Milford Sound Overnight Cruise - Mariner Milford Sound
Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise
All prices shown in NZD$.
Genuine Customer Reviews powered by 
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From Pete the tour driver to the team onboard. Everyone was super friendly. Everything ran like clock work. The kayak and tender options were great for all ages. The scenery speaks for itself. A must do and see for anyone in New Zealand
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Great experience , highly recommend
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We booked online. Paid in full. We got a call from the company the next day saying that actually they didn’t have space. We were then high pressure sold into two trips on the sounds that in the end were very similar. Felt a lot taken advantage of! Feels like it’s done on purpose so they can they sell you more stuff instead of just refunding and correcting the site to say fully booked. We looked again a week later and the trip still said they had availability! So clearly this is a tactic they commonly use.
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Expensive. We were cancelled on so we didn’t get to go,
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I booked an overnight cruise in Milford Sound. The cruise itself is quite expensive but refundable until 30 days before the booking date. I really worried about the possibility of the cancellation of my whole trip because of COVID. I chose Everything NZ because of their cancellation insurance.
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Amazing scenery and great encounter with wildlife such as fur seals and dolphins. It was sunny and the sea was calm. I enjoyed a lot without worrying about sea sickness.
It’s a pity we couldn’t see sunset to the sea. It was maybe because the sunset time is around 9:30pm. The ship can’t be in the open ocean at that time. (It anchored at a cove by then.)
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They were incredibly helpful. Went out of there way to make my holiday a success and I can't fault anything. Highly recommended. Best holiday ever!
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It was one of the most memorable holidays I've had. A must-do bucket -list addition. Food, accommodation, service, and adventure, all rolled into an over-night, breathtakingly beautiful experience.
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Everything was confirmed promptly and documents sent out. Very straight forward.
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Fabulous experience to get up close to Nature in the Milford Sound. The crew were very attentive and the meals were outstanding.
Reply from Everything Travel Group
Thank you so much for your feedback. We really appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your great experience. We are happy to hear that you had an amazing time in Milford Sound. We hope to see you here in Queenstown again soon. All the best!
Service rating:
The way it is written suggests that you get a discount from the total price when booking 2 trips. You need to be more specific on how the multi saver works and that the discount is only on the lowest price product. Made me feel a little suspicious of the sort of company I was dealing with and honestly I would have looked at bookme for a better deal.
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I have already recommend this trip to others. The staff were so awesome and entertaining. Loved the three course meal, food scrumptious and there was plenty to go round. The boat was so clean and our bed was cozy.
The only thing was the cabin toilet were a little small for our men but luckily the ones upstairs had plenty of room. The kayaking in the sounds, being able to swim was so worth it.
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Outstanding experience and service on board Milford Mariner, with Crew focused on ensuring guests enjoy the beautiful Milford Sounds and providing wonderful insight and information into its history and creation.
Product rating:
Excellent experience, service and natural beauty
Reply from Everything Travel Group
Thank you so much for your feedback. We really appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your great experience! We are glad to hear that you had a fantastic time in Milford Sound. We hope to see you here soon again. All the best!
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Great service and especially the after sales service when i wanted to change parts of my booking
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Wonderful time in Milford Sound, hundreds of water falls due to all of the rain which was spectacular. The ship and crew were fantastic, very helpful and knowledgeable.
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Booked overnight Milford Sound cruise. Actually it took two days and two SEVEN HOUR BUS RIDES (not a direct route at all! Dropped people off all over the island) for a two hour boat ride, not a cruise. Didn’t get on boat until after 4pm and it did not sail out to the Tasman sea as described. Instead we had to get up at 6am in the dark and they ran us out to the sea. We were dumped off the boat before 9am. Not a relaxing cruise but a very tiring waste of two days. There must be a better way to see the sound.
Product rating:
Overpriced, bus didn’t take direct route and took seven hours one way, very obnoxious bus driver who wouldn’t stop talking about how great he was (he wasn’t), very little time on boat. Cabin had window the size of my I phone and had to stand on bed to see out. Dinner was a buffet and to add insult to injury, they charged $17 for a glass of wine!!!! Nature guide didn’t even know what kind of fish were in the sound—when asked, he said “lots”. Really?
