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.
- 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!
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
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.
Fiordland Jewel
| Length | 24m. |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 |
The Fiordland Jewel is a 24m, three-deck catamaran with a high quality 5-star marine fit-out. Our Milford Sound Overnight Cruise sleeps 20 passengers a night and on our Fiordland and Stewart Island private charters and our small group scenic boat expeditions we cater to a maximum of 18 passengers in nine climate-controlled cabins, each with their own ensuite bathroom.
Features:
Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV): The Fiordland Jewel hosts Fiordland’s first and only remote-operated vehicle, which provides high resolution live underwater footage. Our guests on our private charters and small group scenic boat expeditions can view the enchanting sea life beneath the surface in real time from the comfort of the boat lounge.
Helicopter pad.
Top-deck hot tub.
Cabin information:
1 x Governor Cabin. At the top of the boat all by itself with its own full width forward window and large side windows. Super-King double bed, the ensuite has a separate shower and toilet.
4 x Captain Cook Cabins. All on the main deck all with sea views. Super-King double bed, each ensuite has a separate shower and toilet.
2 x Endeavour Cabins. Both on the main deck both with sea views. King single beds, each ensuite has a separate shower and toilet.
2 x Resolution Cabins. Both on the main deck both with sea views. 2 single bunks single beds, each ensuite has a combined shower and toilet.