Search icon

South Island

Start: Manapouri
Duration: Season: December to March

The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise aboard the Fiordland Wanderer is a two-day, one-night journey from Manapouri near Te Anau into remote Pātea Doubtful Sound. The experience includes Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass transfers, twin-share accommodation with shared bathrooms, a plated dinner and breakfast, nature commentary, and kayaking or tender-boat exploration when conditions allow. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, and reasonable mobility is required.

A More Intimate Way to Experience Doubtful Sound

The Fiordland Wanderer carries up to 36 overnight guests, creating a relaxed atmosphere for exploring the secluded waterways of Pātea Doubtful Sound. Spacious viewing decks provide uninterrupted views of rainforest-covered mountains, waterfalls and sheltered coves. Wildlife sightings may include bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and rare Fiordland crested penguins.

Your journey begins with a cruise across Lake Manapouri and a scenic coach trip over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove. Once aboard, you can explore closer to the shoreline by kayak or tender boat before enjoying a plated dinner prepared by the onboard chef. After sleeping in a warm twin-share compartment, wake among the peaceful morning landscapes and enjoy breakfast before returning to Manapouri.

Milford Wanderer cruising in Doubtful Sound with lush Fiordland forest in the background

About the Fiordland Wanderer

The Fiordland Wanderer is a modern, purpose-built vessel designed for comfortable cruising through southern New Zealand’s remote fiords.

  • Sleeps up to 36 guests
  • Twin-share sleeping compartments
  • Modern shared bathrooms with hot showers
  • Plated meals prepared by the onboard chef
  • Viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and lounge
  • Kayaks and tender craft carried onboard

Highlights

  • Cruise aboard a modern vessel built for southern New Zealand waters
  • Experience Doubtful Sound during the peaceful evening and early morning
  • Enjoy an intimate atmosphere with up to 36 overnight guests
  • Explore secluded arms, coves and rainforest-lined waterways
  • Watch for dolphins, fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins
  • Relax in comfortable shared spaces with wide fiord views
  • Return journey from Manapouri to Doubtful Sound
  • One night aboard the Fiordland Wanderer
  • Twin-share sleeping compartment
  • Plated 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 Wanderer
  • Accommodation: Twin cabins and family quad cabins with shared bathroom facilities
  • Check-in: At least 30 minutes before departure
  • Meals: Plated 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.