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South Island

Start: Queenstown
Duration: 2 days

Experience Doubtful Sound Overnight from Queenstown

Leave Queenstown behind for a one-night journey into the remote landscapes of Pātea Doubtful Sound. Travel by coach to Manapouri, cruise across Lake Manapouri and continue over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove, where you’ll board the Fiordland Navigator. Cruise among forest-covered mountains, waterfalls and secluded waterways while watching for bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins.

Explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat when conditions allow, hear stories from the onboard nature specialist and enjoy a chef-prepared buffet dinner before settling into your private ensuite cabin. Wake to the peaceful morning scenery of Doubtful Sound, enjoy breakfast onboard and return to Queenstown the following day.

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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
  • 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

  • Travel from Queenstown without needing to drive to Manapouri
  • Experience Doubtful Sound during the quiet evening and early morning
  • Stay in a private twin or double cabin with an ensuite bathroom
  • Explore rainforest-lined waterways and secluded coves
  • Watch for dolphins, fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins
  • Enjoy panoramic views from spacious indoor and outdoor areas
  • Return coach transport from Queenstown
  • Lake Manapouri cruise and Wilmot Pass coach journey
  • One night aboard the Fiordland Navigator
  • Private ensuite cabin
  • Meals: Buffet dinner & Full Breakfast
  • Afternoon refreshments, tea and coffee
  • 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.

  • 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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but you may see bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and, occasionally, Fiordland crested penguins.

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.

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