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Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise Guide: Tips and Review!

Want to find out what the Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise is really like… and if it’s worth it?

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I’d long heard the South Island travellers’ hot tip: Doubtful Sound is THE place to go if you ever make it to Fiordland National Park. Lauded as the most beautiful, extraordinary experience many have had in New Zealand, the expectations were sky-high. 

At 421m deep and 40km long, Doubtful is the deepest and second longest fiord in South Island. This means there are many magical corners to explore! And gosh, did my experience exploring them only exceed my expectations?

Read on to discover exactly what made my Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise experience so enchanting and unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Where does the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise depart from?

The Doubtful Sound cruise departs from Lake Manapouri . 

How to get to Lake Manapouri:

You will need to make your own way to Manapouri. Most visitors do this by self-driving.

However, if you’re not renting a car in New Zealand, then the best option is to get a coach ticket. Real Journeys (who run the cruise) also run several shuttle services – you will need to book this in advance to make sure you arrive on time. Some shuttle services from Queenstown go directly to Te Anau. If necessary, you can take a taxi from here to Manapouri, as they’re fairly close.

Alternatively, make things easier and book a tour that includes transport from Queenstown, such as this Doubtful Sound day trip from Queenstown , or this 3 day Doubtful Sound adventure from Queenstown.

It’s also possible to take a scenic flight from Queenstown. 

Your tour will begin from the RealNZ visitor centre at Lake Manapouri. From here, you’ll take a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a magical bus ride to West Arm where you’ll board the ship. 

Which Doubtful Sound cruise should you pick?

There are three main options for the Doubtful Sound cruise, all of which are run by expert tour operator RealNZ (previously named Real Journeys). If you’re wondering what the best Doubtful Sound overnight cruise is for your needs, this is my advice:

• One-day Doubtful Sound cruise: This option is best if you only have time for a day trip. However, if you only have one day, you might also consider doing to Milford Sound cruise instead. Milford Sound is smaller, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything by exploring it one day. (Of course, you could also do one of each… but in that case, I’d recommend doing two days in Doubtful Sound, below, to make the most of your time.)  

See prices or book tickets: One-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

See prices or book tickets: One day Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

• Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (one night, two days): If your South Island itinerary allows for two days in Doubtful Sound, I highly recommend it. Since Doubtful covers such a large area, in one day, you simply won’t have time to discover how huge and breathtaking the fiord is. Staying on the boat overnight and being able to watch the sunset over the water is an unforgettable experience.

See prices or book tickets: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

• Two days, three nights (WINTER ONLY): in this tour option, you’ll have a whole day on the water without having to travel by land to get there and back. This is undoubtedly the best way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Fiordland. 

See prices or book tickets: check the RealNZ website for more details.

If you have the time and budget for an overnight option, I highly recommend it. If I had to pick the single best and most memorable thing I did in New Zealand, then this would be it!

Read more: Te Anau to Milford Sound travel guide

SUMMARY: the basics – what to expect on your Doubtful Sound Cruise

Read my full overnight cruise review below, but here’s an overview of what you can expect to see and do on the cruise. 

Exploring the ship: get behind the captain’s wheel, watch the anchor go down at night, and climb the ladders and staircases to get different perspectives of the magical Doubtful Sound. You can also curl up in your private or shared cosy cabin each night. 

Wildlife: Alongside an abundance of native birds, including albatrosses and the elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin, you might also see bottlenose dolphins, whales, fur seals and whales. While fur seals are a common sight, you’ll have to get lucky to see the whales and penguins!

There’s a wildlife guide on board with you the whole time, so don’t worry about missing out on anything as they’ll keep their eyes peeled for you. (Read more about the wildlife I saw during my trip in the detailed review section below!)

Food and drink: Food comes as buffet options at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dietary requirements are catered for (phew, as I’m a vegan traveller!) but make sure you let the crew know in advance. Tea, coffee, juices, and water are covered, but you can also purchase additional drinks from the bar.

Activities: I go into more details about onboard activities below, but one of the best is the opportunity to kayak on the sound! 

Plan your New Zealand adventure: complete South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary

MY DOUBTFUL SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE EXPERIENCE + personal review

My memories of Doubtful Sound remain very special to me, so below are my personal experiences. Read on to find out what the overnight cruise is really like, and things you can expect to see on the way. If you want general travel tips, rather than my personal Doubtful Sound review, then skip to the end of this article and check the FAQ below. 

THE JOURNEY TO DOUBTFUL SOUND FROM TE ANAU

Reaching Doubtful Sound is a journey in itself.

The tour began at the RealNZ office at Lake Manapouri. As I boarded our first ferry on Manapouri Lake, I was excited, and from the offset, things were off to a promising start. This first hour-long cruise glided through breathtaking Fiordland mountain scenery towards our connection at West Arm. 

After arriving on the other side of Manapouri Lake, we boarded a 45-minute bus journey that manoeuvred around the twisty mountain road that formed the Wilmot Pass. This 671m high pass was completed to assist the construction of the Manapouri Hydroelectricity Project, connecting the power station at Lake Manapouri’s West Arm to boats offloading equipment at Doubtful Sound’s Deep Cove. 

After passing waterfalls, rivers, and scenic viewpoints, we arrived at Deep Cove, where the Fiordland Navigator was waiting for us.

There was a hum of anticipation as we boarded the ship. And, following a brief introduction on how to safely make the most of our adventure , we were given the keys to our cabins and time to investigate our home for the next two nights.

I wasn’t aware before boarding that the RealNZ Doubtful Sound cruise takes a different route every time. Depending on weather conditions and potential wildlife sightings, the ship will take the smoothest yet most exciting route possible. This means every trip is unique! 

Waking up in a different part of the Sound each morning is a treat. During my trip, we began the second day at Crooked Arm and the third at Bradshaw Sound. Each spot has unique views, all seemingly more spectacular than the last. 

OUR SHIP – THE FIORDLAND NAVIGATOR

Fiordland Navigator is a purpose-built ship ideal for Doubtful’s distinct balance of soothing exploration. While the exterior and dining saloon possess the allure of a bygone era, this charm matches perfectly with cosy cabins and comfortable inside and outdoor observation decks. 

But the best part of the ship was the crew – from the hardworking chef to the friendly staff, you always felt in great hands. 

Even the bridge was accessible, meaning you could chat with the skipper as he drove the ship. This, along with the commentary from the onboard nature guide, means visitors are always invited to learn more about the area and feel involved. Even the youngest kids on board got a chance to drive!

We also got to watch the crew raise the anchor. But don’t worry if you miss it; you’ll definitely hear it! Fortunately, the crew calls out all events, so you can unwind in the warmth, knowing you won’t miss anything.

On a side note, dietary requirements were accounted for throughout the day, from breakfast options to numerous choices at the 3 -course buffet dinner – including vegan and gluten-free alternatives. This was a relief, as I know from experience how hit and miss it can be travelling with a dietary requirement!  

Visitors could freely wander the ship, building our day with spectacular views from every corner of the vessel.  With spacious outdoor or indoor viewing decks, I never felt crowded trying to see the views. This only added to the peaceful and secluded setting. With no other boats on the water, it felt like a very rare opportunity to gaze upon an otherwise untouched land…

THE WILDLIFE OF DOUBTFUL SOUND

If you’re a wildlife lover or birding enthusiast, you will be spoilt on your Doubtful Sound cruise. Many seabirds and marine life are home here, although no specific individual animal spotting is guaranteed. This makes sense for a company committed to conservation – this is generally the sign of an ethical animal encounter. When animals are wild and free, they appear as and when they wish. (For me, this is essential to truly enjoy a wildlife experience, so I really valued this.)

Among the common sightings are fur seals and albatross, and I loved seeing the fur seals relaxing on the rocks.

I was also lucky enough to see bottlenose dolphins swimming in the Sound! Seeing them swimming and breaching alongside small waterfalls and crooked trees was amazing. Best of all, it began to snow. Imagine that – watching dolphins jump through a flurry of falling snow! 

Unfortunately, I didn’t see any Fiordland penguins during my trip, though I wasn’t disappointed since they are one of the world’s rarest penguin species. On occasion, whales are spotted as you sail into the Tasman Sea!

At this point, I must shout out Div, our onboard wildlife expert. His passion and fascination with the wild was contagious, and despite his keen interest, he remained very accessible and perceptive. Respected by children and adults alike, both long-term nature lovers and the vaguely curious were able to gain something from his commentary and willingness to answer questions. 

