From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
About this activity
Highlights
- Cruise the full length of Doubtful Sound, all the way to the Tasman Sea
- Savour a three-course dinner and cooked breakfast prepared by our on-board chef
- Look out for the vast array of wildlife including dolphins, penguins, and seals
- Explore the shoreline by kayak, tender boat or jump in for a swim
- Enjoy insightful commentary provided by the nature guide onboard
Full description
Start your unforgettable journey in Manapouri with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes you across the breathtaking Wilmot Pass, traveling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arrive at Deep Cove, meet the crew, and then board the majestic Fiordland Wanderer. Marvel at the unique design of the Vessel, which borrows from the aesthetic of a traditional scow, blending old world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with a fully licensed bar, and an observation lounge.
Cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery and listen as the boat’s knowledgeable nature guide provides commentary ensuring you miss nothing, be it a pod of resident dolphins, fur seals, or rare penguins you might encounter. After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat – or simply relax onboard. For the adventurous, there’s even a chance to go swimming.
Enjoy a delicious three-course dinner in the evening, which is prepared by the onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at the licensed bar, and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars. Kick off the next day with a hearty cooked breakfast menu and get ready to enjoy the rest of the morning exploring other parts of the fiord. Finally, you’ll return to Deep Cove, then take the trip back to Manapouri.
Included / Excluded
- - Nature guide
- - 3-Course dinner
- - Cooked breakfast
- - Shoreline water activities: kayak or tender boat (weather dependant)
- - Cruise across Lake Manapouri
- - Coach through Wilmot Pass
- - Cruise full length of Doubtful Sound
- - Alcoholic beverages (can be purchased at our licensed bar)
Meeting point
Start Location
RealNZ - Doubtful Sound Manapouri Visitor Centre Waiau Street, Pearl Harbour, Manapouri, New Zealand
Important information
Know before you book
- Water activities are weather dependant
- Single passengers must pay sole occupancy rates for a twin-share/double share cabin.
- Vessel has twin-rooms with communal bathrooms
- Duvets, sheets and towels provided
- Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility
Know before you go
- Vessel has twin-rooms with communal bathrooms
- Water activities are weather dependant
- Only one carry-on bag is recommended for passenger convenience and safety.
- Please remember personal medication, including for asthma and allergies
Cancellation policy
In the event of a cancellation or amendment to your Overnight Cruise booking, refunds will only be granted when RealNZ receives notification at least 14 days prior to departure.
Reviews
The Day trip was absolutely fantastic and Brendan our guide was brilliant! I left my umbrella on the bus unfortunately but they are keeping it for me when I go back to Queenstown. Brendan had a great knowledge of the area.. we did lots of stops more than anticipated because everyone on the bus was super organised at getting OFF taking photos and getting back on in a timely manner .good lunch. When we got on the boat initially we were a bit worried that we wouldn’t have good visibility but the whole front area opened up after we got on the water.
enjoyable and interesting activity. got to learnt more about the glowworms
Awesome trip! Definitely worth the long drive it was absolutely stunning! The guide was also very friendly and informative! A must see in New Zealand.
