2 night cruise doubtful sound

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Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises

Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.  

The trip begins on the shore of Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop onto a vessel to cross over to West Arm. Here, you’ll board our RealNZ coach to cross the scenic Wilmot Pass, before arriving at Doubtful Sound, and your home for the night.  

What's included? 

• Choose to escape for one or two nights aboard one of our traditional-styled vessels.  
• Explore the nooks and coves of Doubtful Sound all the way out to the Tasman Sea.  
• Choose the onboard accommodation that suits you, from private ensuite cabins to family-share, bunk-style cabins with shared bathrooms. Our two differing vessels offer slightly different accommodation offerings. S ee what’s on offer on each vessel .  
• Our onboard chef will feed you well. Freshly baked afternoon tea, local platters, a gourmet buffet dinner and a selection of hot and continental breakfasts will be served.  
• Understand what you’re experiencing with our onboard nature specialist. They’ll tell you about the land, local flora and the resident fauna who may come out to say hello.  
• Be the captain of your own boat! Choose to explore a sheltered shoreline by kayak or hop into our small boat with a nature guide.  
• Leave the driving to us, and explore our coach connections, available from Queenstown and Te Anau.  

Choose between our signature one night stay, or stay longer on the two-night cruise.

You will not go hungry! Enjoy a delicious dinner and cooked breakfast prepared by your on-board chef.

Choose to explore the Fiord by kayak or tender craft (weather dependant).

Learn about the history and natural beauty of Patea Doubtful Sound from your local specialist guide.

Transport Options

• Milford Sound
• Te Anau Downs

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More Information

Doubtful Sound is pristine, unforgettable and out of this world. So get ready to create some lifelong memories as we take you on the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience.  

Your itinerary starts with a 45min-1hr cruise across Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop off at the west arm. A coach then takes you across the Wilmot Pass, where you’ll travel on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove, you’ll be met by our crew and vessel.  

Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, our vessels, The Fiordland Navigator and The Wanderer , blend old-world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, dining saloons with fully licensed bars, and observation lounges.  

As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you don’t miss a thing, whether you’re encountering a pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins.   

After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat, or simply relax onboard. For those looking to refresh, there’s even a chance to go swimming. All activities are weather-dependent.   

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

Kick off the next day with a hearty cooked breakfast or a nourishing continental selection and get ready to explore the other arms of the fiord. Before long, you’ll return to Deep Cove, and take the trip back to Manapouri where you’ll tell the story of your experience in the remote wilderness of New Zealand.  

Things you should know: 

• Duration is one or two nights.  
• The two-night overnight cruise is available exclusively in the winter months: May, August, and September.  
• Private cabins - twin, double or single occupancy with ensuite bathrooms (single passengers must pay sole occupancy rate)  
• Quad share cabins - bunk-style compartments fit for four occupants with a curtained divider separating the room from shared areas, with communal bathrooms.
• Twin sleeping compartments with communal bathrooms. 
• Enjoy a hearty dinner including soups, a buffet of salads and hot dishes, as well as a selection of desserts and cheeses (dietary requirements can be catered for and should be noted at the time of booking).  
• On the two-night trip, lunch is included on the second day.  
• There is a licensed bar on board  
• Includes kayaking and tender craft (small boat) activities  
• You’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast on-board  

Extra information 

• Duvets, sheets and towels provided  
• Complimentary teas and coffee are available throughout.  
• Suitable for all ages, except for infants intending to stay in a quad-share cabin  
• Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.  
• Snacks and drinks are available for purchase with both eftpos or cash  
• Waiau St Café, below the Manapouri Visitors Centre, opens from 9am - 1.00pm. The menu offers a range of homemade food and Allpress Coffee to enjoy before the experience or to take with you  

Departure Times  

The trip leaves Pearl Harbour, Manapouri at 12.30pm and returns 12pm the following day.   

You are required to check in at the RealNZ Visitor Centre 30 mins before your departure time.  

Getting there  

All our Doubtful Sound experiences start in Manapouri which is around 2.5 – 3 hrs from Queenstown and 30 mins from Te Anau. Our Manapouri Visitor Centre is located at 64 Waiau Street.  

Free parking is available in Manapouri.  

What to bring  

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)  
• 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.  

Fiordland Navigator

About the Fiordland Navigator

The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose-built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords.

• Private cabins with ensuites (twin or double bed configuration)
• Quad share bunk-style compartments with shared bathroom facilities and a curtained divider providing privacy from communal areas
• Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and observation lounge
• Delicious buffet dinner served up by our onboard chef
• Carries kayaks and tender craft onboard

The Wanderer

About the Wanderer

Our vessel, the Milford Wanderer, is a modern motorised vessel that has been purpose-built for navigating southern New Zealand.

• Warm, comfortable accommodation (two passengers per sleeping compartment)  
• Duvets, sheets and towels provided
• Modern shared bathroom facilities with hot showers 
• Delicious plated meals prepared by onboard chef  

Absolutely amazing trip. The scenery, the staff, the catering - everything was just first class. Real NZ are extremely professional and well organised - everyone of their staff we met was professional, friendly and very knowledgeable. Truly an experience we won’t forget Tony P, Via TripAdvisor

The Real NZ overnight tour on Doubtful Sound we took last week was outstanding. A magical place. And the crew was first-rate and very friendly and helpful. Stuart B, Via TripAdvisor

This was such a wonderful experience from start to finish so, if you get a chance to do it, we would thoroughly recommend it. We were also so impressed with RealNZ. The trip organisation worked like clockwork and every one of the staff we met, from drivers to the crew, were great. Thanks especially to our principal driver, Paulie (it isn’t really fair to single any one person out but he was just so nice and helpful). As for the cruise, the environment speaks for itself and is magical but the transfers, ship, fabulous food (lots of it) and comfortable cabins helped make this an unforgettable trip during our trip to NZ. Gillrj, Via TripAdvisor

We did a two night cruise on Doubtful Sound which was amazing. The food, staff, services were first class, and our cabin was just as fabulous as a hotel room. Beautiful crisp linen; fabulous shower and perfectly comfortable. I can't recommend this cruise highly enough, and everyone on board just loved their time on the water. The photographic opportunities were fantastic. This is an experience not to be missed. Blincs, Via TripAdvisor

We had gorgeous weather the entire cruise. We had magnificent views and sunsets on both evenings. Other travelers took kayaks out or went for a ride on smaller boats on Saturday. We stayed on board to relax, as we were recovering from hiking the Milford Track just prior to the cruise. Food was excellent, and we enjoyed the people we met on the cruise. We saw the pod of dolphins that lives in the Sound, and some seals. We enjoyed the educational talks in the after-dinner talks by the naturalist on board. We loved our room, it was very comfortable. Highly recommend!! T R, Via TripAdvisor

This was such a well organised, professionally run experience. All the staff were well trained, worked as a team, were friendly and so knowledgeable. The whole operation with all the transfers ran like clockwork. The accommodation was comfortable (we had a double ensuite cabin). Food and communal areas very good. The onboard naturalist kept up the commentary all the time we were sailing, making it so interesting. Scenery was stunning - would recommend this to anyone. Sue F, Via Trip Advisor

In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.

How long does it take to travel to Manapouri?

From Queenstown to Manapouri by car or coach takes around 2 hrs 45 mins and from Te Anau around 30 minutes.  For more information refer to our Driving Times webpage.

Is there car parking at Manapouri?

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.

Are linen and towels provided on the Milford and Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises?

Yes, bedding and towels are provided to all guests.  

What is the difference between a double room and a twin room?

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.

Overnight Cruises and Quadshare - We are a group of three people and would like to book a shared quad-share room. Will this mean we would be sharing with another person?

Yes, you could potentially be sharing with another guest. Alternatively you could choose to pay for the entire quad cabin, or two double cabins, to ensure privacy.  If you wish to pay for an entire quad cabin, please contact us directly.

Note: quad-share cabins are mixed gender.

What is the difference between Milford and Doubtful Sounds?

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

Milford Sound at the mountainous north end of Fiordland National Park is the classic fiord - a deep water inlet between steep sided high mountains.  Milford Sound is a middle-sized fiord at around 13 kms in length and it is famous for its dramatic scenery, especially Mitre Peak.  This fiord is the most accessible of Fiordland National Park’s 14 fiords and it can be reached by bus, car or flight connections from Queenstown.

Doubtful Sound is located in the heart of Fiordland National Park where the mountains are still very impressive but not as high as Milford Sound.  Doubtful Sound is three times longer and  has a sea surface area roughly ten times larger than Milford Sound.  Its three arms are Hall, Crooked and First Arm.  It is famous for its wilderness scenery and wildlife sightings.  To get to Doubtful Sound visitors first take a launch trip across Lake Manapouri and drive over Wilmot Pass.

Visitors with enough time choose to visit both fiords as they have different characters.

What weather can I expect in Fiordland?

Fiordland’s weather is what gives the region its unique character. Rainfall is what makes Fiordland a land of lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and fiords. Visitors should always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during their stay. It is recommended to bring sensible clothing for cool and wet weather to fully appreciate your stay.

The temperatures you can expect in the different seasons are as follows: 

• Summer  (December-February) 19-23 Celsius / 66 - 73 Fahrenheit 
• Autumn  (March-May) 8-18 Celsius / 46  - 64 Fahrenheit
• Winter  (June-August) 5-9 Celsius /  41  - 48 Fahrenheit
• Spring  (September-November) 10-19 Celsius  / 50   - 66 Fahrenheit

Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?

Many say you have not seen Fiordland unless you have seen it in the rain.  When it rains in Fiordland the landscape is dramatic - rock faces stream with waterfalls, mist hangs around the tops of the mountains and rivers and streams rage.  From a dry comfortable vantage point on the bus or boat, this landscape is spectacular for sightseeing.

How much luggage can I take on my overnight cruise?

We recommend each passenger brings no more than a carry-on sized bag due to space restrictions in the cabins. For a list of what to bring please see the 'more info' section or your booking confirmation.

While we cannot guarantee you will see wildlife, sightings of fur seals are reasonably common in both Doubtful and Milford Sounds.  A pod of bottlenose dolphins resides in Doubtful Sound so you have a good chance of seeing these fascinating mammals, and in Milford Sound dolphins are occasional visitors.  In both sounds the rare Fiordland crested penguin can at times be observed.

Throughout Fiordland the fiords are officially mapped as sounds.  Strictly speaking, they should be called fiords.

A fiord is a glaciated valley - typically narrow and steep-sided - that has been flooded by the sea after the glacier’s retreat.  A sound, on the other hand, is a river valley flooded by the sea following a rise in sea levels or depression of the land, or a combination of both.

