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Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

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Overview

Available languages

English

48 hours

Mobile ticket

Experience the natural beauty of Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise departing from Manapouri on New Zealand’s South Island. Cruise on a traditional two-mast sailing scow (flat-bottomed trading boat) along the pristine waters of the fiords, and see a vast array of wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins in their natural habitats.

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.

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.

What‘s Included

Cruise on Manapouri Lake

Coach transfers across Wilmot Pass

Dinner

Specialist nature guide

Breakfast

Overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

What To Expect

Day 1

Manapouri to Doubtful Sound

Accommodations

Enjoy accommodation in private cabins with shared bathrooms

Food and Drinks

DINNER

Dinner

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

Admission Not Applicable
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
Day 2

Return from Doubtful Sound

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

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.

Admission Unknown
2

Lake Manapouri

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

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Twin Share - Wanderer Vessel

Manapouri: Accommodation in a twin cabin with shared bathroom facilities.

Private Single - Manapouri

Private Cabin : Sole use of your own private cabin with shared bathroom facilities

Private Twin Share Cabin

Manapouri : Private Twin-Share cabin with ensuite bathroom

Reviews

4.80

233 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

205
18
4
3
3
  • The Navigator a must do

    StuckinBangers,

    Nov 6, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We had amazingly perfect weather for our overnight cruise but the staff the ship the captain. The whole experience was amazing. The best thing we did on our South Island trip. The rooms are comfortable. You have your own ensuite. The food was excellent the bar and the wine list was awesome. The crew were amazing. A must do for any New Zealand itinerary. And make sure you take the plunge and swim in the sound.

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  • Fabulous crew that deliver a great experience

    karenlZ2833SM,

    Nov 1, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We loved our overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound - the weather was brilliant, the views spectacular and we can't praise the crew highly enough. They worked as a team to ensure that every passenger had the best possible experience. We had the option for a gentle kayak, a lazy float in a tender - followed by a refreshing swim for the braver souls who don't come from warmer climes. The food was plentiful and delicious and the cabins extremely clean, with the most comfortable beds we've slept in for a long while. The nature guide was knowledgeable and helpful and everything combined into a very special experience that we totally recommend.

  • The crew were amazing...

    Jodi L,

    Oct 23, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    The crew were amazing comfortable rooms and of course the scenery was incredible five stars all around

  • Nice experience

    Sandy B,

    Oct 21, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    4.00

    Views and staff were good, nature guide was informative, room was basic, no hot water for the shower, but I think that was not the norm. Food was ok, not spectacular. . .take Ear plugs, it can be noisy.

  • Overnight on Doubtful Sound

    RosemarieK45,

    Oct 15, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We have just had the best 24 hours on Doubtful Sound, if you get the chance do yourself a favor and book the overnight cruise. We drove to Manapouri from there we hopped onto a vessel to cross over to West Arm. From there, a coach takes you across the breathtaking Wilmot Pass, delivering us to Doubtful Sound and a night on the Navigator. Jazz and her staff provide so much assistance and are so welcoming. The chef provided us with afternoon tea, cheese boards, dinner and dessert all was delicious and in abundance! We were lucky to get a sunny day and Doubtful Sound did not disappoint!! This a once in a lifetime trip, put it on your bucket list!

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  • Nothing but disappointing.

    T8968VTjackiec,

    Oct 9, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    1.00

    The scenery is OK, we found stop offs on the drive to Milford Sound much more beautiful and dramatic. Doubtful Sound is quiet but not as stunning as Milford Sound. We also had a very disappointing experience aboard the Fiordland Navigator with RealNZ, I would not travel with them again and would not recommend them. The inexperienced Team Leader behaved very immaturely and did not seem to be able to efficiently do her job, leaving us without food despite repeated requests. RealNZ later apologised for this but for over $1000 pp a night (we were a party of 3 in 2 cabins) I expect professionalism from the staff onboard, especially when food is not readily available onboard. See photo below of the cold toast the Team leader eventually served as part of a cheeseboard!

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  • Doubtful Sound in all its glory!

    Anita L,

    Oct 5, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    This was the trip of a lifetime! From start to finish we couldn’t fault the staff, who we found friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The nature guide- Brock was entertaining and made the most of a difficult situation when his laptop failed to load his presentation. He carried on and very successfully delivered an off the cuff commentary, much to our delight. Our trip started with a rainy day which produced many temporary waterfalls in the mountains. Then we awoke to a fine day with sunshine and we all ventured outside to make the most of the photo opportunities. We were in a twin room and found it quite roomy, warm and comfortable. The food was good and plentiful. The whole experience was very memorable and we would recommend it highly to others.

  • Stunning views, fantastic food and epic photos!

    EllieWbrighton,

    Oct 4, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We've just returned from the 2 night Doubtful Sound cruise with RealNZ and can highly recommend this experience. Everything exceeded our expectations (even the weather!) The staff were excellent, the beds were really comfortable (considering they are bunks) and the food was AMAZING! (possibly the best vegetarian meals we've had in NZ) The main guide Alex deserves a special mention as he was so brilliant at his job - full of information about everything - ecology, history, geology, mythology etc. We got super lucky with the weather and the kayaking from the boat was stunning. If you do this trip bring warm clothes as it was super cold at times but the main cabin was always cosy with a big cupboard full of games, help yourself hot drinks and plenty of food throughout the day. It really did feel like a total escape into nature for 48 hours!

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  • Overnight doubtful cruise

    helenajJ9775RE,

    Sep 19, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    The Overnight cruise was one of the best things we have ever done. Myself and my friend had an amazing time from the fabulous food selection and service to the breathtaking views, it was all 10/10. Jaz and Brock made the experience really enjoyable and chatting to them was a pleasure. Would highly recommend to anyone.

  • Epic overnight cruise

    tania601,

    Sep 17, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Though we have done before my husband & I decided to go again. Well it was a fabulous idea! From start to finish the views are spectacular. From our ensuite cabin to the food it was all perfect. Staff all work very hard to ensure we were all well looked after & had a great time. We will do this again for sure.

From NZ$749.00

4.80
233 reviews
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