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would have liked to get an email a day before travelling to remind me of my journey that was coming up as I had lost my booking email.
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bus driver (Roland) from Queenstown was excellent and very good commentary. Accommodation on cruise was good but the crusie was shorter than we had expected. Also with Autumn day light it didn't give us much time for water activities. There was quite a lot of doubling up of information about nature and wildlife and a great opportunity to show off Fiordland as a whole was missed. Instead of a slide show (which was not that good from a New Zealander perspective) there could have been a DVD on the whole area - like the current TV programme of NZ coast. Overall though the crew were very helpful with a smile.
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Great organisers. Belinda was very helpful
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Great experience with professional tour operators
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Staff were very helpful and took excellent care of us
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The cruise was magical, very beautiful scenery and excellent guides, very knowledgeable and approachable. Excellent food and service.
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Website probably would benefit from a little I,pro meant but sr ice otherwise ok.
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Really enjoyed the cruise,better than expected. Would have preferred a slightly later finish.
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Fantastic cruise overnight
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The real journeys staff were fantastic, this trip is so good I could have done it all again a second day and night x
Reply from Customer
No hassle,well organised
Reply from Customer
AMAZING ....
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The booking was easy and straightforward. There were conflicting times given for arrival time for the cruise. I had to phone the actual cruise company for the correct time, it was fortunate I did this as the cruise actually left an hour earlier than the time I had been given!
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The overnight cruise was outstanding. We had a lovely room, comfortable beds and adequate bathroom. The only negative in the room was the constant sound of the bathroom extractor fan, which didn't turn off...and the head end of the beds were against the wall of the bathroom!!
The kayaking was great. The meals were outstanding. The views of our stunning fjords first thing in the morning is a very special experience. We have cruised the Milford Sound many times during our lifetime here in NZ, but this added a new dimension to our experiences, in one of our most favourite and beautiful places in NZ!
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Loved every minute! Well worth the money! Right up there amongst the best things I have ever done ! That includes the pyramids in Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef etc
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Like I said above one of the best things I have ever done!
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Great service from all involved
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A wonderful couple of days. From Coach trip to overnight Cruise all ran like clockwork with informative commentary, great food and service in an awesome location. The coach stops in and out of Milford were all interesting.
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Hassle free booking service
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Very enjoyable cruise, Highly recommended.
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No problems with booking etc
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Most enjoyable trip. Not to be missed.
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Really helpful, great customer service.
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I was so excited about this trip and it really didn't disappoint. It was truly amazing. Everything was perfect, the boat, the accommodation, the food and the staff. Even the weather was good and it didn't rain ! Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful, stunning places I have ever been to. Being the only two boats on the Sound overnight and in the morning was magical, even saw dolphins and seals. What a fantastic trip.
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You are great!
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The best way to visit milford!
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Easy booking system no problems
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Top activity. Loved the boat, the cosy cabin, the food, the sightseeing, the kayaks, the wildlife...everything!!!
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Well organised company, excellent on pick ups etc, helpful informative coach drivers.
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Would have preferred a day trip. No point staying overnight on the ship
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Good service, seemed confused that I only had a reservation number and not an actual ticket. I booked online in canada and never saw anything about needing a physical ticket... I thought that's what they would have provided me on check in.
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So amazing!! I will recommend this to everyone i know going to New Zealand!
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First class experience. Thank you.
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Despite the weather this was a memorable experience. The driver, Steve, was first class. Always felt perfectly safe and his commentary was just right....not too much and always informative. Pity he had trouble with my weird Scottish accent ! Full marks to the chef for his outstanding food. The wildlife talk could be improved.
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Had good online service but was not told about what to to do when we went to the gondola ride & dinner & show. we ended up getting a bad table on our honeymoon as once we worked out what to do it was quite late even though we got there early
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Great customer service online prior to my vacation, and great bookings with top notch vendors!