Is the Manapouri Underground Power Station accessible?

The Manapouri Underground Power Station visit is CLOSED indefinitely due to maintenance by operators Meridian Energy. We are not permitted to access the Power Station for tours during this time. The Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise tour will still operate without the visit underground to the Powerstation.

Online transactions/prices are conducted in what currency?

All prices and transactions on the RealNZ website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD).  This is specified on the Terms & Conditions page.

What happens if there is an emergency?

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)

Can my dietary requirements be accommodated? 

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

Will I be sharing a quad room? 

There is a possibility that you might share a quad room with other customers, and it’s important to note these rooms are equipped with a curtain partition instead of a door. Please be aware of this configuration when booking and please contact us if you need further clarification. 

Is the boat accessible for individuals with impaired mobility? 

When we are informed in advance about guests with hindered mobility, we make every effort to mitigate the impact by assigning rooms in proximity to the main areas. However, it’s important to note that our vessels are not optimally equipped for potential needs. While we extend a warm welcome to individuals with impaired mobility, all our vessel’s doorways feature a sea sill, there are no ramps within the boat, and a flight of stairs separates rooms from the main saloon. 

What is the best room type for families or children on an overnight cruise?

Our t win sleeping compartments provide the best privacy for travelling with your family and children. A twin room is a private room for two people with two single beds.

Our places. Our experiences. Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises. Escape to the peace and tranquillity of Doubtful Sound on a magical overnight cruise.

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Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Join us on a journey like no other

Highlights:

Outstanding Scenery

Amazing Wildlife

Fishing for your dinner

Small ship / big experience

Inclusions:

Transfers in/out

Wholesome meals & snacks throughout (including lunch on the first day)

Relaxing nights sleep

Fiordland Expeditions Difference

With a maximum of 12 clients this compact but spacious vessel offeres plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery; either with your new friends or by yourselves.

Our friendly personable crew will do all they can to ensure your experience is the best we can make it.

And our resident Chef prepares the frehest of seafood that you help to catch, for an evening feast fit for royalty.

The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Your Doubtful Sound overnight cruise with Fiordland Expeditions offers you the opportunity to explore a small part of what Fiordland has to offer on an overnight cruise.

Having evolved over millions of years, Fiordland, still prehistoric, can offer you the feeling of being isolated and free from the shackles of mankind. No phones, no cars, no sirens…

Once onboard and the formalities are complete the captain will lead you off on an adventure to explore the fjord. As you cruise the peaceful waters you will see amazing vistas. The mountains rise directly from the seafloor to the highest of peaks in near vertical cliff forms where trees unexplained hanging on; and waterfalls cascading from top to bottom.

As you cruise your Capt. will offer an enlightening and entertaining commentary; the crew are there to help with your needs as the chef diligently prepares lunch for the first of many delectable delights.

Kekeno (fur seals) and terehu (bottlenose dolphins) are found cruising the waters and kororā (blue penguins) can be found near the entrance. There is a Kekeno colony out at the front and they laze in the sun, resting from a hard nights feeding. Toroa (albatross) can be seen out on the coast as you partake in some fishing for that elusive pākirikiri (blue cod) or tarakihi. Then a quick visit to the rocky shoals to maybe gather some kōura (lobster) to complement the evening feast. *

After gathering enough kai moana (seafood) we cruise to a sheltered cove where you can paddle in your kayak for an up close and personal experience, away from the mother ship, and listen to the sounds of nature; birds in the trees, waterfalls, and surprisingly nothing else. Gone are the phones and the trucks horns and sirens; you are one with nature and it’s a surreal experience.

And whilst your away our resident chef prepares a feast you’ll remember. You’ll arrive back to the smells of the delightful offerings and the evening socialising begins in earnest.

At the end of the evening when the fun and hilarity subsides, with the engines completely shut down, silence descends for a peaceful nights sleep.

As the day breaks and the lines are dropped, the smell of fresh coffee awaits in the galley. As we cruise back to the wharf we take in the new day with the new light exposing different scenes; it’s a brand new day.

All to soon it has come to an end and it is time to depart along with new friends.

On the trip out you can contemplate and reflect, for this experience will undoubtedly leave you with memories that last a lifetime!

if you would like your catch prepared for dinner just let our chef know and I am sure he will make best use of it.

Seafood may be a quotient of the evening feast but there are no guarantees; that’s why they call it fishing.

Experiencing a waterfall

Cabin Options

Premium Cabin

Private Cabin with own en-suite

Economy Cabin

Private Cabin with shared bathroom on same deck

Shared Bunk Room

Private cabin.

with own en suite

Our cruises are packed with adventure and activities. While we don’t like to give all the surprises away here is a sneak peek. See the full gallery here.

Bottlenose Dolphins are often seen

A clear winters day

Tawaki (Fiordland Crested Penguins)

Kayaking for that up-close personal experience

When the dolphins ride the bow

Blue Cod - there is nothing better

Discovering new friends

Lobster for dinner

What People Are Saying:

“ Sounds amazing - a dive trip of a lifetime! ”

— Tripadvisor

“ The best overnight cruise of Doubtful sound you could ask for! ”

The Tutoko II is 21m with 2 x 3 berth Premium Cabins with en suites, 2 x 3 berth Economy Cabins with shared facilities, and 4 x King Single berth Bunkroom with its own toilet facility.

Tutoko II offers kayaks, fishing & diving equipment, her own dive compressor and boasts a Heli-pad enabling clients to fly in out out & the boat to positioned anywhere in Fiordland..

Perfect for charters, overnight cruises and fishing and diving advertures throughout Fiordland.

 Optional Extras

Add Helicopter Transfer

Start or finish your trip in a spectacular way by adding a scenic helicopter flight out of Doubtful Sound right from the boat.

Add Accommodation

Rest up before of after the trip at one of our partner accommodation locations and get a great package deal.

Add Minibus Transfer

Start you holiday from the time you land with transfers from Queenstown or Invercargill to your cruise departure.

See you onboard

Creating memories last a lifetime

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 or quad share bunk style compartments with shared 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), and 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 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 15 Sep 2023 - 30 Apr 2024 Book by 31 Mar 2024

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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Amazing 2 Night Cruise of Doubtful... - Doubtful Sound

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Amazing 2 Night Cruise of Doubtful Sound with Real Journeys

My family of 5 had the absolute please of doing the 2night Doubtful Sound Cruise with Real Journeys this month. It was worth the 2 hours scenic drive from Queenstown to Manapouri, 1hour boat trip across the Manapouri Lake and 45minute bus trip (as it snowed!) to Deep Cove where we boarded the cruise. We loved the food, staff, our cabins and meeting lots of other fun people on the boat. Courtney was a wealth of knowledge and was constantly keeping us updated about our magnificent surroundings. We saw seals, lots of dolphins, waterfalls, magnificent rainbows and beautiful scenery. We got to Kayak one morning and my crazy son alongside a few others jumped into the water for a swim! Apart from the first afternoon when it drizzled we had constant blue skies. I wouldn’t have minded a little more rain as it added to the ambience! It was an amazing experience and couldn’t recommended it more highly!

The 2 night cruise on the Fiordland explorer is magical - Doubtful sound in all its moods, light and times of day - such a wonderful experience = everyone should do this trip

Had a great day. Weather was perfect, saw penguins, dolphins and even a seal. Crew was fantastic, couldn’t be more helpful and knowledgeable. Best trip I’ve ever done anywhere, not just in NZ

Highly recommend the two night real journeys doubtful sound cruise Top marks to the crew who are highly skilled, friendly & run a dynamic program. Courtney’s talks & commentary were incredible we learnt so much about the geology, wildlife & botany of this untouched & stunningly beautiful environment, Captain Blake welcomed us into the bridge & informed us further on the highlights of the sound The cuisine prepared by Fir was absolutely amazing. Tender trip (run by Dev) was a great experience as was our kayaking adventure Dolphins & fur seals were the icing on the cake Congratulations team Navigator, real journeys & road trip (who arranged our trip) - we were delighted to stay two nights at fiordland lodge after the cruise. The lodge is stunning & perfect in every way

great day out on the boat, the rain was good as we had more waterfalls. good service on the boat some snacks and tea /coffee free

We took the overnight cruise with Real Journeys. Check in at Manapouri at 12pm to catch the ferry across the lake, connect to the bus over Wilmot Pass to then meet the 'Fiordland Navigator' at Deep Cove. Light hearted and informative commentary on the ferry and bus. They look after you well on board- get settled in to your quarters. Our family of 5 (including 3 teenagers) booked the quad share option - so four in one bunkroom, then I slept in the adjacent cabin with 3 other guys. You don't spend much time in the bunkroom so it all works quite well. After motoring for a shortwhile we stopped to get set up for kayaking while others went off for short outings on the powerboats that are carried on the back of the Navigator. The sheltered conditions made for very pleasant kayaking followed by a swim (diving/jumping from the boat) in the very cold water (maybe 10 or 11 degC). Hot showers afterward to warm back up and we're cruising again down to the mouth of the sound. Good commentary from Watsy about all sorts of aspects of the sound. Spectacular buffet dinner and dessert. You can't really sleep in as the boat springs to life early in the morning to power the raising of the anchor, and the buffet breakfast starts around 7am. Beautiful scenery just keeps unfolding, and its all over at 10am when you meet the bus for the return sequence. Our whole family really enjoyed the whole experience which was very well done. The drizzly weather didn't really detract from our enjoyment, was just part of the whole package. I highly recommend this tour.

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise Itinerary

• Overnight Cruise Itinerary

Overnight Cruise

• Departure Dates: September - May
• Queenstown Departure: 6:55am
• Te Anau Departure: 8:45am
• Manapōuri Departure: 9:30am
• Location: Doubtful Sound
• Priced from $1600.00 Per cabin (2 pax)

Southern Secret Overnight Cruise details

Join us and experience this spectacular Fiord with your hosts aboard the MV Southern Secret. Marvel at steep mountain cliffs surrounding the deep waters of the Fiord. View incredible scenery, wildlife and waterfalls from the comfort of your vessel.

You can meet us in Queenstown*, Te Anau or Manapōuri for your Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise experience. - Departing Central Queenstown at 6:55 am from 24th October 2023 to 1st May 2024 inclusive (* Note that there is an extra charge for Queenstown transfers.) - Departing from Te Anau at 8:45 am (pick up from your accommodation). - Departing from Pearl Harbour, Manapōuri Visitor Centre at Lake Manapōuri at 9:30 am.

Inclusions:

• Free Transport from Te Anau or Manapōuri
• Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
• Small ship with maximum of 12 guests per cruise
• Fishing & checking Fiordland lobster pots
• Local, Te Anau family-owned business
• Knowledgeable crew
• Sightseeing
• Wildlife & waterfall viewing

Sample Itinerary: Day One

Sample itinerary: day two, recent posts.

