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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.
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.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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
Manapouri: Accommodation in a twin cabin with shared bathroom facilities.
Private Cabin : Sole use of your own private cabin with shared bathroom facilities
Manapouri : Private Twin-Share cabin with ensuite bathroom
Operated by RealNZ
184 reviews
Shona J,Nov 3, 2024
Stunning scenery, beautiful boat, fabulous food, awesome hosts & staff. Overall fantastic experience. Highly recommend doing this trip.
Rogelio E,Oct 1, 2024
Our overnight cruise of Doubtful Sound was an absolutely unforgettable experience, perfectly structured into three key parts that each added to the overall adventure. The trip began with a ferry ride across Lake Manapouri, offering stunning views right from the start. The second leg, a coach transfer over Wilmot Pass, took us through some of the most breathtaking wilderness, with towering peaks and lush rainforests surrounding us. Finally, the actual cruise through Doubtful Sound was the highlight, with the serene beauty of the fjord constantly captivating us. The boat was spacious and well-equipped, providing great amenities that made the stay on board enjoyable. Even with a full complement of passengers, it never felt crowded, and everyone could find their own quiet corner to take in the incredible scenery. What really made the trip special was the crew. They were incredibly passionate and knowledgeable, always ready to share interesting insights and stories about the Sound and its wildlife. Their warmth and attentiveness made us feel welcome and well cared for throughout. One of the most thrilling moments was seeing seals lounging on the rocks and dolphins playfully swimming alongside the boat. Watching these creatures in their natural habitat was such a joy. And the views – they were simply out of this world. Our favorite moment was during the “Sound of Silence,” where the boat paused, and we were able to fully absorb the sights and sounds of nature in complete stillness. It was a truly magical experience. The commentary provided along the journey added depth to the experience, enriching our understanding of this unique place. It was the perfect balance of learning and immersion in nature. Overall, this cruise is a must-do for anyone visiting New Zealand. The natural beauty, the thoughtful structure of the trip, and the excellent crew made it an exceptional adventure!
Jennifer F,Mar 30, 2024
Excellent sights, guides, and food. It rained the 1st night, but by morning the it was clear and the water was glass. They have so much delicious food!
Susan B,Mar 23, 2024
Amazing trip. Boat ferry to bus ride over the pass to the cruise boat. Staff all very friendly and helpful. Nice ship. Clean but tiny accommodations. Spectacular views. Kayaking and swim from boat. Delicious and plentiful food. We loved every minute.
matthew b,Mar 20, 2024
Food was plentiful and good. Boat is and so are the sleeping quarters. Well run. Scenery is stunning.