Queenstown · DOUBTFUL SOUND WILDERNESS CRUISES
12 tours
Doubtful is ten times the size of Milford, takes a lake crossing and a mountain pass to reach, and is almost empty when you get there. These 12 trips sort out the logistics: which start at Manapouri, which run from Te Anau or Queenstown, and what an overnight on the water adds.
Cruise Lake Manapouri, ride over Wilmot Pass, then enjoy a 3-hour catamaran on Doubtful Sound with wildlife spotting.
“It was accessible for my sister with a walker and all the staff were kind and accomodating.”
Full-day Doubtful Sound cruise from Manapouri via Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass, with wildlife spotting and a signature engines-off moment.
“Its a full day activity including boat+bus+ bigger boat and return wonderfull views and animals at sea”
From Te Anau, cruise Lake Manapouri, cross Wilmot Pass, then enjoy a 3-hour Doubtful Sound catamaran with wildlife spotting and live commentary.
“Stunning destination, lovely staff, and really captivating flow of activities!! We got to see dolphins, seals, lots of birds, the edge of the Tasman sea, and the most stunning lake!! All elements of the tour were wonderful / including the short bus ride and phenomenal lake cruise. Our group was the only people we saw all day, so secluded!”
Queenstown day trip to Doubtful Sound: cruise Lake Manapouri, cross Wilmot Pass rainforest, then enjoy 3 quiet hours on the fiord.
“very comfortable coach with a great tourguide, Brian had the perfect balance of great information and opportunity to just enjoy the spectacular scenery in peace. The transfers were quick and smooth.”
A full-day Doubtful Sound cruise from Te Anau, via Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass, with live onboard commentary and wildlife spotting.
“Quite an expensive trip due to all the travelling involved. From Te Anau, 20 minutes by bus to Manapouri, then 45 minutes by boat to West Arm, then 60 minutes by coach to Deep Cove, then a 2 and a half hour cruise by boat which travels dowRead more”
Overnight Doubtful Sound cruise from Manapouri with Wilmot Pass coach ride, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and meals on the Wanderer.
“This is by far the best experience of seeing a fiord in NZ. Fantastic knowledge and welcoming feeling that the staff deliver sets it aside from just being a cruise.”
Travel from Queenstown to remote Doubtful Sound by coach, ferry, and catamaran, with live commentary and wildlife chances in Fiordland.
“Super wonderful experience and once in a lifetime unforeseen adventure and surroundings. Highly recommend. Thanks”
Overnight Doubtful Sound cruise from Manapouri on the Wanderer, with guided wildlife spotting, kayaking or swimming, and a 3-course dinner plus hot breakfast.
“It was a trip we will never forget in our life. Scenery was overwhelming. The cabins on board were modern and comfortable and the crew was fantastic. We could see that they loved their job. The whole cruise is highly recommended and more fun than the Milford sound boat trip.”
70 minute helicopter flight over Doubtful Sound with two remote landings, including Campbell’s Kingdom and Mount Kidd, plus pilot commentary.
“The flight itself was good and Ben our pilot was great. Not so happy with the booking agent in the office who got pretty aggressive in trying to get us to change our day. We finally agreed only to find out when we returned at the flight time they had added more people - so 6 in total. Kept telling us the middle seats were really good for viewing but THEY ARE NOT. Can’t see over or around the pilot or people in front. Just tell the truth for goodness sakes. We did get to rotate around but you cannot see from the middle back no matter that she tells…”
Take a 50-minute helicopter scenic flight over Doubtful Sound from Te Anau, with headset commentary and possible photo landing.
“Great views, beautiful and informative. Seeing the whole area was awesome. Great pilot. A very wonderful experience, recommend for sure.”
A fast helicopter scenic flight from Te Anau over Fiordland, with two landings at Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound, plus live commentary.
“Gaven, our highly skilled pilot, gave us an excellent commentary as we flew over some of the most spectacular scenery in NZ. I have no words to adequately describe the majesty and grandeur of seeing the Sounds from this perspective. WhiRead more”
Two nights onboard from Manapouri to Doubtful Sound, with kayaking, fjord wildlife spotting, 3-course dinners, and stargazing.
“Perfect. Fabulous time and good memories. Staff helpful, attentive and very friendly. On board team were super and guiding/information terrific. Many thanks to all.”