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I LOVED our Milford Sound overnight cruise. The staff was very attentive, took great care to make sure everyone was well taken care of, and the accommodations were very nice for such a short trip. I can't speak highly enough of the staff, food and experience!
Service rating:
Well organized
Product rating:
Not daylight savings so not a lot of time to do activities so felt rushed and packed. Wasn't a very relaxing trip. Also sound system to cabins isn't clear so was unable to hear commentary and direction while in cabin.
Latest Questions about Milford Sound Overnight Cruise - Mariner (Milford Sound)
I am looking at Bookings in May and see that past May 20th there are no listings. Are you operating past May 20th? Will those dates be open in the future?
Hi,
Is there any pricing available to this cruise on February 24 for 7 adults and 2 children?
I'd like to book overnight stay on 3rd Mar. (~4th Mar.), a room for 2 people, please. Could you please help arrange for me?
Hi,
Is there any pricing available to this cruise on Saturday 18 Feb for 2 people?
Thanks
Comments
Would like to take an avoidable cruise around nz
Hi there, just wanted to ask if there is a smoking area on the boat please?
Hi would like to book twin share from queenstown Wed 3/11/22. Does this return us to queenstown or can we get dropped in Te Anau on way back or do we have to make our own way back. Cheers Helen. Fingers crossed there’s still avail for us (there is at time of writing this
HI. We are a family of 4. What is the most cost effective way to book a cabin in early Jan? We are thinking Jan 6, 7 or 8th ish. What would be the total cost?
Does this boat have a hot tub on deck that we would be able to soak in during the evening?
Comments
Thank you for your question about the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise - Mariner. Unfortunately, this vessel does not have a top-deck hot tub.
Hello, are you able to bring a suitcase and a rucksack per person on board for the overnight cruise?
Thank you
Comments
Many thanks for enquiring about the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise - Mariner. You are certainly able to bring both a suitcase, and a reasonable size rucksack aboard the boat. There is storage for both, but please note that there will be the need to transport between the coach and vessel so we would recommend packing in a way that doesn't make this too hard.
Inquiring about the overnight cruise in Milford sound.Do they still sail in March.? How much are the double cabins for two adults .Hope to hear from you soon.Thanks
Comments
Thank you for your question about the overnight Milford Sound Cruise. Unfortunately, for this summer season 2022, the last sail is at the end of February. However, the overnight Doubtful Sound cruise is available in March.
We are a family of 5, parents with 3 kids, aged 10, 9 and 5. What is the best option for the overnight cruise? We want to do the 1st jan session. We want to be in the same room.
Hi there,
Id like to book an overnight Mildford Sound cruise on either the 28th or 30th of Jan for two adults and one child (aged 10). Is it possible for us all to be in one room? Is that what quad share means? If so, how much would that cost? Thank you!
Hele
Hi there,
We are a Northland family of 6 (kids aged 18/17/12/11) and are wanting to find the most cost effective way to book a room/s to do the overnighter in Milford Sound on Saturday Jan 15th.
Can you please tell me how the kids quad cabins work?
Thanks
Comments
Thank you for your question about the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, the best deal for you is to book all four children into 1 x quad room and the parents to book a double/twin room.
Hi, am I able to book without the transport from Queenstown?
Comments
Thank you so much for your enquiry ! The Mariner Milford Sound Overnight Cruise departs from Milford Sound, transport from Queenstown is NOT included.
I would like to book a overnight cruise ship for 28th November.
We have 5 adults and 2 kids but kids need seperate bed as well. What will be the best deal for us?
3 adults and 1 kid like to stay together.
2 adults and 1 kids together.
Comments
Thank you so much for your enquiry! We can reserve 2 private Quad Share cabins for you (3 adults & 1 child and 2 adults & 1 child) on the Mariner Milford Sound Overnight Cruise. These are the last 2 Quad Share cabins available on the 28th of November 2021.
How much is the coach from Queenstown for 3 people?
Hey we are wanting to book two rooms for 4 people for Apirl 20th 2021. Is this available?
