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Glide through mirror-like waters as towering cliffs rise around you – it's just you, your paddle, and pure wilderness.
Book Doubtful Sound Cruises
- Why not kick off your Doubtful Sound adventure from Manapouri? Begin your full-day trip starting with a cruise on Lake Manapouri's pristine waters.
- Allow your nature guide to enthrall you with vivid commentary as you journey over Wilmot Pass by coach, marveling at Fiordland Rainforest's beauty.
- Take in the comfort of a spacious catamaran as you enjoy a 3-hr cruise on Doubtful Sound's waters, savoring tea or coffee amidst nature's splendor.
- Encounter fur seals, dolphins, and rare Fiordland crested penguins, while multilingual interpretation sheets enrich your understanding of the region.
- Why not kick off your Doubtful Sound adventure from Manapouri? Begin your full-day trip starting with a cruise on Lake Manapouri's pristine waters.
- Allow your nature guide to enthrall you with vivid commentary as you journey over Wilmot Pass by coach, marveling at Fiordland Rainforest's beauty.
- Take in the comfort of a spacious catamaran as you enjoy a 3-hr cruise on Doubtful Sound's waters, savoring tea or coffee amidst nature's splendor.
- Encounter fur seals, dolphins, and rare Fiordland crested penguins, while multilingual interpretation sheets enrich your understanding of the region.
Inclusions
- Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour
- Cruise across Lake Manapouri
- Coach trip over Wilmot Pass
- Knowledgable nature guide
- Informative commentary
- Interpretation hand-out sheets in 5 languages: English, German, French, Spanish & Japanese
- Complimentary tea & coffee
Exclusions
- Meals & drinks
- Tip: Arrive early to take a pre-cruise stroll on Lake Manapouri's shore, a hidden gem itself.
- Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.
- It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a warm sweater or fleece jacket.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- A treat for nature lovers, experience a full-day tour of Doubtful Sound as you begin your odyssey from Te Anau through rolling hills and lush valleys.
- Enjoy a complimentary coffee/tea while learning about Doubtful Sound’s glacial origins and rich Maori heritage from your guide.
- Set sail on Lake Manapouri’s tranquil waters, then cross the breathtaking Wilmot Pass for panoramic views of verdant rainforests and rugged peaks.
- Marvel at the diverse wildlife – from whales and albatrosses to the elusive Fiordland crested penguins against a backdrop of stunning beauty.
- Pick up your cameras and snap incredible pictures of the Browne Falls while relaxing on a 3-hour catamaran cruise.
- A treat for nature lovers, experience a full-day tour of Doubtful Sound as you begin your odyssey from Te Anau through rolling hills and lush valleys.
- Enjoy a complimentary coffee/tea while learning about Doubtful Sound’s glacial origins and rich Maori heritage from your guide.
- Set sail on Lake Manapouri’s tranquil waters, then cross the breathtaking Wilmot Pass for panoramic views of verdant rainforests and rugged peaks.
- Marvel at the diverse wildlife – from whales and albatrosses to the elusive Fiordland crested penguins against a backdrop of stunning beauty.
- Pick up your cameras and snap incredible pictures of the Browne Falls while relaxing on a 3-hour catamaran cruise.
Inclusions
- Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour
- Knowledgeable nature guide
- Coach transfers from Te Anau to Manapouri
- 3-hour Doubtful Sound cruise
- Lake Manapouri cruise
- Coach trip over Wilmot Pass
- Complimentary tea & coffee
Exclusions
- Food & beverages
- Drinks from the open bar
- Hall Arm is a scenic masterpiece that showcases nature's beauty at its finest. Get your camera ready when you pass and prepare for a visual treat.
- Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.
- Pack a waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, and non-slip shoes/boots for a weather-ready kit; who knows when the skies might decide to be moody?
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Looking for an offbeat experience? Absorb the beauty of pristine nature on this full-day tour, complete with a nature guide and transfers from Queenstown.
- Witness the allure of Lake Manapouri's waters on a cruise before venturing through Wilmot Pass, immersing in Fiordland's dense rainforests by coach.
- Cruise the tranquil waters of Doubtful Sound for 3 hours, with your skipper sharing fascinating insights about the region's unique flora and fauna.
