Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

4.67 (9) Reviews
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Queenstown, New Zealand
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise Deals
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Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise Special
Cruise Doubtful Sound

From  $719

per person
Lowest Price Guarantee
Next available: 01-09-2025 12:30 PM

Top-Rated Reviews

4.67 (9) Reviews

  • Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us
  • An overnight cruise along Doubtful Sound onboard the Navigator, which blends old-world charm with modern comforts (upgrade to 2 nights – chat to our agents)
  • 1 night accommodation in a double or twin-share cabin with ensuite, with all linen provided (single occupancy also available)
  • A hearty chef-prepared 3-course buffet dinner & delicious breakfast, with tea & coffee included
  • The chance to explore the Sound up close with the use of kayaks & tender craft
  • The opportunity for wildlife encounters with dolphins, fur seals & penguins
  • Services of a specialist nature guide on board, who provides insightful commentary
  • Scenic boat & coach transfers from the meeting point across Lake Manapouri & Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove
  • Please note that you cannot book a twin room if you are traveling alone, please book a single occupancy option.

 

Travelling in Winter? Unfortunately the overnight tour is not available – try the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise (day tour available all Winter) or the 2 Night Doubtful Sound Cruise (selected departures in April, May, & Aug). 

Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable. So get ready to create some lifelong memories as the Mariner takes you through the ultimate Doubtful Sound overnight experience.

 

Your itinerary starts in Manapouri with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes you across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Finally, arriving at Deep Cove, you’ll be met by the crew and the majestic Mariner vessel.

 

Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, the Mariner blends old world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with a fully licensed bar and an observation lounge.

 

As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, the knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary, ensuring you miss nothing, be it the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins you might encounter.

 

After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat – or to simply relax onboard. For the adventurous (or very brave), there’s even a chance to go swimming. Of course, all activities are weather dependent. 

 

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course buffet dinner prepared by the onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at the licensed bar and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars.

 

Kick off the next day with a hearty cooked breakfast menu and get ready to enjoy the rest of the morning exploring other parts of the fiord. Finally, you’ll return to Deep Cove, the trip back to Manapouri and many, many conversations telling friends just how amazing your trip was.

 

Where we Visit:

  • Doubtful Sound
  • Wilmot Pass
  • Lake Manapouri

 

Meeting point

 

  • Departs from the meeting point at RealNZ Visitor Centre, 64 Waiau Street, Pearl Harbour, Manapouri

  • No refunds are given if a cancellation is made within 14 days of travel
  • Changes to your travel date may be offered subject to notifying The Operator at least five days prior to travel. Amendments within five days of travel will result in no refund
  • If a booking is made within 14 days of travel, there is a date amendment period of 24 hours immediately after booking. Please contact the operator as soon as possible

  • The Operator reserves the right to amend timetables, cancel departures, substitute plant and equipment, amend specials or offers and alter ticket prices at any time.
  • Please note that you cannot book a twin room if you are traveling alone, please book a single occupancy option.
  • The Operator strongly recommends travel insurance for all the experiences, especially for those that require longer notification periods for cancellation. 
  • The majority of the vessels and all coaches are smoke-free zones, no smoking will be permitted onboard. Smoking is only allowed in the designated area on the overnight and multi-day cruise.
  • Bookings are on request – an agent will be in contact within 24 hours for confirmation.

Customer Reviews

4.67

Based on (9) reviews

Total Reviews and rating

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Bjoern Andrieshen

Jan 2025

The Overnight Cruise itself was amazing. One of the best adventures in New Zealand I've ever booked. But I can’t give 5 stars because of the booking process with backpacker deals. After I booked and payed the Cruise they informed me, that the booked tour isn’t available. Their booking page still showed more than 8 availabilities for the booked date. After a long conversation via email (it took several days to find a solution) we changed the date for the cruise. By the way, their website still shows availability for the original date. However, the new date was cheaper than what I’d paid. But I got now answer on my question how I will get the difference back. I had to complain at the customer support where they after a short discussion paid me the difference back.

