Fiordland is at the very southwest of the South Island of New Zealand.
It is a place of deep fiords and lakes carved by ancient glaciers with mountains rising steeply from the water.
Trees cling precariously to the cliff faces of this rainy and isolated part of New Zealand.
The Fiordland National Park is the largest in New Zealand and covers much of the area.
It is a place of wilderness and natural beauty. [Oct 2024].
|
Two ships of the Fiordlander class still are here on Lake Manapouri, where this class was first introduced.
The Fiordlander II and Motu-Rau are tied up in Manapouri, while a newer ship gets ready to load more passengers.
Both of the older ships are not used that regularly to transport passengers on the lake.
The Fiordlander II was built in 1966, is 16.40 m long and can carry 72 passengers.
The Motu-Rau was built in 1973.
[Oct 2024].
|
One of the original Fiordlander class vessels enters the Waiau River from Lake Manapouri on its way from West Arm back to Manapouri.
[Jan 1999].
|
The Fiordland Flyerarrives in Pearl Harbour.
Located on the Waiau River just beyond Lake Manapouri, Pearl Harbour is the Manapouri base of Real NZ.
In 1954 Les and Olive Hutchins bought the Manapouri-Doubtful Sound Tourist Company.
In 1966 they then bought Fiordland Travel in Te Anau, incorporating the two companies.
In 2002 the company was renamed Real Journeys.
Then in 2021 it was renamed Real NZ, with new black and white colours.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Fiordland Flyer was built in the 1980s by Australian shipbuilder Incat Crowther.
It is 18.0 m long and can carry 140 passengers.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Fiordland Flyer travels across Lake Manapouri to West Arm.
There a large power station is located, which takes much of the water of Lake Manapouri
and discharges it through a tunnel to Doubtful Sound.
The Manapouri Power Station was completed in 1971.
As a result, considerably less water flows through the Waiau River today.
[Oct 2024].
|
As part of the power station construction, there were plans to raise the lake level by about 30 m.
However, the Save Manapouri Campaign was politically successful in averting those plans.
The lake level was not raised, but the Waiau River was slightly raised at the Mararoa Weir.
The Fiordland Flyer travels along the shores of Lake Manapouri.
[Oct 2024].
|
The catamaran Titroa travels on Lake Manapouri with Mt Titiroa in the background (on the left), after which the ship is named.
Mt Titiroa is 1,715 m high. In spring it is covered in snow.
But in summer it is also white due to the exposed granite rock, and stands out even more.
[Oct 2024].
|
A similarly curious peak is the Monument, which rises steeply out of the forest near Lake Manapouri.
The Titiroa travels past the Monument on its voyage from Manapouri to West Arm.
[Oct 2024].
|
This is the view of the bridge of the Titiroa on the lake ahead on a typically rainy Fiordland day.
The motor vessel was built in 2011 by Q-West in Whanganui to a design of Incat Crowther.
[Oct 2024].
|
MV Titiroa at the berth in West Arm.
Particulars: Passengers: 150 pax. Length: 23.9m
Width: 7.50m Draught: 2.40m Cruise Speed: 25 knots.
[Oct 2024].
|
The MV Titiroa is about to arrive at the jetty in West Arm.
It crosses Lake Manapouri several times a day to bring visitors to and from West Arm,
where they board a bus to Doubtful Sound.
Both day and overnight cruises are tours are offered to Doubtful Sound.
[Oct 2024].
|
Real NZ also uses the catamarans on Lake Manapouri to carry supplies for the ships operating in Doubtful Sound.
Here staff push trolleys with dirty linen and rubbish to the Titroa for cleaning or disposal.
Once the freight is stowed passengers can board the ship at West Arm for their return to Manapouri.
[Oct 2024].
|
The view from the stern of the Titiroa across Lake Manapouri as it travels back to Manapouri on a sunny day.
The catamarans travel the approximately 31 km across the lake in about 50 minutes.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Mararoa is the supply ship of Meridian Energy, which operates the Manapouri Power Station.
It carries personnel and supplies to the power station.
The catamaran Mararoa entered service in 2009. It was built by Q-West in Whanganui to a design by Incat Crowther.
Mararoa particulars: Passengers: 48 pax. Length: 19.0m
Width: 6.20m Draught: 2.15m Cruise Speed: 25 knots.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Milford Wanderer is one of the vessels for overnight cruises in Doubtful Sound.
It was initially procured for cruises in Milford Sound, but now mainly offers cruises in Doubtful Sound,
occasionally also to other destinations in Fiordland.