Comments
Hi there! Thank you for your question about the Milford Sound overnight cruise - Mariner. Unfortunately, Tuesday 20th April is fully booked, there is availability for 4 people either double or twin cabins on Monday 19th or Thursday 22nd April 2021. Would any of those dates work for you? The current special price is $249 NZD per person.
Does anyone have any experience travelling solo on the overnight cruise? How was it?
Comments
The Milford Sound Overnight Tour on the Mariner is a great trip for solo travellers as you will enjoy meals and activities together with the whole group on board. You can either sleep in a Quad share room or private room.
So the offer price of $199 includes the accomodation price as well or it’s just the price of Cruise ticket & food ??
Do we have to pay extra for accommodation?? If me & my partner books in ?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Deepika
Comments
Thank you for your enquiry. Yes, the current special price for $199 NZD per person includes accommodation and everything else!
The special deal for the Milford Sound Overnight Mariner Trip is only $199 NZD per person in a Quad share or $249 NZD in a private Twin/ Double room. Please note that these deals are only valid for a limited time.
I am planning to travel to Milford Sound in May with my husband and our six month old child. Can we bring our pram on board and is this advisable?
Comments
Hi there, Thanks so much for the question. A lot of tour operators do have enough space to accommodate buggys if they are collapsible Please respond to us on [email protected] and we can help you choose a tour that would suit you family.
Hi do you supply towels
Why are the prices in May so varied?
Does the Milford Mariner have tap beer in its bar ?
Comments
The Mariner has a licensed bar which has a great selection of wines and beer. They will have beer on tap and even there own beer.
How many tourists does the boat carry
Comments
When going on the Mariner for an overnight cruise there could be a maximum of 60 guests on board.
Hello, my wife and I are looking at coming over from Australia early December. We hope to stay in Queenstown for 5 nights with the ACCOR Vacation Club then overnight with you on a Milford Sound tour. The problem is that ACCOR only accept bookings 6 months in advance. We would love to book a tour now but there is a possibility that we may have to cancel in June if the accommodation falls through. What are your feelings on this please? I know that December is very busy for you. Thank you. Jeff.
If we were to do the "Milford Sound Overnight Cruise - Mariner", where can we (securely or otherwise) park our car in Te Anau?
Comments
Hi Ewen. Parking in and around Te Anau is fairly safe however this cannot be guaranteed. To ensure your car and valuables are safe while you are on the Milford Mariner overnight cruise there is a parking place in Te Anau called 'Safer Parking. This offers paid secure overnight parking. Please visit the Safer Parking website for details on rates etc. You can then be collected from there to go to Milford for your overnight cruise.
Hi, my wife and I are interested in booking an overnight cruise, we have an infant (5months at time of cruise) and are wondering if she can sleep in a cabin with us and what, if any, the charge is for her, as prices for children start from 1 year olds.
Comments
Infants under 12 months old do travel for free on board the overnight boats at Milford and Doubtful Sound. You are welcome to bring a portable cot with you. The Mariner is very popular and quite heavily booked. Can I ask what date you are considering and will you be making your own way to Milford Sound or will you need the return coach transfers from Queenstown?
Hi - there are 3 of us. 2 adults and 1 child (under 1 years old i.e. 11 months old). Looking to do the Mariner overnite cruise. We will be coming from Queenstown.
1. Could you quote for the coach option 2 ways, and coach + fly back option? I see the price for adult on flight but not for the child of 11 months. Thanks.
2. Are there any restrictions in terms of luggage for the flight? We will be bringing a foldable travel cot.
3. Also, is there enough space in the cabin for a travel cot?
Comments
Infants under 12 months old travel free of charge on the Milford Mariner overnight boat and also in the plane. You are limited some what as to what you can bring on the plane and on board the boat but a foldable travel cot will be fine. You are welcome to use the travel cot in the cabin.
Hi - can you cater for gluten AND dairy free diet?
Comments
Hi Leanne, yes the Milford Mariner can cater for gluten and dairy free. Simply note this requirement in the "additional information" field when you make your booking online.
