Doubtful Sound Day Cruise deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park
Doubtful Sound is a massive wilderness area of rugged peaks, rainforests & twisting, hidden inlets – all deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Known for its pristine beauty and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals – both of which are often seen. In season, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.
Day Cruise Highlights
A day excursion into this pristine fiord begins with a cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri to West Arm. You will then board a coach and travel the sub-alpine road over Wilmot Pass, pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below.
On arrival in Doubtful Sound, board our spacious catamaran Patea Explorer for a three-hour cruise through some of the fiord’s most stunning scenery. Throughout the cruise, a specialist nature guide provides commentary, answers questions and points out highlights.
Wildlife sightings are common in Doubtful Sound. Fur seals bask on rocky outcrops and the fiord’s resident pod of bottlenose dolphins are often seen in the deep waters. A day excursion to Doubtful Sound also includes a visit to one of New Zealand’s major sources of sustainable hydro-power – the Manapouri Underground Power Station.