Here it is moored to buoy in Precipice Cove, one of the many arms of Doubtful Sound.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Milford Wanderer was built in 1992 by J K Stevenson Engineering in Invercargill.
It is designed along the lines of a traditional sailing scow, as they were used for coastal shipping in New Zealand.
However, it is a modern motor vessel with passenger comfort in mind.
It was the first of the ships in this style for Fiordland Travel.
The Milford Wanderer travels into Precipice Cove.
[Oct 2024].
|
In this view the Milford Wanderer travels through Milford Sound during the day,
when it was still based in Milford Sound and more aimed at the backpacker market.
[Jan 1999].
|
Milford Wanderer particulars: Passengers: 150 pax.; overnight 36 pax. Length: 32.0m
Width: 8.00m Draught: 1.20m Cruise Speed: 7 knots.
[Oct 2024].
|
The sails of the Milford Wanderer are really only for show and can only be unfurled in calm weather.
Like the original scows, the Milford Wanderer has a flat bottom.
Unlike the original scows, it does not have a retractable keel.
If the sails are up during windy weather, the ship might tip.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Milford Wanderer takes its time cruising around Doubtful Sound.
It is the ideal way to experience this majestic landscape.
Here, the ship travels along Crooked Arm.
The upper layers of water in the fiords consist mainly of fresh water, which is dark due to the tannins from the trees.
The lower levels consist of seawater. Due to the dark layer on top, the eco-system there is more comparable to deepwater ocean layers.
[Oct 2024].
|
The main cabin of the Milford Wanderer has the distinguished look of a classic ship.
Here guests can watch the scenery, eat, play board games or sit and talk.
The Milford Wanderer was internally refurbished by Q-West in 2011 to provide a more upmarket experience.
[Oct 2024].
|
At the stern of the Milford Wanderer there is a moveable platform holding kayaks.
It can be lowered to water level, so that guests can easily launch the kayaks or motorized tender to experience the fiords.
The platform also allows people to easily get on board the ship, for example after a short swim.
[Oct 2024].
|
Many of the cabins have porthole windows.
Even though the Milford Wanderer offers the most affordable overnight cruises in Doubtful Sound,
its classic lines look striking in the wild landscape.
[Oct 2024].
|
The food on board the Milford Wanderer is great.
It is not á la carte nor a buffet, but plentiful and good.
I don't know what more one could want and why others pay for a premium service on other vessels.
[Oct 2024].
|
The private cabins on board the Milford Wanderer are nice and comfortable.
For some the beds might be a bit narrow, but they would serve most people.
This is one of two family cabins with four bunks and no windows.
[Oct 2024].
|
Overnight, the Milford Wanderer anchors in a sheltered spot,
the motor is turned off and only a quiet generator runs, so that it is fairly quiet.
Here the Milford Wanderer is in Gaer Arm.
This is the view towards the bridge across the upper deck.
[Oct 2024].
|
This is the view from inside the bridge, as the Milford Wanderer makes its way along Doubtful Sound.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Fiordland Navigator is the more luxurious overnight vessel operated by Real NZ on Doubtful Sound.
It has 18 en-suite cabins (either twin or double bed) and 9 cabins with four bunks with shared bathrooms.
That brings the passenger capacity to 72, double that of the Milford Wanderer.
Apparently, food is even more plentiful on the Fiordland Navigator.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Fiordland Navigator was built in 2000 and 2001 at Fiordland Travel's facilities in Bluff,
with many of the local engineering firms working on the project.
Its sister ship, the Milford Mariner, had been completed in 2000.
[Oct 2024].
|
Fiordland Navigator particulars: Passengers: 150 pax.; overnight 72 pax. Length: 38.2m
Width: 10.00m Draught: 1.80m Cruise Speed: 12 knots.
[Oct 2024].
|
The ships are dwarfed by the mountains surrounding Doubtful Sound.
The Fiordland Navigator travels along Hall Arm, with Mt Crowfoot in the background.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Fiordland Navigator also is designed along the lines of a sailing scow,
but due to the large accommodation decks the lines are more modern.
The sails are just for show, but the ship looks striking with the sails rigged, as it travels along Hall Arm on a beautiful day.
In 2020 Real Journeys had plans of regularly relocating the Fiordland Navigator to Stewart Island for domestic tourism,
because international tourism in New Zealand had dried up.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Fiordland Navigator has been involved in several incidents.
