Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises Start your Holiday
Table Of Content
If you are seeking our personal opinion, then the answer is yes. It is very worth the price IF you are on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation and have budgeted for a trip to match those expectations. At no cost to you, we receive a small amount for any bookings made using the links below. We have written a comprehensive guide about travelling from Queenstown to Milford Sound that would be worth reading to help you decide.
WAS OUR GUIDE HELPFUL IN PLANNING YOUR TRIP?
Although wildlife encounters are impossible to guarantee, chances are much higher in the quieter and more remote Doubtful Sound. Overall, a day cruise on Doubtful Sound with Real NZ is an unforgettable experience. From the stunning scenery to the fascinating history and incredible wildlife, it’s a trip that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Despite it being the priciest thing we did in Aotearoa New Zealand, I am so glad we splurged on the overnight cruise of Doubtful Sound.
Other Activities to do While You’re in Te Anau
Small crew does triple duty to make sure everyone is well cared for onboard. For the most part, our Doubtful Sound cruise experience was calm with still waters. That is, until the captain decided to take us out to the Tasman Sea. Depending on weather and water conditions, Doubtful Sound overnight cruises may head out to the Tasman Sea for up to 30 minutes.
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises with Fiordland Cruises (Southern Secret)
The Southern Secret is a 20-metre vessel based in Deep Cove for the primary purpose of Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises. 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.
To check availability and book a tour with Real Journeys, click here. While we cannot attest to what the other tour companies offer, Real Journeys provides a top-notch chef to prepare 3 meals, as well as an incredible desert, with snacks throughout. We just had to try absolutely everything, then go back for our favorites. The following day, the captain worked extremely hard to go to the places that had the highest expectancy of Fjordland crested penguins. Most of our time was spent as you might expect; running around the decks photographing everything in sight! We did not have much luck with wildlife the first day, though we did get a resident dolphin pod to do a few tricks for us.
While you can’t help but be mildly disappointed that you didn’t win the Southern right whale lottery or penguin lottery, we still very much enjoyed photographing from the water. As the Doubtful Sounds are so remote and New Zealand so protective of its natural resources, there really is almost no development here. Of course, the value of a dollar is different for all of our readers! If you are a backpacker on a budget who can stretch $500 NZD out for weeks, you will probably not find this experience justifies cutting your time short in New Zealand.
There’s free overnight parking in Manapouri on View Street. It’s a 2-minute walk from the Visitor Center, where you check in for the cruise. Then, this overnight tour includes a boat ride across Lake Manapouri and a coach ride along Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound.
Fiordland Navigator ship that ran aground in Doubtful Sound investigated by TAIC in 2006 - RNZ
Fiordland Navigator ship that ran aground in Doubtful Sound investigated by TAIC in 2006.
Posted: Fri, 26 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Where to Stay in Te Anau
They’ll explain the history and geology of the area and be on hand to answer your questions. Since it is located in the very heart of Fiordland and is fairly inaccessible to people, Doubtful Sound has managed to maintain its wonderful natural appeal. The Sound is located within a rainforest which is home to various forms of undisturbed wildlife.
Real Journeys granted consent to operate a bigger vessel in Doubtful Sound - Stuff
Real Journeys granted consent to operate a bigger vessel in Doubtful Sound.
Posted: Sun, 29 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
You also get a better perspective of the enormity of the sounds from the kayak. The route the ship takes through the Doubtful Sounds provides a diverse collection of landscapes and scenery. We dipped in and out of a few various channels, learning about the history, climate, geography, and wildlife of the area. It is worth noting that even the bus ride, usually tolerable at best, was fun and enjoyable. The driver provides history, facts, and commentary throughout the entire drive.
Doubtful Sound is very remote so there is no cell service or wifi on board the cruise ship. Assume that once you leave Manapouri, you will be pretty much off the grid. Unlike the road to Milford Sound, you cannot drive your own vehicle all the way to Doubtful Sound. Would have like a little bit longer for the Kayak and swim but otherwise it was the highlight of our trip and would love to do it again. I did particularly like the moment when we stopped on the way back and were able to be present in our surroundings with no sound or human element. The guide was excellent and had vast knowledge of all the different aspects about the Doubtful Sound.
Your getaway starts with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri, then a coach across Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest where your crew and the Fiordland Navigator boat await. This is an awesome place where you’ll experience the raw power of nature. The sheer scale and beauty of the fiord makes for a profound experience for any holiday itinerary. The Southern Secret also offers private overnight boat charters in the Doubtful Sound area.
Surprisingly, Winter is really the best time for the fjords of Fiordland. Yes, it’s a bit more chilly, but between May and September, there is less rain and wind. The good news is that there are ‘special ‘expedition cruises’ into Dusky Sound, Preservation Inlet and to Stewart Island. These are run by Real Journey on specific dates and are very popular with the 50+ age group looking for adventure, good cuisine and social company.
Comments
Post a Comment