Doubtful Sound - 2 Nights
Discover the ‘Sound of Silence’ aboard the Fiordland Jewel
Step back in time and discover the untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound aboard our purpose-built catamaran, the Fiordland Jewel. With 40km of winding sea inlets, Doubtful Sound is ten times larger than nearby Milford Sound and is defined by lush rainforests clinging to dramatic peaks. Carved out by glaciers millions of years ago, Doubtful Sound is also New Zealand’s deepest fiord and is known for its spectacular waterfalls, the highest of which tumbles from 619m above.
Often known as the Sound of Silence, this is a place to experience true tranquility and pristine landscapes, alongside the delightful wildlife frequently seen in the fiord. Spot fur seals, the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins and the rare Fiordland crested penguin from the comfort of our boutique catamaran. As we near the Tasman Sea, look out for albatross, including the enormous Royal Albatross, which frequent the area, as well as elegant white herons and cattle egrets.
With nine climate-controlled cabins available, all with sea views and private ensuites, this is small group expeditioning at its best. Guests can choose to take a paddle out in our kayaks or explore the shorelines in our tender boat. Our crew are well versed on the history of the area and know all the best spots for pulling up crayfish and diving for seafood, providing the freshest possible ingredients for our passionate on board chefs.
Individual cabins can be booked for yourself, your small group of family and friends, or as a couple, for an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.
A maximum of 18 passengers.
DAY 1
Your adventure will start in Manapouri at 12.30pm with a boat transfer across Lake Manapouri to West Arm, where you will change to a coach to travel over the Wilmot Pass. Here you will capture breathtaking vistas of Doubtful Sound and the surrounding Mountains. You will board the Fiordland Jewel at Deep Cove.
DAY 2-3
Explore the many arms and islands that make up Doubtful Sound by kayak or by small boat/tender excursions around the inlets and bays. Wildlife is another reason to visit this fiord - keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and famous birds like the Fiordland crested penguin. Closer to the Tasman we may see Albatross. On day 3 you will return to Deep Cove for the transfer back to Manapouri, leaving 3.00pm for a 5.15pm arrival.
Please contact us to be placed on a waitlist if we receive a cancellation for any of our other scheduled departures in 2021.
Current availability in 2021
Wednesday December 15 - Friday December 17 - 2 cabins a/v - 2 Captain Cook
Current availability in 2022
Monday January 10 - Wednesday January 12 - 1 cabin a/v - 1 Captain Cook
Wednesday May 18 - Friday May 20 - 1 cabin a/v - 1 Resolution
Wednesday June 1 - Friday June 3 - 6 cabins a/v - 2 Captain Cook, 2 Endeavour, 2 Resolution
Wednesday June 15 - Friday June 17 - 5 cabins a/v - 4 Captain Cook, 1 Resolution
2021 | 2022 RATES
- Governor Cabin $4,000 | $2,000 per person (sleeps 2) - Super-King Dbl
- Captain Cook Cabin $3,600 | $1,800 per person (sleeps 2)- Super-King Dbl
- Endeavour Cabin $3,600 | $1,800 per person (sleeps 2) - 2 King Singles
- Resolution Cabin $2,800 | $1,400 per person, additional child 9-18 $675 (sleeps 4) - Single Bunkbeds
Retail prices are based on twin share, GST inclusive and in NZD, includes return transport per person Manapouri-Doubtful Sound (Boat/Coach), excludes beverages purchased from our licensed bar on board the Fiordland Jewel.
From 1 December 2021, all travellers travelling with Fiordland Discovery must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
- Return scenic coach/boat transfer from Manapouri-Deep Cove to/from the Fiordland Jewel
- All meals prepared by our on board chef in our commercial kitchen - all dietary requirements are catered for. Cooked & continental breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks between meals. Complimentary tea & coffee
- Use of our kayaks and top-deck hot tub each day (weather dependent)
- In each cabin: Toiletries, body wash & shampoo/conditioner (Evolu), hairdryer, linen and bath towels
Excludes
- Wine, beer & soft drinks (no spirits), these are available for you to purchase from our licensed on board bar. Please note: Do not bring alcohol on board with you, as this will breach our liquor license.
