Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

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, Doubtul Sound will take your breath away.

There’s no direct road access, so the only way you can to 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 fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.

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.

Things you should know

• Check in 30 mins prior to your Coach Transfer from Queenstown to Manapouri
  
• You’ll cruise across crystal clear Lake Manapouri to West Arm
• A highlight is the coach trip through Fiordland’s rainforest and over Wilmot Pass
• Our dedicated nature guide will let you know all about the region's flora and fauna

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