Planning a trip to New Zealand? Our Frequently Asked Questions page covers everything from booking tours and transport options to what to pack and when to visit. It’s your go-to guide for clear, reliable answers that help take the stress out of organising your holiday. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with a group, you'll find helpful tips to make your Kiwi adventure run smoothly.
The tour takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including the Lake Te Anau cruise and guided cave experience.
Yes, the tour includes a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to reach the cave entrance.
No, photography and video are not permitted inside the cave.
Parts of the cave are completely dark, so the experience may not be suitable for children under 5. Infants under 4 are listed as a fare category, but families should consider whether the darkness and cave environment will suit their child.
Wear non-slip shoes, warm clothing and a waterproof jacket. The cave is cold year-round, usually around 8–12°C.
The experience starts at the Manapouri Visitor Centre. You will first cruise across Lake Manapouri, travel by coach over Wilmot Pass and then join the Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise from Deep Cove.
This is a full-day experience that includes the Lake Manapouri crossing, the coach journey over Wilmot Pass and approximately three hours cruising Doubtful Sound. Please check your confirmed departure details for the total duration.
No. Doubtful Sound has no direct public road access. Visitors travel across Lake Manapouri and then over Wilmot Pass by coach before reaching the fiord.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but you may see bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and, occasionally, Fiordland crested penguins.
The 2-night Doubtful Sound overnight cruise departs from Manapouri. Guests travel across Lake Manapouri and over Wilmot Pass before boarding the Fiordland Navigator or Fiordland Wanderer at Deep Cove.
Your 2-night Doubtful Sound cruise will operate aboard either the Fiordland Navigator or Fiordland Wanderer, depending on the selected departure. Vessel and cabin details are confirmed at the time of booking.
A reasonable level of mobility is required because the journey includes boat transfers, coach travel, stairs, floating wharves and raised doorway sills.
This experience includes a coach connection from Queenstown to Manapouri. From Manapouri, you will cruise across Lake Manapouri and travel over Wilmot Pass before boarding the Fiordland Navigator at Deep Cove.
The Fiordland Navigator offers private twin and double cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Your selected cabin type will be confirmed when booking.
A chef-prepared buffet dinner and full breakfast are included. Afternoon refreshments and complimentary tea and coffee are also provided onboard.
The full experience takes two days and one night, including coach travel between Queenstown and Manapouri. Your confirmed departure and return times will be shown on your booking documents.
This experience includes a coach connection from Te Anau to Manapouri. From Manapouri, you will cruise across Lake Manapouri and travel over Wilmot Pass before boarding the Fiordland Navigator at Deep Cove.
The complete experience takes two days and one night, including transport between Te Anau and Manapouri. Confirmed departure and return times will be provided with your booking.
The Milford Sound overnight cruise aboard the Milford Mariner departs from the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal. Queenstown and Te Anau transfers are available between October and April.
The cruise departs at approximately 4 pm and returns around 9.15 am the following day, giving a total duration of about 17 hours.
The Milford Mariner offers private twin, double and single cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Limited quad-share bunk-style compartments with ensuites may also be available.
A buffet dinner and cooked and continental breakfast are included, along with afternoon refreshments and complimentary tea and coffee.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but you may see New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins and native seabirds.
The cruise departs from the RealNZ Visitor Centre at Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street in central Queenstown.
The route offers views of secluded bays, native bush and alpine scenery around Lake Whakatipu, including areas towards Bob’s Cove, Cecil Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Earnslaw.
Yes. Drinks and snacks are available from the onboard café and bar. Cheese and charcuterie boards may also be available to pre-order.
Yes. The relaxed cruise is suitable for families, couples, groups and solo travellers. Children and infants are welcome according to the applicable fare conditions.
The Spirit of Queenstown can be boarded by ramp and has some accessible main-deck areas. However, there is no accessible toilet onboard, so guests should confirm their requirements before booking.
No. The Spirit of Queenstown is a modern catamaran focused on panoramic lake and mountain views. The TSS Earnslaw is a separate heritage steamship experience.
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