Lake Manapouri 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.

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.

Admire New Zealand’s natural beauty from the air on this 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over Fiordland from Te Anau. Soar high over Fiordland with a guide and admire panoramic views over natural landmarks including Lake Manapouri, Lake Te Anau and the farmlands of the Te Anau basin. Take photographs during a remote landing, and listen as a guide brings the beautiful scenery to life. This tour includes round-trip travel from your Te Anau hotel.
Duration: 20 minutes.

This flight covers a huge part of the Fiordland National Park - departing from the iconic Milford Sound you fly over a portion of the Milford Track - one of New Zealands Great Walks. What an easy way to see this track!

If the weather is suitable, you may get views of one of New Zealands highest waterfalls - the Sutherland Falls.

Heading south along Fiordlands main divide of mountains, many differing views appear including hidden alpine lakes, rocky mountain peaks and if you look really hard, some hardy animals like red deer.

Descending over the mountains takes you closer to Lake Te Anau, Te Anau township and Lake Manapouri for landing at Te Anau Airport.
Duration: 40 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.