Southern Secret Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise — Attraction in Fiordland Community

One of the best experiences I’ve had. I’ve travelled plenty but I still rank this right up there! David and Jenny were fabulous hosts -very friendly with lots of knowledge about the area. The first day was pretty cloudy and windy but the second day was worse so you would think we might have been disappointed but actually quite the opposite. The Fjord was moody and clouded in mist. Those of us who wanted to kayaked and caught fish. We saw the crayfish pot brought up full of crayfish. We got very up close and personal to a waterfall and we even went behind one. Well I did. - advice- just wear socks cos it fills your shoes. The meals were spectacular with crayfish and fish caught by our anglers on the menu. Because there was a small group of us we all really enjoyed relating and finding out where in the world everyone came from. Because the weather was bad we saw incredible waterfalls everywhere. David was skilled at finding calmer waters which was great. There were also less sand flies- also a huge plus. Advice. You definitely need a very good raincoat. Those from Europe had proper wet weather pants. They would be a great investment also. I also was very thankful for the woollen hat I quickly bought at Manapouri and the thermals I brought in case. It may be different in the summer but being prepared is probably the difference between getting outside and having to stay in if the weather turns bad. My advice take this overnight trip not...

What a great experience, they got everything right. Communications prior to the trip including change of dates due to Covid restricted travel handled smoothly. All the staff were lovely, pick up from accomodation (Allen), boat trip across Manapouri lake (Mark), the excellent attention of the captain Chris and chef Tresna on the overnight trip and then staff on the return journey. We had weather challenges but the group got to kayak, successful fishing in two spots, sightings of seals, yellow crested and blue penguins, a variety of birds and a beautiful young albatross. We also helped pull up a cray pot with many crayfish, some became dinner but others returned to the sound because of their size. This all happened due to the knowledge of the staff. There was rain and cloud on the return trip over Wilmot pass but on the previous day, when a little cloudy, Chris had stopped at many photo stops just in case, so we did not miss out on any view that was possible in the conditions. The hot, super fresh Danish pastries for the light breakfast on the last day were superb. The chefs ability to help with baiting fish hooks, coming to the back of the boat to mention penguins in the water about to pass by, cooking the freshly caught fish and crayfish two ways while also producing salads and fresh bread in a small kitchen and interacting with...

A group of 6 of us went on trip..joined by another 6 ( as sleeps 12 guests) what a most wonderful trip from get go . to finish. Sean our bus driver ..(after first boat over to power house)..drove us over Wilmott pass to Deep cove..and we unloaded gear onto the Southern Secret and met Jenny ..our hostess. Sean then became our skipper!!!good man. . Firstly I cannot say how much effort and energy Jenny put into our trip to make it so wonderful. Her food was timed so well and was absolutely gorgeous..every mouthful...she was a stunning hostest!!!with mostest.and did so many jobs on board..a total credit to her..!!! Apart from the wonderful peace ( no cell coverage..yaaa)and scenery and the great group we had on board..was fishing.(Jenny cooked some of the blue cod for dinner) . my highlights..kayaking...swimming.( jumping off boat ..at 70!!!!ll) ))and next day coming back the dolphins swimming along side us. 21 hours away..felt like 3 days..cannot recommend more highly. Cabins were great... I give 100% to this company for the Trip and have traveled extensively...good to actually do the local things at last...as they say..should do!!!before you leave the country. Cheers..suzi and Brent...