Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri

Travel with us to the heart of Fiordland National Park and take in the beauty and vastness of remote Doubtful Sound on our Wilderness Cruise. It will take your breath away as you experience its deep wilderness.

• A 3-hour cruise of Doubtful Sound, exploring beautiful waterways on our way to meet the Tasman Sea
• Commentary by our knowledgeable onboard nature guide
• Wildlife viewing, including dolphins, fur seals, and even occasionally penguins
• Start with a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip over the epic Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Sound.
• Duration: 7 hours 15 mins to 8 hours

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord. Three times longer than Milford Sound, with twisting arms, it has a surface area ten times larger. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest, and twisting hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.

There’s no direct road access, so the only way you can get to Doubtful Sound is a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road. We’ll pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this field a very special place, only those in the know get to see it.

In Doubtful Sound, you’ll board our spacious, purpose-built catamaran Patea Explorer for a 3-hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise, our knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks, and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Experience the spectacular, remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound on our guided day trip.

Start with a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip over the epic Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Sound.

Cruise for 3 hours through the waterways of Doubtful Sound.

Knowledgeable guardians will provide commentary and share their passion for this spectacular part of New Zealand

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, this could include bottlenose dolphins, seals, penguins, and seabirds

Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard

Extra information

• Delicious lunch options are available (please pre-order for pick up at check-in)
• Sandwiches & snacks are also available on board to purchase (cash only)
• Complimentary tea and coffee is available
• Licensed bar on board (extra cost, cash only)
• The tour is suitable for all ages.

Getting there

All our Doubtful Sound experiences start in Manapouri which is around 2.5 – 3 hours from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau.

Our coach drivers are extremely knowledgeable about the area, its history, and local flora and fauna and will provide you with informative commentary along the way. 

What to bring

Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent and camera.