In July 2006 the ship heeled significantly in Milford Sound while turning during a strong gust of wind.
There was no damage, but the incident was concerning.
On 24 January 2024 the ship stranded in Doubtful Sound near Crooked Arm. There were no injuries, but the vessel required some repair.
Here, the Fiordland Navigator is in Deep Cove, the Doubtful Sound port, where passengers arrive by bus across Wilmot Pass (visible in the background) from West Arm.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Patea Explorer is the main vessel for day cruises on Doubtful Sound.
It normally departs twice a day for a 3-hour cruise on Doubtful Sound.
Patea is the Maori name of Doubtful Sound.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Patea Explorer was built in 2005 by Richardson Devine Marine, Tasmania, Australia to a design of Incat Crowther.
Patea Explorer particulars: Passengers: 192 pax. Length: 31.6m
Width: 7.50m
[Oct 2024].
|
Fiordland Expeditions is another operator that offers overnight cruises in Doubtful Sound.
The Tutoko and Tutoko II are far smaller than the Real NZ ships.
Fiordland Expeditions also offers charters and its trips are have more of a fishing, diving, and hunting element.
Here, the two vessels are in Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Tutoko is 16.66 m long and can carry up to 20 passengers.
The Tutoko II is 20.06 m long and can carry up to 60 passengers.
Both vessels normally carry fewer passengers on their overnight cruises.
[Oct 2024].
|
Real NZ also operates ships on Lake Te Anau.
They bring tourists to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and to the eastern end of the Milford Track.
One of these vessels is the catamaran Fiordland Express, the vessel connecting Te Anau with the Milford Track.
Here it is at the jetty in Te Anau.
The ship is 19.19 m long and can carry 99 passengers.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Luminosa is a newer ship based on Lake Te Anau.
Its name refers to the Latin name for the glowworm - Arachnocampa luminosa .
The ship is mainly used to carry visitors from the town Te Anau, on the eastern shore of Lake Te Anau,
to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, on the isolated western shore of Lake Te Anau.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Luminosa was built in 2006 by Richardson Devine Marine in Tasmania, Australia, to a design by Incat Crowther.
Luminosa particulars: Passengers: 97 pax. Length: 23.0m Cruise Speed: 25 knots.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Luminosa travels along South Fiord of Lake Te Anau on its evening trip to the Glowworm Caves.
Even though the town of Te Anau is easily accessible, Lake Te Anau is surrounded by wild country.
[Oct 2024].
|
There are also some other operators apart from Real NZ on Lake Te Anau.
Fiordland Historic Cruises offer 3-hour cruises on Lake Te Anau on board the motorised sailing vessel Faith.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Faith was built in 1935 in Scotland. It is 19.7 m long and can carry up to 22 passengers, though normally it carries no more than 16 passengers on its cruise, making it a more personalised excursion.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Faith and Luminosa have left Te Anau on the respective cruises to the more remote western areas of Lake Te Anau.
The Faith flies the New Zealand Red Ensign, the flag for the merchant marine.
[Oct 2024].
|
One way to experience the Fiordland landscape is by tramping through its mountains.
One of the more popular tracks is the Kepler Track, which connects the southern shore of Lake Te Anau with the northern shore of Lake Manapouri through the Kepler mountains. The track was opened in 1988 to ease pressure on the popular Milford and Routeburn Tracks.
It passes through the Kepler mountains, named after German astronomer Johannes Kepler.
The Kepler Water Taxi allows trampers to skip part of the route and arrive quicker at the interesting parts of the track.
[Oct 2024].
|
The Kepler Water Taxi is 8.75 m long and can carry up to 15 passengers.
A young boy watches the vessel as it picks up trampers from the Kepler Track in Brod Bay.
He himself has to walk another 1.5 hours along the lakeshore in the rain to a car park.
[Oct 2024].
|
Milford Sound has many passenger ships plying the waters of the famous fiord.
Even small cruise ship visit Milford Sound.
Here the Arkona is anchored in front of Mitre Peak.
[Jan 1999].
|
The Lady of the Sounds from Red Boat Cruises (later Southern Discoveries) and the Milford Monarch of Fiordland Travel
(later Real NZ) are berthed at the Freshwater Basin Terminal in Milford Sound.
The Lady of the Sounds was built in 1989, was 25.4 m long and could carry up to 200 passengers.
The Milford Monarch was built in 1994 by J K Stevenson Engineering in Invercargill, is 35 m long and 8 m wide.
