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Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise: Explore Fiordland National Park's Remote Landmarks
4.8
324 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.
Duration:
7 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Doubtful Sound - Take in the scenery and wildlife aboard our comfortable catamaran. Our on board nature guides will be giving an informative commentary throughout the journey.
- Lake Manapouri - Cruise across Lake Manapouri to the Wilmot Pass at the beginning of your journey.
What's Included
- On-board live commentary
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Embark on a full-day excursion to the secluded Doubtful Sound located in the heart of Fiordland National Park with our experienced nature guides who will provide information and identify landmarks. This fiord is a natural habitat for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals, which are commonly sighted. During the season, you might spot the seldom-seen Fiordland crested penguins. Cruise through the expansive waterways of Doubtful Sound on a deluxe ship. One of the highlights is the unique ‘Sound of Silence’, a moment when the ship’s engines are turned off and you can listen to the melodic bird song whilst drifting on the fiord.
If you are interested in reserving a picnic lunch in advance, please get in touch with the provider once your reservation is confirmed.
Ensure to arrive 20 minutes prior to departure time 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.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(324 Ratings)
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Kd1289
May 27, 2024
Amazing trip! - Amazing trip! Epic views all day long, from the boat crossing Lake Manapouri to the bus ride over the pass to the cruise in Doubtful Sound. So peaceful given the lack of other boats, and different landscape vs. Milford Sound. Couldn't recommend more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kiwiwanderers02
May 23, 2024
Wilderness Two Night Cruise - like no other! - We chose to do the two night cruise and are so pleased we did. We had an unforgettable time with Captain Blake and his team.
The service was great, food great (it seemed we were always eating), the ride in the tenders great, and the views were exceptional with three days of clear weather!
Lots of memories made with photos of stunning reflections, sunsets, sunrises, nightscapes!
Even got some great video of Bottlenose dolphins and an albatross who wanted to play behind the boat.
Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Abigail_h
May 15, 2024
absolute must see! - this was the most memorable part of my trip to New Zealand. lots of people said doubtful sound was worth checking out in addition to Milford and they were so very right. it was really nice being able to spend a longer period of time marveling in the beauty of this fjord.
Review provided by Viator
Excursion57196070811
Apr 22, 2024
What a treat! - The welcoming staff and Doubtful Sound will never disappoint! Spectacular scenery in all conditions makes this excursion a photograpghers dream! Sure to be an absolute highlight of your travels. Thanks Team at Real NZ!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lauracmilner83
Apr 16, 2024
The best boat trip I've ever taken! - What an amazing experience onboard the Navigator for a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. Thanks so much!!The best boat trip I’ve ever taken! Thanks also for giving us glorious sunshine and the atmospheric clouds the next day 😉
The views, the staff, the food and the comfort were all outstanding. We got the luxury of exploring the sound by kayak, and experiencing an amazing sunset over the Tasman.
Shout out to Brock for his amazing insight and commentary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janice_w
Apr 15, 2024
Magnificent - The Doubtful Sound Willderness experience was the highlight of our trip to Te Anau/ Manapouri.
I enjoyed the commentary, which was entertaining and informative. The scenery was something else! It was a magnificent day, a real treat for the senses!
Review provided by Viator
Maureen_e
Apr 13, 2024
A spectacular place to see - The experience was well run. The views were magnificent! The guide did an excellent job. It was a wonderful day!
Review provided by Viator
Diane
Apr 11, 2024
Stunning views and crew. - Had the best trip on both boats and bus. All of the staff were very well informed and did a great job. The scenery was stunning and commentary excellent. Would highly recommend this trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alics7411df
Apr 11, 2024
Doubtful? Never in Doubt, one of the best day cruises ever! - Hard to find words to describe this experience. Our day started in fog and mist, then brilliant sunrise, followed by bright blue sky and ending in overcast clouds.
This day is forever etched into my memory bank. The dolphins came to play with us. the sea was calm and when the engines stopped the silence was sublime.
Next time I'm booking the overnight stay.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_m
Apr 27, 2024
Long day - Doubtful Sound is beautiful, but this tour makes for a very long day. 45-minute boat ride across the lake, 45-minute bus ride over the mountain, then a 3-hr boat around Doubtful Sound. Another 1.5 hrs to return to Manapouri.
Review provided by Viator
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