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Sophie Taylor

Dec 2024

I didn’t expect Doubtful Sound to be so awe-inspiring, but the overnight cruise made it feel so personal. Kayaking through the quiet fjord and spotting seals up close was a highlight. Everything was well-organized, and booking was hassle-free. If you’re in Fiordland, don’t skip this!

Lucas Smith

Dec 2024

If you’re thinking about doing an overnight cruise, just go for it. Doubtful Sound was even more beautiful than I imagined—so peaceful and remote. The whole journey, starting with the lake crossing and the bus ride, was like an adventure in itself. Onboard, the crew was fantastic, making sure everything ran smoothly without feeling rushed. Getting the trip sorted was easy, and the morning mist over the water was one of the most magical things I’ve ever seen.

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Ethan Johnson

Nov 2024

Staying overnight on the Doubtful Sound cruise was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The quiet, untouched beauty of the Sound is hard to put into words, and watching the sunset from the Navigator was unforgettable. The guides were so knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights throughout the trip. We booked through Backpacker Deals, and the whole process was effortless, with everything arranged perfectly. Highly recommend for anyone who loves nature and wants a truly special adventure.

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Amelia

Nov 2024

The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise was pure magic. Stunning views, peaceful waters, and waking up to the sound of nature was unforgettable. The crew was fantastic, and kayaking near the waterfalls was the cherry on top. Highly recommend for a serene escape!

Sofie Hollinger

Nov 2024

INCREDIBLE. For real it is so amazing in doubtful sound. I've been to Milford Sound before and this is honestly even better (both are amazing). It is like another world out there, away from how popular Milford is you have the place to yourself, there were whales and seals and incredible wildlife. Where you sleep on the boat is comfy and the staff were so accommodating and friendly. I can't wait to go back.

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Kristine Chappell

Oct 2024

Really enjoyable however the water activity being the tender was not really very informative and we tended to go around in circles and not really have any direction except for looking out for the kayakers. The guide on the tender needed some mentoring and maybe a bit more knowledge. In saying that she was extremely pleasant but if you were at the end of the tender you couldn’t hear a word that was said so maybe a microphone. Overall the cruise was enjoyable, staff were great and Brock’s information and updates were amazing. Food was beautiful and every effort was made to accommodate passengers needs. Well done guys

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Julia Sutherland

Jul 2024

Incredible experience, chose to do this instead of the much busier milford sound and I can't recommend it enough. So unbelievably serene being out in the doubtful sound, kayaking from the boat in the UNREAL scenery and seeing the wildlife is a once in a lifetime experience.

Ryan

Mar 2024

Awesome experience. The scenery is everything you could imagine and more. Loved it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Only one carry-on bag is recommended for passenger convenience and safety.  Don't forget the following: 

  • Non-slip walking shoes/boots 
  • Waterproof jacket* 
  • Warm sweater/fleece jacket 
  • Change of clothes* 
  • Sunscreen/sunglasses 
  • Insect repellent* 
  • Swimwear (optional) 
  • Camera 
  • Lunch and snacks for the first day 
  • Personal medication, including for asthma and allergies 

*Essential items if you are doing activities. Activities take place even if it is raining. 

Yes, we have plenty of free parking at Manapouri. Daytime car parking is provided adjacent to the Visitor Centre. Overnight car parking is a available on View St, a short 2 minute walk from our Manapouri Visitor Centre.

Yes, bedding and towels are provided to all guests.  

A double room is a private room for two people, with one bed to share. A twin room is a private room for two people, with two single beds.

Our staff are trained to deal with incidents and in case of an emergency you should listen to their instructions.
We have a portable defibrillator on each of our overnight cruise vessels (Milford Mariner, Milford Wanderer and Fiordland Navigator).
In addition to this we also have portable defibrillators at the following locations:
•    Milford Sound Visitor Terminal
•    RealNZ Visitor Centre, Manapouri
•    Cavern House (Te Anau Glowworm Caves)
•    Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, Walter Peak
•    TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship
•    Stewart Island Ferry (Bluff - Oban - Bluff)

Yes, dietary requirements can be catered for. Please provide detailed information regarding your dietary requirements when making a booking.