[Jan 1999].
|
Fiordland is at the very southwest of the South Island of New Zealand.
It is a place of deep fiords and lakes carved by ancient glaciers with mountains rising steeply from the water.
Trees cling precariously to the cliff faces of this rainy and isolated part of New Zealand.
The Fiordland National Park is the largest in New Zealand and covers much of the area.
It is a place of wilderness and natural beauty. [Oct 2024].
Two ships of the Fiordlander class still are here on Lake Manapouri, where this class was first introduced.
The Fiordlander II and Motu-Rau are tied up in Manapouri, while a newer ship gets ready to load more passengers.
Both of the older ships are not used that regularly to transport passengers on the lake.
The Fiordlander II was built in 1966, is 16.40 m long and can carry 72 passengers.
The Motu-Rau was built in 1973.
[Oct 2024].
One of the original Fiordlander class vessels enters the Waiau River from Lake Manapouri on its way from West Arm back to Manapouri.
[Jan 1999].
In 1966 they then bought Fiordland Travel in Te Anau, incorporating the two companies.
In 2002 the company was renamed Real Journeys.
Then in 2021 it was renamed Real NZ, with new black and white colours.
[Oct 2024].
The Fiordland Flyer was built in the 1980s by Australian shipbuilder Incat Crowther.
It is 18.0 m long and can carry 140 passengers.
[Oct 2024].
The Fiordland Flyer travels across Lake Manapouri to West Arm.
There a large power station is located, which takes much of the water of Lake Manapouri
and discharges it through a tunnel to Doubtful Sound.
The Manapouri Power Station was completed in 1971.
As a result, considerably less water flows through the Waiau River today.
[Oct 2024].
As part of the power station construction, there were plans to raise the lake level by about 30 m.
However, the Save Manapouri Campaign was politically successful in averting those plans.
The lake level was not raised, but the Waiau River was slightly raised at the Mararoa Weir.
The Fiordland Flyer travels along the shores of Lake Manapouri.
[Oct 2024].
The catamaran Titroa travels on Lake Manapouri with Mt Titiroa in the background (on the left), after which the ship is named.
Mt Titiroa is 1,715 m high. In spring it is covered in snow.
But in summer it is also white due to the exposed granite rock, and stands out even more.
[Oct 2024].
A similarly curious peak is the Monument, which rises steeply out of the forest near Lake Manapouri.
The Titiroa travels past the Monument on its voyage from Manapouri to West Arm.
[Oct 2024].
This is the view of the bridge of the Titiroa on the lake ahead on a typically rainy Fiordland day.
The motor vessel was built in 2011 by Q-West in Whanganui to a design of Incat Crowther.
[Oct 2024].
MV Titiroa at the berth in West Arm.
Particulars: Passengers: 150 pax. Length: 23.9m
Width: 7.50m Draught: 2.40m Cruise Speed: 25 knots.
[Oct 2024].
The MV Titiroa is about to arrive at the jetty in West Arm.
It crosses Lake Manapouri several times a day to bring visitors to and from West Arm,
where they board a bus to Doubtful Sound.
Both day and overnight cruises are tours are offered to Doubtful Sound.
[Oct 2024].
Real NZ also uses the catamarans on Lake Manapouri to carry supplies for the ships operating in Doubtful Sound.
Here staff push trolleys with dirty linen and rubbish to the Titroa for cleaning or disposal.
Once the freight is stowed passengers can board the ship at West Arm for their return to Manapouri.
[Oct 2024].
The view from the stern of the Titiroa across Lake Manapouri as it travels back to Manapouri on a sunny day.
The catamarans travel the approximately 31 km across the lake in about 50 minutes.
[Oct 2024].
The Mararoa is the supply ship of Meridian Energy, which operates the Manapouri Power Station.
It carries personnel and supplies to the power station.
The catamaran Mararoa entered service in 2009. It was built by Q-West in Whanganui to a design by Incat Crowther.
Mararoa particulars: Passengers: 48 pax. Length: 19.0m
Width: 6.20m Draught: 2.15m Cruise Speed: 25 knots.
[Oct 2024].
The Milford Wanderer is one of the vessels for overnight cruises in Doubtful Sound.
It was initially procured for cruises in Milford Sound, but now mainly offers cruises in Doubtful Sound,
occasionally also to other destinations in Fiordland.
Here it is moored to buoy in Precipice Cove, one of the many arms of Doubtful Sound.
[Oct 2024].
The Milford Wanderer was built in 1992 by J K Stevenson Engineering in Invercargill.