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Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise - The sound of silence

Escape to the peace and tranquillity of Doubtful Sound on a magical overnight cruise with RealNZ. Voyage across lake Manapouri, over the breathtaking Wilmot Pass and into the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Pricing and Conditions

Delicious picnic lunches available for purchase at the RealNZ Manapouri Café for day 1.

Prices are valid until 30 September 2024 and are per person based on a Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise departing Manapouri. (Prices may vary depending on season) Child rates apply for 2-15 yrs. Infants (0-2yrs) carried free of charge if sleeping in a cot, otherwise child rates apply. Due to space limitations cots can be used in twin cabins only.

If cancelling or amending a retail booking, a refund will only be granted when RealNZ receives notification five days prior to departure.

Join an unforgettable Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise and discover the unspoilt and remote wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Cruise across the beautiful Lake Manapouri, travel the sub-alpine road through dense rainforest over Wilmot Pass and arrive in Deep Cove to board your overnight vessel. Enjoy accommodation in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms or quad share bunk-style compartments, explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat (weather dependent), nature guide provides commentary and assists with wildlife spotting of bottlenose dolphins, seals & penguins. Three-course buffet dinner and a cooked continental breakfast provided. Coach connections available from Queenstown and Te Anau.

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• Aug 29, 2021

A Bucket List Trip to Doubtful Sound with Real Journeys

Fiordland is one of the most stunning parts of New Zealand. And having seen so many incredible photos showing its beauty, Doubtful Sound has been on my bucket list for a very long time. In August, I finally got to experience the magic of Patea – “the place of silence”.

As a photographer, I often chase the weather and make short notice decisions on where I am headed next. But you can’t visit Doubtful Sound like that. It’s a conscious decision you must make because there are several steps to the journey, and you can’t just drive a car there. This is one of the things that make it so special to visit. Booking my trip back in May, I was counting down the days until I could go – the anticipation levels were high!

Read on and I will tell you a bit about an amazing three days in this special part of the country.

GETTING THERE

Real Journeys as a company actually started back in 1954 with trips Doubtful Sound – fulfilling a vision to take visitors to one of the wildest and most remote parts of New Zealand. Back then, the trip involved a very slow boat ride, followed by a 20km hike in either direction, up and over the formidable Wilmot Pass. These days it’s a whole heap easier, with the long journey replaced by a comfortable one-hour boat cruise and forty-five-minute coach ride.

Our journey to Doubtful Sound started at the edge of Lake Manapouri. We took the opportunity to enjoy some morning photography at the lake before we headed to the visitor centre. Having snowed the night before in Fiordland, the ride across Lake Manapouri to West Arm was spent admiring the stunning surrounding snow-capped mountains.

After disembarking and a short stop at the West Arm visitor centre, we boarded our coach for the ride over Wilmot Pass. Our bus driver kept us entertained with informative and hilarious commentary. The road over Wilmot Pass was built in the 1960s to provide easier access for the construction of the hydro station, and passes through lush rainforest, past roadside waterfalls, stunning river gorges and beneath the towering mountains. At the top, the coach stops to take in the first, distant view of Doubtful Sound. We were lucky to see this view after the recent snowfall, which made it even more beautiful and unique.

Arriving at Deep Cove, you immediately get a sense of the isolation. Deep Cove is nothing like Milford Sound, with its huge visitor terminal and expansive parking lot. There were just a few fishing boats floating in the cove, and a small, cantilevered wharf. There is also an outdoor education facility and a small hostel located in Deep Cove, although both were completely quiet the day we arrived. We boarded the boat (we sailed on the Milford Mariner, as the slightly larger Fiordland Navigator was having its annual maintenance) and started our cruise.

Here are five highlights from my time cruising the beautiful Doubtful Sound.

1) GETTING TO EXPLORE THE FULL AREA OF DOUBTFUL SOUND/PATEA

Doubtful Sound is actually a fiord rather than a sound. It is carved from huge ancient glaciers, that created massive U-shaped valleys stretching to the sea. Towering peaks stretch steeply up to 1,000 meters into the sky and carve to a depth of more than 400m below the surface of the water. And it’s huge – the fiord is three times longer than Milford Sound and has a sea surface roughly ten times larger. This is where the one and two-night cruises shine – there is just no way to take everything in on a day trip. During our time on board, we were able to cruise up all five arms of the fiord, travel the full length of the main channel twice, and take two trips out beyond the entrance and into the rolling Tasman Sea.

We spent our first night anchored at the end of First Arm – although close to the entrance of the fiord, this is the place to shelter from a southerly. On our second night we anchored in Precipice Cove. During the two days we sailed Thompson Sound, both sides of the massive predator-free Secretary Island, and along both Crooked and Hall Arms. The cruise also twice took in the tiny Seymour Island, where we had a lot of our wildlife sightings. We were able to really appreciate the enormity of Doubtful Sound and also stop and relax for periods of time without feeling like we would be missing out on seeing something incredible.

2) OUR NATURE GUIDE & THE WILDLIFE

Ok, I am being sneaky by putting these two together, but they would be hard to separate. I was so looking forward to experiencing the wildlife on this trip, but what was an extra surprise was the quality of the information and commentary on board. Our nature guide was Courtney, and she was first class. Such an asset to Real Journeys, she struck the perfect balance with her informative and educational commentary, funny stories and trivia and being available to ask questions and chat during the day. Courtney also held a thirty minute talk each night on the boat – one about the natural wonders and history of Doubtful Sound and one about the history of Real Journeys, the Manapouri power scheme and the conservation efforts occurring in the Fiordland area. I learned so much from Courtney over our trip. Of course, the rest of the crew were also awesome and deserve praise for looking after us during the journey.

We managed to see an impressive amount of wildlife on our trip. The highlight for me was seeing several Tawaki, the Fiordland Crested Penguin. These birds are thought to be the rarest of NZ’s mainland penguins and they spend months at sea at a time, returning to Doubtful Sound in winter (perfectly timed with our trip!). I didn’t have the zoom lens needed for quality photos, but the memories are special. We also saw fur seals, mollymawk albatross and a large number of the resident bottlenose dolphins. The dolphins joined us a couple of times, riding the bow wave of the Mariner as we sailed past Seymour Island. We learnt that the Fiordland bottlenose is significantly larger than other bottlenose dolphins, due to the colder waters of the area in which they live. As the speed of the boat increased, these beautiful creatures did a few dives for us as well.

3) THE EXTRA ACTIVITIES

On our first morning, we had the opportunity to get off the boat for a short period. We had anchored in a sheltered spot in First Arm the night before and after breakfast we could opt for either for a self-guided kayak, or for a trip in the tender boats. I opted to go in the tender boats, mostly because I wanted to take photos without the fear of drowning my camera gear! This became another highlight due to the interesting commentary by crew member AJ. Although the morning felt completely windless, we had not yet experienced the perfect reflections I yearned for. AJ explained that these were rare, which is understandable when you consider the area being close to the exposed Tasman Sea, the long arms for the breeze to funnel up and the huge surface area of the fiord. I wasn’t really disappointed, but still hopeful that we might get those perfectly calm moments (spoiler alert – we did!).

After returning to the Milford Mariner, a special activity awaited just those braver and hardier than myself – the Polar Plunge. You want to really experience Doubtful Sound? Then jump off the back of the boat, into the icy cold waters. With a water temperature of around 5 degrees Celsius, I can’t say I am too disappointed to have missed out in favour of watching those who experienced the resulting gasp effect!

On our last morning, the captain edged our boat right up to one of Doubtful Sound's permanent waterfalls so we could all taste a glass of some of the purest, freshest water you will find in New Zealand. Is it even a trip to Fiordland if you've not had a glass of water direct from a waterfall?!

4) THE WEATHER AND THE VARIETY OF CONDITIONS WE EXPERIENCED

It rains in Doubtful Sound. A lot. Each year the fiord receives an average of between 3,000mm and 6,000mm of rain, making it one of the wettest places in New Zealand. So, we went to Doubtful Sound knowing that we could have a lot of rain, and our forecast was not looking the best in the lead up to our trip. But that didn’t bother me too much – because Fiordland rainfall leads to epic Fiordland waterfalls, and they are something particularly special to see. In the end, we had an enormous variety of weather, but not any persistent heavy rain and so perhaps the waterfall game was not at its highest. However, the variety of weather was an absolute highlight in terms of experiencing this wonderful place.

We were lucky enough to experience calm, sunny weather, light rain with rainbows, strong wind and big swells, and a magical, misty monochrome morning. The conditions at the entrance of the fiord can be quite intense (Captain Cook was 'doubtful' his boat would get back out to sea if he entered, and that was how this area earned its name). I won’t soon forget captain Dave telling us how the Milford Mariner is not really the ideal boat for rough weather, as we laughed and held on for dear life while riding an ocean roller coaster out in the Tasman Sea. Although exciting, I was thankful not to spend too long out in the open at that point!

And yes, (so, so grateful!), we also were lucky enough to experience stunning perfect reflections in Crooked Arm, for just a few minutes. These fleeting moments were definitely a highlight, I will always remember those surreal minutes of absolute stillness and know how lucky I was to have that experience in Doubtful Sound. Crooked Arm instantly became my favourite place in the fiord.

It was misty and raining for our whole last morning, and so a good raincoat and a plastic covering for the camera was an absolute must! It was often quite pleasant out on deck, except for when it was really windy. When the wind was up, or when outside of the fiord on the Tasman Sea, I kept layered up and with a woolly hat on. Over our trip, I spent many hours outside with my camera taking in the scenery. Being the middle of winter, I had expected it to be much colder, but you are sheltered a lot of the time given the height of the surrounding mountains.

The last morning, with all the beautiful stillness and floating low cloud, ended up being one of my favourite parts of the trip. Such moody weather really epitomises Fiordland, and it gives it a mystical feeling that is fitting with the fact that its location feels a million miles away from anywhere else.

5) THE FOOD!

So, almost every review I read about this trip before going highlighted the food, and so I couldn't possibly leave the eating situation unmentioned. Given all the positive reviews, my expectations were already high, but I certainly was not disappointed. We were so well-fed on board, it became hard to get hungry in time for the next meal. The delicious food was a real talking point aboard the Milford Mariner!

Fir, our chef, prepared us a huge nightly feast – Stewart Island salmon, Southland roast lamb, Bluff mussels, gourmet salads, roast vegetables and delicious curries. Hearty meals beautifully prepared were followed up by several options for dessert each night – if you had any space left! There was also a hot and continental breakfast each morning, and a generous lunch on the middle day. Fruit was always available, and muffins came out for morning and afternoon tea. Tea, coffee and water was also always available and there was also a bar to purchase beer, wine and spirits. Dietary requirements are well-catered for.

