Search icon

South Island

Start: Manapouri
Duration: 1 or 2 Nights
Travel Time: 24 hours

The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise aboard the Fiordland Navigator is a 24-hour Fiordland experience departing from Manapouri between September and April. The journey includes a Lake Manapouri crossing, coach travel over Wilmot Pass and one night in a private ensuite cabin. A buffet dinner, breakfast, nature commentary and kayaking or tender-boat exploration are included when conditions allow. Children are welcome with an accompanying adult, and reasonable mobility is required.

Experience Doubtful Sound Beyond the Day-Trip Hours

Travelling across Lake Manapouri and over the forested Wilmot Pass creates a memorable approach to remote Pātea Doubtful Sound. After reaching Deep Cove, board the traditional-style Fiordland Navigator and cruise beneath rainforest-covered mountains, waterfalls and towering cliffs. Staying overnight allows you to experience the fiord during the quieter evening and early morning, when most day visitors have departed.

The Fiordland Navigator accommodates up to 52 guests and features spacious viewing decks, comfortable lounges and private twin or double cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Explore sheltered coves by kayak or tender boat when conditions permit, while watching for bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins. A chef-prepared buffet dinner and breakfast complete this immersive journey through one of New Zealand’s most secluded wilderness areas.

Play

About the Fiordland Navigator

The Fiordland Navigator is a traditional-style vessel designed for comfortable cruising through southern New Zealand’s remote fiords.

  • Sleeps up to 52 guests
  • Private twin or double ensuite cabins
  • Comfortable private bathrooms with hot showers
  • Buffet meals prepared by the onboard chef
  • Viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and lounge
  • Kayaks and tender craft carried onboard

Highlights

  • Stay aboard a traditional-style vessel designed for cruising Fiordland
  • Experience Doubtful Sound during the quieter evening and early morning
  • Relax in a private cabin with an ensuite bathroom
  • Explore secluded coves and rainforest-lined waterways
  • Watch for dolphins, fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins
  • Take in panoramic views from spacious indoor and outdoor areas
  • Return journey from Manapouri to Doubtful Sound
  • One night aboard the Fiordland Navigator
  • Private twin or double ensuite cabin
  • Buffet dinner and breakfast
  • Afternoon refreshments, tea and coffee
  • Onboard nature commentary
  • Kayaking or tender boat activity, weather permitting
  • Bedding and towels

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)
  • Camera
  • Lunch and snacks for the first day
  • Personal medication, including for asthma and allergies

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

  • Duration: 1 night and 2 days
  • Departure point: Manapouri
  • Vessel: Fiordland Navigator
  • Accommodation: Private twin or double ensuite cabin
  • Check-in: At least 30 minutes before departure
  • Meals: Buffet dinner and breakfast included
  • Activities: Kayaking or tender boat excursion, weather permitting
  • Mobility: A reasonable level of mobility is required
  • Adult: 16 years +
  • Children: 3-15 years, children must be accompanied by an adult, including in their room overnight - twin room recommended.
  • Infant: 2 years and under.
  • 14 days or more before departure: Full refund**.
  • Less than 14 days: No refund
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Related Tours

Some other tours you might be interested in

Sign up to our newsletter for special deals & exciting news.