Southern Secret Overnight Cruise details
For one night, we invite you to journey into the wilderness of Doubtful SoundJoin us and experience this spectacular Fiord with your hosts aboard the MV Southern Secret. Marvel at steep mountain cliffs surrounding the deep waters of the Fiord. View incredible scenery, wildlife and waterfalls from the comfort of your vessel. You can meet us in Te Anau or Manapōuri for your Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise experience.
- 8:45am departure from Te Anau (pick up from your accommodation)
- 9:20am at meeting point Pearl Harbour, Manapōuri Visitor Centre at Lake Manapōuri
Important Note: A medium level of fitness is required. Unfortunately, due to steps and inclines, access is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or mobility aids. Thank you for your understanding — please contact us with any questions.
Inclusions:
- Free Transport from Te Anau or Manapōuri
- Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
- Small ship with maximum of 12 guests per cruise
- Local, Te Anau family-owned business
- Knowledgeable crew
- Kayaking
- Sightseeing
- Waterfalls & Secret Coves
Sample Itinerary: Day One
| Timings | Location | Events |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Te Anau | Depart Te Anau by 9:00am to check in and meet other guests by 9:20am at Manapōuri. |
| 10:00 | Manapōuri | Depart Manapōuri's Pearl Harbour. You will board a scenic cruise across Lake Manapōuri to West Arm (50-minute cruise). At West Arm you will see the above-ground sections of the Manapōuri Power Station. This underground hydroelectric power station is capable of generating up to 850 MW using water from Lakes Te Anau and Manapōuri. It is the largest hydroelectric power station in New Zealand. |
| 11:00 | West Arm | At West Arm, you will meet your crew, who will take you by courtesy bus over the Wilmot Pass where you will capture breathtaking views of Doubtful Sound from Wilmot Pass. |
| 12:00 | Deep Cove | You will arrive at the Southern Secret at its mooring in Deep Cove around midday. Onboard refreshments and Lunch will be served as you set off and begin to explore the environs of Doubtful Sound such as Hall Arm, Crooked Arm, Bradshaw Sound and more. Cruises may include a visit to the entrance of Doubtful Sound where you may visit the Shelter Islands. |
| 13:00 | Doubtful Sound | Your Doubtful Sound Overnight Adventure includes an exclusive experience with a maximum of just 12 guests or five couples, ensuring it's never crowded and always personal. You'll enjoy the comfort of private ensuite cabins, each with its own toilet and shower. Immersive activities may include kayaking (conditions permitting) and sightseeing through the main fiord and beyond. Hosted by a family-owned Fiordland team that knows and loves the region, the journey is both local and authentic. Above all, this overnight cruise reveals the ever-changing moods of Doubtful Sound — from the glow of sunset to the stillness of night and the first light of dawn — offering a rare opportunity to experience the fiord's shifting beauty over the course of a day. |
| 18:30 | Doubtful Sound | Your evening meal is served at one of our overnight anchorages in Doubtful Sound – these include Crooked Arm, First Arm, Hall Arm and Precipice Cove in Bradshaw Sound or on the eastern tip of Secretary Island. |
Sample Itinerary: Day Two
| Timings | Location | Events |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30 | Doubtful Sound | The Ship awakens, and after a light breakfast we have a leisurely cruise back towards Deep Cove. |
| 09:30 | West Arm | Journey back across the Wilmot Pass. |
| 11:00 | Lake Manapōuri | Travel back across Lake Manapōuri from West Arm to Pearl Harbour by boat. |
| 12:00 | Manapōuri | Arrive back at Manapōuri's Pearl Harbour. |
| 12:30 | Te Anau. | Arrive back in Te Anau. |
