| The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise offers a very special dinner, bed and breakfast wilderness experience. First, enjoy a cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri on a purpose built high speed aluminium cruising Catamaran, to West Arm before boarding a coach and crossing the alpine route of Wilmot Pass through some of Fiordland’s most dense rainforest.
The Doubtful Sound overnight vessel, the Fiordland Navigator, is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow to reflect Fiordland’s heritage. The vessel is purpose built for these waters to accommodate passengers either in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms or in quad-share bunk style compartments with shared bathroom facilities.
Board the overnight cruise vessel at Deep Cove for a leisurely exploration of Doubtful Sound. The vessel has spacious deck areas offering stunning views of waterfalls, abundant wildlife, rainforest and mountains. It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals and when in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
An on board nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region’s history, flora and fauna provides detailed interpretation in English with a roving microphone. Activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels to explore the coastline. The vessel then anchors overnight in one of Doubtful Sound’s hidden arms.
The overnight cruise includes a three-course buffet evening meal and beverages are sold at the licensed onboard bar. The next morning, following a cooked or continental breakfast, there is time for further cruising before returning to Deep Cove and retracing the steps back to Manapouri. Suitable for most ages except infants. Not suitable for wheelchair clients due to steep stairs.
Tour Inclusions:
- Lake Manapouri catamaran cruise
- Coach across Wilmot Pass
- Doubtful Sound cruise on the Fiordland Navigator
- Spacious viewing decks
- Dining saloon/fully licensed bar and observation lounge
- Kayaking and tender craft/small boat activities
- Accommodation is in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms and quad share bunk style compartments with shared bathrooms
- Picnic lunch options can be pre-ordered (day 1)
- Three-course buffet dinner with a selection of mains, including a vegetarian option
- Breakfast includes a choice of cooked and continental
- Kayaking and tender craft (small boat) activities included
- Specialist nature guide on board
- Coach connections from Queenstown or Te Anau with courtesy transfers from most accommodation
- Suitable for all ages with exception of infants in quad share
Tour Departures:
This cruise departs daily & offers three departure points :
- Self Drive passengers can depart from Manapouri at 12 noon
- If you are staying in Queenstown a luxury coach leaves at 8:30am
- Or passengers can leave by luxury coach from Te Anau at 11:00am
Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off service is available from inner city Queenstown or Te Anau hotels. Pick-up and drop-off details must be advised at the time of booking.
Your Overnight Experience
With specialist 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
Fiordland Navigator offers a relaxed environment, where you can do as much or as little as you like. The following activities are complimentary and are available to all guests:
- Kayaking
- Tender craft (small boat) excursions
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.
Dining Experience
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). 9 quad-share bunk style compartments with shared bathroom facilities. Bed linen, duvet, towel and pillow are provided for both cabins and bunkrooms.
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, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent, swimwear (optional), camera, cash for bar and snacks.
The Vessel’s 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: 38.2m/10m/1.8m
- Max Displacement: 693 Gross tonnage
- Engines: 2x 375KW 510 hp Volvo Penta
- Cruising Speed: 11 knots
- Overnight Capacity: 70 passengers
- Spacious Viewing Decks: Three
- Sails: Three masted staysail schooner
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