It is designed along the lines of a traditional sailing scow, as they were used for coastal shipping in New Zealand.
However, it is a modern motor vessel with passenger comfort in mind.
It was the first of the ships in this style for Fiordland Travel.
The Milford Wanderer travels into Precipice Cove.
[Oct 2024].
In this view the Milford Wanderer travels through Milford Sound during the day,
when it was still based in Milford Sound and more aimed at the backpacker market.
[Jan 1999].
Milford Wanderer particulars: Passengers: 150 pax.; overnight 36 pax. Length: 32.0m
Width: 8.00m Draught: 1.20m Cruise Speed: 7 knots.
[Oct 2024].
The sails of the Milford Wanderer are really only for show and can only be unfurled in calm weather.
Like the original scows, the Milford Wanderer has a flat bottom.
Unlike the original scows, it does not have a retractable keel.
If the sails are up during windy weather, the ship might tip.
[Oct 2024].
The Milford Wanderer takes its time cruising around Doubtful Sound.
It is the ideal way to experience this majestic landscape.
Here, the ship travels along Crooked Arm.
The upper layers of water in the fiords consist mainly of fresh water, which is dark due to the tannins from the trees.
The lower levels consist of seawater. Due to the dark layer on top, the eco-system there is more comparable to deepwater ocean layers.
[Oct 2024].
The main cabin of the Milford Wanderer has the distinguished look of a classic ship.
Here guests can watch the scenery, eat, play board games or sit and talk.
The Milford Wanderer was internally refurbished by Q-West in 2011 to provide a more upmarket experience.
[Oct 2024].
At the stern of the Milford Wanderer there is a moveable platform holding kayaks.
It can be lowered to water level, so that guests can easily launch the kayaks or motorized tender to experience the fiords.
The platform also allows people to easily get on board the ship, for example after a short swim.
[Oct 2024].
Many of the cabins have porthole windows.
Even though the Milford Wanderer offers the most affordable overnight cruises in Doubtful Sound,
its classic lines look striking in the wild landscape.
[Oct 2024].
The food on board the Milford Wanderer is great.
It is not á la carte nor a buffet, but plentiful and good.
I don't know what more one could want and why others pay for a premium service on other vessels.
[Oct 2024].
The private cabins on board the Milford Wanderer are nice and comfortable.
For some the beds might be a bit narrow, but they would serve most people.
This is one of two family cabins with four bunks and no windows.
[Oct 2024].
Overnight, the Milford Wanderer anchors in a sheltered spot,
the motor is turned off and only a quiet generator runs, so that it is fairly quiet.
Here the Milford Wanderer is in Gaer Arm.
This is the view towards the bridge across the upper deck.
[Oct 2024].
This is the view from inside the bridge, as the Milford Wanderer makes its way along Doubtful Sound.
[Oct 2024].
The Fiordland Navigator is the more luxurious overnight vessel operated by Real NZ on Doubtful Sound.
It has 18 en-suite cabins (either twin or double bed) and 9 cabins with four bunks with shared bathrooms.
That brings the passenger capacity to 72, double that of the Milford Wanderer.
Apparently, food is even more plentiful on the Fiordland Navigator.
[Oct 2024].
The Fiordland Navigator was built in 2000 and 2001 at Fiordland Travel's facilities in Bluff,
with many of the local engineering firms working on the project.
Its sister ship, the Milford Mariner, had been completed in 2000.
[Oct 2024].
Fiordland Navigator particulars: Passengers: 150 pax.; overnight 72 pax. Length: 38.2m
Width: 10.00m Draught: 1.80m Cruise Speed: 12 knots.
[Oct 2024].
The ships are dwarfed by the mountains surrounding Doubtful Sound.
The Fiordland Navigator travels along Hall Arm, with Mt Crowfoot in the background.
[Oct 2024].
The Fiordland Navigator also is designed along the lines of a sailing scow,
but due to the large accommodation decks the lines are more modern.
The sails are just for show, but the ship looks striking with the sails rigged, as it travels along Hall Arm on a beautiful day.
In 2020 Real Journeys had plans of regularly relocating the Fiordland Navigator to Stewart Island for domestic tourism,
because international tourism in New Zealand had dried up.
[Oct 2024].
The Fiordland Navigator has been involved in several incidents.
In July 2006 the ship heeled significantly in Milford Sound while turning during a strong gust of wind.
There was no damage, but the incident was concerning.
