Fiordland Boat Charter | Doubtful Sound | Southern Secret

Fiordland Charters

For any Charter bookings & enquiries, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.
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The Southern Secret cruising on the calm waters of Doubtful Sound

Private Charters

Charter cruises of Doubtful Sound aboard the Southern Secret can be arranged for small groups, friends, family, or couples seeking a private Doubtful Sound experience. Our cruise can accommodate up to 12 people in five private cabins with ensuites. Meals are included, and popular activities include fishing & kayaking. Whether you're commemorating a milestone birthday or simply seeking a tranquil escape from the ordinary, an overnight Doubtful Sound cruise aboard the Southern Secret promises unparalleled serenity and natural beauty for an unforgettable journey.

Availability 2023/2024:

During the Summer months, from October - April, we have limited availability for Charters as we operate our overnight tours. However, if you book early, then we would be more likely to be able to accommodate you for your preferred dates.

For 1, 2 or 3 night charters, please give us a call or an email to check for availability.

Get in touch with us by freephone at 0800 483 262 (within NZ), or +64 3 249 7777, or email us at res@doubtfulsound.com

Further Information on Charters:

On departure, we offer complimentary transport from your accommodation in Te Anau or Manapouri (or add private return transport from Queenstown for an additional fee). Travel across Lake Manapouri by boat, over the Wilmot Pass by bus, and arrive at Deep Cove ready to board the Southern Secret.

We can visit parts of the Doubtful Sound area, including Hall Arm, Crooked Arm, First Arm, Thompson Sound, Bradshaw Sound, and Gaer Arm. While cruising with us, activities offered include kayaking, fishing to supplement your evening meal, wildlife spotting, and observing your crew capture live Fiordland crayfish.

Lunch, snacks, dinner & continental breakfast are included in the price and we can cater to a wide variety of dietary requirements (due to the isolated nature of Doubtful Sound, please ensure that you let us know of any special requirements 48 hours before departure). Price is inclusive of transport from Te Anau, all meals onboard, and activities, but you would need to bring your own alcohol.

On departure, the meeting time is at 9:30am in Te Anau or 10.15am in Manapouri. We return to Te Anau on the last day at 12:45pm.

Pricing:

From October 2023 - April 2024, Summer rates are $11,000.00 for the first night and $10,000.00 for any additional nights.

We do recommend two nights, as you will then have time to explore more of the Sound.

Charter price includes:

  • ☑ Experienced skipper and crew with informative commentary
  • ☑ Transport from Te Anau or Manapouri is included
  • ☑ Clean, dry, warm, and well-maintained vessel
  • ☑ Lunch, evening meal, and light breakfast included
  • ☑ Fishing lines for guest use (outside marine reserves)
  • ☑ Kayaks available for guest use
  • ☑ 5 private cabins each with their own private ensuite bathroom
  • ☑ Four cabins with a double bed and ensuite bathroom, and one cabin with a double bed and 2 single beds
  • ☑ Tender boat is available
  • ☑ Seaworthy vessel in Safe Ship Management

Boat Info:

The Southern Secret has just five double cabins on board, each with a private ensuite bathroom. We can cater for up to 12 guests. Cabin 1 is our Master Suite, it is the largest cabin with the largest bed, and its ensuite bathroom is divided into a separate toilet room and shower room. Cabins 2, 3 and 4 are standard double cabins, each containing a large double bed and an ensuite bathroom. Cabin 5 is unique. As well as containing a large double bed and an ensuite bathroom, it also contains two single bunk beds set on the wall above the double bed. This makes Cabin 5 suitable for up to four passengers sharing (please note that an extra person rate applies).

Departures: Cruise departure dates are dependent on availability. During the season, transport, meals supplied and itineraries will generally remain the same as the regular tour to tie in with daily departure times; however, on a charter, you would have the vessel to yourself and who you choose to bring, including children.

SCUBA Diving Should you wish to Dive, we can offer the use of the MV Southern Secret as a dive platform only (a tender is also available). This means that people wanting to SCUBA Dive must have their own "Diving Activity Supervisor" or DAS. The DAS is responsible for ensuring the safety of participants in the water and being registered with Work Safe New Zealand and also must hold an audited Safety Plan pursuant to the Health and Safety in Employment (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2011. Please note that there is no dive compressor available onboard. Snorkelling may be an alternative option.

Policy: Half / Full Private Charters will incur a minimum 20% penalty if cancelling. If cancelling less than 30 days prior to departure, there is no refund. Unforeseen circumstances may be taken into consideration. If cancellation is due to unforeseen circumstances, for example, weather or breakdowns, Fiordland Cruises may be forced to cancel the trip and will refund monies in full. Fiordland Cruises reserves the right to amend timetables cancel departures, substitute plant or equipment and alter ticket prices at any time. Due to the variability of weather, and other conditions beyond our control, Fiordland Cruises cannot guarantee certain activities/subjects will be available. The actual route activities and anchorages may vary. Fiordland Cruises reserves all rights.

Southern Secret Charters: