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Doubtful Sound Day Tours & Overnight Cruises

Cruise on Doubtful Sound - Day Tours & Overnight Cruises

Doubtful Sound is a breathtaking fiord located in the southwestern part of New Zealand’s South Island. It is a place of incredible natural beauty, stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. 

One of the best ways to experience Doubtful Sound is on a day or overnight cruise with Real Journeys, and includes a cruise across Lake Manapouri and a visit to the underground Manapouri Hydro Power Station New Zealands largest power station.

Doubtful Sound Cruise:

The day begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, which is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in New Zealand.

The journey takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country, with snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear waters. As you sail across the lake, you’ll see the spectacular landscape surrounding you and take in the fresh, crisp air.

Once you reach the western shore of Lake Manapouri, you’ll disembark and board a coach for a short trip to the Manapouri underground hydro power station.

Here you’ll get a chance to learn about the fascinating history of the power station and how it generates electricity from the water that flows from Lake Manapouri. It’s an incredible engineering feat, and you’ll be amazed at how it works.

After the power station tour, you’ll board the coach for a scenic journey over Willmot Pass. The road takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, with stunning views of Doubtful Sound and the surrounding mountains.

Once you reach the other side of the pass, you’ll board your boat for the Doubtful Sound cruise. The boat is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room to move around and enjoy the stunning scenery.

As you sail through the Sound, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests. You may even experience spot some local wildlife, such as dolphins, seals, or penguins.

Your Cruise:

The onboard naturalist will provide commentary throughout the trip, sharing their knowledge and insights into the unique ecosystem of Doubtful Sound. They’ll point out interesting landmarks and wildlife and answer any questions you may have.

If you stay overnight on the boat option, you’ll not only experience the peace and serenity of Doubtful Sound after dark, but you’ll also enjoy a delicious meal on board.

The onboard chefs use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create delicious dishes that cater to all tastes and dietary requirements. You’ll be able to enjoy a gourmet three-course dinner, followed by a hearty breakfast the next morning.

As night falls, the stars come out, and the silence is only broken by the sounds of the water lapping against the boat. It’s an incredibly peaceful experience you will remember.

Accommodation On Board:

As for accommodation, the boat offers a range of cabin styles to suit all budgets and preferences. There’s something for everyone, from basic twin-share cabins to more luxurious double rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

No matter which cabin you choose, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Doubtful Sound from your window. You’ll be able to fall asleep to the Sound of the water lapping against the boat and wake up to the sight of mist rising from the fiord.

Overall, a day cruise on Doubtful Sound with Real NZ is an unforgettable experience. From the stunning scenery to the fascinating history and incredible wildlife, it’s a trip that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

an overnight trip to Doubtful Sound is a truly unforgettable experience. From the delicious food and comfortable accommodation to the range of activities and stunning scenery, it’s the perfect way to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the fiord by kayak or tender boat, getting up close and personal with the local wildlife and stunning scenery.

You’ll also have the chance to go on a guided nature walk, learning about the unique flora and fauna of the region from experienced guides. And, of course, there will be plenty of time to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of Doubtful Sound.

Doubtful Sounds Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri

Doubtful Sound Cruise & Coach from Queenstown

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise (Two Days / One Night)

Escape to the peace and tranquillity of Doubtful Sound on a magical overnight cruise

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)

An unforgettable Experience on  Doubtful Sound on a magical overnight cruise

Duration Three day, two-night experience in remote Doubtful Sound

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.

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Booking for Doubtful Sound Day Tours & Overnight Cruises

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises

Experience the spectacular, remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound on our guided day trip. Journey across Lake Manapouri, over the breathtaking Wilmot Pass and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. This is a must-do for nature lovers and explorers alike. 

• Duration: 7 hours
• Start with a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip over the epic Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Sound
• A 3-hour cruise through the waterways of Doubtful Sound
• Cruise onboard the Patea Explorer (Southern Express, Fiordland Navigator, Mariner or M.V. Sinbad may substitute)
• Commentary by our knowledgeable Skipper and Nature Guide
• Wildlife viewing, including dolphins, fur seals and even occasionally penguins
• Picnic lunches available for pre purchase up to 8pm the day before your cruise
• Snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard
• Click "Book now" for more information on coach connections from Queenstown and Te Anau

A 7-hour journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park

Cruise through Doubtful Sound onboard the custom-built Patea Explorer for a 360-degree viewing experience.

Our crew onboard will share stories and help you spot local wildlife. Dolphins, seals and penguins are all frequent visitors.

Discover cascading waterfalls, lush rainforest, and serene beauty - rain or shine.

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More Information

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord; three times longer than Milford Sound and a surface area ten times larger with twisting arms. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.

There’s no direct road access, so the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road. We’ll pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.

Once you arrive, you will board the Patea Explorer for a 3 hour (approximately) cruise on Doubtful Sound - a spectacular pristine fiord. During the cruise, our knowledgeable and friendly skipper or nature guide will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

The Southern Express, M.V. Sinbad, Mariner or Fiordland Navigator may replace the Patea Explorer if maintenance or schedules require.

Things you should know

• You’ll cruise across crystal clear Lake Manapouri to West Arm
• A highlight is the coach trip through Fiordland’s rainforest and over Wilmot Pass
• Your Skipper or Nature Guide will let you know all about the region's unique flora and fauna
• Doubtful Sound is in remote Fiordland, with no WIFI available, the perfect place to unplug and recharge

Extra information

• Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility
• Manapouri Café will be open daily from 9.00am. Café menu has a range of beautiful homemade food & Allpress Coffee for you to enjoy pre-cruise or to take with you
• Snacks and drinks are also available onboard
• The tour is suitable for all ages

Getting there

All Doubtful Sound experiences start at our Manapouri Visitor Centre, located at 64 Waiau Street. Manapouri is a 2.5 – 3 hour drive from Queenstown and 30 minute drive from Te Anau.

What to bring

• Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent and camera.
• Please remember to bring personal medication including for asthma and allergies.
• As this is a 7-hour adventure we highly recommend you bring a packed lunch or order a lunch box from our Manapouri Café.

No adjectives to describe what a taonga this area is. Until you visit you can’t understand the sheer size of these fiords and the cliff faces. We were lucky to see four groups of dolphins who put on a show. Excellent commentary from both boat and bus drivers. kirks73 Nelson, New Zealand, Via TripAdvisor

Wonderful trip during unseasonable Spring snowstorm. Everything was so well organised from check-in to return to base. Each aspect of the return 3-part journey - boat across Lake Manapouri, coach across Wilmot Pass and the actual Doubtful Sound cruise - was brilliant. Coach Driver Jonny made us feel very safe as he navigated the snow chained coach across the snowy mountain range. The cruise was awe inspiring. I’d like to return on a sunny blue sky day but being in Fiordland during a blizzard (at sea level) just made it so impressive. Lots of waterfalls and breaks in the storm allowed wonderful long distance views. Simply stunning! MichaelDH, Christchurch, New Zealand, Via TripAdvisor

A life changing experience. We felt so spoiled getting to see Doubtful Sound in glorious sunshine with incredible service from the crew on board the Navigator and all at Real NZ. Would recommend to all. An escape from reality into a little piece of paradise in NZ. 717mackenzier, Dunedin, New Zealand, Via TripAdvisor

The whole experience was magical. The scenery was incredible as were the hosts. Their commentary was interesting and relevant. We did not feel like a tourist but a visitor to their own backyards! So big ups to the staff for making the day even more memorable. We were lucky enough to head out into the Tasman sea at the end of the fiord. Wow. Would definitely recommend this incredible day to all our friends and family. Thanks Julie_B, Via Viator

The best experience ever and we have travelled across the world. Sorry it took so long for us to do this trip. So much information given by the crew, very friendly staff on all three portions of the day. 402lucyh, Waihi, New Zealand, Via TripAdvisor

Very happy with our experience. The staff were friendly and quite funny, particularly the bus driver on the day. The cruise was informative and the captain was excellent in his communication. Highly recommend F8927IQstevenc, Via TripAdvisor

This was an amazing experience from start to the end. Our coach driver Dino was an absolute gem, providing live commentaries. The tour comprised of a coach ride to lake Manapouri (2 hrs), on a catamaran in lake manapouri (50 mins), then a coach ride on Wilmot pass (50 mins) and at last a boat ride on Doubtful sound for 3 hrs. Each part of the journey was a different experience. 545devikag, Via TripAdvisor

In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.

