Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise, Doubtful Sound | Everything New Zealand-1Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise, Doubtful Sound | Everything New Zealand-2Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise, Doubtful Sound | Everything New Zealand-3Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise, Doubtful Sound | Everything New Zealand-4Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise, Doubtful Sound | Everything New Zealand-5
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4.519 reviews

Highlights & inclusions

Overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound
Go fishing for your dinner!
Small group, intimate-sized vessel
Maximum capacity of 12 guests onboard
Chance encounters with wildlife
Option to go kayaking
From
$1,965.00NZD
Free cancellation up to 72 hours prior to experience
I want to

1. Select date

May 2026

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Hot Deal
Last minute deal

2. Select participants

Premium Cabin Single Occupancy
0
Premium Cabin Double
0
Premium Cabin Triple
0
Economy Single Occupancy
0
Economy Double
0
Economy Triple
0
Bunk Room (adult per person shared )
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Bunk Room Shared - Adult
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Bunk Room Shared - Child
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Bunk Room Shared - Infant
0

Highlighted reviews

4.5/5
Based on 19 reviews
Read all reviews
R

Roger Hohlbein

about 2 months ago

TK and the crew were fantastic!!! It was everything advertised and much more. Scenery was amazing and the food was amazing.

W

William Ward

3 months ago

A great trip, start by travelling across a impressive lake, then a journey across a very interesting pass, with great views, then on to the boat for your overnight cruise on a very beautiful Doubtful Sound. All the staff are very helpful and have great knowledge

What you can expect

Fiordland's Doubtful Sound is such a magnificently beautiful place that many people lament the fact that tours of the area aren't long enough. Fear not – Fiordland Expeditions has solved that problem, with overnight cruises!

Your first port of call is the amazing Lake Manapouri, over which you will experience a gorgeous scenic cruise. On the far side of Lake Manapouri, you will be whisked away in a coach, which takes you over the Wilmot Pass on your way to your 'floating quarters', the TUTOKO II. Onboard, you will be handed a glass of bubbly as you are introduced to the extremely friendly crew, who will be accompanying you on your journey for the next 22 hours.

What you do next is completely up to you! Do you feel like lounging about on deck with a big glass of wine and a good book? Go for it. Want to try your hand at catching a fresh fish dinner? No problem. How about testing out your kayaking skills, or even have a swim or snorkel? Great! Whatever you choose, Fiordland Expeditions will ensure you have a fun and memorable time.

While you are having fun, don't forget to keep an eye out for the amazing wildlife that inhabits the Doubtful Sound area. You may see Fiordland Crested Penguins, Bottle-nosed Dolphins and NZ Fur Seals while you scan the phenomenal scenery. The scenery itself is simply jaw-dropping – huge mountains meet the glassy water while thick, emerald bushland cascades from their steep sides. No matter where you look, you will be awestruck by natural beauty.

When the cool hush of darkness begins to obscure your pleasurable view, you will be invited inside for a feast of fresh lobster and fish – caught earlier by the crew – as well as a plentiful platter of other local foods. With a head full of fresh memories and a belly full of divine food, you can retire to your comfortable quarters or choose to relax and enjoy the great company.