ACTIVITIES DURING THE DOUBTFUL SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE

While impossible to get bored of the everchanging scenery, there are also various ways to thoughtfully plan activities throughout the cruise. Participation is not mandatory, but everyone was keen to join in during my trip! The second day’s kayak and tender boat adventure was the most notable activity. Whether paddling your kayak or relaxing in a tender boat, there’s no better way to get up close and personal with flora and fauna. Doubtful Sound looks immense from afar, but when you get close, you notice all the distinctive plants, rocks, and trees growing in the valley. The birch trees, who were the inspiration behind Lord of the Ring’s Treebeard, looked particularly characterful when dressed in a fresh suit of snow.

After climbing back aboard the Navigator, those brave enough took the ‘Polar Plunge’ and jumped back in the Sound’s cold water from the deck!

On board, there are various board games and books to enjoy, though my favourite discovery was the piano! The guests still lingering in the dining saloon post-breakfast were courteous enough to not only accept my request to play the piano but to politely applaud after. I very seldom get the chance to play music, and having the opportunity to unexpectedly practice in such a welcoming, unique environment (on board a literal ship in the wilderness!) remains a very special memory.

For a restful after-dinner activity, I headed to the viewing area for a nature talk by Div (our resident nature guide). This was a fab way to get the lowdown on this wild region of New Zealand. From clips of previous animal encounters and fascinating facts to learn about conservation efforts and what we can do to help, the talks were the perfect way to conclude each day. 

THE MANY MOODS OF DOUBTFUL SOUND

I soon came to realise that climbing aboard the Fiordland Navigator was a gateway to more than just one mysterious fiord. In fact, cruising Doubtful Sound is like setting sail upon the waters of a thousand worlds at once. 

The changing weather conditions mean one hundred different experiences of one location – or ‘the Many Moods of Doubtful Sound, as Div fondly called it. There is no ‘wrong way’ to see Fiordland, with the landscape transforming anew with each day or hour.

Famously stunning in rainfall, some say ‘you haven’t seen the Sounds before you’ve seen it in the rain’! Stormy weather brings the landscape to life, creating hundreds of waterfalls in just a few hours. Only a few of the falls are permanent, such as the aforementioned Brown Falls.

That said, stormy weather will make you reluctant to voyage into the Tasman Sea, where you feel the waves at their most choppy.

During my trip on fortunately calm seas, Div pointed out the Hares’ Ears – two rocks reaching 18m out of the water. Div told us he’d seen waves crashing the entire way over the formation, rendering them barely visible! Usually a calm, slow trip, the Tasman Sea is the only time you’re warned to sit down or hold onto the railings.

During my visit, our lucky conditions led to a vibrant double rainbow majestically arching over the entrance of the Doubtful Sound as we returned from the sea – a very inviting return!

The staff were also excited by the double rainbow on the first evening – just as they were by the serene, reflective sunset on the second. It reminded me, once again, that every trip to Doubtful Sound is unique, and there are always more natural treasures to be found in the skies above to the waters below. 

The reflective scenery on our final night was otherworldly, with snow hanging low on the mountains and a calm sky painting the water with its changing colours. 

On that final day, we were all invited to listen to a natural concert – the so-called Sound of Silence – where we each put down our phones and cameras, and even the ship’s engine went quiet. The calm waters respected the natural symphony and joined us almost in stillness, with the waves and winds only at a whisper. I listened to the melody of a single, distant waterfall and the strumming of rain upon the deck. This was peace, or as close to it as I have experienced.

And then, the sun descended as our route switched directions, and guests’ excited murmuring and motions returned. The brightly humming engine serenaded us into the night.

See all Doubtful Sound tour and ticket options on Viator.

REALNZ DOUBTFUL SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE FAQ 

Best time of year to visit doubtful sound .

Autumn (March to May) is a special time in New Zealand in general, since the Autumn leaves bring a little seasonal much of the country’s woodland. However, in Fiordland, many of the trees are evergreen. No matter – Autumn brings mild weather to Fiordland, although things begin to cool down towards the end of the season.

Summer (Dec to Feb) is the best time if you want sunny weather, late evenings, and less chance of rain and wind. (Though, in Fiordland, you might have rainy weather at any time of year!) Temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celcius / 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s a great time to take a dip in Te Anau Lake during your trip to Fiordland!