I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE MY CHILDREN ON THIS OVERNIGHT CRUISE ARE THER AJOINING ROOMS
Comments
On board the Milford Mariner overnight boat you can take children but there needs to be an adult booked into the same room as a child. So if you have 2 adults and 2 kids then we need to book you 2 rooms with 1 adult and 1 child in each and yes, we would make them adjoining rooms. Can I ask how many people are in your family and which date are you considering? The Milford overnight cruise is fully booked most of February and its also very busy in December and January.
Do any of the overnight cruise boats have access for wheelchairs?
Comments
I've called around the operators of the 3 boats in Milford and Doubtful Sound and unfortunately the old style boats that are used on the overnight cruises do not have lifts and all the rooms are situated on the bottom levels that can only be accessed by quite steep stairs. You'd need to have some mobility and be able to move around up and down stairs without the help of a wheelchair for it to be at all possible. Sorry we can't accommodate you on this one. There would be the option of doing a scenic day cruise on Milford Sound of that was of interest? One of the boats called the Sovereign that operates scenic cruises at 11am and 1pm can accommodate wheelchairs.
Hi, we are a family of 5. Two adults and 3 children under 11, what accommodation options do you suggest and what would the cost be?
Kind regards
Comments
There's not really a cost effective option for a family of 5 on the Milford Mariner as you would have to book the family room that sleeps 1 adult and 3 kids and then a sole occupancy room for the 2nd adult. This would end up costing $1808 ($425 for the adult in the family room, 3 x $213 for the kids, and $744 for the adult in the sole occupancy room). The more cost effective option would be to book on board the Milford Wanderer which is run by the same company and offers the same experience as the Mariner without the private ensuite bathrooms. The Wanderer offers quad share rooms so you could book 1 quad share room for the 3 kids and 1 adult and the 2nd adult could sleep in another quad share room that they will share with up to 3 other travellers. The cost for this would be $1069 ($305 for each adult and $153 for each child). Or you could book a private twin room for 1 adult and 1 child ($355 + $178 = $533) and then a quad share room for 1 adult and 2 children ($305 + 2 x $153 + you have to pay for the 4th bed at kids rates of $153 = $764), which makes the total cost = $1297. See the link below for more details on the Wanderer boat:
http://www.everythingnewzealand.com/milford-sound-overnight-cruise-wanderer-milford-sound-227/
Do the cabins on the Milford Mariner have hair dryers?
Comments
Hi Mary, yes, the cabins on the Milford Mariner do have hair dryers for your use.
If I book this cruise we will be driving to Milford Sound to join the boat. I would like to know if there is parking available for us to leave the car overnight at Milford Sound
Thanking you
Comments
Hi Jill, yes there certainly is parking to leave your car overnight while you are on the Milford Mariner. The car park is about a 10 minute walk from the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.
Need quote for overnight mi,Ford sound cruise from/to Queenstwon for approx 17 March 2015....2 adults + 1 child 10 yrs and 1 child 14 yrs, please
Comments
Hi Mavis. There are 2 overnight boats that operate on Milford Sound. The Milford Mariner offers private double or twin share rooms with ensuite bathrooms for $415 for adults and $208 for kids if you make your own way to Milford Sound. If you require transfers from Queenstown then the total cost is $555 for adults and $278 for kids. You could book 2 rooms on the 17th on the Mariner as there is currently space although it is filling up fast. Alternatively, the Milford Wanderer offers quad share rooms that all 4 of you could fit in together but you won't have a private ensuite bathroom. The cost from Milford Sound is $285 for adults and $143 for kids or if you need transfers from Queenstown the total cost is $425 for adults and $213 for kids. There are currently only 2 rooms left on the 17th March so I recommend booking asap.
Looking at the 5 nov - what time does cruise leave , and what time do you disembark the following day . Thanks phil.
Comments
Hi Phil. The Milford Mariner overnight boat departs Milford wharf at 4.30pm and returns by 9am the next day. If you require transfers from Queenstown, the coach departs from your Queenstown accommodation at 8.30am and returns by 2.30pm the following day.
Hi
I'm looking at the cruise on either 29 Nov or 1 Dec. It's for 3 adults. Is the only option one twin and one sole traveler?
Comments
Hi Shareen. There is another Milford Sound overnight boat called the Wanderer that has quad share rooms however this only operate from the 12th December until the end of March each year. During the months of October & November however, the Milford Mariner does offer quad share accommodation. If you would like to book the quad share option on the Mariner please email us and we can check the availability for you.
We are looking at booking an overnight trip with the Mariner, does this go on certain days. If we book a certain day is it certain that it will go.
Comments
Hi Anne. The Milford Mariner overnight cruise on Milford Sound operates daily all year except June - August. If you book for a specific date then the overnight cruise will go ahead as planned unless some rare extreme weather condition causes it to be cancelled (very very rarely happens). It is however very popular and often gets booked out several weeks/months in advance. Will you need coach transfers from Queenstown or will you be driving yourself to Milford Sound? If you could let me know which dates you are considering and for how many people I can check the availability for you.
Hi,
If I were to book to travel with you from Te Anau is it on your boat or by road.
Also I am travelling with my wife and would like a private cabin. In your booking website it says double / twin share, is this the correct drop down box.
We would like a room with en-suite facilities.
How can we be sure we are booking this?
Comments
Hi Jean. All the rooms on board the Milford Mariner overnight boat are private and have their own ensuite bathroom. You can choose from either a twin room (2 single beds) or double room (1 double bed). This overnight boat does not operate during the winter months (jun-aug) and is very popular and often booked out in the summer months. If you would be so kind as to let me know the date your are considering I can check the availability for you.
Hello, are there any luggage restrictions for the overnight trip? We will be carrying two check in luggage and two carry on bags during our trip, I'm assuming luggage is allowed on the boat correct? For some reason I thought I read that only limited space will be available for storage, so only a small bag was advised, please let me know if that is the case. If luggage is not allowed on board, where do people normally store their luggage during the trip? thanks in advance
Comments
Hi Sean, you will be fine to take one carry on bag and one check in bag per person on baord the Milford Mariner boat when you travel. There wouldn't be room for much more luggage than that per person though.
If I choose the Adult + Flight Back option, is the flight a 'scenic flight' and what time do I get back to Queenstown?
Comments
Hi Bob. Yes, the flight back from Milford Sound to Queenstown is spectacular and will probably be the most scenic flight you ever do! It's simply amazing. The flight takes just under an hour and will have you back in Queenstown by 12pm. Please note that the flight is weather dependent and if the weather is no good for flying then you will be taken back to Queenstown in a coach which will arrive at approximately 3.30pm and you will be reimbursed for the cost of the flight. The Mariner overnight boat on Milford Sound is extremely popular and often booked out so I recommend booking a long way in advance and checking the availability with us first.
Hi I'm wondering if there is parking at Milford sound and is there any parking fees if we leave the car there overnight?
Comments
Hi Liz. There is a large, free car park at Milford Sound. You will need to allow around 10 minutes to walk from the car park to the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal where you check in for your cruise. Check in for all day and overnight cruises is required 20 minutes prior to departure.
I I have accommodation in Lake Wanaka from the 14th-21st June next year and have a hire car that we have to drop off on the 21st, will it be possible to get picked up from Queenstown on the 21st after we drop our hire car off and then travel to Milford sound for an overnight cruise and then back to the airport to head home?
Comments
Hi Maria, unfortunately the overnight Milford boats don't operate during the Winter. They only operate during the Summer months. The Mariner in particular only operates from September to May.
rating
93% of new customers that used Everything New Zealand to provide advice and securely book their NZ activities have let us know they've had a good or excellent experience with us. Thank you.
Reply from Everything Travel Group
Thank you for your feedback and I'm really sorry we were unable to fulfill your booking request. We offer alternative activities so you don't miss out completely on visiting the fiordlands.
Posted 14-Mar-2023