So - make no mistake, despite being on a boat about as far away from civilisation as you can get, the food is amazing and you will definitely not go hungry. It's funny to think of the snacks I packed, just in case. Not one of them touched. Your tummy will be happy.

I feel so grateful to have been able to experience Doubtful Sound. It really is an incredible place, that feels like true, untouched New Zealand. The effort to get to Doubtful enhances the experience, because you gain an appreciation for just how tucked away this part of the country is.

Making changes to suit the New Zealand market, Real Journeys began offering three-day/two-night cruises in Doubtful Sound over the winter months in 2021, and these may continue in the future. Over the summer months, where the days are longer, you can do a single night cruise and still enjoy the full expierience. When I saw the two-night option, I knew the time had come for me to tick this off my bucket list and I am really glad to have not rushed our trip. I had such an amazing time that actually, this experience remains on my bucket list – I will definitely come back at some point in the future and take my husband.

My trip to Doubtful Sound really did exceed my expectations and I had a wonderful time onboard. Real Journeys was kind enough to host me at no cost for my trip, however my recommendation to add this to your list is genuine.

Please visit the Real Journeys website for more information about the options for visiting, or feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I hope you enjoyed hearing about my time in Doubtful Sound!

4 comentarios

Wow and fabulous! Thank you for sharing so much beauty, in all its guises.

Absolutely stunning photos. I had a day visit to Doubtful Sound a few years ago. Your photos brought back all the memories. The cool mist on my face. The wild and rough Tasman Sea. And the stillness and quiet when the motors were turned off was a moment I’ll never forget. Thank you for sharing. I hope I get a chance to return to NZ 🖤🤍

Beautifull photographed and descibed. We did this trip back in 1998 and it remains one of my fondest memories.

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Review: Our Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Updated on May 12, 2023

Have you ever truly experienced the sound of silence? It’s just one of the experiences that made our Doubtful Sound overnight cruise so magical and memorable. The vast, pristine wilderness is another. Read on for a complete review of our epic adventure with Real Journeys…

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

We met up with 70 others who would join us in Manapouri—located at the edge of Fjordlands—at noon on a Friday.

While remote, a Doubtful Sound cruise makes this beautiful area easily accessible for those of us who aren’t backpackers.

It’s an easy and beautiful two-hour drive from Queenstown through bucolic pastures of grazing llamas and sheep. (Or you can request bus transport when booking your visit with Real New Zealand. See below.)

After arrival, we hopped aboard a motorboat for the 50-minute cruise across Lake Manapouri, where we boarded a bus for an incredibly scenic ride into the mountains.

As we passed through dense old-growth silver beech rain forest, we looked for the bright orange underbelly of kea birds (once invasive, now endangered) flitting amongst the ferns.

Then, over the next 45 minutes, we labored up steep Wilmot Pass on an improved dirt road to finally emerge at the summit and this stunning view:

After dropping down the steepest commercial road in New Zealand, we arrived at last at the marina in Deep Cove, where our boat, the Fjordland Navigator of Doubtful Sound, awaited.

And immediately I felt like I’d arrived at the grown-up version of summer camp. Have you ever dropped off your 12-year-old camper for sleepaway camp?

Or been overcome with nostalgia as you thought about all the new friends and magic moments that awaited them?

Within an hour of boarding the Fjordland Navigator, I felt like I was getting a second shot at just this kind of wide-eyed wonder and adventure.

Two Options for Cruising Doubtful Sound

1. Do an overnight cruise. We did one overnight but you can also choose two nights. You can leave from Manapouri as we did (if you’ve got a car) or do a coach-add on from Te Anau or Queenstown. Check overnight cruise tour price and availability here . 2. Take a day cruise . If you’re on a budget or have limited time, consider taking a day cruise instead from Manapouri (so you’ll need a car to get there from, say, Queenstown or elsewhere). The downside is it will be a very long day. You may wish you’d splurged for the overnight…but still you’ll get a taste of Doubtful Sound without breaking the bank! Check price and availability on the day tour of Doubtful Sound here .

First, Soup to Warm Up

It was misty, brooding weather on the Sound.

So naturally, once we’d stowed our daypacks in comfy cabins, it was all hands on deck for soup! Delicious belly-warming cauliflower red pepper or potato leek soup while we motored into the sound. We met many fellow adventurers who shared our same nature-fueled high…and had so much fun exchanging ooohs and ahhhhs with the delightful Potter family from Boston.

Liza, a geology major with the most contagious enthusiasm ever, is about to begin a semester abroad at Dunedin, on the south end of the South Island.

Lucky, lucky, LUCKY girl!

  Kayaking Doubtful Sound in Fjordland

After soup, it was time to kayak Doubtful Sound. And, for those who preferred to leave the rowing to others,  a tender—a small motorized craft—was available.

As an inexperienced kayaker, I almost yelped when I immediately sat down in cold water, but then, since I proceeded to shovel in even more water with each paddle stroke, I decided to enjoy being wet.

In fact, I soon forgot I was getting chilly. I was completely absorbed in the mesmerizing experience of rushing waterfalls, glassy water, trilling birds, and the occasional crested penguin popping up as puffy white clouds veiled the vivid jungle-green mountains.

It was like a giant hug for the soul.

I dipped in a hand, expecting frigid water, only to be surprised by the slightly cool fresh water which is layered on top of the deeper sea water in the Sound.

Read more on New Zealand travel: • Best places to see on New Zealand’s North Island • How to hike the Rob Roy Glacier Track • Review: Fox Glacier heli-hike

Doubtful Sound offers a “cloistered serenity” (as the Fjordlands website puts it) that both humbles and uplifts its visitors.

At 421 meters (1,381 feet) deep, it is the deepest of the fjords and winds more than 24 miles along several thin arms that empty into the vast Tasman Sea…a distance we’d cross in the Navigator over the next 24 hours.

The weather is changeable on the west coast of New Zealand . The day before our cruise, travelers enjoyed bright sunshine on the water.

We, however, were bundled up in sweaters and hooded rain jackets against the intermittent wind and sprinkles as clouds gathered.

Yet, the rain was good fortune. It unleashed the majesty of rushing waterfalls all around us.

A Catastrophe Forest

All in all, there are more than a dozen falls in Doubtful Sound, including the larger Helena Falls at Deep Cove and the Browne Falls.

In New Zealand’s Fjordland, lichen and moss give way over time to small growth plants that eventually give way to ferns to eventually result in a thriving mature rain forest.

Wild fuchsia flares in the summer where blooms give way to fermented berries which give way to drunken pigeons who can’t fly straight in the glorious ecosystem that is nature.

The naturalist on board explained that it’s considered a “catastrophe forest” because the lack of tap roots from plants cause continual landslides as they struggle to grip the soil despite the heavy rainfalls.

A Swim in the Fjord 

After collecting kayaks, about half of us jumped (literally) at our chance to swim in a fjord.

Diving from the boat was a thrill. And shockingly frosty once we’d plunged beyond the layer of fresh water. Revived after a hot shower and a cup of tea, we gathered on deck for more marveling at the glacier-carved valleys and adorable brand new baby seal pups crowding a rock outcropping in the middle of the Sound.

Real Journeys offered up an extraordinary buffet dinner, replete with New Zealand lamb, wild salmon, and a bounty of fresh vegetable salads.

A dessert buffet of dense chocolate cake, cheesecake, rhubarb crumble, and so much more rounded out the meal.

Post-dinner, your Doubtful Sound overnight cruise includes a presentation on the geology, marine life, and birds here, courtesy of an amazing naturalist guide.

A Moment of Silence on the Final Morning

On our final morning of the cruise across Doubtful Sound, as the incredibly scenic Hall Arm section of Doubtful Sound came into view, our guide urged us each to put down our cameras for a moment.

To give our full attention to the majesty of nature for 10 minutes of silence.

It was a powerful experience. An almost sacred experience that brought tears to my eyes. 

In an era where most of us too often squander our time clicking through social media and feeling preoccupied with our trivial cares of the day, the wild Doubtful Sound is a powerful and welcome antidote.

As Charles John Lyttelton, former governor of New Zealand, once said:

“There are just a few areas left in the world where no human has ever set foot. That one of them should be in a country so civilized and so advanced as New Zealand may seem incredible, unless one has visited the southwest corner of the South Island.”

If You Go: Visit the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

Steve and I were so fascinated by the birds of New Zealand after departing the cruise the next morning (post-breakfast buffet!) that we decided to stop for a walk in the nearby Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, home to native injured birds or those in a captive breeding and release program.

Te Anau Bird Sanctuary is a 20-minute drive from Manapouri. Admission is free.

That’s where we met several of the unusual takahe birds, large flightless and endangered birds indigenous to New Zealand.

As of October 2017, there are just 347 takahes left on the planet!

What to Pack for Your Overnight Cruise on Doubtful Sound

Real Journeys recommends you bring these things in a small carry-on bag:

1. non-slip walking shoes or boots . Personally, I love Keanes. They’re super comfortable, get great traction and you can even wear them in the water! You can get them on Amazon here .

2. waterproof jacket . Be sure yours has a hood and packs light. I bought mine from the Columbia outlet in Portland, OR but if I had to replace it, I’d get this one on Amazon .

3. warm sweater or fleece jacket.  If I had to recommend my #1 favorite travel item, it would be my Columbia down sweater (which is actually a down-filled jacket).

I bring it on every trip because it’s warm and takes up practically zero space in a backpack. You can order one on Amazon here .

4. change of clothes

5. sunscreen . Keep Doubtful Sound pristine! If you’ll be kayaking or swimming in the sound, choose a sunscreen without Oxybenzone.

(That’s the ingredient that will kill off the black coral that grows here.) Click here to buy a safe sunscreen on Amazon . Beauty Counter makes another great one.

6. sunglasses . If you’re ready to upgrade your sunglasses, these tortoiseshell Kate Spade sunglasses just say wow! You can get a pair here on Amazon .

7. insect repellent . Somehow I missed the memo on New Zealand’s sand flies. They’re everywhere in the wilderness and gave me the worst mosquito-like bites I’ve ever had!

So don’t skip the insect repellent. If you do your best to avoid Deet as I do on wilderness adventures, try this Eucalyptus repellent on Amazon .

8. swimwear (optional). Be sure to choose a swimsuit that won’t experience a wardrobe malfunction when you’re active! I like this vintage-inspired swimsuit on Amazon .