Spring (March to May), while pleasant in much of the country, brings unsettled weather to Doubtful Sound, with high chances of wind or rain. On the bright side, you’ll see vibrant wildflowers and, if you’re planning Fiordland as just one stop on your itinerary, it’s a great time to visit NZ in general, with cute lambs frolicking around the fields and cherry blossoms blooming. 

Winter (June to August) is an epic time to visit Fiordland, as long as you don’t mind the cold and shorter days! The weather is more settled than usual, with snow topping the mountains. If you’re very lucky, like me, you’ll even get to see it snow in Doubtful Sound! Very occasionally, the Wilmot Pass is closed to high levels of snowfall or flooding, when cruises are cancelled. I adored my Winter Doubtful Sound cruise, and don’t think I’d change my experience for the world. 

What to pack for Doubtful Sound overnight cruises

In the summer, bring shades, a sun hat and sunscreen and in Winter, you’ll definitely need a warm winter coat, layers, and a hat and gloves. (I had proper ski gloves with me as I get cold easily.) 

At any time of year, you’ll need a raincoat. Doubtful Sound receives, on average, 3000-6000 millimetres of rainfall a year!

I recommend bringing a warm layer even in summer as the weather is unpredictable. Bring comfy shoes as the deck could get slippy if it rains, and don’t forget a reusable water bottle. (This is the filter water bottle I use for travel – use my discount code HAG15 for 15% off!)

Also bring a comfortable change of clothing, personal toiletries and overnight clothes such as pyjamas, insect repellent, cash for the bar, and a camera. Oh, and swimwear… just in case. Trust me.

How big is Doubtful Sound?

Doubtful Sound is 421m deep and 40km long, making it the deepest and second longest fiord in South Island. 

Why is it called Doubtful Sound?

Back in 1770, Captain Cook named it ‘Doubtful Harbour.’ He actually didn’t enter the inlet he saw from the ocean, as he wasn’t sure if he would be able to navigate it via sailing. 

In later years, it was renamed ‘Doubtful Sound’ by whalers and sealers.

Interestingly, Doubtful Sound is not a Sound at all, but a Fiord. A Fiord is a deep and narrow sea inlet, usually characterised by long corridors of water flanked by high cliffs. Fiords were originally formed by glaciers.

What is Doubtful Sound’s Māori name?

Doubtful Sound’s Māori name is Patea. Patea aptly translates to ‘the place of silence,’ and to this day remains free of noise pollution, staying true to its peaceful name. 

Is Doubtful Sound worth visiting? 

Yes, Doubtful Sound is absolutely worth visiting! From the magical sights and abundance of wildlife to the memorable experience of staying on board a ship, this is one of the absolute best things you can do on the South Island. 

In the two and a half years I lived in New Zealand, this is the best thing I did alongside volunteering at an animal sanctuary.

More places to visit in South Island, New Zealand:

Lake Tekapo

Maruia Hot Springs

Mount Cook National Park

South Island hidden gems

South Island hot springs

Dunedin to Invercargill via The Catlins road trip

Queenstown and Glenorchy Lord of the Rings locations

or read all my New Zealand travel guides .

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Hi, I'm Cassie, and I've been solo travelling the globe since May 2018. In this time, I've backpacked around Southeast Asia, Japan and The Balkans, alongside living in New Zealand and Australia. Current location? Mexico

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12 comments.

I still feel sooo grateful to have seen that!

Thank you Janet, I hope you son had an amazing honeymoon – what a special place to go to for it! I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time in Fiordland if you make it there yourself 🙂

That looks so cool! What a wonderful experience – thank you for all the infos!

It looks so incredible! I’ve been to Milford sound and I loved it so much. This post was so informative!

Great article – my son just came back from NZ on his honeymoon, and they did an overnight on the Milford Sound. Absolutely amazing and plan on seeing myself soon.

Ohh wow, this place looks insanely beautiful! And you saw a pod of dolphins!! How special is that!?

This looks amaaaaaazing! We visited Milford sound in the summertime, but woooowza this area looks incredible with a sprinkling of snow. The Doubtful Sound cruise looks like a complete treat – it’s so cool that they change the route depending on what wildlife you might see!

