NZ Tourism.com Doubtful Sound Tours
Doubtful Sound is a haven of nature with ancient rainforests, abundant wildlife, and superb physical grandeur.
Practically untouched by man, the fiord has a deep stillness, a sense of solitude and serenity – it is quite simply and unquestionably breathtaking.
New Zealand fur seals and Fiordland crested penguins can be seen on many of the small islets at the entrance to the fiord, while bottlenose dolphins can often be sighted as they swim alongside the boats. Several outstanding waterfalls adorn the rich bush-clad walls.
Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords at 421 meters deep and is long and winding with three distinct arms between Deep Cove and the open sea a distance of over 40 kilometers. The soaring a
The 900-meter sea cliff of Commander Peak marks an imposing entrance to Hall Arm, one of the most beautiful in all of Fiordland.
Captain James Cook sighted the entrance to Doubtful Sound on his first voyage to New Zealand in 1770 and called it Doubtful Harbour.
The trip to Doubtful Sound starts with a boat trip across beautiful Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus journey over the rugged Wilmot Pass. This 22-kilometre road connects West Arm in Lake Manapouri to Deep Cove in Doubtful Sound, and was built during the construction of the power project, A trip to the underground power station at West Arm to view the massive turbines inside the mountain cavern makes an interesting side trip. The road across Wilmot Pass follows the Spey Valley with views of rivers, forests, and mountains, Prolific growth of ferns and mosses amidst the podocarp forests are testimony to the high rainfall in the area, and creates an attractive display.
MANAPOURI & DOUBTFUL SOUND
The tiny town of Manapouri is the departure point for trips to Doubtful Sound and walks such as the Manapouri Track. With no road access, Doubtful Sound does not have as many visitors – this ensures that those who do make the journey have a real back-to-nature experience.
You´ll ❤️ these great things to see & do…
- Cascading waterfalls and serene beauty
- Fur seals and penguins
- Rich in flora and fauna
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness & Overnight Cruises
- Scenic bus trips across Wilmot Pass
- Best Tours to Doubtful Sound depart from Manapouri
Useful Doubtful Sound Resources
Doubtful Sound Day Overnight Cruises & Tours
Listing view
Doubtful Sound Day Cruise deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park
Doubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforests & twisting, hidden inlets - all deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Known for its pristine beauty and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals - both of which are often seen. In season, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.Day Cruise Highlights
A day excursion into this pristine fiord begins with a cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri to West Arm. You will then board a ....
Doubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets - all deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Known for its pristine beauty and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals - both of which are often seen. In season, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. A day excursion into this pristine fiord begins with a cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri to West Arm. You will then board a coach and travel the sub-alpine road over Wilmot Pass, pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. On arrival in Doubtful Sound, board our spacious catamaran Patea Explorer for a three-hour cruise through som....
Coach & Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises & Coach - from Queenstown Your excursion begins with a short cruise across island-studded Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass. You will then descend to Doubtful Sound to meet the crew of the Fiordland Navigator awaiting you in Deep Cove. The Fiordland Navigator is designed along the lines of a traditional sailing vessel, combining the charm of a bygone era with all modern comforts including spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon/fully licensed bar and an observation lounge. During the afternoon, you will cruise the full length of the fiord, weaving through hidden coves and waterways. Bottlenose dolphins are often encountered, fur seals bask on the rocks and, at times, rare penguins can be seen. As evening draws near, the crew will drop anchor in a sheltered cove, allowing you to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender craft (small boat) with a ....