Doubtful Sound Attractions & Things to do

Experience an 8-hour day trip into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound, the heart of Fiordland National Park, while nature guides answer questions and point out landmarks. This fiord is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals - both are often seen. In season, you may even catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Explore Doubtful Sound's vast waterways on board a luxurious vessel.. A highlight is experiencing the unique 'Sound of Silence', where you hear only birdsong while floating on the fiord with the engines turned off.

If you wish to pre-order a picnic lunch, please contact the supplier directly after you have made your booking.

Please be sure you arrive 20 minute before departure to check in.
Duration: 7 hours.

Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it's over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland's densest rainforest and to view the colorful alpine moss gardens before joining the 2-hour 45-minute Doubtful Sound Cruise that takes in the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound.
Duration: 9 hours.

Be struck by the beautiful silence of Doubtful Sound as you cruise the crystal waters and take in the breathtaking scenery. Journey across Lake Manapouri, cross over the 670-meter high Wilmot Pass and enjoy a 2 hour and 45-minute cruise through pure serenity that is Doubtful Sound.

This trip is a round trip of approximately 13 hours. If you wish to pre-order a picnic lunch, please contact the supplier directly after booking.

Hotel pick up/drop off from select locations is available - please call RealNZ directly to find out if there is a pick up close to your accommodation.
Please be sure to arrive at your pick up location 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Duration: 12 hours.

Experience the natural beauty of Doubtful Sound on an overnight cruise departing from Manapouri on New Zealand’s South Island. Cruise on a traditional two-mast sailing scow (flat-bottomed trading boat) along the pristine waters of the fiords, and see a vast array of wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins in their natural habitats.

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.
Duration: 2 days.

Please Note: Only available from 1 October - 30 April.
This three-day journey from Queenstown to Te Anau and back allows plenty of time to explore the magical Te Anau Glow Worm caves and spend a night on memorable Doubtful Sound; a remote fiord on a grand scale the likes of which you won’t believe! Experience tranquillity and isolation as you spend the night on Doubtful Sound before returning to Queenstown by scenic coach. An unforgettable way to experience the rugged South Island.

This is an Independent tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.
Duration: 3 days.

Discover the beauty of the second largest Fiord in the Fiordland National Park.

Being 10 times larger than Milford Sound there is plenty to view in the helicopter from rugged granite mountains rising approximately 2000 m above sea level, hidden alpine lakes with rushing waterfalls and the vast Tasman Sea meeting at the mouth of Doubtful Sound. You will also have a remote landing if the weather is suitable.
Duration: 1 hour.

This scenic flight visits both Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound. Two of Fourteen beautiful Fiords within the Fiordland National Park.

Doubtful Sound is the second largest Fiord in the Fiordland National Park and is most popular next to Milford Sound. Dusky Sound is one of the largest and complex Fiords in Fiordland, being 40km long and 8km at the widest part, it encompasses many islands and was named by Caption Cook in 1773.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Combine the magic of Fiordland's most popular Fiords into one flight. Departing from Milford Sound head in the direction of the Milford Track and Lake Ada before making your way down to Doubtful Sound. This is the second most popular Fiord in the Fiordland National Park. From Doubtful your next stop is Dusky Sound - one of the largest Fiords in the Fiordland National Park. Less known than Doubtful and Milford, Dusky's peacefulness and beauty adds to your experience. With multiple landings made through this flight you will be able to enjoy getting up close with nature as well as getting some great photos for your memories. Make your way back over the mountain scenes to view the large Lake Manapouri before you land at the Te Anau Manapouri Airport. From here you will be transported back to either Te Anau or Manapouri via vehicle. What a way to explore over half of the Fiordland National Park!


Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.