Overnight Doubtful Sound Southern Secret- New Zealand

Overnight Cruise Premium Experience

Southern Secret: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Experience the ultimate Fiordland adventure with an overnight cruise aboard the MV Southern Secret, one of the most intimate vessels exploring the remote Doubtful Sound. Glide through calm waters framed by towering cliffs, pristine rainforest, and cascading waterfalls, while spotting local wildlife including dolphins, seals, and native birds.

After anchoring in a sheltered cove, join guided activities such as kayaking or exploring nearby coves by tender for an up-close encounter with the fiord’s dramatic scenery. In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner on board before retiring to your private cabin, where the tranquillity of Doubtful Sound ensures an unforgettable overnight experience.

The Southern Secret accommodates up to 12 guests in five private ensuite cabins, including options suitable for twin, double, or family groups.

Location

Departing from Deep Cove in Doubtful Sound, the cruise is accessible via a scenic 35-minute cruise across Lake Manapouri followed by a 1-hour tour van transfer over Wilmot Pass with photo stops.

Travel times to Lake Manapouri:

  • From Te Anau: approximately 2 hours (107 km / 66 miles)

  • From Queenstown: approximately 3 hours (174 km / 108 miles)

Dining

Savour hearty, freshly prepared meals while surrounded by the untouched beauty of Doubtful Sound. Evenings feature a generous dinner with a variety of dishes to suit all tastes, including freshly caught crayfish prepared on board, followed by desserts and a selection of New Zealand cheeses. Wake to a nourishing breakfast the next morning, with both cooked and continental options to fuel your day of exploration. All meals are served in the spacious dining saloon, where panoramic windows provide uninterrupted views of cascading waterfalls and the dramatic fiord scenery.

Facilities & Guest Services

Hospitality & Convenience

  • Friendly onboard crew providing expert local commentary and guidance

  • Indoor dining saloon

  • Outdoor decks ideal for wildlife spotting and photography

Comfort & Lifestyle

  • Private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, fresh bedding, towels, and toiletries

  • Warm, cosy accommodation with central heating for year-round comfort

  • Quiet overnight anchorage in a sheltered cove of Doubtful Sound

  • Kayaks and tender craft available for guided excursions

Accommodation Options

Master Suite

The Master Suite is the most spacious cabin aboard the Southern Secret, designed for ultimate comfort during your Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. It features a double bed, a private ensuite bathroom with a separate shower cubicle, toilet, and basin, plus all bedding and towels provided. A skylight and large windows fill the cabin with natural light, while central heating keeps the space warm and cosy. Perfect for couples or those seeking extra space, the Master Suite offers a luxurious retreat after a day exploring the fiord.

Bed Options:
1 King bed

Double Cabin

The Double Cabins provide a comfortable and private space for one or two guests. Each cabin includes a double bed, an ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin, plus all bedding and towels supplied. Porthole-style windows bring in natural light, and heating ensures a cosy stay. These cabins are a practical and comfortable choice for couples or solo travellers seeking privacy on their overnight cruise.

Bed Options:
1 Double bed

Double/Twin Cabin

The Double/Twin Cabins are versatile and ideal for small groups or families of up to four guests. Each cabin features a combination of a double bed and single beds, a private ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet, and basin, and all bedding and towels provided. Windows provide natural light, and heating keeps the space warm. These cabins offer flexibility and comfort for groups wanting to stay together while exploring the fiord.

Bed Options:
1 Double bed + 2 Single beds

Getting to Doubtful Sound from Queenstown

Self-Drive – Approximately 3 hours (174 km / 108 miles) from Queenstown to Lake Manapouri, with the freedom to stop at scenic lookouts along the way. From Lake Manapouri, continue with a 35-minute scenic cruise across the lake and a 1-hour van transfer over Wilmot Pass into Doubtful Sound. Overnight parking at Lake Manapouri may incur additional fees.

Small Group Tour – Relax on a full-day guided transfer from Queenstown, including commentary and scenic photo stops. The journey includes a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri followed by a coach transfer over Wilmot Pass, delivering you directly to the Deep Cove departure point in Doubtful Sound.

Private Tour – A personalized journey with a driver-guide takes around 3 hours from Queenstown to Lake Manapouri. From there, the trip continues via the scheduled RealNZ lake cruise and van transfer into Doubtful Sound. This option allows for scenic detours and stops along the way, with the fiord portion handled by the cruise experience.