Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise and Coach from Manapouri

Fiordland's Doubtful Sound is a geographically huge destination packed with stunning natural beauty; with these overnight cruises, you'll be able to immerse yourself in its breathtaking scenery and spend the night while anchored in a sheltered cove to extend the experience an additional day! The journey will begin when you board the cruise yacht - the Fiordland Navigator - that awaits you at the beginning point of your Doubtful Sound cruise, and we head off to cruise the full, impressive length of the fiord and weave through its hidden coves and waterways.

During your time on the water, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife that inhabit the area including bottle nose dolphins, fur seals, rare penguins and more. The chance to go swimming will also present itself as we drop anchor, or perhaps explore the shoreline by kayak. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our onboard chef and relax in the saloon before you head to your cosy bed.

More info

Note

• All food and beverage purchases aboard the vessels in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, and Te Anau, as well as at Walter Peak and the Manapouri Café, do not accept cash. A cashless system will provide a smoother, more efficient experience for both guests and staff
• Payment terminals accept all major credit cards and debit cards, including AMEX, WeChat Pay, AliPay and Union Pay, as well as contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• RealNZ is going cashless on all food and beverage purchases in experience.
• This means that all food and beverage purchases aboard our vessels in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, and Te Anau, as well as at Walter Peak and the Manapouri Café, will no longer accept cash. A cashless system will provide a smoother, more efficient experience for both our guests and staff.
• Our payment terminals accept all major credit cards and debit cards, including AMEX, WeChat Pay, AliPay and Union Pay, as well as contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• Note: Fee of 1.5% applies to food and beverage purchases by credit card only. The fee does not apply to purchases in Retail Store at Walter Peak, or merchandise purchased from our Visitor Centres.

Inclusions

• Overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound
• Launch transfers across Lake Manapouri
• Coach over Wilmot Pass
• Water activities
• Buffet dinner and breakfast prepared by an on-board chef
• Specialist nature guide on board to provide insightful commentary

Highlights

• Leisurely exploration of Doubtful Sound on board the Fiordland Navigator
• Traditional style motor vessel with staysail schooner-rigged sails
• Dining saloon, observation lounge and spacious viewing decks
• Wildlife viewing opportunities including - fur seals, penguins and dolphins
• Dedicated nature guide with specialist knowledge of the regions history, flora and fauna
• Interpretation hand out in five languages (English, German, French, Spanish and Japanese)
• Kayaking and exploring by tender craft
• Buffet dinner and breakfast prepared by an on-board chef
• A mix of ensuites and shared bathroom facilities based on room type

Seasons

• 1-night cruises from September to April each year
• 2-nights cruises in August each year
• Itinerary may change depending on the season

FAQs

• How long does it take to travel to Manapouri? From Queenstown to Manapouri by car or coach takes around 2 hrs 45 mins and from Te Anau around 30 minutes
• Is there car parking at Manapouri? Overnight car parking is 950m from the Manapouri Visitor Centre and daytime car parking is provided adjacent to the Visitor centre
• Are there luggage storage facilities at Manapouri? Yes, there is very limited luggage storage available at the Manapouri Visitor Centre for our overnight cruise passengers (maximum one bag only per person)

What To Bring

• Non-slip shoes/ boots, waterproof jacket

• Warm sweater/fleece jacket

• Change of clothes

• Sunscreen/sunglasses

• Insect repellent

• Swimwear (optional)

• Camera

• Cash for bar and snacks

• Overnight bag only

• Baggage

• Only one overnight bag should be brought on board for passenger convenience and safety reasons. There are limited luggage storage facilities available at the Real NZ Visitor Centre in Manapouri

Additional Information

• Vessel Information
• Fiordland Navigator - A traditional style motor vessel with staysail shunner-rigged sails. Features a dining saloon, observation lounge and viewing decks. Has 18 private cabins with ensuite bathrooms , shared bunk style compartments with a shared bathroom facility. Holds 72 passengers overnight.
• Adults - Double Cabin - Double bed with ensuite for minimum 2 guests per cabin. Fare is per guest.
• Adults - Twin-Share Cabin - Two single beds with ensuite for minimum 2 guests per cabin. Fare is per guest.
• Single Occupancy - Private cabin with ensuite for one adult. Fare is per guest.
• Children - Twin-Share Cabin - Ages 2-15 - An adult must be booked per child
• Infants - Ages 0-23 months - Sleeping in a cot (twin cabins only)
• Meals
• Evening dining includes three-course buffet meal with a selection of mains (please advise dietary requirements at time of booking). Breakfast includes a choice of cooked and continental. All meals are served in the dining saloon
• It is recommended that passengers order a Picnic Lunch for Day 1

Terms And Conditions

• Seasonal price variation
• Oct 01 to Oct 31 2025 (Off Peak Season Rate), Nov 01 2024 to Dec 19 2024 (High Season Rate), Dec 19, 2024 to Mar 31, 2025 (Peak Season Rate), Apr 01 2025 to Apr 30 2025 (Off Peak Season Rate)
• Child rates : Children Twin-Share Cabin Ages 2-15 ( An adult must be booked per child )
• Infants Ages 0-23 months - Sleeping in a cot (twin cabins only) otherwise child rates apply. Passengers to provide their own cot, unless by prior arrangement.

Booking Information

• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking, however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control. We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
• Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The 'from price' displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you