Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

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 3-hour catamaran cruise through pure serenity that is Doubtful Sound.

Hidden in the south-west corner of New Zealand's South Island, deep in the heart of the Fiordland National Park, lies Doubtful Sound. Ten times larger than Milford Sound it is an unspoiled wilderness of many moods, one minute clear, blue and sun drenched, the next mysterious and mist shrouded. A wild place of dense rainforest, rugged peaks, cascading waterfalls and deep still waters - quiet, serene and green!

Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then enjoy a road trip over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland's densest rainforest and to view the colorful alpine moss gardens.

On reaching Deep Cove, you will board a spacious catamaran for a three hour cruise that takes in the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound. The skipper provides a detailed commentary and point out highlights. Keep a look out for wildlife as bottlenose dolphins frequently come alongside the vessel, fur seals bask on the rocks around the fiord and rare penguins can at times be observed.

USD $166.35

Review by: Karen Y	March 2012
Good winery tour visiting 4 local wineries with a tasting plate for lunch at the first winery. Excellent value

Review by: Anthony S	December 2011
Excellently organised trip, with highly knowledgeable guides, in a beautiful setting. A long day given a c.12hr round trip, but well worth it for the experience of Doubtful Sound.

Review by: Michelle D	June 2011
What an amazing and beautiful trip this was! At first it was really cold and cloudy, but once we got to Doubtful the sun came out and we got to see beautiful dramatic landscape with lush green forests, some seals and even really cool bottlenose dolphins! Our Captain was a great commentator and really funny too. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone traveling to Queenstown or in the south island!! It's a must!

Review by: David J M	April 2011
Excellent excursion, the was typical to the quality and service we found through New Zealand. Customer service is very import, being on time, clean and politeness at all times. Shame we cannot adopt in the UK

Review by: Vivian B	March 2011
An excellent well organised trip to Doubtful Sound. We would certainly recommend to friends visiting NZ.

Review by: wayne r	March 2011
It was great and my wife and friends loved every minute of it. Would tell any body to do this trip when in NZ.

Review by: Nola G	March 2011
It was an absolutely beautiful experience. The area is just an outstanding example of the natural beauty. We had a misty typical fjord day which I think enhanced the wonder. It certainly multiplied the number of waterfalls that could be seen. Lake Manapouri is a tantalising entree with the coach trip to Deep Cove a welcome short change before the main course of the Sound itself. The return trip was equally beautiful with an interesting side trip to the Power Station. We arrived back at Manapouri sated by the beauty of the area: and I should add totally depleted camera batteries (including the spare). We had coached down from Queenstown and that scenery is just an appetizer for such a great day. The trip back was great too. Some years ago I had been to Milford Sound and really enjoyed it. If I was asked which trip to choose, I would pump for Doubtful Sound.

Review by: Anna G	December 2010
Great trip. The guide was very good, gave us lots of information and answered our questions. The scenery was amazing, The day was perfect. The tea and coffee was much appreciated!

Review by: Sheree V, Australia	February 2010
Beautiful! What more could you ask for, seals and flipping dolphins and don't forget the view. Beware though that this is a long day and like yourself there are many tourists on one big boat. Be quick to secure a good spot or you will be bombarded with pushy photo snapping tourists.

Review by: Robert E, United States of America	November 2009
The trip from Queenstown to Doubtful Sound was wonderful, with drivers who provided thoughtful commentaries on the amazing landscapes and fellow passengers who shared his enthusiasm. Don't be put off by the length of this day trip, which included a surprising bus ride deep into the Manapouri power station and the unforgettable cruise of Doubtful Sound aboard a very comfortable ship.

Review by: Melinda T, United States of America	September 2009
This trip is very long, 12 hours and only 3 hours is actually in the Doubtful Sound Area. The rest involves both Coach and Boat Cruise getting out to the area. The day we went in September it was cloudy and rainy. They said it often rains in the area and acted like is was more the norm than the exception. I would wait to book this trip until you are in Queenstown and know for sure the weather will be good.

Review by: James T	September 2009
This trip is very long, 12 hours and only 3 hours is actually in the Doubtful Sound Area. The rest involves both Coach and Boat Cruise getting out to the area. The day we went in September it was cloudy and rainy. They said it often rains in the area and acted like is was more the norm than the exception. I would wait to book this trip until you are in Queenstown and know for sure the weather will be good.

Review by: Kelly G, United Kingdom	December 2007
A wonderful trip from start to finish. The whole tour was well thought out and well paced. Doubtful Sound is breathtaking and a must see on any trip to NZ.

Review by: Elizabeth E, United Kingdom	April 2007
The tour was well organised, the scenery was fantastic and the cruise was delightful and informative. We all enjoyed it very much.