Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

48 hours

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

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.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

What‘s Included

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

What To Expect

Day 1

Manapouri to Doubtful Sound

Accommodations

Enjoy accommodation in private cabins with shared bathrooms

Food and Drinks

DINNER

Dinner

Manapouri Lake

Cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm. Then enjoy an epic coach trip over the Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Doubtful Sound

Admission Not Applicable

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Cruise through the fiord, taking in beautiful surroundings before dropping anchor in a sheltered mooring for kayaking and other activities.

20 hours • Admission Included

Day 2

Return from Doubtful Sound

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

A leisurely cruise back through Doubtful Sound to disembark at Deep Cove. The same coach will then take you back through the Rainforest to West Arm.

Admission Unknown

Lake Manapouri

Cruise back to Manapouri and return to the same meeting point at the beginning of the tour (RealNZ, Manapouri visitor centre)

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Private Twin Share Cabin

Manapouri : Private Twin-Share cabin with ensuite bathroom

Twin Share - Wanderer Vessel

Manapouri: Accommodation in a twin cabin with shared bathroom facilities.

Private Single - Manapouri

Private Cabin : Sole use of your own private cabin with shared bathroom facilities

Reviews

4.80

237 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

209

Peace among the lovely scenery
399sharonk,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Stayed overnight on a beautiful cabin complete with bathroom . The staff were amazing on the boat as was the food served by them . Amazing scenery and a peaceful nights sleep
The most magical time !
michelemE3027BR,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An amazing trip of a lifetime on Doubtful sound cruise, this trip is a must for so many reasons very well organised the most amazing staff on board providing a seamless experience all with a smile . Great food and well priced bar lovely comfortable and spotlessly clean cabins . I could not fault anything about it and we saw so much dolphins penguins seals and the Aurora Astralis ! Great commentary from Broc who was incredibly knowledgeable and approachable about all things environmentally. Also a shout out to Jazz who was lovely and ran everything so smoothly with the warmest of smiles . Thank thank for the most wonderful memories on our NZ adventures we will never forget it .
The best way to experience the serenity and remoteness of Doubtful sound
Joel K,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A great way to experience the Fiordland. Relaxing, informative and friendly guides. Kayaking and swimming. Very fun experience, a must do! Only rocky when we visited the Tasman sea briefly otherwise very calm waters. Saw many penguins and seals!
Aboard The Wanderer
Janet C,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This is was a fantastic experience. From the comfort of our beds, plentiful shared facilities, knowledgeable and extremely friendly staff and great food. We had a very positive and memorable experience.
Stunning scenery, lovely crew, amazing time!
Alicia H,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Cannot recommend this highly enough! It was a lovely, peaceful, accessible way to experience Fiordland. The crew were friendly and helpful, the food was delicious (and plentiful!), the scenery was utterly stunning, the penguins were adorable, and the kayaking was fun. I understand the weather can be hit or miss but we got lucky with mostly clear skies. Nothing like sitting in the salon having a glass of NZ sauvignon blanc while watching mountains and waterfalls roll by when a smiling crew member comes up and asks if you’d like your complimentary charcuterie board now or later!
The Navigator a must do
StuckinBangers,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had amazingly perfect weather for our overnight cruise but the staff the ship the captain. The whole experience was amazing. The best thing we did on our South Island trip. The rooms are comfortable. You have your own ensuite. The food was excellent the bar and the wine list was awesome. The crew were amazing. A must do for any New Zealand itinerary. And make sure you take the plunge and swim in the sound.
Fabulous crew that deliver a great experience
karenlZ2833SM,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We loved our overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound - the weather was brilliant, the views spectacular and we can't praise the crew highly enough. They worked as a team to ensure that every passenger had the best possible experience. We had the option for a gentle kayak, a lazy float in a tender - followed by a refreshing swim for the braver souls who don't come from warmer climes. The food was plentiful and delicious and the cabins extremely clean, with the most comfortable beds we've slept in for a long while. The nature guide was knowledgeable and helpful and everything combined into a very special experience that we totally recommend.
The crew were amazing...
Jodi L,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The crew were amazing comfortable rooms and of course the scenery was incredible five stars all around
Nice experience
Sandy B,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Views and staff were good, nature guide was informative, room was basic, no hot water for the shower, but I think that was not the norm. Food was ok, not spectacular. . .take Ear plugs, it can be noisy.
Overnight on Doubtful Sound
RosemarieK45,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We have just had the best 24 hours on Doubtful Sound, if you get the chance do yourself a favor and book the overnight cruise. We drove to Manapouri from there we hopped onto a vessel to cross over to West Arm. From there, a coach takes you across the breathtaking Wilmot Pass, delivering us to Doubtful Sound and a night on the Navigator. Jazz and her staff provide so much assistance and are so welcoming. The chef provided us with afternoon tea, cheese boards, dinner and dessert all was delicious and in abundance! We were lucky to get a sunny day and Doubtful Sound did not disappoint!! This a once in a lifetime trip, put it on your bucket list!