10. cash for bar and snacks

11. lunch and snacks for the first day (or pre-order a lunch box)

Doubtful Sound FAQ

1. Where is Doubtful Sound? Doubtful Sound is tucked into the far southwest corner of the South Island of New Zealand in Fjordlands National Park, just below its more famous (and far more traveled) cousin Milford Sound.

2. Should I do a Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound cruise? Real New Zealand also offers a Milford Sound cruise that gets excellent reviews. (I’ve only taken the overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound, however.)

Milford Sound is far more accessible than Doubtful Sound…which also means you’ll find more tourists there.

On the plus side, it makes a great choice if you’re looking for a New Zealand bucket list experience with less time.

Doubtful Sound is a better choice for those looking for fewer crowds and peaceful, iconic wilderness.

3. What is the weather like in Doubtful Sound? Changeable! The weather in all of Fjordland is unpredictable.

You could be there on a beautiful sunny day enjoying calm water or you could find yourself under dark foreboding clouds in the middle of a squall, even in summer (December through February)!

Just pack for all options and be open to the experience. Rain means waterfalls! We were there under moody skies and it was all the more beautiful in the mist.

4. What are the Fjordland Navigator cabins like? They are small, clean, and spare. There are 72 cabins. You can choose from cabins with a double bed and en suite bathroom or bunk in a cabin with four twin beds (bathroom down the hall) to economize.

It’s up to you but book early! We booked six months ahead and found mostly only quads available.

5. How do you get to Doubtful Sound by car? It’s a 2.5 to three-hour drive from Queenstown to Manapouri (where the cruise departs from) and just 30 minutes from Te Anau.

If you’d rather not drive in New Zealand (the “wrong” side of the road for Americans), you can book transportation through Real Journeys when you reserve your Doubtful Sound boat trip.

6. What are other great adventure experiences in New Zealand?

New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world! From zip lining and bungee jumping to bicycling, long-distance trekking and glacier heli-hikes, there is something for every kind of thrill seeker.

Sky’s the limit! (Tip: Don’t miss Dunedin on the southeastern side of the South Island.)

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Reader Interactions

February 14, 2018 at 3:03 pm

I would love to go back, and if I do, I will put Doubtful Sound on my itinerary.

February 14, 2018 at 8:36 pm

I hope you do, Lisa! It was an experience I’ll treasure for a lifetime.

February 20, 2018 at 4:08 am

your writing evokes some great imagery and it works so well with your pictures. I’ve never heard of Doubtful Sound until now, I’ll have to add it to my list of places to visit!

February 20, 2018 at 9:11 am

Thank you, Vy! Yes, it’s a lovely place. Highly recommended 🙂

February 28, 2018 at 9:55 am

I just love New Zealand! What an incredible experience. We went to Milford Sound and it was once of the coolest travel experiences I’ve had. I have a picture framed that I look at everyday.

March 1, 2018 at 9:28 am

Milford is still on my list, Bonnie!

February 18, 2023 at 9:24 am

Hi, this sounds amazing but my wife gets motion sick. How much motion does the boat have rocking in the water overnight? The pictures make it look like the sound is almost perfectly calm.

Also, that drive up and over the ridge on the way in sounds like it could cause fits for someone with motion sickness but not having done it I’m not sure. What do you think?

February 18, 2023 at 10:31 am

Hi Andrew, I think the boat ride might be okay but if your wife tends towards car sickness, it probably wouldn’t work for her unfortunately. I suggest you get in touch with the company to ask more questions 🙂

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What to Expect on a Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Most visitors to New Zealand (also known as Aotearoa in te reo Māori) come for the beautiful scenery, local wildlife and warm Kiwi hospitality. And nowhere is better to experience the magic of New Zealand than on a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise!

As one of the largest, most beautiful and most remote (though still accessible to tourists) fiords in New Zealand, a cruise on Doubtful Sound should be a contender for any NZ itinerary. We went on our Doubtful Sound overnight cruise in April 2023 and it was truly one of the best parts of our three weeks in Aotearoa.

Keep reading to learn all about cruising Doubtful Sound: What happens on a Doubtful Sound cruise? How much does it cost? How long should you cruise for? Plus three things to keep in mind before you book!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Table of Contents

What is Doubtful Sound & why is it worth visiting?

Doubtful Sound is the deepest and second longest fiord in New Zealand’s South Island Fiordland National Park. It’s often called the Sound of Silence for its remote, scenic and silent nature. Doubtful Sound is known for powerful waterfalls, rich greenery, tall mountain cliffs, long calm waters, and local wildlife, like dolphins, penguins, birds and seals.

Like its more popular neighbour Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is actually a fiord, and not a sound, but was incorrectly named by European settlers. Also like other fiords in the area, there are a few metres of fresh water that sit on top of the salt water in Doubtful Sound, giving it a reflective surface and allowing for deep sea creatures to grow in its waters.

Check out this quick video below of our boat pulling up close to some of the waterfalls! 

Why is it called Doubtful Sound?

Because sailors doubted they could get in! While that sounds like a convenient joke, it’s actually true. In 1770, Captain James Cook (who Mount Cook is named after) sailed around New Zealand and stumbled upon this fiord. He decided not to enter it as he was doubtful he’d be able to navigate it with his boat. So, he decided to name it Doubtful Harbour, which is where we got the name Doubtful Sound.

How do you get to Doubtful Sound?

All trips to Doubtful Sound leave from Manapouri, a small town just 30 minutes from Te Anau or 2-3 hours from Queenstown . You can reach Manapouri by car (self-driving) or by tour bus from Queenstown or Te Anau.

From Manapouri you will join your tour group and take a boat across Lake Manapouri and then a coach bus across the Wilmot Pass. These boats and buses are only operated for visitors as part of a tour of Doubtful Sound by cruise or kayak – you’re not able to independently visit Doubtful Sound as a tourist.

There is no public road to Doubtful Sound. Unlike the road to Milford Sound , you cannot drive your own vehicle all the way to Doubtful Sound. You’ll need to join a tour from Manapouri.

Check out Discover Cars for renting your car in New Zealand – we saved huge by booking with them during our April 2023 trip!

Is a Doubtful Sound cruise a good idea if you get seasick?

As someone who gets seasick, I would say yes and no. For the majority of the cruise, you’re sailing along the fiord where the waters are relatively calm. We experienced one rainy day and one sunny day on our overnight cruise – the waters were better on the sunny day but not awful on the rainy day. However, storms and rocky waves can occur in worse weather. The crew told us the rainy weather we got was typical of Doubtful Sound, so you may experience the same, better or worse.

The only time I felt seasick on our Doubtful Sound cruise was when we went out to the Tasman Sea. We experienced this on our Milford Sound cruise too but the sea wasn’t as rough that day. On our Doubtful Sound cruise, the captain took us out to the sea for 5-10 minutes; I hear it’s usually 30 minutes in better weather. Because the sea was fairly rough (though, according to the crew, not as bad as it could be), the captain brought us back into the calm fiord sooner. But even those few minutes at sea were enough to make my stomach rumble all night.

Apparently if the Tasman Sea is really rough, the captain won’t bother going out at all. But for people who don’t get seasick, the change from the serene fiord to the rocking sea can be quite fun. My husband, for example, really enjoyed our few minutes in the open water. Though he probably didn’t enjoy me moaning about it for the rest of the night!

Despite the Tasman Sea not sitting well with me, I still think a Doubtful Sound cruise is a good idea for people who get mildly seasick. For the most part, the boat ride is quite calm and what you get to experience is well worth a few minutes or hours of nausea (in my opinion, at least!). I’d recommend stocking up on your seasickness medication of choice; Sea-Legs is a popular option in Aotearoa New Zealand and can be purchased at any pharmacy.

I’d also recommend the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise instead of the day cruise. You may think it’d be a bad idea for seasick-prone people to spend more time on board but with an overnight cruise, you get to experience the fiord at different times. I found the water in the morning was the most still and least seasick-inducing.

Should you go on the Doubtful Sound day cruise, overnight cruise or two night cruise?

Deciding what kind of cruise to take on Doubtful Sound comes down to your budget and your itinerary. If you have the time and cash to spare, and really want to experience as much of the fiord as possible, I would definitely recommend the two night cruise. If time and budget are lacking, the day cruise can give you a little taste of Doubtful Sound.

We decided to do the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise (1 night) because it was the perfect compromise of time and budget. As someone who gets seasick, I didn’t want to push it being on a boat for two nights. The overnight cruise was already a pretty huge hit on our New Zealand trip budget , so we didn’t want to splurge more on the second night. Plus, with just three weeks to see as much of New Zealand as possible, I didn’t think it made sense for us to spend another night in Fiordland.

In looking at the day trip, it felt like you spent most of your time just getting out to Doubtful Sound. The day cruise experience lasts seven hours (and that doesn’t count the time it takes you to get to Manapouri), but you only spend three of those hours on Doubtful Sound. The rest of the time is spent getting there and back across Lake Manapouri and the Wilmot Pass. And while those are nice parts of the trip, it seemed like a lot of back and forth for not enough time on the fiord.

I’m glad we decided to do the overnight cruise as our first day on the boat was grey and rainy, which is typical for Doubtful Sound. But the most magical part of our experience was the next morning when the clouds lifted and we got to experience absolute stillness on the water. I would’ve been disappointed if all we got was three hours in the rain on a day cruise.

Trying to decide between Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound? Read all about the journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound and what it’s like to cruise in Milford Sound ! Then check out my Milford vs Doubtful fiord showdown !

When does the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise start and end?

We sailed with RealNZ ( booked via Klook for a discount! ) as they are the main operator for Doubtful Sound cruises. Their overnight cruise departs from Manapouri at 12:30 pm and returns the next day at apx 12 pm. You are also asked to arrive 30 minutes early to check in. Of course, you’ll want to double check with your tour operator for the most up to date departure and arrival times!

What is included in the overnight cruise?

The overnight cruise includes:

• Transport from Manapouri to Doubtful Sound
• Accommodation (private cabins with ensuites or family cabins with shared bathrooms)
• Afternoon snacks, delicious buffet dinner and buffet breakfast
• Complimentary tea and coffee, as well as a licensed bar (bring cash)
• Kayak and tender craft excursions
• A nature guide on board to answer questions and lead an evening presentation
• Board games, books, helpful staff and a great time!
• *if you opt for the 2 night cruise, you’ll also be served lunch on Day 2

Your cruise may also include round trip transportation to Manapouri from Queenstown or Te Anau if you’ve opted for the coach transfer. Otherwise, you can drive your own rental car to Manapouri, park for free and join the tour from there.

How much does a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise cost?

