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Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise: Explore Fiordland National Park's Remote Landmarks
4.7
468 Ratings
Manapouri
Embark on an 8-hour day trip into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park. Discover stunning landmarks, encounter dolphins and seals, and experience the unique ‘Sound of Silence’ on a luxurious cruise.
Embark on an 8-hour day trip into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park. Discover stunning landmarks, encounter dolphins and seals, and experience the unique ‘Sound of Silence’ on a luxurious cruise.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Lake Manapouri - Delight in a 45-minute scenic cruise across the breathtaking, island-dotted Lake Manapouri. This tranquil voyage offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush rainforest, perfectly setting the scene for the wilderness adventure ahead.
- Wilmot Pass - Disembark at West Arm and hop on a coach for a 45-minute drive…
- Lake Manapouri - Delight in a 45-minute scenic cruise across the breathtaking, island-dotted Lake Manapouri. This tranquil voyage offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush rainforest, perfectly setting the scene for the wilderness adventure ahead.
- Wilmot Pass - Disembark at West Arm and hop on a coach for a 45-minute drive over Wilmot Pass, climbing 671 meters through dense rainforest. This remarkable road, bordered by towering peaks, offers spectacular views of Pātea Doubtful Sound when conditions allow. On clear days, the panoramic view is unforgettable; on misty days, the fiord exudes an ethereal, mysterious charm. Be sure to stop for photos and appreciate whatever nature unveils.
- Doubtful Sound / Patea - Doubtful Sound, one of New Zealand’s most secluded fiords, offers a rare wilderness experience few have the chance to enjoy, made accessible through our memorable single-day adventure. Cruise along Doubtful Sound’s 40km stretch of pristine waterways surrounded by untouched nature, towering peaks, and majestic waterfalls. In New Zealand’s deepest fiord, explore the habitat of abundant native wildlife, such as bottlenose dolphins, NZ fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins. Discover one of the most expansive and awe-inspiring fiords in this epic wilderness.
- Wilmot Pass - Begin your return journey
- Lake Manapouri - Sit back and unwind on the stunning cruise back to the Manapouri visitor centre.
What's Included
- On-board live commentary
- On-board live commentary
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Embark on an 8-hour adventure into the secluded wilderness of Doubtful Sound, nestled in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Knowledgeable nature guides will be on hand to answer questions and highlight significant landmarks. This stunning fiord is a habitat for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals, which are frequently spotted. During certain seasons,…
Embark on an 8-hour adventure into the secluded wilderness of Doubtful Sound, nestled in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Knowledgeable nature guides will be on hand to answer questions and highlight significant landmarks. This stunning fiord is a habitat for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals, which are frequently spotted. During certain seasons, you might even see the elusive Fiordland crested penguins. Enjoy exploring Doubtful Sound’s expansive waterways aboard a luxurious vessel. A memorable experience is the ‘Sound of Silence,’ where the engines are turned off, allowing you to hear only the melodious birdsong while floating on the fiord.
To pre-order a picnic lunch, please contact the supplier directly after booking.
Ensure you arrive 20 minutes before departure for check-in.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a rain jacket or hat, as necessary
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please note: During survey the Patea Explorer will be substituted with another vessel from the RealNZ fleet
Location
64 Waiau Street
Waiau Street
Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(468 Ratings)
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Riley_h
Oct 3, 2025
Overall this was an... - Overall this was an awesome experience. There are two ~40min bus rides, so if you get car sick, pack some Dramamine! The boats were comfortable and had a lot of different viewing spaces which allowed it to feel spacious even with a large group. It can get cold out on the water, so definitely pack layers. The food and drinks on board are good, although the wait can get long around lunchtime. The scenery is incredible and definitely worth the trip!
Review provided by Viator
Martin_j
Oct 1, 2025
Amazing experience - The experience was amazing. Doubtful sound is a dream location. We enjoyed the experience and took some great snaps for memories.
Review provided by Viator
Amybthompson
Sep 23, 2025
Surreal experience - Unreal! Doubtful sound is much bigger and less crowded than Milford sound (which was also an incredible experience). I was blessed with a blue-sky day and we saw dancing dolphins and plenty of seals. The towering vastness of the mountains and the calm waters of the sound made for a surreal and peaceful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelvins499
Aug 24, 2025
Once in a lifetime trip! - An amazing trip! Worth every penny! A travellers MUST DO! trip. Great experience in our own backyard of wildlife and scenery which is epic inthe winter with the snow capped mountains in the back drop. Super variety of food available and great over night accomodation. Staff very accomodating and with zest and great attitudes!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kleonz
Aug 17, 2025
Moody mountains in Doubtful Sound - Our departure from Manapouri was in warm sunshine which unfortunately gradually disappeared as we neared the mountains. The driver on the bus ride over the Wilmott Pass kept us well informed of the history of the construction of the hydro dam. We stopped a couple of times for waterfall appreciation and photos but cloud was too low to get a distant view of Doubtful Sound itself. The cruise on the Sound was excellent, again with good commentary. There were occasional showers, but the clouds cleared now and then. The boat was very comfortable. We were taken to where the Sound opens to the Tasman Ocean. There was a definite swell there but not too bad. We saw the seals lazing on rocks before we turned around to head back. Three minutes of silence was experienced which was beautiful - no engines, no talking - just the sound of water and patter of rain. The whole day was very well organised and ran smoothly. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jacinta_o
Aug 10, 2025
Worth it - Although it is a long day it's worth it! The views from the first boat trip were lovely, the bus trip to the next boat was informative and very scenic and the driver had good humor!
Once in doubtful sound it was a whole other level! The dolphins put on a great show and the lovely boat team had some great advice on were to watch them! The added touch of "the sound of silence" was a perfect way to soak up the surroundings!
Review provided by Viator
Jane_j
Jun 22, 2025
Fabulous… spectacular… would do again - Absolutely sensational. Great bus driver, spectacular scenery. Would do again! We did both sounds and they are vastly different and so worth the money. Great guide.. good and drink available on board. Very pretty
Review provided by Viator
Tour60286878156
Sep 24, 2025
Great day out - Great stuff. Very friendly. Great commentary. Clean boats and buses. Nice options for food. Just a pity on the bad weather.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nosheen31
Aug 13, 2025
Hidden gem - It's a hidden gem, expensive yet worth taking this trip but as good as Milford Sound, where I have been many times but Doubtful Sound could also be an activity which can be explored during Queenstown trip.
Review provided by Viator
281cyn
Jun 10, 2025
Embarrassing highlight of the trip - Did the trip today with my family. 3 kids including 3 and 5 years old.
The trip included a part where the ship stops, engines turned off. The staff guide informed everyone on the moment of silence. Everyone was supposed to come out on the deck, stop making sound (also mentioned to stop nagging the kids), put aside all electronics and enjoy the silence. This was supposed to be a highlight of the trip. Unfortunately, that was difficult for us to manage with the kids. The young kids were making too much noise.
The kids were first "shhh" at by the staff guide. At that point the "shhh" was loud enough for all on the deck to hear. Subsequently we were asked to go into the ship interior 2 times, so that we don't disturb others. That embarrassing moment will certainly be the "highlight" of the trip for us and the most remembered part.
It certainly isn't our intention to disturb others. Perhaps RealNZ could really have better warning on what we are getting ourselves into, state that in the itinerary and brochure that only quiet travellers are allowed and warning on young kids. Preempt and prepare everyone before the activity, rather than expecting everyone to be able to act on command.
While the scenery can be decent, this will still be one of the rare times which I will hope I have not spent the money on the activity and even more importantly lost the time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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