On 24 January 2024 the ship stranded in Doubtful Sound near Crooked Arm. There were no injuries, but the vessel required some repair.
Here, the Fiordland Navigator is in Deep Cove, the Doubtful Sound port, where passengers arrive by bus across Wilmot Pass (visible in the background) from West Arm.
[Oct 2024].
The Patea Explorer is the main vessel for day cruises on Doubtful Sound.
It normally departs twice a day for a 3-hour cruise on Doubtful Sound.
Patea is the Maori name of Doubtful Sound.
[Oct 2024].
The Patea Explorer was built in 2005 by Richardson Devine Marine, Tasmania, Australia to a design of Incat Crowther.
Patea Explorer particulars: Passengers: 192 pax. Length: 31.6m
Width: 7.50m
[Oct 2024].
Fiordland Expeditions is another operator that offers overnight cruises in Doubtful Sound.
The Tutoko and Tutoko II are far smaller than the Real NZ ships.
Fiordland Expeditions also offers charters and its trips are have more of a fishing, diving, and hunting element.
Here, the two vessels are in Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound.
[Oct 2024].
The Tutoko is 16.66 m long and can carry up to 20 passengers.
The Tutoko II is 20.06 m long and can carry up to 60 passengers.
Both vessels normally carry fewer passengers on their overnight cruises.
[Oct 2024].
Real NZ also operates ships on Lake Te Anau.
They bring tourists to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and to the eastern end of the Milford Track.
One of these vessels is the catamaran Fiordland Express, the vessel connecting Te Anau with the Milford Track.
Here it is at the jetty in Te Anau.
The ship is 19.19 m long and can carry 99 passengers.
[Oct 2024].
The Luminosa is a newer ship based on Lake Te Anau.
Its name refers to the Latin name for the glowworm - Arachnocampa luminosa .
The ship is mainly used to carry visitors from the town Te Anau, on the eastern shore of Lake Te Anau,
to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, on the isolated western shore of Lake Te Anau.
[Oct 2024].
The Luminosa was built in 2006 by Richardson Devine Marine in Tasmania, Australia, to a design by Incat Crowther.
Luminosa particulars: Passengers: 97 pax. Length: 23.0m Cruise Speed: 25 knots.
[Oct 2024].
The Luminosa travels along South Fiord of Lake Te Anau on its evening trip to the Glowworm Caves.
Even though the town of Te Anau is easily accessible, Lake Te Anau is surrounded by wild country.
[Oct 2024].
There are also some other operators apart from Real NZ on Lake Te Anau.
Fiordland Historic Cruises offer 3-hour cruises on Lake Te Anau on board the motorised sailing vessel Faith.
[Oct 2024].
The Faith was built in 1935 in Scotland. It is 19.7 m long and can carry up to 22 passengers, though normally it carries no more than 16 passengers on its cruise, making it a more personalised excursion.
[Oct 2024].
The Faith and Luminosa have left Te Anau on the respective cruises to the more remote western areas of Lake Te Anau.
The Faith flies the New Zealand Red Ensign, the flag for the merchant marine.
[Oct 2024].
One way to experience the Fiordland landscape is by tramping through its mountains.
One of the more popular tracks is the Kepler Track, which connects the southern shore of Lake Te Anau with the northern shore of Lake Manapouri through the Kepler mountains. The track was opened in 1988 to ease pressure on the popular Milford and Routeburn Tracks.
It passes through the Kepler mountains, named after German astronomer Johannes Kepler.
The Kepler Water Taxi allows trampers to skip part of the route and arrive quicker at the interesting parts of the track.
[Oct 2024].
The Kepler Water Taxi is 8.75 m long and can carry up to 15 passengers.
A young boy watches the vessel as it picks up trampers from the Kepler Track in Brod Bay.
He himself has to walk another 1.5 hours along the lakeshore in the rain to a car park.
[Oct 2024].
Milford Sound has many passenger ships plying the waters of the famous fiord.
Even small cruise ship visit Milford Sound.
Here the Arkona is anchored in front of Mitre Peak.
[Jan 1999].
The Lady of the Sounds from Red Boat Cruises (later Southern Discoveries) and the Milford Monarch of Fiordland Travel
(later Real NZ) are berthed at the Freshwater Basin Terminal in Milford Sound.
The Lady of the Sounds was built in 1989, was 25.4 m long and could carry up to 200 passengers.
The Milford Monarch was built in 1994 by J K Stevenson Engineering in Invercargill, is 35 m long and 8 m wide.
[Jan 1999].