This looks like an incredible cruise. I’d love a few days to explore this area.

What a location! It sounds so amazing to stay overnight. This trip went straight in my bucket list. And thanks for explaining where the name comes from!

The two night three day cruise would be ideal. I love your pic of the complete rainbow.

What a stunning place and beautiful experience. And that rainbow over the inlet! Wow! This one’s going on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing your experience.

New Zealand has always been on my bucket list but I’d never heard of this place before. Looks cool!

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Save 25% on Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises: Wilderness25 . T&Cs apply .

Pātea Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound is the second largest fiord in Fiordland National Park and is memorable for its vastness, wilderness, and undisturbed beauty.

Each season brings a different experience. Clear skies and reflective water mesmerise all who visit, while grey skies and low-hanging clouds equally add a special mood to the fiord, creating mysterious layers among sprawling forests, peaks, and inlets.

The fiord is a habitat for many New Zealand taonga (treasured) species. With a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, NZ fur seals lounging on the rocks, and Fiordland crested penguins swimming around, it’s one of the best places for a chance at spotting native New Zealand animals in the wild.

A trip to Doubtful Sound is an adventure. Unlike Milford Sound’s direct access road, Doubtful Sound requires a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri and an even more spectacular coach ride over Wilmot Pass to get there! It’s this real adventure that makes the fiord even more special in its seclusion.

When you arrive, you can explore the fiord on a Wilderness Day Cruise , or spend the night aboard a specially designed overnight vessel and wake up to peace in nature, with coach transfers to the start of your adventure in Lake Manapouri available.

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Immerse yourself in the vast and untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound, the second largest fiord in Fiordland National Park.

With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away. Home to abundant wildlife you may see bottlenose dolphins and fur seals at play, or catch a glimpse of a rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.

Getting to Doubtful Sound is an adventure in itself. With no direct road access, the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is by a cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass. This isolation makes the fiord a very special, private place, a place only those in the know get to see.

If you’d like to experience the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound for yourself, join us for a Wilderness Day Cruise or better still, spend an unforgettable night on the fiord on our Fiordland Navigator Overnight Cruise. And if you prefer not to drive to Manapouri (where the trips depart), we can get you there by coach from Queenstown and Te Anau.

For a more intimate experience, join us on a kayaking adventure where you get to paddle or explore and camp overnight in Doubtful Sound.

About Doubtful Sound

There’s no settlement here and no easy access. Cruise vessels and fishing boats ply the waters only seasonally. When you visit Doubtful Sound, it’s unchanged, pristine nature is striking. You are witnessing the same spectacular scene that greeted early Maori and European visitors – the years have changed little, if anything, in this magnificent place.

The mood of the fiord is dominated by the weather – glorious and sparkling on a sunny day, tranquil and mysterious in the mist or dramatic and exciting in the wet as hundreds of waterfalls thunder into the sea.

This is an awesome place where you’ll experience the raw power of nature. The sheer scale and beauty of the fiord makes for a profound experience for any holiday itinerary.

Getting There

All our Doubtful Sound experiences start in Manapouri which is around 2.5 – 3 hours from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau.

You can drive there yourself or if you’d much rather relax and let us do the driving, we offer coach connections from Queenstown and Te Anau.

Our coach drivers for your Doubtful Sound tour are extremely knowledgeable about the area, its history and local flora and fauna and will provide you with commentary and information along the way.

Fiordland is one of the wettest places in the world with a mean annual rainfall of 6813mm (268 in). It rains for around 180 days of the year, with rainfall reaching 250mm (10 in) over a 24 hour period.

The temperature here can vary depending on the season and can go from an average high of around 19C in summer (Dec - Feb) to around 9.5C in winter (Jun - Aug).

As weather shapes this landscape, it’ll also shape your experience of this pristine place.  Glorious and breathtakingly beautiful on a sunny day, in the mist it’s a magical fairyland of hidden peaks and twisting arms while in the rain, the power of nature is unleashed as walls of water thunder to the sea.

All year round, whatever the weather, a visit to Doubtful Sound is profound and unforgettable.

Dolphins playing in Doubtful Sound

Located deep in the heart of Fiordland, and almost inaccessible to humans, Doubtful Sound is within a temperate rainforest and home to a largely undisturbed wildlife.