As of Sep 2023, the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise with RealNZ costs $499 NZD per adult in a family-share cabin (shared bathroom, min 2 guests/cabin) or $599 NZD per adult in a private double or twin cabin (ensuite bathroom, 2 guests/cabin). Children cost $249-299 NZD and infants under 23 months are free. If you add on the coach transfer, it’s $579-719 NZD per adult from Te Anau and $659-799 NZD per adult from Queenstown.

For comparison, a Doubtful Sound day cruise costs $229 NZD per adult, a day cruise with Queenstown transfer costs $289 NZD and the two night cruise costs $719-899 NZD per adult. You could also splurge on a helicopter ride above Doubtful Sound from $845 NZD per adult.

Click here to book your Doubtful Sound overnight cruise with Klook and take advantage of their discounts!

PS: If you’re not seeing availability with Klook, check directly with RealNZ.

What to expect: Doubtful Sound overnight cruise day 1

Getting to doubtful sound.

At 12:30 pm we boarded the boat that would take us across Lake Manapouri and one step closer to Doubtful Sound. Lucky for me, it wasn’t a rough day on the water and we enjoyed some nice views and commentary from the captain along the way.

On the other side, our group boarded two coach buses that would drive us across the Wilmot Pass. The drive is only 21 km but due to the terrain and lots of stops at points of interest, it takes about 45 minutes. I highly encourage you to treat both the lake boat ride and the bus as part of the tour experience instead of just transportation to get you to the fiord. That way, you’ll enjoy the ride and near-constant commentary from the bus driver, rather than have your headphones in and wonder why it was taking so long like I did.

Afternoon of rain, snacks and water activities

Once we arrived at Doubtful Sound, we boarded our boat and headed up to the mess hall/dining area for a quick safety briefing, crew introduction and to get our room keys. Colin and I were booked into a private twin cabin; we would’ve gone for a double but I don’t think any were left when we booked. The room was small but very cute and clean with a nice ensuite bathroom. There was also a great view from the windows.

Our first day on the boat was rainy, which meant grey skies, lots of fog and mostly staying indoors. Luckily we still got to see lots of Doubtful Sound’s powerful waterfalls from the windows. Colin and I headed back up to the mess hall just in time for the first snack of the afternoon, freshly baked scones with cream and jam.

For the most part, our Doubtful Sound cruise experience was calm with still waters. That is, until the captain decided to take us out to the Tasman Sea. Depending on weather and water conditions, Doubtful Sound overnight cruises may head out to the Tasman Sea for up to 30 minutes. We were only out on the sea for five minutes before the captain decided it was too rough and headed back into the peaceful fiord. But for me, it was too late. Just those few minutes at sea with the huge quakes and swells had me feeling nauseous for the rest of the night.

We spent the rest of the afternoon alternating between the front deck when the sun decided to come out and taking refuge in our room when the rain, and my nausea, returned. We listened to podcasts and stared out the window – Colin for the view and me to keep my eyes on the horizon to avoid further seasickness. A little later, the crew announced they were serving our second afternoon snack, a Fiord Board. These charcuterie boards featured fresh, local smoked salmon and venison salami, which were a huge hit!

Next, it was time to get out on the water, at least for those who were happy to brave the rain. Our cruise offered the option for passengers to head out on a tender craft (small metal boat) or kayaks to explore the fiord up close. As it was dark, rainy and I wasn’t feeling good, Colin and I opted to watch Love Is Blind in bed instead. Clearly we are not the adventurous water sport types!

Dinner & a nature talk on our overnight Doubtful Sound cruise

After the water activities, our boat sailed onto where we would moor for the night, a cozy cove with near still waters. I was finally starting to feel better, just in time for our dinner buffet. We enjoyed a delicious spread of local and international meats, vegetables, seafood, salads and more. My favourites were the kumara (a local sweet potato), chicken curry, mussels and roast beef. We were also served a chocolate tart or passion fruit and mango panna cotta for dessert.

Following dinner, Colin and I walked over to the observation deck where our ship’s nature guide was leading a talk. He shared photos, maps and videos explaining where we had travelled on the fiord, where we were going the next day, the history of the area and, of course, the local wildlife.

We learned that Doubtful Sound used to be covered in ice up to 1200 metres thick, meaning that some of the cliffs we were seeing today used to be completely covered in ice and snow. We also learned that Doubtful Sound is home to 70 bottle nose dolphins and the Tawaki Fiordland crested penguin. Though sadly, we didn’t see either on our cruise.

Once the nature talk was over, we headed back down to our room to get some sleep (after finishing our episode of Love Is Blind first, of course!).

What to expect: Doubtful Sound overnight cruise day 2

Waking up on doubtful sound.

Given my propensity for seasickness, I was nervous about sleeping on a boat in the middle of a fiord. But lucky for me the water was extremely calm and I actually slept very well. They had warned us the night before that it was going to be a fairly early wake up, so we weren’t surprised to hear the captain’s voice booming over the speaker system at 7 am.

We got ready and headed back to the mess hall for our buffet breakfast. There was a nice spread with bacon, eggs, vegetables, toast, fruit and pastries, as well as tea and coffee. We decided to take our plates out to the observation deck to enjoy the view.

My favourite part of our Doubtful Sound overnight cruise was this morning. After breakfast we headed out onto the outside decks and I stayed out there until it was time to disembark. Yesterday’s rain was replaced with a slight wind and sun trying to peak out from the clouds. It was magical to experience the fiord waking up with the clouds rising off the still water and over the cliffs.

Our captain treated us to two fun experiences on the deck this morning. First he pulled up close to one of the waterfalls. It was so impressive to see the powerful cascade of water up close and the mist coming off of it. Next, he pulled into Hall Arm for something he likes to call the Sound of Nature.

The captain turned off the engine and asked everyone to be still – no talking, no moving and no phones or cameras. He asked us just to listen. Suddenly, with the boat and everyone on it completely quiet, Doubtful Sound was deafeningly loud. I could hear different bird calls, rushing water and other sounds of nature I hadn’t picked up until that moment. It was the coolest experience and absolutely made the entire cruise worth it!

Returning to Manapouri

From there, our boat headed back towards the Wilmot Pass and our journey onward to Manapouri. I stayed out on the deck enjoying the best parts of a Doubtful Sound cruise – the views. After yesterday’s grey skies and seasickness, I was so excited to have this peaceful and beautiful time on the water with the sun shining and a light breeze.

We disembarked from our cruise ship around 10 am and got back onto coach buses to cross the Wilmot Pass. There wasn’t any commentary this time, as we had driven the same road yesterday, but we did stop for photos of the pass. We then sailed across the lake and arrived back in Manapouri around 12 pm.

3 things to know about Doubtful Sound, New Zealand

1) It takes a while to get to Doubtful Sound

There’s a reason Doubtful Sound isn’t as busy as Milford Sound – it’s harder to get to! To reach Doubtful Sound you’ll need to get to Manapouri (by car or tour bus), take a one hour boat across Lake Manapouri and then an hour bus ride across Wilmot Pass.

Remember that these long rides are part of the journey and experience of Doubtful Sound where you can still see beautiful views and learn a lot from the guides.

2) There is no cell service or wifi in Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound is very remote so there is no cell service or wifi on board the cruise ship. Assume that once you leave Manapouri, you will be pretty much off the grid.

It was actually really nice to disconnect for 24 hours and not have as many distractions from the beautiful nature all around us. Embrace the disconnection (or do what we did and download a few shows, podcasts and songs before leaving!).

3) Expect bad weather for your fiord cruise

Our first day on Doubtful Sound was quite rainy, grey and foggy. The crew kept telling us that this was typical weather for Doubtful Sound and that it could be even worse.

Luckily, bad weather doesn’t mean a bad trip. The rainier the weather, the more powerful and abundant the waterfalls! Just make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing so you can enjoy them.

Conclusion: Is the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise worth it?

Absolutely! Despite it being the priciest thing we did in Aotearoa New Zealand, I am so glad we splurged on the overnight cruise of Doubtful Sound . Even with my bout of seasickness and the rainy weather on day one, it was one of the highlights of our trip and I would highly recommend it for any New Zealand itinerary .

Waking up on the fiord, watching the clouds lift and seeing the reflection of the cliffs on the water felt like a priceless, once in a lifetime experience. And hearing the Sound of Nature when everything else was still is a moment that will stay with me forever.

We had an incredible time on our Doubtful Sound overnight cruise and if you have the time and budget for it, I would highly recommend you book one too !

Have I convinced you to put a Doubtful Sound cruise in New Zealand on your bucket list? Let me know! 

Plan more epic adventures in New Zealand with these posts:

• What’s It Like to Cruise in Milford Sound?
• Which Rotorua Geothermal Park Should You Visit?
• Is the Set Tour of Hobbiton Worth It?
• The Best Accommodation at Aoraki Mt Cook
• 10 Day New Zealand South Island Road Trip
• Your Perfect 14 Day Itinerary for New Zealand

Riana Ang-Canning is a travel writer who has been sharing her global adventures as the founder of Teaspoon of Adventure since 2012. In that time, Riana has travelled to almost 50 countries on 6 continents, including interning in Eswatini, working in Tokyo, road tripping New Zealand and living abroad in Prague. Riana helps everyday travellers discover the world on a mid-budget, proving that you don't have to be athletic, wealthy or nomadic to have an adventure!

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Doubtful Sound Cruise: Visiting Fiordland’s Hidden Gem

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions (and rightly so), but fewer people seem to know about the nearby Doubtful Sound. Arguably one of New Zealand’s best hidden gems, a cruise around Doubtful Sound is one of the top ways to experience the country’s natural beauty.

Located in New Zealand’s magnificent Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound is a large fiord which was carved out by glaciers millions of years ago. It’s believed it got its name from Captain James Cook, who opted not to enter the fiord, ‘doubtful’ it would be passable. The fiord is the second largest in New Zealand. It’s a whopping 40km in length (compared to Milford Sound’s 16km).

Doubtful Sound is often overlooked by the nearby Milford Sound, which draws in the crowds. As much as I love Milford Sound, I’m here to tell you that a trip to Doubtful Sound is absolutely a must-do during your time in New Zealand. The scale of Doubtful Sound means there’s a lot more to see, but with fewer boats and no crowds, it’s a much more peaceful experience.

In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about planning a Doubtful Sound Cruise including how to get there and how to make the most of your cruise.

Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound? Which to choose . 

Table of Contents

How to get to Doubtful Sound

The only way to get to Doubtful Sound is to join an organised day tour from either Queenstown , Te Anau or Manapouri.

Doubtful Sound sits at the end of the Wilmot Pass Road, which is only accessible via a boat ride across Lake Manapouri. The furthest you can drive yourself is to the small town of Manapouri. From there, you will need to join a tour, get on the boat which takes you to the Wilmot Pass, then hop on a coach which takes you to your Doubtful Sound cruise.

