RealNZ Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Located deep in the heart of a World Heritage Area, Doubtful Sound is an overwhelming place. You can feel the power of nature here – the remoteness, the wildness and the peace. A Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise takes visitors deep into the majestic fiord.

Known for its wilderness and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and it is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound.

Today, Doubtful Sound remains an unspoilt wilderness of many moods; one minute clear, blue and sun-drenched, the next mysterious and mist-cloaked.

Activity Options

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

When you discover Doubtful Sound you will be struck by its silence – a silence broken only by birdsong, or maybe the rushing of a distant waterfall
Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri – a stunning lake renowned for its numerous islands and deserted beaches
Travel underground by coach to see the Manapouri Underground Power Station
Then it’s over Wilmot Pass, on one of New Zealand’s remotest and prettiest sub-alpine roads, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland’s most dense rainforest and to view Doubtful Sound glistening far below
On reaching Deep Cove, you will board the Patea Explorer a spacious catamaran, for a three hour cruise that takes in the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound
Your nature guides provide an engaging commentary and point out highlights
Keep a look out for wildlife as bottlenose dolphins frequently swim alongside our vessel, fur seals bask on the rocks around the fiord and rare penguins can at times be observed

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise departing Manapouri

November – April: 8.00 am & 10.00 am
May – October: 9.45 am
26 December – 28 February: Additional sailing at 11.00 am

Coach-Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise-Coach departing Te Anau

November – April: 7.00 am & 9.30 am
May – October: 8.45 am
25 December – 28 February: Additional sailing at 10.00 am

Extras

Lunch options available, must be pre ordered: Deluxe Picnic Lunch and Picnic Lunch

Duration

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise departing Manapouri: 8 hours
Coach-Cruise-Coach departing Te Anau: 9 hours 45 minutes

Other Information

Check in 20 minutes prior to departure time
Suitable for all ages
What to bring: Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent and camera.

Location

Wilderness Cruises depart from RealNZ Visitor Centre, Manapouri, otherwise if taking the coach option, pick-ups are available from most in-town accommodation.

Book a Doubtful Sound Day Cruise

You can book a Doubtful Sound tour separately or as part of one of our New Zealand holiday packages. We bundle activities, accommodation, and transportation together for convenient, affordable New Zealand holidays.

These popular New Zealand holiday packages include the Real Journeys Doubtful Sound tour:

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to plan your Doubtful Sound activities.