The rainforest is an extravagance of green and incredibly dense with vines, perching plants, tree and ground ferns and podocarp trees. Home to a wonderful array of native birds, you’ll hear their songs if you listen carefully.

The waters of the fiord are fascinating and home to an amazing array of sea-life because of a surface layer of dark fresh water that blocks sunlight. This layer is caused by the incredibly high annual rainfall which is darkly coloured by the tannins of the forest as it tumbles through a huge catchment area to the sea. This dark layer allows corals and undersea life to grow in waters much shallower than they normally would. Creatures of the southern oceans live here – there’s a resident pod of dolphins and lots of fur seals. Others visit and you could glimpse Mollymawks and Royal Albatross, penguins, including the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin which breeds at Doubtful Sound or even a whale.

Two million years ago the glaciers of Fiordland were grinding their way towards the sea sculpting the landscape as they retreated and advanced.

In Maori legend, Doubtful Sound and the other Fiords were created by the godly figure Tu Te Raki Whanoa who split the rock with his adze allowing the sea to pour in creating safe harbours from the restless, often stormy sea.

The first European to discover the fiord was Captain Cook during his search for a ‘great southern continent’. Visiting the mouth of Doubtful Sound in 1770 and unsure whether it was navigable, he named it Doubtful Harbour. 23 years later, a visiting Spanish scientific expedition charted the entrance and lower parts of the sound.

In 1971, the Manapouri Hydro-Electric Power Station, New Zealand’s largest hydroelectric facility, was completed on the western arm of the lake. Considered one of the country’s greatest engineering feats, the power station uses the 230 metre drop between the lake and the sea (the Deep Cove arm of Doubtful Sound) to create electricity. The road over Wilmot Pass was created as part of the project and provides our access to the fiord.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Did you know.

Fiordland, one of the world’s wettest regions. Most of the rain falls on the seaward side of the mountains.

Manapouri village receives 1,143mm a year but over in West Arm the rainfall rises to 3,786mm. Deep Cove receives 5,290mm per year.

Doubtful Sound reaches about 430m at its maximum depth. Near the entrance there are sills where the water is relatively shallow (90m).

The water temperature in the fiord averages a bracing 11 degrees Celsius.

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RealNZ | Doubtful Sound Pātea Day Cruise

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Doubtful Sound FAQs

What is the difference between Milford and Doubtful Sounds?

Our places. Our experiences. Milford and Doubtful Sounds, NZ.

The main difference between Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound is their locations in Fiordland. Milford Sound, in the northern region, is captivating with its dramatic beauty. Doubtful Sound, on the other hand, is further south, in the heart of Fiordland, and is vaster and wilder, approximately ten times larger than Milford Sound.

Why is it called a Doubtful Sound?  

Doubtful Sound, originally dubbed 'Doubtful Harbour' in 1770 by Captain Cook, earned its name due to the captain’s hesitation to venture into its waters, unsure of its navigability under sail. Despite Cook's reluctance, subsequent explorers, including whalers and sealers, renamed it Doubtful Sound.

What is the best time of year to visit Doubtful Sound?  

The best time of year to visit Doubtful Sound is during the winter. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the fiord in crisp, fresh air and snow-capped mountains. In winter, the landscape transforms with snow often visible at low levels and occasional ice formations within the fiord itself. To make the most of your visit during this magical season, be sure to pack plenty of layers, including a warm hat and gloves. Embrace the invigorating chill of winter in Doubtful Sound and create memories that will stay with you forever.

How long is the drive from Te Anau to Doubtful Sound?

To reach Doubtful Sound, start your journey at Lake Manapouri, the gateway to this stunning fiord and only a short 20-minute scenic lakeside drive from Te Anau. Once at Manapouri, board a boat bound for the West Arm. From there, embark on a coach journey over Wilmot Pass, terminating in Deep Cove, the heart of Doubtful Sound.

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Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Take on a close-up experience of Doubtful Sound’s waterfalls, abundant wildlife, rainforest and mountains.

Board the Fiordland Navigator for a special dinner, bed and breakfast wilderness experience. Cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm, take a coach across the dense rainforest of Wilmot Pass then stay overnight on this traditional heritage vessel.

