Doubtful Sound Day & Overnight Cruises Real NZ
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises – Day & Overnight Options
Discover the Untouched Beauty of Doubtful Sound in Fiordland
Doubtful Sound, the second-largest fiord in Fiordland National Park, is an unspoiled paradise of rugged hills, dense rainforest, and secluded inlets.
Often called the “Sound of Silence,” its remote wilderness is accessible only by an adventurous journey across Lake Manapouri and a scenic drive over Wilmot Pass.
This isolation makes Doubtful Sound a rare gem, offering a serene escape from the crowds.
On our Wilderness Day Cruise or Fiordland Navigator Overnight Cruise, you’ll witness diverse marine life, including bottlenose dolphins, playful fur seals, and the elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin.
For those seeking a hands-on experience, join a guided kayaking tour and explore secret coves and overnight camp under starlit skies.
Whether starting from Queenstown or Te Anau, we provide seamless transfers, ensuring your experience is stress-free and unforgettable. Doubtful Sound is more than a destination—it’s a journey into one of New Zealand’s most pristine landscapes.
Book your Doubtful Sound adventure today to experience nature’s untouched grandeur!
Doubtful Sound Cruise Options:
Doubtful Sounds Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri
Price: Adults $389 pp Child: $195 pp
Cruise departs: Manapouri Daily 7:30am & 10:30 am
Cruise duration: 7.5 Hours approx
With ten times the surface area of Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is one of the most stunning fiords in the world. You’ll be taken aback by Doubtful Sound’s rocky peaks, lush rainforest, and winding inlets.
The only way to get to Doubtful Sound is to take a boat ride across Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus ride over Wilmot Pass, New Zealand’s most expensive and scenic road.
As we make our way through the dense Fiordland rainforest, we’ll catch a glimpse of the shimmering Doubtful Sound below us. Those who are privy to its secrets appreciate how remote the fiord is.
Patea Explorer will take you on a 3 hour (roughly) tour on Doubtful Sound, a breathtakingly beautiful and undeveloped fiord.
Our professional and personable captain or wildlife guide will share their enthusiasm for the area with you throughout the voyage.
Aside from answering any questions you might have, they’re always willing to point out interesting sites and share as much information as possible about the diverse animals you may encounter, such as dolphins, fur seals, and the extremely uncommon Fiordland crested penguin.
The Patea Explorer may be replaced by the M.V. Sinbad, Mariner, or Fiordland Navigator if maintenance or schedules necessitate.
Doubtful Sound Cruise & Coach from Queenstown
Price: Adults $499 pp Child: $305 pp
Cruise departs: 6.55 am Coach from Queenstown
Coach & Cruise duration: 12 Hours approx
Experience the spectacular, remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound on our guided day trip from Queenstown
Doubtful Sound is a gorgeous fjord that is three times longer than Milford Sound and ten times greater in surface area, with winding arms. Doubtful Sound’s craggy hills, lush rainforest, and twisting, secret inlets will steal your breath away.
There is no direct road access to Doubtful Sound, therefore the only way to get there is through a sail across Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus ride over Wilmot Pass, New Zealand’s most expensive (and magnificent) road.
We will stop along the journey to observe the lush Fiordland rainforest and the sparkling Doubtful Sound below. This fiord’s remoteness makes it a particularly special spot that only those in the know are permitted to visit.
Upon arrival, you’ll join the Patea Explorer for a three-hour trip on Doubtful Sound, a spectacularly pure fiord.
During the voyage, our skilled and personable captain or naturalist will share their enthusiasm for the region.
They are always willing to answer questions, point out sights, and provide information on the diverse animals you may encounter, such as dolphins, fur seals, and the Fiordland crested penguin, which are endangered.
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (Two Days / One Night)
Price: Adults from $926 pp Child from $459
Single Occupancy: $1799
Cruise departs: Manapouri 12:30 pm
Cruise duration: Two days one night
Escape to the peace and tranquillity of Doubtful Sound on a magical overnight cruise
Join an incredible Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise and explore Fiordland National Park’s unspoilt and secluded landscape.
You will cruise over magnificent Lake Manapouri, travel the subalpine route through deep rainforest over Wilmot Pass, and land in Deep Cove to embark on your overnight yacht.
Enjoy private cabins with ensuite bathrooms or quad share bunk-style chambers, explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat (weather permitting), and have a nature ranger aid you in seeing bottlenose dolphins, seals, and penguins. Provided are a three-course dinner buffet and a cooked continental breakfast.
Duration
Two days, one night experience in remote Doubtful Sound
- About
Nature Guide to provide commentary, assist with wildlife spotting, and host kayaking and tender craft activities (weather dependant)
- Three-course buffet dinner plus a cooked and continental breakfast prepared by our on-board chef
- Snacks and drinks are available for purchase with both eftpos or cash
- Scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over the beautiful Willmot Pass
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (Three Days / Two Nights)
Price: Adults $929 pp Child from $465
Single Occupancy: $1799
Cruise departs: Manapouri 12:30 pm
Cruise duration: Three days two nights
MAY 2025 ONLY
An unforgettable Experience
Discover the untouched and secluded landscape of Fiordland National Park on a Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise.
Take a scenic cruise over Lake Manapouri, go through deep rainforest, and arrive at Deep Cove to board your overnight ship.
A nature guide provides commentary and helps guests spot wildlife such as bottlenose dolphins, seals, and penguins.
Enjoy private cabins with ensuite bathrooms or bunk-style compartments that can accommodate four people. You can also explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat (depending on weather conditions). A three-course dinner and a continental breakfast are included.
Duration
Three day, two-night experience in remote Doubtful Sound
About
Nature Guide to provide commentary, assist with wildlife spotting, and host water activities and walks (weather dependant)
- Three-course buffet dinner plus a cooked and continental breakfast prepared by our on-board chef
- Scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over the beautiful Willmot Pass
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