Search icon

South Island

Start: Te Anau
Duration: 2 days

The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise from Te Anau is a two-day, one-night Fiordland journey operating from October to April. Return coach transport, the Lake Manapouri crossing and Wilmot Pass journey are included, followed by an overnight cruise aboard the Fiordland Navigator. Guests receive a private ensuite cabin, buffet dinner, full breakfast, nature commentary and kayaking or tender-boat exploration when conditions allow. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Discover the Quiet Side of Fiordland from Te Anau

The experience begins with a coach journey from Te Anau to Manapouri, followed by a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri to West Arm. Continue over the forested Wilmot Pass, stopping to admire elevated views across Pātea Doubtful Sound before descending to Deep Cove. This remote route crosses an isolated section of Fiordland that cannot be reached directly by public road.

Aboard the Fiordland Navigator, explore waterways surrounded by rainforest, waterfalls and steep mountain peaks while watching for bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins. Kayaking or a tender-boat excursion offers a closer view of the shoreline when conditions allow, while the onboard nature specialist explains the area’s wildlife and landscapes. After dinner and a peaceful night in your private ensuite cabin, wake to the morning stillness of Doubtful Sound before returning to Te Anau.

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
  • 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
  • Return coach transport from Te Anau
  • Lake Manapouri cruise and Wilmot Pass coach journey
  • One night aboard the Fiordland Navigator
  • Private ensuite cabin
  • Buffet dinner and 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

The Fiordland Navigator offers private twin and double cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Your selected cabin type will be confirmed when booking.

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

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.

Related Tours

Some other tours you might be interested in

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