How long does it take to travel to Manapouri?

From Queenstown to Manapouri by car or coach takes around 2 hrs 45 mins and from Te Anau around 30 minutes.  For more information refer to our Driving Times webpage.

Is there car parking at Manapouri?

Yes, we have plenty of free parking at Manapouri. Daytime car parking is provided adjacent to the Visitor Centre. Overnight car parking is a available on View St, a short 2 minute walk from our Manapouri Visitor Centre.

What is the difference between Milford and Doubtful Sounds?

Our places. Our experiences. Milford and Doubtful Sounds, NZ.

Milford Sound at the mountainous north end of Fiordland National Park is the classic fiord - a deep water inlet between steep sided high mountains.  Milford Sound is a middle-sized fiord at around 13 kms in length and it is famous for its dramatic scenery, especially Mitre Peak.  This fiord is the most accessible of Fiordland National Park’s 14 fiords and it can be reached by bus, car or flight connections from Queenstown.

Doubtful Sound is located in the heart of Fiordland National Park where the mountains are still very impressive but not as high as Milford Sound.  Doubtful Sound is three times longer and  has a sea surface area roughly ten times larger than Milford Sound.  Its three arms are Hall, Crooked and First Arm.  It is famous for its wilderness scenery and wildlife sightings.  To get to Doubtful Sound visitors first take a launch trip across Lake Manapouri and drive over Wilmot Pass.

Visitors with enough time choose to visit both fiords as they have different characters.

What weather can I expect in Fiordland?

Fiordland’s weather is what gives the region its unique character. Rainfall is what makes Fiordland a land of lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and fiords. Visitors should always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during their stay. It is recommended to bring sensible clothing for cool and wet weather to fully appreciate your stay.

The temperatures you can expect in the different seasons are as follows: 

• Summer  (December-February) 19-23 Celsius / 66 - 73 Fahrenheit 
• Autumn  (March-May) 8-18 Celsius / 46  - 64 Fahrenheit
• Winter  (June-August) 5-9 Celsius /  41  - 48 Fahrenheit
• Spring  (September-November) 10-19 Celsius  / 50   - 66 Fahrenheit

Is it worth going to Milford/Doubtful Sounds on a wet day?

Many say you have not seen Fiordland unless you have seen it in the rain.  When it rains in Fiordland the landscape is dramatic - rock faces stream with waterfalls, mist hangs around the tops of the mountains and rivers and streams rage.  From a dry comfortable vantage point on the bus or boat, this landscape is spectacular for sightseeing.

While we cannot guarantee you will see wildlife, sightings of fur seals are reasonably common in both Doubtful and Milford Sounds.  A pod of bottlenose dolphins resides in Doubtful Sound so you have a good chance of seeing these fascinating mammals, and in Milford Sound dolphins are occasional visitors.  In both sounds the rare Fiordland crested penguin can at times be observed.

Online transactions/prices are conducted in what currency?

All prices and transactions on the RealNZ website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD).  This is specified on the Terms & Conditions page.

What happens if there is an emergency?

Our staff are trained to deal with incidents and in case of an emergency you should listen to their instructions. We have a portable defibrillator on each of our overnight cruise vessels (Milford Mariner, Milford Wanderer and Fiordland Navigator). In addition to this we also have portable defibrillators at the following locations: •    Milford Sound Visitor Terminal •    RealNZ Visitor Centre, Manapouri •    Cavern House (Te Anau Glowworm Caves) •    Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, Walter Peak •    TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship •    Stewart Island Ferry (Bluff - Oban - Bluff)

Do I need to bring a car seat for my child?

Car seats are not mandatory on our coaches, and we do not have then available for hire. Parents are more than welcome to bring their own car seats. 

Our places. Our experiences. Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises. The vastness of this untouched world will take your breath away as you experience its stunning beauty on our Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise.

You might also like

Milford Sound Cruises

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises

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• Doubtful Sound Cruise

Home » Te Anau » Doubtful Sound Cruise

A Doubtful Sound cruise is an unforgettable experience that offers visitors a chance to explore one of the most remote and pristine parts of New Zealand. The fiord is located in the Fiordland National Park, and its remote location and rugged terrain make it a natural wonder that is largely untouched by human development.