Day 1 - Manapouri - Doubtful Sound

Board the luxury catamaran and cross Lake Manapouri (tour departs half an hour later between Dec-Feb).

Board the Fiordland Navigator.

Buffet dinner is served in the dining saloon.

Dinner complete. Relax, unwind, view the stars and take in the stillness of staying overnight on a luxury vessel anchored in a sheltered bay.

Day 2 - Doubtful Sound - Manapouri

Breakfast to be served in the dining saloon.

Retrace journey back towards Lake Manapouri.

Disembark the Fiordland Navigator.

Arrive at Manapouri.

Information

• Lake Manapouri catamaran cruise
• Coach across Wilmot Pass
• Doubtful Sound cruise on the Fiordland Navigator
• Accommodation is in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms
• Nature guide on board
• Water activities: kayaking and tender craft
• Three-course buffet dinner with a selection of mains, including a vegetarian option
• Cooked and continental buffet breakfast
• Fully licensed bar

Tour Departures

This cruise departs daily from Manapouri at 12.00pm (tour departs half an hour later between Dec-Feb).

Your Overnight Experience

With nature guides on board, the Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise offers a close-up experience of Doubtful Sound’s waterfalls, abundant wildlife, rainforest and mountains. Throughout the cruise, the guides share stories of the fiord’s history and are happy to answer your questions. Cruises have a flexible itinerary that allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and to pause to view highlights.

Complimentary Activities

The Fiordland Navigator offers a relaxed environment, where you can do as much or as little as you like. Kayaking and tender craft (small boat) excursions are complimentary and available to all guests. If relaxation is more your style, then you can choose to soak up the views from the deck, read a book, or interact with our knowledgeable crew. As evening falls, enjoy a lavish three course buffet carvery in the dining saloon (vegetarian option available – please advise if required at the time of booking). Then relax in the company of fellow travellers or indulge in some star-gazing before retiring to your private cabin. In the morning enjoy a cooked breakfast, served in the dinning saloon.

Onboard Accommodation

The Fiordland Navigator has 18 cabins with ensuite bathroom (12 cabins with twin single beds, 6 cabins with double beds). Bed linen, duvet, towel and pillow are provided.

What to bring

One overnight bag only to be brought on board for passenger convenience and safety reasons. Limited lock-up storage facilities are available at the Visitor Centre in Manapouri. It is advisable to bring non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, change of clothes for kayaking, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent, swimwear (optional), camera, cash for bar and snacks.

The Fiordland Navigator Specifications

Fiordland Navigator is a purpose built motor vessel, designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow. The vessel is also equipped with kayaks and two shore tender vessels.

Length/Beam/Draft: 40m/10m/2.75m Max Displacement: 693 Gross tonnage Engines: 2 x 485KW Yanmar aye Cruising Speed: 11 knots Overnight Capacity: 70 passengers Spacious Viewing Decks: Three Sails: Three masted staysail schooner

Travel between 01 Sep 2024 - 30 Sep 2025 Book by 30 Sep 2025

Seasonal Pricing

Enquire about doubtful sound overnight cruise.

Select your preferred start date and preferences, and send us an enquiry. We will check availability and get back to you with a personalised quote.

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Dates, travellers & preferences, your details, latest reviews.

Every aspect of the trip was well organised. Would have like a little bit longer for the Kayak and swim but otherwise it was the highlight of our trip and would love to do it again. I did particularly like the moment when we stopped on the way back and were able to be present in our surroundings with no sound or human element. The guide was excellent and had vast knowledge of all the different aspects about the Doubtful Sound. Thanks.

Absolutely amazing! Everything about the cruise was awesome, and I would highly recommend the doubtful sound overnight cruise to anyone. The only very minor improvement would just be that on the kayak section it felt a little rushed and for those who don’t kayak much the pace was a little tiring without time to rest. A slower group or pace would have been helpful. Thanks though!!

The overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound was fantastic. It was wet and cloudy providing plenty of amazing waterfalls and great scenery. We’re so glad we included this trip in our NZ itinerary.

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Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
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• Other Islands
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Southern Secret bow.

Seal Colony - Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises Southern Secret.

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Southern Secret Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

77 Manapouri-Te Anau Highway , Te Anau , New Zealand .

Unique Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise experience with Southern Secret Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise. Activities include mammal watching, fishing, checking crayfish pots & sightseeing aboard the MV Southern Secret. Overnight Cruises fully catered.

