Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises

More information about our Wilderness Cruise

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord. Three times longer than Milford Sound, with twisting arms, it has a surface area ten times larger. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.

There’s no direct road access, so the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road. We’ll pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.

In Doubtful Sound, you’ll board our spacious, purpose-built catamaran Patea Explorer for a 3 hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise our knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Things you should know

• You’ll cruise across crystal clear Lake Manapouri to West Arm
• A highlight is the coach trip through Fiordland’s rainforest and over Wilmot Pass
• Our dedicated nature guide will let you know all about the region's flora and fauna

Extra information

• Daily Queenstown and Te Anau coach connections (at extra cost) are available, with free transfers from most accommodation.
• Delicious lunch options are available (please pre-order for pick up at check-in)
• Sandwiches & snacks are also available on board to purchase (cash only)
• Complimentary tea and coffee is available
• Licensed bar on board (extra cost, cash only)
• The tour is suitable for all ages.

Getting there

All our Doubtful Sound experiences start in Manapouri which is around 2.5 – 3 hours from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau.

You can drive there yourself or if you’d much rather relax and let us do the driving, we offer coach connections from Queenstown and Te Anau.

Our coach drivers are extremely knowledgeable about the area, its history and local flora and fauna and will provide you with informative commentary along the way. 

What to bring

Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent and camera.

Lunch Options

Picnic Lunch

Adult $19, Child $19 (1 Oct 2017 - 30 Sep 2018)

Turkish Bread - fillings including a combination of Lettuce, Cucumber, Beef, Swiss Cheese, Alpha Sprouts, Mayonnaise, Apricot & Capsicum Chutney; Honey Muesli Slice; Cheese and Crackers; Apple; Grapes; After Dinner Mint; Complimentary Tea and Coffee.

Deluxe Picnic Lunch

Adult $26, Child $26 (1 Nov 2016 - 30 Sep 2018)

Bread roll- fillings including a combination of Lettuce, Cucumber, Beef, Swiss Cheese, Alpha Sprouts, Mayonnaise, Apricot & Capsicum Chutney; Croissant with Ham & Swiss Cheese & Aioli; Apricot & Coconut Slice and Chocolate Muesli Brownie; Cheese and Crackers; Apple; Grapes; Dried Fruit/Nut Mix (Trail mix); After Dinner Mint; Complimentary Tea and Coffee.

Noodle Lunch Box

Adult $19, Child $19 (1 Oct 2017 - 30 Sep 2018)

Noodle Box, 2 Pieces of seasonal fruit, Cheese & Crackers, A piece of Chocolate Cake, Complimentary Tea and Coffee.

Please Note: If you require a vegetarian lunch, or if you have any special dietary needs please add this into the comments box during the booking process. Please order your lunch when you make your booking. Lunches to be picked up at the Manapouri Visitor Centre prior to boarding the vessel. Lunch menus are indicative only.