It’s certainly a long journey, especially if you’re getting the coach from Queenstown. But I can’t say this enough… Doubtful Sound is beautiful and if you have the time and budget to visit there, you really should.

Doubtful Sound Cruise: day or overnight?

When visiting Doubtful Sound, you have two options: a day cruise or an overnight cruise.

For most, a day cruise is the most convenient and budget-friendly option. The day cruises still spend a good three hours exploring Doubtful Sound, which I personally felt was a good amount of time. However, the journey to Doubtful Sound is long and takes a full day, meaning many opt for an overnight cruise .

The overnight cruise is exactly what it says on the label. You’ll get to spend one night (or more) on Doubtful Sound. You’ll explore the fiord, can take part in activities such as kayaking, have meals on board and spend the night sleeping in Doubtful Sound.

I opted for a day trip, but would love to do an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound when I return. 

Doubtful Sound day cruise

A day trip to Doubtful Sound is the most popular way to explore this natural wonder. Despite the cruise around Doubtful Sound only being three hours, you’ll need to dedicate a full day to visit. This is due to how long it takes you to get to the start of your cruise. For me, it took three different coaches plus a boat… and that was just to the start of my cruise.

Coach from Queenstown and Te Anau

If you’re travelling from Queenstown, the morning will start very early. I opted to do the tour with Real NZ. The coach left their Queenstown office at 6:55am. They will also do some hotel pickups and a stop in Frankton.

From there, it’s a 2-hour drive or so to the small town of Te Anau where you switch coaches (or join the tour if you’ve got yourself to Te Anau). You’ll then be driven 20 minutes down the road to Manapouri.

Boat from Manapouri

Once you arrive in Manapouri, you’ll board a boat which takes you on a 50-minute boat trip over the lake. This is a beautiful journey in itself and gives you a chance to see the famous Manapouri power station. The boat also has a small café serving coffee and snacks.

Related read: Doubtful Sound is one of the best day trips from Queenstown. Discover other great day trips in the area.

Wilmot Pass

The last part of the journey to Doubtful Sound involves taking a coach over the Wilmot Pass to the start of the Doubtful Sound Cruise.

The Wilmot Pass is a beautiful drive which takes about 50 minutes. Unfortunately, there was heavy rain and low cloud on the day I went, so the coach didn’t make any stops. If the weather is good, the coach will make one or two stops at viewpoints.  

Doubtful Sound Cruise

Once you arrive at Doubtful Sound, you’ll board your cruise which lasts for 3 hours (unless you’re doing the overnight cruise). You’ll cruise down to the Tasman Sea then spend time slowly exploring Doubtful Sound and its beauty.

There is a café on board serving hot drinks and snacks.

The journey back

Once the Doubtful Sound cruise has finished, you’ll need to do the journey in reverse, starting with a coach back across the Wilmot Pass. I got back into Queenstown around 8pm, so it was a full 13 hour day.

Can you drive yourself to Doubtful Sound?

It’s not possible to drive yourself to Doubtful Sound. The closest you can get yourself is the small town of Manapouri. From there, you will need to take a boat across the lake to the Wilmot Pass Road where you will need to get a coach.

There is no way to drive yourself all the way to Doubtful Sound.

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

Doubtful Sound is accessible all year round, and there’s no “best time of year” to visit. Each season offers different benefits, but ultimately Doubtful Sound is beautiful all year round.

One thing to note is that Doubtful Sound is in Fiordland, one of the wettest places on earth. This means you have to be very lucky to visit Doubtful Sound on a dry and sunny day. Traditionally, most rainfall happens between October and March. It could be argued that visiting during the winter months (April – September) offers a better chance at seeing blue skies, but in my experience, this isn’t necessarily true. I visited Fiordland several times a month during my winter in New Zealand, and it was nearly always raining.

Thankfully, Doubtful Sound is a magnificent sight whatever the weather. In fact, the heavier it rains, the more the waterfalls. Both Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound only have a few permanent waterfalls. But when it rains, thousands suddenly appear. It’s one of the most incredible sights. Moral of the story – don’t be put off by wet weather.

Which Doubtful Sound tour operator?

Once you’ve decided on whether you want to do a day cruise or an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound, narrowing down which company to choose is fairly simple.

Unlike Milford Sound, there are only a couple of operators with tours in Doubtful Sound. 

The biggest operator in Doubtful Sound is Real NZ , which offers both a day trip and overnight trip. There are also coaches from Queenstown and Te Anau available.

For an overnight cruise, Southern Secrets is another option and even have a 2 night cruise, giving you ample opportunity to explore the fiord. 

Fiordland Expeditions also offer an overnight cruise option. 

Can you see dolphins or other wildlife in Doubtful Sound?

Doubtful Sound is home to an array of wildlife, including dolphins, seals and even penguins. However, these animals are wild so seeing the wildlife is never guaranteed. With fewer boats in Doubtful Sound, wildlife sightings are a little but more frequent. 

Is visiting Doubtful Sound worth it?

Yes, yes, and yes again. Doubtful Sound is by no means as accessible as the nearby Milford Sound, but a visit there is 100% worth the effort. 

Despite also being in Fiordland, a visit to Doubtful Sound feels very different to that of Milford Sound. For starters, Doubtful Sound is much bigger. The cruise last longer and there’s a lot more to see. Doubtful Sound is also a much more peaceful experience. With fewer crowds and only one or two boats operating at any one time, the cruise really shows off Doubtful’s natural beauty and peace.  

Is Doubtful Sound better than Milford Sound?

I’m not a fan of comparing natural wonders but this is a common question. Honestly, both are very similar, but both are so different at the same time.

Milford Sound is nicknamed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ and for good reason. There’s nothing else like seeing the wondrous Mitre Peak with crashing waterfalls all around. Milford Sound is also very accessible, and you can drive yourself there if you please. The drive to Milford Sound, whether driving yourself or on an organised tour, is also stunning, with plenty of things to do along the way. I’ve written about driving from Queenstown to Milford here. 

On the other hand, thousands of people head to Milford Sound every single day. There are several boats out on the fiord at any one time. This can sometimes make the trip seem a little commercialised and busy.

It’s impossible to say which is better, it really depends on what you prefer, and what best fits into your schedule. If you can, do both! Despite both being fiords, they are really very different. 

I’ve written all about Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound. 

Doubtful Sound Scenic Flights

Another way to see Doubtful Sound is by air, with flights departing from both Te Anau and Milford Sound.

I never got to explore Fiordland from above, but I’ve only heard good things.

Being in the air means you won’t get to experience Doubtful Sound’s peacefulness, but it will give you a bird’s eye view. It offers the chance to see the true scale of fiordland. 

There are a range of operators to choose from, including Queenstown Helicopters , Southern Lakes and Wings and Water .

Do they serve food on the Doubtful Sound cruise?

If you’re doing the Doubtful Sound day cruise, there will be a couple of opportunities for you to buy snacks and drinks. This includes on the Manapouri Lake boat ride and the Doubtful Sound boat.

However, the offerings are limited and I’d highly recommend taking snacks or your own lunch.

The other option is to pre-order a packed lunch which will be given to you once you arrive in Manapouri.

For those doing the overnight cruise, your meals are included.

Did you find this post about visiting Doubtful Sound useful? Share on social media. 

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All you need to know for your Doubtful Sound overnight cruise

Doubtful Sound is one of the most remote places in NZ, located in the South Island’s Fiordland National Park It is part of Te Wahipounamu – one of three sites in NZ given UNESCO World Heritage status. This must surely give you an indication of just how special this area is, and why YOU should experience a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. Let me share why it will create an indelible memory for you.

This post may contain some affiliate links. This just means if you click on them and decide to purchase I will make a small commission from the sale. This does not affect the price you pay. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Doubtful Sound is an area where it appears time has stood still. To describe the scenery as spectacular seems to do it a disservice. Words cannot aptly describe the wealth of what you’ll see, which could vary from intensely serene, to majestically moody, or frantically exciting. Whatever the weather does, it is a landscape that will take whatever weather is thrown at it, and enhance it.

Tehnically a fjord rather than a Sound, you will sail on the deepest green waters, surrounded by incredible fjord walls, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic peaks. The view will be at one moment intimate, and the next vast.

Let’s start at the beginning.

A little history of Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Harbour was ‘discovered’ by Captain Cook in 1770, who did not actually enter the inlet as sailing past, as he was uncertain whether it was navigable under sail. It was later named Doubtful Sound by the whalers and sealers who lived there. And just like Milford Sound, neither of these is actually a Sound, but rather a Fiord.

It’s Maori name is Patea – which translates to the “sound of silence”. You’ll understand the significance of this on your trip.

It is the second-longest Fiord in NZ (approx 40kms) and the deepest (up to 421 metres). It receives rainfall on average 200 days of the year.

How to get to Doubtful Sound

Getting to Doubtful Sound is a journey in itself. Remember I said it is one of the most remote parts of NZ? That’s because it’s not easy to get to!!

Your journey begins in Manapouri. So if you’re self driving, you’ll drive to Manapouri and park there (overnight parking is available).

If you don’t have a car, you can choose a pick up through Real Journeys from Queenstown or Te Anau.

The fun begins at Pearl Harbour, in Manapouri. You’ll jump on a boat and head across Lake Manapouri to West Arm. (This is the site of the Manapouri Hydro Station, the largest in NZ.)

Here, your coach is awaiting. Jump on board for a fun and informative trip through lush rainforest, over the Wilmot Pass (NZ’s most expensive road). At the top of the pass the bus will stop so you can look down over the Sound – it’s one spectacular view, so you’ll want to ensure your camera is handy.

Each of these journeys takes about 45 minutes.

After your very picturesque journey, you arrive at Deep Cove where your boat awaits.

How long is the cruise?

Our pickup was in Manapouri at 12:30 pm, and we were returned there at 12 noon the following day. This includes approximately 2 hours of traveling each way to and from Deep Cove, so you’re actually only on the cruise ship for around 20 hours.

Your cruise ship

The details of your ship will depend on which company you choose to travel with. But all the ships sailing in the Sound are small. You are asked to just bring enough luggage for your overnight trip, and as you’ll be carrying this on the boat I highly recommend just a ‘carry on’ sized bag.

We booked with Real Journeys, and travelled on the Fiordland Navigator, which takes a maximum of 72 passengers.

Upon boarding, we were given a run down of where things were etc on the boat, and then handed the keys to our cabin.

On the Navigator all cabins are either double, twin or quad share. Our twin share cabin had an ensuite, two super comfy beds, and two good sized windows. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. (Double cabins sell out fast.)

