RealNZ Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (3D2N) Self drive from Queenstown| Aboard The Navigator
Highlights
The trip leaves Pearl Harbour, Manapouri at 12.30pm and returns 12:00pm the following day.
You are required to check in at the RealNZ Visitor Centre 30 mins before your departure time.
Should you have any inquiry, supplier can be reached at 0800 656501 Freephone (within New Zealand) / 1800 656501 Freephone (within Australia)/ Phone: (64) 3249-6000 via phone call.
For emergency contact, you may call, SMS or WhatsApp to Vio Travel emergency line at (66) 9-2247-2382
Itinerary
**Itinerary
Doubtful Sound is pristine, unforgettable and out of this world. So get ready to create some lifelong memories as we take you on the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience.
Your itinerary starts with a 45min-1hr cruise across Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop off at the west arm. A coach then takes you across the Wilmot Pass, where you’ll travel on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove, you’ll be met by our crew and boat.
Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, our boats, The Fiordland Navigator and The Wanderer, blend old-world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, dining saloons with fully licensed bars, and observation lounges.
As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you don’t miss a thing, whether you’re encountering a pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins.
After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat, or simply relax onboard. For those looking to refresh, there’s even a chance to go swimming. All activities are weather-dependent.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course dinner prepared by our onboard chef, served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, try some local wines from our bar, and if the skies are clear, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars.
Kick off the next day with a hearty cooked breakfast or a nourishing continental selection and get ready to explore the other arms of the fiord. Before long, you’ll return to Deep Cove, and take the trip back to Manapouri where you’ll tell the story of your experience in the remote wilderness of New Zealand
included with
Scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over the beautiful Wilmot Pass
Onboard nature Guide to provide commentary and assist with wildlife spotting
Three-course buffet dinner plus a cooked and continental breakfast prepared by our on-board chef
Water activities including kayaking or tender boat ride (weather dependent)
1 night accommodation onboard the The Navigator in Doubtful Sound
excluded by
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Seasonal Packed Lunch
Essential
Information
Additional Information
From Queenstown to Manapouri by car or coach takes around 2 hrs 45 mins.
Luggage: We recommend each passenger brings no more than a carry-on sized bag due to space restrictions in the cabins. For a list of what to bring please see the 'more info' section or your booking confirmation.
Cark Parking at Manapouri: We have plenty of free parking at Manapouri. Daytime car parking is provided adjacent to the Visitor Centre. Overnight car parking is available on View St, a short 2 minute walk from our Manapouri Visitor Centre.
Weather in Fiorland: Fiordland’s weather is what gives the region its unique character. Rainfall is what makes Fiordland a land of lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and fiords. Visitors should always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during their stay. It is recommended to bring sensible clothing for cool and wet weather to fully appreciate your stay.
The temperatures you can expect in the different seasons are as follows:
Summer (December-February) 19-23 Celsius / 66 - 73 Fahrenheit
Autumn (March-May) 8-18 Celsius / 46 - 64 Fahrenheit
Winter (June-August) 5-9 Celsius / 41 - 48 Fahrenheit
Spring (September-November) 10-19 Celsius / 50 - 66 Fahrenheit
Is the boat accessible for individuals with impaired mobility? - When we are informed in advance about guests with hindered mobility, we make every effort to mitigate the impact by assigning rooms in proximity to the main areas. However, it’s important to note that our vessels are not optimally equipped for potential needs. While we extend a warm welcome to individuals with impaired mobility, all our vessel’s doorways feature a sea sill, there are no ramps within the boat, and a flight of stairs separates rooms from the main saloon.
Dietary requirements can be catered for. Please provide detailed information regarding your dietary requirements when making a booking
Detailed Description
The trip begins on the shore of Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop onto a modern catamaran to cross over to West Arm. From there, our RealNZ coach takes you across the breathtaking Wilmot Pass, delivering you to Doubtful Sound—your secluded sanctuary for the night.
Choose to escape aboard one of our traditional-styled boats for one or two nights.
Explore the nooks and coves of Doubtful Sound all the way out to the Tasman Sea.
Choose the onboard accommodation that suits you. Our two differing boats offer slightly different accommodation offerings. See what’s on offer on each boat.
Our onboard chef will feed you well. Freshly baked afternoon tea, local platters, a gourmet buffet dinner and a selection of hot and continental breakfasts will be served.
Understand what you’re experiencing with our onboard nature specialist. They’ll tell you about the land, local flora and the resident fauna who may come out to say hello.
Be the captain of your own boat! Choose to explore a sheltered shoreline by kayak or hop into our small tender boat with a nature guide.
Leave the driving to us and explore our coach connections, which are available from Queenstown.
**About the Fiordland Navigator
The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose-built boat designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords.
Sleeps 52
Private cabins with ensuites (twin or double bed configuration)
Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and observation lounge
Delicious buffet dinner served up by our onboard chef
Carries kayaks and tender craft onboard
**Departure Times
The trip leaves Pearl Harbour, Manapouri at 12.30pm and returns 12:00pm the following day.
You are required to check in at the RealNZ Visitor Centre 30 mins before your departure time.
**Getting there
All our Doubtful Sound experiences start in Manapouri which is around 2.5 – 3 hrs from Queenstown and 30 mins from Te Anau. Our Manapouri Visitor Centre is located at 64 Waiau Street.
Free parking is available in Manapouri
