Luxury afloat sound really great

A 60-passenger replica of a traditional New Zealand trading scow has begun taking tourists on overnight cruises in Milford Sound.

The Milford Mariner, built in Bluff and launched a month ago, began cruises this month.

The ship, which is rigged as a three-masted staysail schooner, sleeps 60 in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms and carries kayaks and inflatables for passengers to get close to wildlife.

On day cruises it takes 150 passengers.

The 40m Mariner is a luxury version of its sister ship, the Milford Wanderer.

Contact: Fiordland Travel, ph (03) 249 7416, e-mail reservations@fiordlandtravel.co.nz