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Of course, the views were not dissimilar from those you get on the boat. However, it was nice to be able to get some actions shots of each other. You also get a better perspective of the enormity of the sounds from the kayak. If you feel so inclined, Real Journeys also offers a kayaking experience for those willing. The boat will anchor for about an hour, giving the passengers a chance to row around the waters of the Doubtful Sound.
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Because the sea was fairly rough (though, according to the crew, not as bad as it could be), the captain brought us back into the calm fiord sooner. But even those few minutes at sea were enough to make my stomach rumble all night. For budget travelers, you can’t beat staying at the Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels. It’s perfect for those on a road trip in a campervan or motorhome and has budget rooms available. They offer self-contained studios, bungalows, and private rooms with views of Lake Te Anau and the mountains. Some units come with private cooking facilities and balconies.
Fiordland Discovery Milford Overnight Cruise
Pristine splendor on sailing through New Zealand's Doubtful Sound - Travel Weekly
Pristine splendor on sailing through New Zealand's Doubtful Sound.
Posted: Mon, 05 Jun 2017 07:00:00 GMT [source]
You can book your stay on Booking.com or through Hostelworld. Partly because I’m from Canada, and we do have a tipping culture. It was also because I had such an amazing time and was really impressed by the service. It can get chilly out in Doubtful Sound, so make sure you bring some layers with you.
thoughts on “🛳 Doubtful Sounds Overnight Cruise: 2024 Guide”
Spring (March to May), while pleasant in much of the country, brings unsettled weather to Doubtful Sound, with high chances of wind or rain. There are a few important factors that you need to consider before booking a Doubtful Sounds overnight cruise. If any of these important considerations are not in your favor, you may want to hold off on booking for at least the time being. Your journey begins with a cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach over Wilmot Pass, stopping to experience some of Fiordland’s densest rainforest. On reaching Deep Cove, you will board the iconic ‘Fiordland Navigator’ vessel to discover the hidden arms of Doubtful Sound. We disembarked from our cruise ship around 10 am and got back onto coach buses to cross the Wilmot Pass.
Perfect for charters, overnight cruises and fishing and diving advertures throughout Fiordland. Southern Secret Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises have operated small-ship overnight cruises in Doubtful Sound for over 45 years. We hold the necessary Department of Conservation Concessions and Marine Mammal Watching permits for the area. The Southern Secret has five comfortable and warm ensuite guest cabins. The Master Suite cabin (sleeps 1-2), Double cabins (sleeps 1-2) and the Double/Twin cabin (sleeps 1-4). All have private bathrooms with toilet and shower facilities.
Fred. Olsen kicks off world cruise and reveals next grand voyage - Seatrade Cruise News
Fred. Olsen kicks off world cruise and reveals next grand voyage.
Posted: Fri, 24 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
After arriving on the other side of Manapouri Lake, we boarded a 45-minute bus journey that manoeuvred around the twisty mountain road that formed the Wilmot Pass. Read my full overnight cruise review below, but here’s an overview of what you can expect to see and do on the cruise. We hope you have found this guide to a Doubtful Sounds overnight cruise useful in coming to your own conclusion on whether or not to include it in your itinerary. You should expect prices for a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise to begin around $500 NZD (~$300 USD).
My memories of Doubtful Sound remain very special to me, so below are my personal experiences. Your tour will begin from the RealNZ visitor centre at Lake Manapouri. From here, you’ll take a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a magical bus ride to West Arm where you’ll board the ship. As one of the largest, most beautiful and most remote (though still accessible to tourists) fiords in New Zealand, a cruise on Doubtful Sound should be a contender for any NZ itinerary. We went on our Doubtful Sound overnight cruise in April 2023 and it was truly one of the best parts of our three weeks in Aotearoa.
Things to Know BEFORE Booking the Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
His passion and fascination with the wild was contagious, and despite his keen interest, he remained very accessible and perceptive. Respected by children and adults alike, both long-term nature lovers and the vaguely curious were able to gain something from his commentary and willingness to answer questions. Among the common sightings are fur seals and albatross, and I loved seeing the fur seals relaxing on the rocks. But the best part of the ship was the crew – from the hardworking chef to the friendly staff, you always felt in great hands.
About Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises
As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon – a feast prepared freshly by our on-site chef. Then it’s time to relax in the company of your fellow traveller, indulge in some star-gazing and story-sharing or simply retire to your private cabin. This overnight cruise through the heart of Fiordland provides astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound adventure. Embark on the ultimate Doubtful Sound overnight cruise aboard the Wanderer vessel, a journey through the 'Sound of Silence' that promises to leave you with lifelong memories.
This area receives a lot of rainfall, so I definitely recommend a good waterproof jacket, as well as sweaters and gloves. If you’re visiting New Zealand in winter, you’ll want thick layers. But even in the summer, you can get chilly when you’re out on deck, so be prepared. It’s pricey, but an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound is the kind of thing you only do once! Click here to check current prices and availability for the overnight cruise.
As you cruise the peaceful waters you will see amazing vistas. The mountains rise directly from the seafloor to the highest of peaks in near vertical cliff forms where trees unexplained hanging on; and waterfalls cascading from top to bottom. Fiordland’s weather is what gives the region its unique character.
We really appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your great experience. Please let us know if you need recommendations for other trips around New Zealand. This video showcases the hard work and dedication of the people involved in creating our amazing experiences. Discover the breath-taking, pristine wilderness scenery of Doubtful Sound, deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Prices are valid until 30 September 2024 and are per person based on a Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise departing Manapouri. (Prices may vary depending on season) Child rates apply for 2-15 yrs.
Fiordland Navigator is a purpose-built ship ideal for Doubtful’s distinct balance of soothing exploration. While the exterior and dining saloon possess the allure of a bygone era, this charm matches perfectly with cosy cabins and comfortable inside and outdoor observation decks. Waking up in a different part of the Sound each morning is a treat. During my trip, we began the second day at Crooked Arm and the third at Bradshaw Sound. Each spot has unique views, all seemingly more spectacular than the last. However, if you’re not renting a car in New Zealand, then the best option is to get a coach ticket.
With no direct road access, the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is by a cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass. This isolation makes the fiord a very special, private place, a place only those in the know get to see. If you’re a social traveler, the Lakefront Backpackers is another good budget option, and they have dorm beds and private rooms. Staying here also feels like you’re in a park, although you’re just a 5-minute walk from town. They offer indoor/outdoor kitchen facilities, BBQ, laundry, free unlimited WiFi, storage, and a movie room to relax after a long day exploring Doubtful Sound.
The water in Doubtful Sound is pretty cold, but you can jump in if you’re brave enough! I recommend bringing swimwear in case you do feel the urge once you get there – it’s always best to be prepared. And even if not, swimwear is a good idea for kayaking expeditions.
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