Who are We.
Southern Secret Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises is a local family-owned business with four generations of family offering hospitality in Te Anau and Fiordland for over 60 years. Come and join us to cruise Doubtful Sound aboard the MV Southern Secret.
Why choose Us.
Fiordland is the most spectacular place in the world, and we wish to share that with our guests in the best possible way. Our small ship and leisurely pace allows visitors to take part in a personalised, authentic and memorable experience.
What we Do.
Climb aboard Southern Secret and come exploring with us! Our crew love showing you around this untouched wilderness, from towering cliffs to secret coves, with the knowledge and care that comes from local skippers and guides.
Activities onboard Southern Secret, Doubtful Sound
Sit back and enjoy the view from one of the viewing areas. Here are some of the things you may see and do while on your Doubtful Sound boat trip.Doubtful Sound’s Rhythms: Sunset | Night | Dawn
This is more than an overnight cruise — it is an opportunity to experience Doubtful Sound as it truly is, across all its changing moods. Guests are immersed in the spectacle of sunset against steep fiord walls, the clarity of a star-filled night sky, and the quiet beauty of dawn breaking over the water. Together, these moments create a rare and complete view of the fiord environment, making the journey as unforgettable as the destination itself.
Kayaking
Get even closer to the beauty of Doubtful Sound by exploring from the water level in one of our single sit-on-top kayaks. With five available on board, kayaking offers a hands-on adventure and a different perspective of the fiord. A safety briefing is provided, and lifejackets are compulsory. This activity is weather-dependent and only undertaken at the skipper's discretion to ensure your comfort and safety.
Sightseeing
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Doubtful Sound as you sit back and soak in the stunning views. Let the serenity of this untouched wilderness surround you, with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the tranquil waters creating unforgettable memories. Cruise and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Doubtful Sound offers the perfect setting to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Doubtful Sound Sealife
The sealife of Doubtful Sound is both rare and remarkable. Guests may be fortunate enough to see penguins and seabirds gliding along the cliffs and bays. Beneath the surface lies a unique marine environment where black corals and delicate plant-like species thrive in the fiord’s dark, layered waters.
Find out MoreOptional: Doubtful Sound Flights
Scenic Amphibious Float Plane Flights
Deep Cove/Doubtful Sound to Lake Te Anau: pickup and direct 20 minute flight.
$1560 for up to 4 passengers with very light luggage.
* max 4 passengers with one bag each/max 5 passengers with no bags
Doubtful Sound to Lake Te Anau, via Dusky Sound 1 hour & 30 minutes
$2070 for 2 or 3 passengers. $690 for extra passengers.
* max 4 passengers with one bag each/max 5 passengers with no bags
Scenic Helicopter Flights
Doubtful Sound to Te Anau: The return journey will depart from Deep cove. While flying up this fiord you’ll detour into a unique hanging valley known as Campbell’s Kingdom, complete with its own lake and waterfall. The return journey flies aloft the Main Divide of the Southern Alps with a landing at Mt Kidd, a remote alpine location with dramatic views before descending back to Te Anau.
DURATION: 40 minutes
LANDINGS: 1
PRICE: $1015 per person
Dusky, Doubtful Sound to Te Anau: The return journey will depart from Deep cove. While flying up this fiord you’ll detour into a unique hanging valley known as Campbell’s Kingdom, complete with its own lake and waterfall. You’ll fly over three more fiords before a landing is made at Mt Pender, Dusky Sound one of Fiordland’s largest and most remote fiords. 40km-long Dusky Sound is dotted with more than 350 small islands. Access to the sound is by sea or air only – very few people get to experience the beauty of this magical place.
DURATION: 1 hour 10 minutes
LANDINGS: 2
PRICE: $1450 per person