3 Day & 2 Night Cruise of Doubtful Sound

Highlights

• 2 night cruise of Doubtful Sound
• Experience the true Sound of Silence
• Kayaking & tender craft (small boat) tours
• On board chef and licensed bar

Description

Delve into the untouched beauty of Doubtful Sound on a 2 night cruise aboard the Fiordland Navigator or Milford Wanderer. The second largest of 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound is renowned for its abundant wildlife, cascading waterfalls and native flora, making it the perfect destination to get back to nature. Spend 3 days exploring Doubtful Sound by cruise and kayak, as well as enjoying delicious meals on this all-inclusive 2 night tour with RealNZ.

Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach ride through the alpine Wilmot Pass. Catch your first glimpse of Doubtful Sound from the winding road down to Deep Cove, where your crew are waiting alongside the charming Fiordland Navigator or Milford Wanderer. Once onboard this purpose-built vessel, settle in and marvel at the surrounding scenery you can call home for the next 2 nights.

While cruising through Doubtful Sound, the knowledgeable crew provide informative commentary and point out passing dolphins, fur seals relaxing on the rocks and even Fiordland Penguins. Your captain will then find a sheltered cove to drop anchor for the night where you can relax on board, take the kayaks or tender boats out to explore the shoreline or even go swimming.

Start the next day with a delicious cooked breakfast and get ready to enjoy a morning exploring more of the fiord. Approximately ten times larger than the well known Milford Sound, there is so much to see on your 2 night cruise of Doubtful Sound. In the afternoon, the vessel will dock so you can head out for more activities or, in drier months, a semi-guided walk of Brassall Point or Helena Falls.

After a second night spent much like the first - enjoying good food and wine and taking in the awe-inspiring scenery - your final day includes a visit to the unforgettable Hall Arm. Your RealNZ captain shuts off the engine for you to experience the complete sound of silence, before your boat returns back to the wharf for your transfer back to Manapouri.

Trip Includes

• 2 x 3-course buffet dinner prepared on board
• 2 x cooked breakfast prepared on board
• 1 x lunch (day 2 only)
• Cruise the full length of Doubtful Sound, all the way to the Tasman Sea
• Wildlife viewing
• Kayaking & tender craft (small boat) activities
• Specialist nature guide on board for informative commentary
• Duvets, sheets and towels provided
• Complimentary tea and coffee available
• Cruises in May & Aug are aboard the Fiordland Navigator (this vessel has twin & double rooms only with private ensuites)
• Cruises in Sep-Oct & Apr are aboard the Wanderer (this vessel has twin & family rooms only with shared bathroom facilities)

Duration

• 2 nights / 3 days

Departures

• 12:30pm
• Departs from RealNZ office in Manapouri, 64 Waiau Street, Pearl Harbour
• Operates aboard the Fiordland Navigator on select days in May & August
• Operates aboard the Wanderer on select days in September, October & April

Other Information

• For peak summer departures, check out the Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
• Cancellations made within 30 days prior to the date of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee
• Within 30 days, the amendment of travel date can be made outside 5 days prior to travel
• Packing essentials: 1 carry-on bag per passenger; non-slip walking shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, change of clothes, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent, swimwear (optional), camera, cash for bar & snacks, lunch & snacks for day 1
• Self drive to Manapouri only – no coach & flight upgrades. Free parking is available in Manapouri
• Manapouri is approx 2.5 – 3 hours from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau
• Suitable for all ages, with the exception of infants in a family-share cabin
• Infants 0-23 months old travel for free (twin cabins only). Please bring your own cot
• Child rates apply (2-15yrs). Children must be accompanied by an adult (including overnight)
• Children under 5 years must stay in a twin-share cabin - family share cabins are not suitable
• Cruises in May & Aug are aboard the Fiordland Navigator (this vessel has twin & double rooms only with private ensuites)
• Cruises in Sep-Oct & Apr are aboard the Wanderer (this vessel has twin & family rooms only with shared bathroom facilities)
• Kayaking & tender craft are weather permitting - kayaks and tender craft carried onboard 
• Guided walks to Brassall Point or Helena Falls included in drier months (weather permitting)
• Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and observation lounge
• Want a longer expedition? Contact us for 5-7 day cruise option

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult (per person):
  • Twin Share Cabin NZD$929.00
  • Double Cabin NZD$929.00
  • Single Occupancy NZD$1799.00
  • Family Share Cabin NZD$719.00
• Child 2-15yrs (per person):
  • Twin Share Cabin NZD$465.00
• Child 5-15yrs (per person):
  • Family Share Cabin NZD$359.00

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