- Be captivated by the panoramic views of the rugged peaks, hidden inlets, and verdant rainforests, offering a visual treat for nature lovers.
- Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including dolphins, fur seals, and if you're lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
- Looking for an offbeat experience? Absorb the beauty of pristine nature on this full-day tour, complete with a nature guide and transfers from Queenstown.
- Witness the allure of Lake Manapouri's waters on a cruise before venturing through Wilmot Pass, immersing in Fiordland's dense rainforests by coach.
- Cruise the tranquil waters of Doubtful Sound for 3 hours, with your skipper sharing fascinating insights about the region's unique flora and fauna.
- Be captivated by the panoramic views of the rugged peaks, hidden inlets, and verdant rainforests, offering a visual treat for nature lovers.
- Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including dolphins, fur seals, and if you're lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
Inclusions
- Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour
- Cruise across Lake Manapouri
- Coach trip over Wilmot Pass
- Round-trip transfers from Queenstown
- Knowledgable nature guide
- Informative commentary
- Interpretation hand-out sheets in 5 languages: English, German, French, Spanish & Japanese
- Complimentary tea & coffee
Exclusions
- Meals & drinks
- Tip: If you're a bird watcher, watch out for keas, New Zealand’s native alpine parrot, during the journey over Wilmot Pass.
- Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.
- It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket, and a warm sweater or fleece jacket.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
QueenstownDoubtful Sound Cruises
Top things to do in Queenstown
3 ways to get to Doubtful Sound
From Manapouri
Manapouri is the quickest and most direct route to Doubtful Sound. Enjoy a short boat ride across Lake Manapouri, followed by a scenic bus trip through Wilmot Pass.
- Travel time: Only 15 minutes to Wilmot Pass, making it the fastest option. The full journey, including the cruise, takes around 4.5 hours.
- Perfect for if you're looking to save time and maximize your experience on the water, with the quickest route to Doubtful Sound.
Recommended experience:
From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
From Te Anau
Start with a short drive from Te Anau to Manapouri, then cruise across the lake and take a bus through Wilmot Pass. A relaxed route with breathtaking views at every turn.
- Travel time: Te Anau is just 20 minutes from Manapouri, and the total journey (including the cruise) takes about 6-7 hours.
- Perfect for nature lovers wanting a scenic journey through Fiordland before reaching Doubtful Sound.
Recommended experience:
From Te Anau: Premium Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
From Queenstown
Combine adventure with nature on this scenic drive from Queenstown to Manapouri, followed by a boat ride and bus transfer to Doubtful Sound.
- Travel time: Queenstown is 2.5 hours from Manapouri. Total travel time is about 10-12 hours, depending on stops along the way.
- Perfect for those after a mix of Queenstown’s energy and Fiordland’s landscapes, with a road trip that’s an adventure in itself.
Recommended experience:
From Queenstown: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Things to do in Doubtful Sound
Kayaking adventures
Plan your visit to Doubtful Sound
Timings
Best time to visit
Getting there
Transfers
Facilities
What to bring
Rules
- Day cruises typically run 7-8 hours (including transfers)
- First departures start between 8am and 10am from Pearl Harbour, Manapōuri
- Most popular slots are mid-morning to accommodate travelers from Queenstown
Boarding time: Your voucher shows the departure time - arrive 20 minutes early to settle in
Manapouri transfer breakdown:
- Lake Manapouri cruise: 45 minutes
- Coach journey: 45 minutes
- Time on Doubtful Sound: 3+ hours
Peak season: Summer (Dec to Feb)
Low season: Winter (Jun - Aug)
Here's the scoop for each season:
Summer (15-20°C):
- Longest daylight hours
- Perfect for photography
- Peak tourist season (book early!)
- Occasional magical mists
Spring (Sep-Nov) & Autumn (Mar-May):
- Fewer crowds
- More affordable rates
- Spectacular waterfalls
- Mild temperatures
Winter (5-10°C):
- Snow-capped peaks
- Crisp, clear days
- Cozy overnight cruises
Pro tip: Rainy days create hundreds of temporary waterfalls – it's one of the most spectacular times to visit!