The cruise typically begins with a scenic bus ride from Te Anau to Manapouri, followed by a boat ride across Lake Manapouri. Visitors then board a bus for a journey over the Wilmot Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Once visitors arrive at Doubtful Sound, they board a cruise ship and set sail to explore the fjord. The cruise lasts around 3 hours and takes visitors through the heart of the fjord, offering stunning views of the towering mountains and cascading waterfalls.

Along the way, visitors have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and penguins. The fiord’s remote location and protected status make it an important habitat for a wide variety of marine life, and the onboard naturalist provides information about the local ecosystem and wildlife.

The cruise ship typically stops at various points along the fiord, allowing visitors to take in the stunning scenery and explore the area on foot. Visitors can hike through the rainforest, take in the views from the top of a mountain, or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the fjord.

A Doubtful Sound cruise is a must-do experience for anyone visiting New Zealand. The fiord’s rugged beauty and remote location make it a natural wonder that is not to be missed, and the cruise offers a unique and unforgettable way to explore this stunning landscape.

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Doubtful Sound Cruise: Visiting Fiordland’s Hidden Gem

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions (and rightly so), but fewer people seem to know about the nearby Doubtful Sound. Arguably one of New Zealand’s best hidden gems, a cruise around Doubtful Sound is one of the top ways to experience the country’s natural beauty.

Located in New Zealand’s magnificent Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound is a large fiord which was carved out by glaciers millions of years ago. It’s believed it got its name from Captain James Cook, who opted not to enter the fiord, ‘doubtful’ it would be passable. The fiord is the second largest in New Zealand. It’s a whopping 40km in length (compared to Milford Sound’s 16km).

Doubtful Sound is often overlooked by the nearby Milford Sound, which draws in the crowds. As much as I love Milford Sound, I’m here to tell you that a trip to Doubtful Sound is absolutely a must-do during your time in New Zealand. The scale of Doubtful Sound means there’s a lot more to see, but with fewer boats and no crowds, it’s a much more peaceful experience.

In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about planning a Doubtful Sound Cruise including how to get there and how to make the most of your cruise.

Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound? Which to choose . 

Table of Contents

How to get to Doubtful Sound

The only way to get to Doubtful Sound is to join an organised day tour from either Queenstown , Te Anau or Manapouri.

Doubtful Sound sits at the end of the Wilmot Pass Road, which is only accessible via a boat ride across Lake Manapouri. The furthest you can drive yourself is to the small town of Manapouri. From there, you will need to join a tour, get on the boat which takes you to the Wilmot Pass, then hop on a coach which takes you to your Doubtful Sound cruise.

It’s certainly a long journey, especially if you’re getting the coach from Queenstown. But I can’t say this enough… Doubtful Sound is beautiful and if you have the time and budget to visit there, you really should.

Doubtful Sound Cruise: day or overnight?

When visiting Doubtful Sound, you have two options: a day cruise or an overnight cruise.

For most, a day cruise is the most convenient and budget-friendly option. The day cruises still spend a good three hours exploring Doubtful Sound, which I personally felt was a good amount of time. However, the journey to Doubtful Sound is long and takes a full day, meaning many opt for an overnight cruise .

The overnight cruise is exactly what it says on the label. You’ll get to spend one night (or more) on Doubtful Sound. You’ll explore the fiord, can take part in activities such as kayaking, have meals on board and spend the night sleeping in Doubtful Sound.

I opted for a day trip, but would love to do an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound when I return. 

Doubtful Sound day cruise

A day trip to Doubtful Sound is the most popular way to explore this natural wonder. Despite the cruise around Doubtful Sound only being three hours, you’ll need to dedicate a full day to visit. This is due to how long it takes you to get to the start of your cruise. For me, it took three different coaches plus a boat… and that was just to the start of my cruise.

Coach from Queenstown and Te Anau

If you’re travelling from Queenstown, the morning will start very early. I opted to do the tour with Real NZ. The coach left their Queenstown office at 6:55am. They will also do some hotel pickups and a stop in Frankton.

From there, it’s a 2-hour drive or so to the small town of Te Anau where you switch coaches (or join the tour if you’ve got yourself to Te Anau). You’ll then be driven 20 minutes down the road to Manapouri.

