9 hour(s)
English
Included
Cruise across Lake Manapouri through scenic wilderness landscapes
Journey over Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest and waterfalls
Explore remote Doubtful Sound on a guided scenic cruise
Spot local wildlife including dolphins seals and penguins
€ 4.9
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
Additional taxes and fees may apply — total shown at checkout.
Select your preferred date and time from the calendar above.
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Escape into the untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound on a full-day guided adventure from Te Anau. This journey begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, offering sweeping views of pristine waters surrounded by native forests and mountains. Guests then transfer via coach over the dramatic Wilmot Pass, a winding route through dense rainforest with towering trees and cascading waterfalls. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about the landscape, its formation, and the wildlife that thrives in this remote environment. This day trip provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Fiordland’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning your own transport or logistics.
Once in Doubtful Sound, embark on a 2.5-hour cruise through its serene waterways. The fiord is known for its dramatic cliffs, powerful waterfalls, and diverse wildlife including seals, penguins, and bottlenose dolphins. Guests can enjoy panoramic views from the deck while guides provide informative commentary, highlighting the ecological and historical significance of the area. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. This guided day trip combines adventure, relaxation, and education, making it an unforgettable journey into one of New Zealand’s most spectacular and remote natural landscapes.
Return coach transfers from Te Anau
Doubtful Sound scenic cruise
Expert onboard commentary from guides
Wildlife spotting like dolphins seals penguins and seabirds
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Comfortable shoes
Waterproof jacket
Warm sweater or fleece jacket
Change of clothes
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Insect repellent
Swimwear
Camera
Lunch and snacks for the first day
Please collect your boarding passes at least 20 minutes prior
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Have a camera ready to capture every special moment
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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we thought all the drivers and guides were excellent and their information was so interesting. Of course the scenery was stunningly beautiful and we were so lucky with the weather and that we saw penguins, dolphins and fur seals. the whole day was wonderful.
7/11/25 A fantastic experience. Shaun and Wanita were amazing. We were well looked after Shaun shared his amazing knowledge of sailing and nature and Wanita fed us well with her lovely cooking. It was a unique and cosy experience aboard with a small group. The cabin was functional and well maintained. We saw dolphins and penguins. Highly recommend the experience of sailing on Southern Secret.
What an amazing day out. Started with a great bus trip with a knowledgeable guide, great ferry ride followed by another bus trip, the guide again being knowledgeable as well as humorous. The trip on Doubtful sound itself was marred by the weather but this only added to the dramatic scenery. Fantastic day that we would highly recommend.
We just returned from a Doubtful Sound - Southern Secrets Fiordland overnight cruise. I This was an amazing small boat cruise - we only had 7 of us on the boat (I think max is 12)! We went in the spring (November) and while it was rainy, that meant a zillion waterfalls ! Captain Sean drove the boat right up the waterfall and we caught lobster for dinner, too. Juanita was a fantastic chef. Delicious dinner! This is a must do. Small boat cruise is the best way to the Fiords.
What a fantastic experience! Dave and Jenny are the sweetest hosts imaginable to a small group of strangers that they expertly lead through Doubtful sound and surrounding sounds and fjords (yes, there is a difference which they will explain!) on a 24 hour, overnight tour. Food, drink (non alcoholic),sights, sounds, smells and warmth included. Highly recommended! Sandro & Carolien
A full on day out, so much to see and we were lucky enough to spot some penguins (missed the dolphins though) for saying I did very little other than look at ridiculously impressive views I was exhausted on my return. Wholeheartedly recommend.
Stunning destination, lovely staff, and really captivating flow of activities!! We got to see dolphins, seals, lots of birds, the edge of the Tasman sea, and the most stunning lake!! All elements of the tour were wonderful / including the short bus ride and phenomenal lake cruise. Our group was the only people we saw all day, so secluded!
Very well organised and a lot of time spent on the boat at Doubtful sound, only 15 min from Te Anau to the first ferry by bus. The weather was not great but the experience remains unforgettable. Beautiful scenery. Magical.
We had a fabulous time on a recent overnight cruise on Southern Secret with Dave and Jenny as our hosts. We could not fault this trip: the food was fresh and plentiful, the bedroom was spacious and clean, the sleep was deep and peaceful, the weather gave us surprises with the views of the high mountain tops, and the scenery was jaw droopingly beautiful. There was fishing, kayaking and swimming, not to mention the photographic opportunities at every moment! Highly recommend this trip.
Super one day and one night trip on the Southern Secret. We were lucky enough to have Adam & James looking after us and they were superb hosts. The lunch, dinner and breakfast were excellent with plenty of great freshly caught and cooked food. This isn’t the most luxurious of boats I’ve been on, but every en suite room was supplied with lovely bedding and was very clean. The bed itself was surprisingly comfy. Despite quite a lot of rain - which was great for the waterfalls, we managed to get some great fishing in between downpours. Would highly recommend one night on Southern Secret if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy some like minded company on the beautiful Doubtful Sound. We chose this over Milford Sound despite it being a little harder to get to as it’s much, much quieter than Milford Sound. Many thanks