You are encouraged to roam the ship, and there are lots of areas for you to hang out with the crew and other passengers. Of course, the Fisherman (aka hubby) made a beeline for the bridge to chat to the captain.

The dining room has booths down each side, and large tables in the centre, so you’ll be sitting and eating with other passengers. This is a nice way to get to know other travelers. There’s also a hot drinks section that is available 24/7, and an onboard bar to purchase from.

The Cruise itself

In all honesty, with the word ‘cruise’ in the title, I expected to have a little relaxing time on the trip. I’d taken a book, because I thought it would be quite lovely to be able to plop myself somewhere peaceful, and read with a view.

How wrong was I!

Our cruise was exciting and engaging from the minute we left the dock, and I didn’t want to miss a minute of the everchanging landscape.

We encountered an unusual weather pattern, where we had extremely strong, gusting, warm wind. (It’s not usually warm). Forget about the beautiful serene image that’s often captured in Doubtful Sound pictures, ours was the opposite.

The wind ricocheted off the cliffs, creating mini tornados that danced across the water in front of us. It was utterly mesmerising. Every way we turned was a new dance, and we couldn’t stop looking. Despite the wind, the boat was surprisingly stable, so thankfully we didn’t feel any seasickness from it.

Watching the wind from the bridge was fascinating, but stepping outside onto the deck into the wind was ….. invigorating. It was so unusual because it was warm (it would have been bitter had it been cold). It was Mother Nature showing off, showing just how powerful she can be. Honestly, you had to hold on tight to maintain your position. Taking a photo was a huge challenge, and of course, photos cannot do the sights’ justice.

At one stage our views were disrupted by a pod of bottlenose dolphins who decided to play in our bow waters.

We traveled along the dancing waters to the mouth of the Tasman Sea. Here seals lay on rocks, seemingly oblivious to the wind. This is where Captain Cook first viewed the entrance to the Sound, but chose not to enter because it was ‘doubtful’ he’d be able to navigate the channel.

We retreated from here to cruise to calmer waters. It seemed unthinkable in these winds that we’d find them, but the Captain knows all the secret spots, and delivered the goods.

We anchored, and were offered the opportunity to explore the shoreline in kayaks, or in a tender boat. We chose the kayaks, and loved being on the water like that.

After everyone was back on board, there was then the chance for any hardy souls to jump into the water. I say hardy, because the water sits at a stable 13-15C (around 60F). A few took the chance to plunge into these special waters. (Although the Sound is obviously sea water, it has a layer of fresh water on top (2-10 metres), fed from the high rainfalls that the surrounding mountains receive).

Hot soup and freshly baked rolls was offered for all, as a starter while chef prepared our delicious buffet dinner.

After dinner, the onboard nature specialist delivered a presentation about the area. This is a wonderful way to learn more about the history, and the flora and fauna that you’re seeing. Our guide was available for questions throughout the journey, which really adds to the value you get from this trip.

Sadly for us, there was a lot of cloud cover, so star gazing was not an option. Probably just as well, as for some reason we were exhausted, and happily head to our cabins for the night.

I’m an ‘early bird’, and hoped this habit of mine would reward me with a beautiful sunrise. However, I hadn’t factored on the sun coming up so much later this far South, AND the rain. I think other than the chef I was the first one up on the boat, so got to enjoy a coffee in the lounge, staring out at the inky black. As the sun rose, the rain started, and so began the next transformation of our view.

It started with a moody, misty mysteriousness, with peaks receding into grayscale shadows.

Then the rain developed, and turned on the waterfalls. We had seen a few beautiful falls as we explored the Sound yesterday, but nothing can prepare you for what happens when it rains in Fiordland. You almost feel sorry for those who only have sunshine and calm.

Thousands of waterfalls appear, you’ll be busy pointing out this one and that one, and this one and that one, and on it goes.

We tore ourself away only to devour our hearty cooked breakfast.

Then it was time for a special moment on the cruise. We traveled up Hall Arm, to find an incredible scenic spot to stop.

The captain turned off the engines, and we had 5 minutes to experience the ‘sound of silence’. No talking, no whispering, no camera clicks, no noise. Just 5 minutes, being with yourself in the environment. For many this is a very profound moment. It’s certainly very special to be so still, in an area where the only noise was the waterfalls entering the sea, and birds singing in the rain.

As we motored back to Deep Cove, we passed a small island where rare crested penguins were spotted. How special it is to see them was evident in every crew member stopping what they were doing, to join us all in viewing them.

And then just like that, we were docking, and jumping back into a bus to head back over the Pass.

What’s included in your overnight cruise?

Our fee with Real Journeys included the boat trip across Lake Manapouri, the coach trip over the Wilmot Pass, the cruise, activities (kayaking, tender excursion, nature talk), a 3 course dinner, hot cooked breakfast, and the hot drink station available 24/7.

The only thing not included in the fee was purchases from the onboard licensed bar. (You will need cash or a credit card to make purchases).

It’s obviously not a ‘cheap’ cruise, but once you’ve experienced it, you’ll know it was money well spent.

Should I do a Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound overnight cruise?

Gosh, this is a hard question to answer.

In a nutshell, I’d recommend you do the DAY trip on Milford Sound , and the overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound.

Getting to Milford Sound is a journey in itself. There are lots of places to stop along the way, and it is a stunningly beautiful drive, with scenery you won’t see anywhere else.

The peaks in Milford are higher and more dramatic than Doubtful, and the open sea areas larger.

So if you’re short on time, my recommendation would be Milford.

But if you’re tossing up between a cruise on either, then Doubtful is the way to go.

Doubtful Sound is a much larger area to explore by boat, so the environment you’re sailing in has much more diversity. And because it’s so remote, you’re likely only see another boat or two whilst on your trip. You’ll see a landscape not many get to see and experience.

How much does it cost to cruise on Doubtful Sound?

Depending on when you go, and who you choose to travel with, will determine how much you pay.

If budget is a consideration, you can bring the price down by sharing a quad share cabin. This really is a good option, as you’ll likely spend very little time in your cabin anyway.

Prices start from around $300 and go up to around $700.

There is the chance for a day trip on Doubtful Sound also, but I can’t help but think you’d miss out on so much only doing the day trip.

When should you book your cruise for the best weather?

In short, anytime and any weather is a good time for your cruise.

This area in Fiordland receives on average 200 days of rain a year – so there’s a good chance it could rain on your cruise. Trust me – this is a good thing! It’s probably one of the few trips you’d ever do where you want rain. I almost feel sorry for the people who only get to experience Doubtful on a sunny day.

When it rains in Fiordland, it turns on the waterfalls, and it is truly spectacular.

When it’s sunny in Fiordland (and calm), the reflections on the water are inspirational.

When it’s misty and moody in Fiordland, it’s extraordinary.

And when it’s snowing, I can only imagine how magical it is.

In short, don’t worry about the weather, it will be perfect and special whatever you get, and will add to your experience of an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound.

What companies offer an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound?

This was a trip I’d been lusting after for a while.

We booked it when NZ came out of their first Covid lockdown, and struggled to get a booking. In fact, I’d picked a date, but when I went back into book, it had sold out, as had 5 days either side of my original choice.

When I finally found a date that worked, we couldn’t get a double cabin.

This trip is very popular, whether or not NZ is open to international tourists. So make this the first booking you make if you’re planning a trip in the area, then work everything else around it.

At the time of writing, these are the companies I found that offered the overnight cruise option;

• Real Journeys
• Southern Secret
• Fiordland Discovery
• Fiordland Expeditions

What should you take on your overnight cruise?

As mentioned at the beginning, it is recommend you only take what you’ll need for your overnighter, and nothing else. You will be required to carry your bag up and down stairs, so you don’t want it to be too heavy.

My usual roll on cabin bag for flights was the perfect size.

These are what I’d suggest you put inside it;

• rain proof jacket
• personal toiletries
• comfortable flat footwear
• insect repellant
• cash for the bar/snacks
• change of clothes
• warm sweater

So – don’t delay, book today.

And let me know how much you enjoyed it when you get back!

PS. Don’t forget to pin this before you go.

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20 Comments

This looks amazing Megan. I want to do it!!

I am very certain you would LOVE it!

What a fabulous trip. And thanks for the advice on doing day trip to Milford Sound and overnight to Doubtful Sound. I’m hoping to get to NZ soon and both are on my radar.

This area looks so serene! I love the mist atop the water. The kayaking looks like great fun, too.

This looks so cool. I had no idea Doubtful Sound even existed. My husband and I are planning a trip to NZ and I will check on adding this to the list! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

We did a day cruise on Milford sound and it was just absolutely stunning…I now need to come back to NZ to do a night cruise on doubtful sound!

You do! They’re similarly stunning, but oh so different.

This looks like such a unique trip! Doubtful Sound wouldn’t have been on my list if I hadn’t checked out your blog. Thanks for sharing your recommendations and tips!

Thanks for giving me a taste of home! I grew up in NZ, but have never cruised on Doubtful Sound (all those things you don’t do if you live in a place, right?!). At least the pandemic taught us to appreciate our own countries a bit more!

You’re so right!

I don’t know how I haven’t heard of this place before. This sounds incredible and is exactly the type of trip I love. Thank you for sharing!

I will definitely look at a one night cruise in Doubtful Sound when I travel to NZ!

I’ve never heard of Doubtful Sound! This cruise seems like such a fun adventure. Thanks for putting this spot on my radar!

NZ is on my bucket list (I’m in US) but I didn’t realize some areas had so much rain. We love cruising but have never done a small one like this. If I was there, I would surely look into it. Loved all the waterfalls from the rain.

Such a great guide! I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand so even better getting around by boat and seeing so many amazing things. Definitely on my bucketlist!

Absolutely stunning views everywhere! And so great you got visited by dolphins. I would love to kayak there, but a little too cold for swimming IMO

I’ve only visited Milford Sound years ago as a broke backpacker but it’s been a dream to return back to NZ in the next couple of years. Milford Sound was incredible, and I can only imagine how amazing Doubtful Sound is. Also, isn’t that one of the greatest names for a place? Spending a night cruising sounds fantastic, and as you said every type of weather makes the Sound appear differently. Great post!

I hope you’re able to get back here, and explore more! Thanks!

Kia Ora Megan!

Thank you for your wonderful description! Although I booked before I read your post, it helped me get all excited again. My son and I are going on August 11th….for a TWO night cruise! 2 sunsets, 2 sunrises… I’ll let you know what it is like if we get snow.

Take Care! Mary

Lucky you! A 2 night cruise will I’m sure double the joy and experiences. I’ll look forward to hearing exactly what it’s like. 🙂

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