From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Your experience

Cruise through Fiordland’s wilder, quieter Doubtful Sound on a 24-hour overnight journey with ensuite cabins, kayaking, and expert nature guides.

Getting started

Your adventure begins at Pearl Harbour, Manapouri, where staff greet you for a serene 45-minute boat ride across Lake Manapouri. A scenic coach over Wilmot Pass reveals dense rainforest and waterfalls before you board the Fiordland Navigator at Deep Cove, welcomed by your friendly crew.

What to expect

Doubtful Sound is the second largest fiord in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, renowned for its vast wilderness and rare wildlife. This World Heritage Area is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, native flora, and peaceful atmosphere.

Features

• Lake Manapouri crossing: Begin with a tranquil boat ride across one of New Zealand’s deepest lakes, offering panoramic views of untouched wilderness.

• Wilmot Pass coach journey: Travel through dense rainforest and over alpine terrain, with opportunities to spot native plants and waterfalls.

• Fiordland Navigator vessel: Enjoy private ensuite cabins, a spacious dining saloon, and a licensed bar, accommodating up to 54 guests for a comfortable overnight stay.

• Kayaking and tender craft tours: Explore the fiord’s secret arms and shoreline up close, guided by knowledgeable nature experts who share insights on local dolphins, fur seals, and penguins.

• Three-course buffet dinner and breakfast: Dine in the elegant saloon with a buffet dinner and cooked breakfast, featuring local produce and warm hospitality.

• Wildlife viewing: Watch for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and, with luck, rare Fiordland crested penguins as you cruise through the fiord’s remote arms.

• Moment of silence: Experience the unique “sound of silence” as engines are turned off, letting you absorb the natural sounds of birds and water in this remote setting.

Upgrades

• Fiordland Navigator: Comfort and choice: The largest overnight vessel in Doubtful Sound, Navigator suits couples and mature travelers seeking comfort. Choose private ensuite cabins or quad-share, enjoy spacious lounges, a licensed bar, and expert-led excursions. It’s the best fit if you want hotel-style amenities with your wilderness adventure.

• Wanderer: Intimate expedition style: With just 36 guests, the Wanderer offers a relaxed, communal atmosphere. Shared twin, single, and family cabins plus plated dining make it ideal for families and sociable explorers. Think of it as a floating expedition—more community-driven than luxury-focused.