Fiordland New Zealand: Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound cruise

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Get up close to the waterfalls of Milford Sound
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Don't forget your camera for the drive along Milford Road!
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Watch double rainbows bounce off Doubtful Sound
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Look out for playful dolphins following the boat
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Hike through the forests of Fiordland National Park
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Follow scenic tracks through Fiordland National Park

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Get up close to the waterfalls of Milford Sound
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Don't forget your camera for the drive along Milford Road!
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Watch double rainbows bounce off Doubtful Sound
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Look out for playful dolphins following the boat
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Hike through the forests of Fiordland National Park
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Follow scenic tracks through Fiordland National Park

Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 4

From: Queenstown

To:

From

£880

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or Call 01273 320580

See more ideas for: New Zealand

Overview

This 4-day Fiordland New Zealand extension takes you to the rugged part of the South Island, including an overnight and day cruise, as well as two nights in picturesque Te Anau. Beginning and ending in the vibrant city of Queenstown, you’ll explore the iconic and peaceful fiordlands on a Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound cruise. These spectacular regions offer some of the most stunning natural beauty in New Zealand, their tranquil waters sheltering dolphins, seals and penguins.

This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements, please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.

Highlights

Journey along Milford Road through stunning mountain scenery
Cruise the full length of Milford Sound on an overnight cruise
Spot marine wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins
Cruise the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri
Journey over Wilmot Pass through the Fiordland's dense rainforest
Take a 3-hour cruise through the wildlife-rich Fiordland of Doubtful Sound

NZ South Island: Milford Sound Extension | map

Country

New Zealand

Itinerary in brief:

1 night onboard the 'Milford Mariner'
2 nights Te Anau

Day 1: Queenstown to Te Anau

You will be collected from Queenstown early this morning joining a small group. You will journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu through rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continuing along the spectacular Milford Road through stunning mountain scenery, you won’t want to forget your camera! Upon arrival at Milford Sounds you will board the ‘Milford Mariner’ for your overnight Milford Sound cruise.

On board, you will get to view spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and towering peaks as well as the local wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins. After reaching the open sea the sails may be hoisted, subject to weather and conditions. After the cruise, the vessel will return to the fiord and anchor overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove.

Day 2: Milford Sounds to Te Anau

After breakfast, you’ll spend the morning cruising before heading back to dock at 12.30 where you will be taken by coach back to picturesque Te Anau.

On arrival at your hotel, check in at your accommodation for a 2-night stay, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: Te Anau to Doubtful Sound

Today begins with a coach journey through rolling countryside to Manapouri before boarding a cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm.

A coach will then take you across the alpine route of Wilmot Pass on a journey through some of Fiordland's most dense rainforest. Upon reaching Deep Cove, board the vessel Patea Explorer for a three-hour cruise exploring the serene and isolated fiord that is Doubtful Sound.

During the cruise, the vessel’s engines are turned off and you’re treated to the ‘sound of silence’ before re-tracing the journey back to Te Anau, where you will stay overnight.

Day 4: Te Anau to Queenstown

After 3 days of serenity in this magical part of the world, it’s time to board the coach for your journey back to Queenstown where you will arrive early afternoon.

Info

New Zealand is a year-round destination and there is always something to see and enjoy whatever time you decide to travel. High season runs from December to February (summer), prices will be at a premium at these times and availability limited so it is advisable to book in advance. March to April and September to November can be a great time to travel as the weather is fine and the crowds fewer. Low season is May to August (winter) for most of New Zealand, this is, however, the best time for skiing and so ski towns such as Queenstown will be at their busiest.

Are you looking for more New Zealand ideas?

We’re experts in planning tailor-made holidays, so whether you’re looking for a luxury New Zealand holiday, ideas for a road trip or multi-stop flights to New Zealand with stopovers – let us help you with the planning. Our experts can tailor-make precisely the trip you’re looking for – this itinerary is purely a suggestion, so please contact us with your dates and requests, and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.

What's included