Boat from Manapouri

Once you arrive in Manapouri, you’ll board a boat which takes you on a 50-minute boat trip over the lake. This is a beautiful journey in itself and gives you a chance to see the famous Manapouri power station. The boat also has a small café serving coffee and snacks.

Related read: Doubtful Sound is one of the best day trips from Queenstown. Discover other great day trips in the area.

Wilmot Pass

The last part of the journey to Doubtful Sound involves taking a coach over the Wilmot Pass to the start of the Doubtful Sound Cruise.

The Wilmot Pass is a beautiful drive which takes about 50 minutes. Unfortunately, there was heavy rain and low cloud on the day I went, so the coach didn’t make any stops. If the weather is good, the coach will make one or two stops at viewpoints.  

Doubtful Sound Cruise

Once you arrive at Doubtful Sound, you’ll board your cruise which lasts for 3 hours (unless you’re doing the overnight cruise). You’ll cruise down to the Tasman Sea then spend time slowly exploring Doubtful Sound and its beauty.

There is a café on board serving hot drinks and snacks.

The journey back

Once the Doubtful Sound cruise has finished, you’ll need to do the journey in reverse, starting with a coach back across the Wilmot Pass. I got back into Queenstown around 8pm, so it was a full 13 hour day.

Can you drive yourself to Doubtful Sound?

It’s not possible to drive yourself to Doubtful Sound. The closest you can get yourself is the small town of Manapouri. From there, you will need to take a boat across the lake to the Wilmot Pass Road where you will need to get a coach.

There is no way to drive yourself all the way to Doubtful Sound.

When is the best time of year to visit Doubtful Sound?

Doubtful Sound is accessible all year round, and there’s no “best time of year” to visit. Each season offers different benefits, but ultimately Doubtful Sound is beautiful all year round.

One thing to note is that Doubtful Sound is in Fiordland, one of the wettest places on earth. This means you have to be very lucky to visit Doubtful Sound on a dry and sunny day. Traditionally, most rainfall happens between October and March. It could be argued that visiting during the winter months (April – September) offers a better chance at seeing blue skies, but in my experience, this isn’t necessarily true. I visited Fiordland several times a month during my winter in New Zealand, and it was nearly always raining.

Thankfully, Doubtful Sound is a magnificent sight whatever the weather. In fact, the heavier it rains, the more the waterfalls. Both Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound only have a few permanent waterfalls. But when it rains, thousands suddenly appear. It’s one of the most incredible sights. Moral of the story – don’t be put off by wet weather.

Which Doubtful Sound tour operator?

Once you’ve decided on whether you want to do a day cruise or an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound, narrowing down which company to choose is fairly simple.

Unlike Milford Sound, there are only a couple of operators with tours in Doubtful Sound. 

The biggest operator in Doubtful Sound is Real NZ , which offers both a day trip and overnight trip. There are also coaches from Queenstown and Te Anau available.

For an overnight cruise, Southern Secrets is another option and even have a 2 night cruise, giving you ample opportunity to explore the fiord. 

Fiordland Expeditions also offer an overnight cruise option. 

Can you see dolphins or other wildlife in Doubtful Sound?

Doubtful Sound is home to an array of wildlife, including dolphins, seals and even penguins. However, these animals are wild so seeing the wildlife is never guaranteed. With fewer boats in Doubtful Sound, wildlife sightings are a little but more frequent. 

Is visiting Doubtful Sound worth it?

Yes, yes, and yes again. Doubtful Sound is by no means as accessible as the nearby Milford Sound, but a visit there is 100% worth the effort. 

Despite also being in Fiordland, a visit to Doubtful Sound feels very different to that of Milford Sound. For starters, Doubtful Sound is much bigger. The cruise last longer and there’s a lot more to see. Doubtful Sound is also a much more peaceful experience. With fewer crowds and only one or two boats operating at any one time, the cruise really shows off Doubtful’s natural beauty and peace.  

Is Doubtful Sound better than Milford Sound?

I’m not a fan of comparing natural wonders but this is a common question. Honestly, both are very similar, but both are so different at the same time.

Milford Sound is nicknamed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ and for good reason. There’s nothing else like seeing the wondrous Mitre Peak with crashing waterfalls all around. