Iconic mountains surround the fjord that is Milford Sound

On the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Milford Sound is teeming with waterfalls, birds and sea life, and a “Must Do” for travelers to New Zealand. The best way to experience Milford Sound (if time and money allow) is to do an overnight boat trip on the sound. The Milford Mariner, operated by Real Journeys, is a boat built to resemble a traditional scow that houses 60 passengers in a range of ensuite cabin layouts.

 Mitre Peak is the mountain you’ll recognize on many brochures and in the movies. It towers over the fjord and its look changes all the time. I was there in September and there was snow on the peak.

Getting There

Milford Sound is remote but worth the effort to get there. It is about three hours from Queenstown, through farmland, forests, mountain passes and the big tunnel. Most people take a day tour from Queenstown or Te Anau (the small town right outside Fjordland National Park). Motorcoach from town, then onto a boat for a tour of the sound for a couple of hours, then coach back to town. From Queenstown, that is a 13-hour day.

If you do choose the overnight option, you get more time on the water, see more wildlife and experience the enveloping wilderness in a completely different way. I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty of the vast forests that go right to the water’s edge, the wildlife and the serenity of the mountains. And to be able to spend the night on the water made it all the more special to me.

On The Boat

Once at the marina at Milford Sound,the afternoon check in and boarding is easy.  The boat sails away around 5:00 pm. You stow your gear and your cabin and go up on deck to see the sights. The naturalist on board does great commentary about the geology, flora and fauna along the way. Dinner is a huge buffet with something for everyone. Enjoy the nighttime talk or go out on deck for stargazing before retiring.

Sunset Cruise

Nothing beats actually cruising the sound out to the ocean at sunset, then back into the sound for several miles. The other daily tour boats have left for the day so the place is your own. The mountains enclose you and you feel the atmosphere. You see waterfalls and the impenetrable forests. There are dolphins, seals and small penguins and many birds. The light is beautiful at sunset and sunrise especially.

The boat anchors overnight in a sheltered area and there is time in the morning (or sometimes the evening depending on the season) for kayaking or a pontoon trip to see the wildlife. Dinner and breakfast are served in the friendly mess hall and there is usually a presentation about the geology and the wildlife of Milford. The boat docks back at the marina in the morning and the company makes seamless transfers back to Te Anau or Queenstown. This trip was definitely one of the highlights of my first trip to New Zealand.

 

Good to Know:

  • Bring an overnight bag with just needs for one night. Hotels in town will store your extra luggage and you can pick it up the next day..
  • Bring rain gear and season-appropriate clothing-layers!
  • There are fly/drive options back to Queenstown depending on the weather. Check with the Real Journeys folks.
  • Book this as soon as you know you want to do it, as they do sell out during peak season.