Starting point: Pearl Harbour, Manapōuri (Your gateway to Doubtful Sound)
Getting to Manapouri:
- From Queenstown: 2.5-hour drive
- From Te Anau: 30-minute drive
- From Invercargill: 2-hour drive
The journey continues with:
- Scenic boat ride across Lake Manapouri
- Coach journey over the stunning Wilmot Pass
- Finally, your cruise vessel at Deep Cove
By car: Well-maintained roads, but winter driving needs experience
By bus: Regular services from major towns
Parking: Free parking available at Pearl Harbour, Manapouri
Your options are:
- Coach transfers from Queenstown & Te Anau
- Self-drive to Manapouri
All cruise packages include:
- Lake Manapouri cruise
- Coach transfer over Wilmot Pass
- Return journey
Note: Winter roads can be challenging - booking a transfer service is highly recommended.
- Expert nature guide
- Trained crew
- Comfortable indoor seating
- Outdoor viewing decks
- Restroom facilities
- Hot drinks available
- Dress warmly: Even in sunny weather, temperatures on the water can be chilly. Bring extra layers to stay comfortable.
- Bring rain gear: Fiordland is the wettest region in New Zealand, and rain is common. Cruises run even during light showers.
- Wear sturdy shoes: Boots or closed shoes with good grip are essential, especially if you're exploring waterfalls or uneven terrain.
- Carry cash: Have some local currency on hand for snacks or souvenirs during the cruise.
- Pack your medication: If you're prone to seasickness or have any medical conditions, bring the necessary medications, as they may not be available onsite.
- Use insect repellent: Sandflies are common in the area, so come prepared with repellent.
- Protect from the sun: Even when it's cloudy, UV levels can be high in alpine regions. Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Listen to the safety briefing: Your guide will provide crucial safety information. Pay attention and follow all instructions carefully.
- Watch for deck obstructions: The boat’s outdoor deck may have obstructions. Keep an eye on your footing while moving around.
- Stick to designated paths: When exploring on foot, stay on marked pathways and avoid crossing any barriers for your safety.
What you’ll see on your Doubtful Sound cruise
See all photos
Explore near Doubtful Sound
Discover the best of Fiordland with these nearby attractions, all just waiting for you to explore.
Frequently asked questions about Doubtful Sound cruises
What is included in the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri?
This experience includes a 3-hour Doubtful Sound cruise, a Lake Manapouri cruise, a coach trip over Wilmot Pass, nature guide commentary, and complimentary tea and coffee.
What extra benefits are included in the cruise from Queenstown?
The Queenstown package includes round-trip transfers from Queenstown and all features of the Manapouri cruise.
How do I get to Doubtful Sound?
All trips to Doubtful Sound begin with a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip over Wilmot Pass. Transfers from Te Anau and Queenstown are also available.
How long does the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise take?
From Manapouri, the trip lasts 7-8 hours; with transfers from Te Anau or Queenstown, it extends to 9-12 hours.
What wildlife might I encounter during the cruise?
Doubtful Sound is home to a variety of wildlife, including a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and, occasionally, Fiordland crested penguins. While sightings can't be guaranteed, the area offers excellent opportunities for observing these creatures in their natural habitat.
Are meals provided during the cruise?
Complimentary tea and coffee are included, but meals are not provided unless specified in your booking.
Is there parking available at the Manapouri departure point?
Parking is typically available at Manapouri; confirm details when booking.
Are there any physical fitness requirements for the cruise?
The cruise involves some walking during transfers, but it's generally suitable for individuals with moderate fitness levels.
What type of transport is used for the Doubtful Sound tour?
The tour includes a boat cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass.
Is there accommodation available near the departure points?
Yes, accommodation options are available in Manapouri, Te Anau, and Queenstown. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Do I need to pre-book a Doubtful Sound day cruise?
Pre-booking is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
How does the trip from Te Anau to Doubtful Sound work?
A coach transfer from Te Anau to Manapouri connects you to the cruise and Wilmot Pass journey.
How can I plan my visit to Doubtful Sound efficiently?
Choose a package based on your starting location—Manapouri, Te Anau, or Queenstown—for seamless transfers.
Can I get from Queenstown to Doubtful Sound in one day?
Yes, the Queenstown package includes round-trip transfers, ideal for a single-day excursion.
Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?
Cancellation and rescheduling policies depend on the terms provided during booking.