Q: how far away from Beechwood Lodge is the departure point for Doubtful Sound?
Few minutes drive or 15 minutes easy down-hill walk. (Pick-up lunches at our local bakery along the way).

Q: luggage storage & car parking - what facilities available?
If you stay at Beechwood Lodge. the day before & the day after your cruise, .your room/suite is .'on hold'
at no extra cost, .providing you book the cruise through us. .Free shuttle to/from the cruise included.

The lodge/suite is not re-booked while you are away on the cruise. Leave your luggage etc., in your suite, step out the door at 12 noon, and board the coach. You are only charged for 2 lodge nights. No charge for the day/night you are away on the cruise.

Q: if checking-out from Beechwood Lodge and departing for the overnight cruise, can luggage be stored?
Yes, however, check-out time is 10 a.m. prompt as housekeeping needs to be completed before the
next guests arrive. You will need to drive yourself to the marina / cruise departure point.

Note: for luggage storage in the above instance, please confirm storage arrangements in advance as the lodge manager needs to be available to meet you when you return from the cruise.

Q: are there small boats with fewer passengers, option for overnight cruise excursions?

Yes, we can can book a small boat / max 12 passengers, with private en-suite cabins.

Q: what about sea-sickness?

Very unlikely. Boat operators report only 4 people sick in 10 years. Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound are
long, narrow fiords that are well-protected from the open ocean. While strong winds can whip up a little bit
of a wave chop, the big swells that cause sea-sickness are rare.

Q: what should I pack?

Overnight bag only: non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, change of clothes,
sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, swimwear (optional), camera, cash for bar and snacks.

Q: how long is the day cruise, is lunch included, is there car access to Doubtful Sound?

No road. No car access. Round trip 8 hrs. Journey starts with a 40 min boat trip across Lake Manapouri to
the Visitor Centre; then by coach, 20km/12mile to the cruise boat. Actual cruise time in Doubtful Sound
is around 3 hrs. Lunch not included, our local bakery makes lunches.

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