Pricing and Conditions

Special offers available in winter. Group charter rates for special occasions available on request (approx. $9,000 per night for up to 12 guests). Southern Secret Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise reserves the right to amend timetables cancel departures, substitute plant or equipment and alter ticket prices at any time. Due to variability of weather and other conditions beyond our control Southern Secret Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise cannot guarantee certain activities/subjects will be available

Payment is part refundable (less 10% fee) if cancelled more than 7 days prior to departure*. If cancelled within 7 days of departure then there is no refund. Southern Secret Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise and Tracknet Transport Reserves all rights.

For one night, journey into the wilderness & experience untouched New Zealand at its very finest. Marvel at steep mountain cliffs surrounding the deep waters of Doubtful Sound / Patea. View incredible scenery, wildlife, mammals & waterfalls from the comfort of the Southern Secret. There is opportunity to fish & kayak as conditions allow. Lunch, evening meal & breakfast are included. Includes ground transport from Te Anau or Manapouri and scenic boat cruise on Lake Manapouri. Transport from Queenstown is available. Up to 12 guests are accommodated each night in five private cabins. Each cabin is equipped with private toilet and shower. Cabins have either a double bed or a double bed a 2 single beds.

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The MV Southern Secret

Southern secret history ..

The Southern Secret was built near Picton and launched in 2004. It was then put to work in the Bay of Islands as a charter vessel. Our company, Fiordland Cruises, purchased the Southern Secret in 2007. It was brought south to Bluff, where it undertook extensive upgrades to become the comfortable vessel it is today.

Safe Ship Management .

In New Zealand, commercial vessels must operate under the Maritime Operator Safety System (MOSS) to ensure that the ship operates safely and within its limits to help protect the crew, vessel, and the environment. This ensures that the operators are responsible for planning, improving and learning to avoid Maritime Disasters.

Biennial Survey .

The Southern Secret undertakes a Maritime survey every two years to ensure everything is shipshape. The vessel will travel from Doubtful Sound to Bluff along the rugged southwest coast to undertake its survey. While in Bluff, we also take the opportunity to pull everything apart for maintenance and upgrades.

Ship Length

Cruising speed, max passengers, on the sound.

Fly Bridge Viewing Area and Seating The flybridge deck is the perfect viewing area offering 360-degree views of the sound.

Viewing platform.

The flybridge deck is the perfect viewing area, offering 360-degree views of the sound.

Dining Area & Kitchen

On the mid-deck is a comprehensive registered kitchen (galley) and dining and living area, with the Launch Masters station to the front of this. The coffee and refreshments station is in the dining area and available for guests anytime. There is a guest refrigerator and freezer available for refreshments.

Outside viewing is available from the decks at the bow and stern of the vessel. You can walk around the outside of the main cabin to access these areas safely.

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Wheel House The wheelhouse is where the skipper will spend most of their time during the day, and at night is transformed into sleeping quarters.

Living areas open plan kitchen, dining and living areas where guests are able to take their meals and socialise into the evenings..

Master Suite cabin Our most spacious cabin aboard the Southern Secret. Features include a skylight to allow extra daylight, double bed, ensuite bathroom, storage space and separate shower cubicle.

Double Cabin 2 Large private cabin with a double bed, small windows to the outside, reading lights, shower and toilet ensuite.

Double Cabin 3 Large private cabin with a double bed, small windows to the outside, reading lights, shower and toilet ensuite.

Double Cabin 4 Large private cabin with a double bed, small windows to the outside, reading lights, shower and toilet ensuite.

Double/Twin Cabin 5 Private cabin with a double bed and two single bunk beds, small windows to the outside, reading lights, shower and toilet ensuite.

Sleeping quarters.

Introducing our spacious private cabins. Our roomy cabins include small windows that open to the outside, reading lights, linens and towels, soap, and the convenience of a private shower and toilet ensuite. With just five Cabins onboard, space is limited, so book early.

Below decks forward are three passenger cabins; below decks aft are two passenger cabins and staff quarters. Each cabin has an ensuite bathroom, including a toilet and shower. Linen and towels are provided; we ask guests to bring an overnight bag with personal belongings and warm clothing.

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