On boarding a Real Journeys coach in Queenstown, visitors enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through rolling countryside with the coach driver providing an informative commentary. Arriving in Manapouri, the journey to Doubtful Sound begins with a cruise across Lake Manapouri. After disembarking at West Arm, passengers then travel over Wilmot Pass by coach through dense rainforest. At Deep Cove, visitors board the overnight cruise vessel for a leisurely exploration of Doubtful Sound. The vessel then anchors overnight in one of Doubtful Sound’s hidden arms.

The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, there will be time to explore once again before returning to Queenstown.

The Fiordland Navigator offers a very special dinner, bed and breakfast wilderness experience.  Real Journeys Doubtful Sound overnight vessel, the Fiordland Navigator, is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow to reflect Fiordland’s heritage. This vessel caters for visitors who enjoy comfort, combined with the opportunity to really explore this beautiful fiord.

The purpose built vessel accommodates passengers either in private cabins with ensuite bathrooms or in quad-share bunk style compartments with shared bathroom facilities. The vessel has spacious deck areas for viewing the wilderness scenery and wildlife of Doubtful Sound. Of particular interest, if sighted, are fur seals, dolphins, and in season, rare penguins. Activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline.

Departs/Returns 1 Oct – 30 Apr
08:30hrs Day 1 depart Queenstown
12:30hrs Day 1 depart Manapouri
14:30hrs board Fiordland Navigator
10:00hrs Day 2 disembark Fiordland Navigator
12:00hrs arrive Manapouri
15:30hrs arrive Queenstown
 

Departs/Returns 1 – 11 May
08:30hrs Day 1 depart Queenstown
12:00hrs Day 1 depart Manapouri
14:00hrs board Fiordland Navigator
10:00hrs Day 2 disembark Fiordland Navigator
11:45hrs arrive Manapouri
15:30hrs arrive Queenstown

Note: All times are approximate.

Real Journeys Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, Queenstown.
Real Journeys coach picks up from all major accommodation in Queenstown.

Waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes/boots, woolen sweater/fleece jacket, a change of clothes, swimwear (optional), sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and camera.

Evening dining includes three-course buffet meal with a selection of mains, including vegetarian option. Breakfast includes a choice of cooked or continental. All meals are served in the Dining Saloon buffet style.

There are 18 cabins with ensuite bathrooms. (12 cabins with twin single beds, 6 cabins with double beds). There are 9 quad-share bunk style compartments with share bathroom facilities.