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 Queenstown*, Te Anau or Manapōuri for your Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise experience.
- 6:55am departure from Central Queenstown. Available from 29th Oct 2024 to 1st May 2025. (* There is an extra charge for Queenstown transfers)
- 8:45am departure from Te Anau (pick up from your accommodation)
- 9:30am departure from Pearl Harbour, Manapōuri Visitor Centre at Lake Manapōuri
Important Note: A medium level of Fitness is required to join the cruise. We strive to provide a comfortable experience for all our guests. However, due to the nature of our facilities and layout, which include steps and inclines, we regret to inform you that access for people with limited mobility and those who require mobility aids such as walkers is unfortunately not possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please get in touch with us.
Inclusions:
- Free Transport from Te Anau or Manapōuri
- Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
- Small ship with maximum of 12 guests per cruise
- Fishing & checking Fiordland lobster pots
- Local, Te Anau family-owned business
- Knowledgeable crew
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Sightseeing
- Wildlife & waterfall viewing
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 9:30am 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: sightseeing and exploring the history and splendour, pause at features for photographs and to observe marine mammals, cast a line for fishing, check our crayfish traps and savour the spectacular scenery and wildlife. Activities onboard can include: fishing, kayaking, mammal watching and star gazing on clear evenings. Wildlife often sighted in Doubtful Sound may include bottlenose dolphins, penguins, seals and sea birds. |
| 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. |