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Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Offered by RealNZ

From

$749.00 per person

4.8 (269 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

48 hours (approx.) Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Overnight Doubtful Sound cruise from Manapouri with Lake Manapouri crossing, Wilmot Pass coach transfer, wildlife viewing, kayaking and return via Deep Cove.

Tour Overview

Departing from Manapouri on New Zealand’s South Island, this overnight Doubtful Sound cruise combines lake travel, a remote Fiordland road journey, and time on the fiord itself. The trip begins with a cruise across Lake Manapouri to West Arm, followed by a coach journey over Wilmot Pass through Fiordland rainforest to Deep Cove, where you board a traditional two mast sailing scow.

On the water, the focus is on the scale and quiet of Doubtful Sound. You cruise through the fiord aboard a flat bottomed trading boat, with time to take in the surrounding landscape before anchoring in a sheltered mooring for kayaking and other activities. Wildlife is a key part of the experience, with chances to see dolphins, seals and penguins in their natural habitats.

The return journey is part of the appeal, with a leisurely cruise back through Doubtful Sound to Deep Cove, then the same coach trip through the rainforest to West Arm. From there, you cruise back across Lake Manapouri to the RealNZ Manapouri visitor centre, returning to the same meeting point where the tour began.

This is a well paced way to experience Doubtful Sound beyond a short visit, with travel through Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, Fiordland rainforest, Deep Cove and the fiord all forming part of the journey. Please arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in.

What's Included

  • Cruise on Manapouri Lake
  • Coach transfers across Wilmot Pass
  • Dinner
  • Specialist nature guide
  • Breakfast
  • Overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound

Not Included:

  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

What To Expect

Day 1 : Manapouri to Doubtful Sound

  1. 1

    Manapouri Lake

    Cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm. Then enjoy an epic coach trip over the Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Doubtful Sound
  2. 2

    Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

    Cruise through the fiord, taking in beautiful surroundings before dropping anchor in a sheltered mooring for kayaking and other activities.

    20 hours

    Admission: Included

Accommodation: Enjoy accommodation in private cabins with shared bathrooms
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 : Return from Doubtful Sound

  1. 1

    Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

    A leisurely cruise back through Doubtful Sound to disembark at Deep Cove. The same coach will then take you back through the Rainforest to West Arm.
  2. 2

    Lake Manapouri

    Cruise back to Manapouri and return to the same meeting point at the beginning of the tour (RealNZ, Manapouri visitor centre)
Meals: Breakfast

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

RealNZ | Doubtful Sound Cruises

64 Waiau Street, Pearl Harbour, Manapouri 9679, New Zealand

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Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • What to bring: comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing, and swimsuit
  • For passenger comfort and safety, only one overnight bag per person is allowed on board
  • Maximum of 2 people per booking for twin rooms. Please create separate bookings if multiple twin rooms are required. Odd number of guests will require a mix of twin room and single occupancy. For example, 3 guests would need 1 twin room and 1 single occupancy.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.