Fiordland is one of the southern hemisphere’s great wilderness regions for its stunning natural features, exceptional beauty and role in demonstrating the earth’s evolutionary history. Home to Mitre Peak, the stunning fiords of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, the beautiful lakeside towns of Te Anau and Manapouri, and home of many of New Zealands Great Walks, Fiordland is known as the sightseeing and walking capital of the world.
Sometimes called the ‘Sound of Silence’ Doubtful Sound is the deepest and second longest of the South Island’s fiords. Deep Cove Charter's is Kiwi owned and operated and has been running overnight cruises in Doubtful Sound since 2003. Diane and Chris Lemin have lived in Manapouri for many, many years and as a result have a high level of local knowledge. The local duo loves greeting tourists, and creating a fantastic 'bucket list' experience for those who travel to Doubtful Sound, by treating them to an experience of a lifetime on their charter boat, SEAFINN.
The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Take a little more time to truly experience Doubtful Sound on an all inclusive overnight cruise with Deep Cove Charters. The Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises can accommodate up to 12 guests and holds 6 private cabins. SEAFINN includes a neat, tidy and open lounge and dining area for guests to comfortably relax. There are two bathrooms, shower, and a wash basin with hot and cold running water, and the bedroom cabins are located downstairs with fresh linen, towels, and duvets. With full access around the outdoor deck, passengers can soak up stunning views as they cruise through the Sounds.
Your Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise starts in Manapouri just a 20 to 30 minute drive from Te Anau in the South Island of New Zealand. Diane will welcome you, and guide you on board SEAFINN to meet your crew. Once settled, enjoy a 50 minute boat ride across Lake Manapouri, one of New Zealand’s most scenic lakes, followed by a 45 minute drive by vehicle over the mighty Wilmot Pass where you will enjoy your first magnificent views of Doubtful Sound.
SEAFINN will take you through the many hidden gems of Doubtful Sound, and ventures all the way out to the open Tasman sea. During your experience, guests can can go fishing, take a refreshing kayak, and fully embrace your paradise journey through Fiordland.
Fishing and Wildlife in Doubtful Sound
Try your hand at catching your evening meal – some favourite catches are blue cod, sea perch, tarakihi, school groper, and if you are lucky you might even pull up a cage of crayfish! Fiordland is known as being one of New Zealands most stunning locations, and it is a treat to marvel at all of the raw beauty and wildlife. The Sounds are home to some of our most secret wildlife, and you may be lucky enough to see pods of New Zealand Bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins, and perhaps the Royal Albatross. One of guests most memorable moments is spotting the pure wildlife that lives within the Sounds.
Kayak Doubtful Sound
Try your hand at kayaking Doubtful Sound! The crew will put you safely into the water and let you explore for awhile – couldn’t get closer to nature than that! You might be lucky enough to have a few dolphins join you during your paddle…
Relax in the evening
In the evening, enjoy a hearty and friendly meal with fellow guests. It can be anything from wonderfully tender New Zealand venison to what fish you caught that day! After your meal, the real treat is admiring the spectacular southern sunsets that Doubtful Sound is renowned for. With a glass of wine of course!
Breakfast cruise back to Deep Cove and on to Manapouri
After a lovely comfortable night in your private cabin enjoy a delightful continental breakfast. Then it's back across the Wilmot Pass to Lake Manapouri where you board the transfer boat bound for Manapouri. Diane will be waiting for you, just to make sure you had a wonderful time, and to wish you well!
Boat Charters
If you would like to discover Fiordland in a relaxing and personal way, join ‘Deep Cove Charters on a charter.’ Diane and Chris have been running Deep Cove Charters and find great joy in sharing their most cherished part of their lives with others. Explore any of Fiordland’s spectacular sounds with the team, itineraries can be tailored to your preference. Go hunting, fishing, diving or just relax during your cruise - the options are endless!
Deep Cove Charters can offer cruises/ charters for up to 12 passengers (group bookings) for the months of April-May-June, September-October and can choose between five to seven (or more) nights . Diane and Chris look forward to making you trip to Fiordland as magical as possible, and you are guaranteed to have a memorable time from the moment you step on board of SEAFINN.
