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.
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.
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.Fishing Doubtful Sound
Fishing is loads of fun and takes place outside of the marine reserves. We catch and release where possible, as currently, there is a moratorium on certain fish species. Common catches can include Blue Cod, Sea Perch, Terakahi, and School Groper.
Kayaking
Experience the majesty of Doubtful Sound from water level. Five single sit-on-top kayaks are onboard. Kayaking is an adventurous activity; there is a safety briefing before going on the water. Lifejackets are provided and are compulsory. Kayaking only occurs at the discretion of the skipper and is weather-dependent.
Fiordland Lobster
Traps are baited each evening to show our guests the technique of how Fiordland Lobster (or Crayfish as it's known locally) are caught in the area by commercial fishermen. While we cannot guarantee that fresh Fiordland Lobster will be on the menu, there is a certain excitement in watching the traps being lifted.
Doubtful Sound Wildlife
Doubtful Sound is home to a range of rare and beautiful wildlife, and encounters may include Fiordland Crested Penguins, Southern Fur Seals, or Doubtful Sound’s indigenous Bottlenose Dolphins. To protect our rare and endangered wildlife, we operate to a strict code of practice when we encounter wildlife.
Optional: 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 passangers 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 passangers 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: TThe 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