptional peace and tranquility of the area’s wilderness landscapes.
Our crew loves to share stories from the area and are great at spotting wildlife, such as fur seals, penguins, bottlenose dolphins and the many native birds that call the surrounding forests and shoreline home. Depending on your wishes, there may be opportunities for both short walks and fishing. You might even bring in the catch of the day to be cooked up by our onboard chef, who creates every meal in our fully equipped commercial kitchen.
Individual cabins can be booked for yourself, your small group of family and friends, or as a couple, for an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come. A maximum of 18 passengers.
Your adventure will start in Manapouri at 12.30pm with a boat transfer across Lake Manapouri to West Arm, where you will change to a coach to travel over the Wilmot Pass. Here you will capture breathtaking vistas of Doubtful Sound and the surrounding Mountains. You will board the Fiordland Jewel at Deep Cove.
After meeting the crew and settling into your cabins you can relax and take in the sensational surrounds and discover untouched landscapes thriving with an abundance of wildlife. Doubtful Sound is defined by lush rainforests clinging to dramatic peaks. Waterfalls are also gloriously abundant in the area.
We cruise the arms and view the islands of Doubtful Sound and at some stage, depending on the weather, we head towards Nancy Sound and spend the next few days visiting Caswell, George and Bligh Sounds.
We may do activities such as:
View 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.
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!
Enter the magnificent Milford Sound
Cruise past Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, the world-renowned Mitre Peak, Mt Pembroke, Bridal Veil Falls and 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 anchor at Deepwater Basin for the night.
Watch the sunrise over continental breakfast, which is served from 7am-8am, before returning to the terminal at 9.00am. Van transfer back to your vehicle in Manapouri (included).
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 Doubtful Sound ending in Milford Sound, Milford Sound to Doubtful Sound is in reverse.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Resolution Deluxe Quadruple
Captain Cook Deluxe King
Endeavour Deluxe Twin
Governor Suite Executive King
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Book now |
Resolution Deluxe Quadruple
Captain Cook Deluxe King
Endeavour Deluxe Twin
Governor Suite Executive King
Vessel Type: Catamaran
Length: 24 metres
Passenger Capacity: 18-20
The Fiordland Jewel is a 24m, three-deck custom-built catamaran offering a high-quality 5-star marine experience. Designed and constructed by owner and skipper Rob Swale, it accommodates 18–22 guests in nine climate-controlled cabins, each with its own ensuite bathroom. The vessel features a helicopter pad, top-deck hot tub, and full windows throughout, providing exceptional comfort and panoramic views of Fiordland and Stewart Island. Powered by twin Scania engines, the catamaran cruises at 16 knots with a crew of 4–5.
Cabins are designed for luxury and privacy: the Governor Cabin offers a super-king bed and full-width forward windows; Captain Cook Cabins feature super-king beds with sea views; Endeavour Cabins have king single beds; and Resolution Cabins include twin single bunks. The Fiordland Jewel also carries a tender and eight kayaks, making it ideal for private charters, overnight Milford Sound cruises, and small-group scenic expeditions.
Return transfers from Queenstown are available $200 NZD
Inclusions
• All meals prepared by our on board chef – all dietary requirements are catered for. Tea & Coffee
• Some fishing to catch a feed
• Use of our kayaks and top deck hot tub (weather dependent)
• In each cabin: Toiletries – body wash, shampoo & conditioner by Sans [ceuticals], hairdryer, linen and bath towels
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• Transfer per person into or out of Doubtful Sound from/to Manapouri (Boat/Coach) and into or out of Milford Sound from/to Manapouri (Van)
Exclusions
• Wines, beer & soft drinks (no spirits), these are available for you to purchase from our licensed onboard bar. (BYO alcohol NOT permitted)
• Transport to/from Queenstown (add on at $200 per person to Te Anau, round trip | $300 per person to Milford, round trip)
Small Ship Cruise
Highlights
• View 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.
• 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!
Our Associates Include
