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Thrifty Tours

Overnight Adventure in Doubtful Sound

Your journey begins with boarding a comfortable coach and travelling from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, across the rolling farm country of Southland, before arriving at Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. After arriving, embark on a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau before following your guides into an underground cave system, exploring by foot and then by small boat, gliding through silent darkness to the magical glow worm grotto. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glowworms is a magical sight. The following morning, a new adventure begins! Travel from Te Anau to Manapouri by RealNZ coach to board the Fiordland Navigator for a very special dinner, bed and breakfast wilderness experience on Doubtful Sound. Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the South Island's fiords, home to several large waterfalls as well as hundreds of smaller waterfalls during the rainy season. This fiord is home to the southernmost population of bottlenose dolphins, and other wildlife to be found in the sound include penguins and fur seals. The scenic isolation of this special place makes the fiord a unique experience you're not likely to forget! Your Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise returns to Manapouri at midday, and you are then transported back to the adventure capital of Queenstown, where your journey comes to an end.

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Tour overview

Departs every day - flexible independent travel

This suggested tour costs from NZD$1,635 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Queenstown

3 days/2 nights

Hotel 3 star

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 17 times in the last 7 days

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Queenstown to Te Anau with Gray Line / GreatSights

Following the shores of Lake Wakatipu south the Remarkable mountain range towers over you as you approach township of Kingston. Then into Southland and rolling fertile farm country. Crossing the rolling tussock lands you pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand and into Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Te Anau Glow Worm Caves

Your Te Anau Glowworm Cave adventure begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau on board the new luxury catamaran, Luminosa, to the western side of the lake. Upon arrival there is time to view informative displays at Cavern House before the friendly guides invite you to accompany them underground in small groups. As you explore by path and small boat, your senses will be overwhelmed. Observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glowworms is a magical sight.

Your accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

The Te Anau Hotel and Villas offers a range of accommodation from hotel rooms and suites to villas. Ideally located on the lake front this hotel is just a few minutes stroll from the shops, cafes and many activities Te Anau has to offer.

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Doubtful Sound Fiordland Navigator Overnight Cruise from Te Anau

Travel from Te Anau to Manapouri by RealNZ coach to board the Fiordland Navigator for a very special dinner, bed and breakfast wilderness experience on Doubtful Sound. 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.

Your accommodation: Fiordland Navigator Overnight Boat in Doubtful Sound

The Fiordland Navigator is purpose built for cruising in the fiords. The vessel offers spacious viewing decks, a comfortable dining saloon and observation lounge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Real Journeys coach Manapouri to Queenstown

Your Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise returns to Manapouri at midday. Crossing the rolling tussock lands you pass through Mossburn, the deer capital of New Zealand. On the southern shore of Lake Wakatipu sits Kingston, home to classic steam train, The Kingston Flyer. Following the lake north the Remarkable mountain range towers over you as you approach the adventure capital of Queenstown.

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