Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri

Note

• During this time, the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise will operate aboard the majestic Fiordland Navigator, focusing on the stunning Inner Fiords rather than the Tasman Sea.
• This unique, wildlife-rich area offers excellent opportunities to spot bottlenose dolphins and Fiordland crested penguins, making Doubtful Sound one of the best places to experience New Zealand’s native wildlife up close.

Inclusions

• Full day Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
• Luxury launch cruise across Lake Manapouri and coach trip over Wilmot Pass
• 2.5 hour full length cruise of Doubtful Sound on a modern, spacious catamaran with excellent viewing
• Wildlife viewing opportunities including fur seals, dolphins and the rare Fiordland crested penguin
• Expert commentary
• Interpretation hand-out sheets in 5 languages: English, German, French, Spanish and Japanese
• Dedicated nature guide with specialist knowledge of flora and fauna

Itinerary

• Cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm before boarding a coach and crossing the alpine route of Wilmot Pass through some of Fiordland’s most dense rainforest. On reaching Deep Cove, board a modern catamaran vessel, the Patea Explorer for a 2.5 hour cruise exploring the waterways of this serene and isolated fiord
• There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and mountains all the way out to the Tasman Sea
• It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals and when in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. An on-board nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region’s history, flora and fauna provides detailed interpretation in English with a roving microphone

Extras

• Picnic lunch. This must be pre-ordered with the supplier directly (cut off at 4pm on the day before travel).
• Snacks are available for purchase on board only i.e. chips, chocolate, biscuits etc (cash only).
• RealNZ is now cashless, please be prepared to make cashless payments onboard

Highlights

• A fiord three times longer, located in an area ten times larger than Milford Sound
• 45-minute cruise across island-studded Lake Manapouri
• 45-minute coach journey over Wilmot Pass, a 671-metre-high Southern Alps crossing through rainforest
• 2.5 hour cruise through a secluded fiord onboard a purpose-built catamaran with a comfortable interior and spacious decks
• Onboard nature guide with specialist knowledge of local flora and fauna
• Look out for the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins and the permanent colony of New Zealand fur seals
• Licensed bar onboard, with cold food options available, such as seasonal lunch boxes and local cheese platters

Hotel Pickup

• Hotel pick ups are not offered for this tour. Please meet at the Real Journeys Visitor Centre, 64 Waiau St, Pearl Harbour, Manapouri
• Parking is available on Waiau Street

What To Bring

• Non-slip shoes/boots
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm sweater/fleece jacket
• Sunscreen/sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Camera
• RealNZ is now cashless, please be prepared to make cashless payments onboard

Booking Information

• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking, however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control. We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
• Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The from price displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you
• Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
• Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device