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Location

What you need to know

Inclusions
  • Return transfers between Manapouri & Doubtful Sound
  • 45 min scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri to Doubtful Sound
  • Overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound on board Tutoko II
  • All meals, bedding & towels
  • Fishing rods & tackle
  • Kayaking
  • Dolphin, seal & penguin spotting
  • Fresh seafood & lobster dinner - caught that day
  • Double, twin share or bunk style accommodation
Time
  • Departures - Daily
  • Check in time 9.30am
  • FROM: 28 December 2024 - through to 31 March 2025
  • 1 November 2025 - through to 22 December 2025
  • Departures - Daily
  • Check in time 9.30am - Return time - 12.00 noon approx (subject to change)
  • 1.5 days duration
  • FROM: 1 April 2025 through to 31 October 2025
  • Departures - Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays
  • Check in time 9.30am - Return time - 5.00pm approx (subject to change)
  • 2 days duration
Duration
  • 23 hours in summer & 30 hours in winter (overnight)
Departure Location
  • All departures from Pearl Harbour Manapouri
  • Departures - Daily
  • Check in time 9.30am
  • 1.5 days duration
FAQs
  • How do we get from a hotel in Queenstown to Manapouri to board the Fiordland Expeditions Doubtful Sound overnight cruise? Transfers from Queenstown are not included with the Fiordland Expeditions Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. We recommend hiring a car and self-driving to Manapouri.
  • What is the price for children under 5 years old for the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise in Doubtful Sound? Infants travel free of charge on the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise in Doubtful Sound. You can either book a premium cabin or economy cabin so you will have a double bed and bunk or else you can book in the bunkroom.
  • Are there kayaks on board the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise in Doubtful Sound? Yes, you will have the opportunity to use kayaks on the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise in Doubtful Sound.
  • What do I need to bring on the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise in Doubtful Sound? We recommend bringing comfortable clothes, sturdy footwear, a raincoat, insect repellent and warm layers on the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise in Doubtful Sound.
  • If you drive down from Queenstown to Manapouri for the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise in Doubtful Sound, is there overnight parking available? There is free parking available in Manapouri outside the Doubtful Sound Manapouri Visitor Centre, where you are welcome to leave your car while doing the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise.
  • Can you please confirm what time we are back in Manapouri the following day after the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise? You will return to Manapouri the following morning after your Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise at 12pm in summer & 5:00pm in winter.
  • Does the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise in Doubtful Sound do two night cruises? The Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise in Doubtful Sound only offers one night cruises. However, if you would to organise a multi-day cruise, please contact us.
  • What time is breakfast served on the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise in Doubtful Sound? On the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise in Doubtful Sound, breakfast is served from 7am to 8am. In summer, you will depart from Doubtful Sound by 9:15 am and arrive back in Manapouri at noon. In winter, you will leave Doubtful Sound later in the day, to arrive back in Manapouri at 5pm.
  • In the description, it says the following: "Departure: 10:00am (returns the next day at 9:15am in summer...)". Does that mean that the tour ends at 09:15am back in Manapouri (which would mean quite the early awakening) or is 09:15am the time of departure in Doubtful Sound? On the Fiordland Expeditions Overnight Cruise (Doubtful Sound) Breakfast is served from 7 am to 8 am, and you will depart Doubtful Sound at 9:15 am. This means you will arrive back in Manapouri at noon. (Summer Only)
  • Does the overnight cruise travel the full length of Doubtful Sound, all the way to the Tasman Sea? During the Doubtful Sound Overnight they will go all the way out to the Tasman sea! Unless weather caused the swells to be too big and it was decided to be unsafe.
Additional Information
  • Child rates apply (0-14yrs unless otherwise stated)
  • Operates all year 
  • Scuba diving is NO longer available on board the boat but you are welcome to swim or snorkel
  • Maximum of 12 guests on board, no crowds & intimate experience
  • Rooms consist of one shared cabin (sleeps 3), two private double or twin cabins with ensuite facilities, two private double or twin cabins without ensuite facilities 
  • Bring with you BYO alcoholic drinks, clothing to suit the season including light wet weather gear, camera, insect repellent, 
  • Viewing of the Tawaki (Fiordland Crested Penguins) in season only
  • 240v power supply is available to charge camera batteries if needed
  • You are welcome to bring any extra snacks with you however you will find that you are provided with plenty of food at all meal times

Recent reviews

4.5/5
Based on 19 reviews
R

Roger Hohlbein

about 2 months ago

TK and the crew were fantastic!!! It was everything advertised and much more. Scenery was amazing and the food was amazing.

W

William Ward

3 months ago

A great trip, start by travelling across a impressive lake, then a journey across a very interesting pass, with great views, then on to the boat for your overnight cruise on a very beautiful Doubtful Sound. All the staff are very helpful and have great knowledge

R

Rossa Martin

5 months ago

The cruise through Doubtful Sound was the highlight of our holiday so far The scenery was spectacular Richard & his team of Hamish Anna & chef Mikey provided an excellent service We really loved fishing for our dinner particularly the crayfish The food on board was delicious I would highly recommend this cruise

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