1 Day Doubtful Sound Cruise (Coach - Wilderness Cruise - Coach)

Tour Itinerary

On boarding a luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown, travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Manapouri. Then cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm before boarding a coach and crossing the alpine route of Wilmot Pass through some of Fiordland and Doubtful Sound’s most dense rainforest.

On reaching Deep Cove, board a modern catamaran vessel, the Patea Explorer for a three hour cruise exploring the waterways of this serene and isolated fiord. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and mountains all the way out to the Tasman Sea. 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. On the return cruise, the vessel’s engines are turned off and visitors are treated to the ‘sound of silence’.

There is also the opportunity to visit the Manapouri Power Station by coach before returning to Queenstown. Complimentary tea and coffee are available on all vessels (Lunch must be pre-ordered when booking). Suitable for all ages.

Tour Inclusions:

• Luxury glass-roofed coach transport from Queenstown to Manapouri & return
• Cruise across Lake Manapouri to West Arm
• Coach crossing of Wilmot Pass
• 3 hour cruise on Doubtful Sound aboard the Patea Explorer catamaran
• Visit to Manapouri Underground Power Station
• Morning and Afternoon Tea
• *Deluxe Picnic Lunch (at additional cost and must be pre-ordered) Meals are not available for purchase on the vessels
• Pick up / drop offs from select Queenstown accommodations

Schedule & Duration:

• Frequency: Daily. All year round
• Departure Point: Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, Queenstown or selected accommodation properties in the Queenstown area
• Departure Time: 06:55am (All year)
• Duration: 12 hours 35 minutes (approximately)
• Return Details: 19:30pm
• Closed: Christmas Day

Important Information:

• This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of travel
• Confirmation for this product will be received within 24 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated
• Complete operator information, including opening times and local contact telephone numbers are included on your e-voucher

General Information:

• Child ages are 5-14 years inclusive (0-4 years years are free if sitting on a lap, but if a seat is required a child fare must be paid)
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and camera
• Specialist commentary in English is provided on board the vessel and by the coach driver. Interpretation handouts are available in the following languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai
• Experienced drivers have extensive knowledge of the Queenstown, Te Anau and Fiordland regions
• Luxury 47 seater Volvo coaches with reclining seats and air conditioning. Coaches feature glass roofs for additional viewing and have revolutionary sloping floors, mid doors and angled seats to increase viewing comfort
• Cruise on Fiordland Flyer or Fiordlander Class Launch for Lake Manapouri. Cruise on Patea Explorer in Doubtful Sound. Note: The Fiordland Navigator substitutes for the Patea Explorer when this vessel is away on survey
• *Deluxe Picnic lunch contains bagel (filled with smoked salmon), brown bread roll (made daily from whole ingredients and filled with herb butter, New Zealand cheese, tomato, gherkin and smoked beef on lettuce), fruit (apple and grapes), cake selection (iced chocolate brownie slice, apricot and coconut slice), cracker and cheese, dried fruit and nut mix, after dinner mint, complimentary tea or coffee (indicative only)

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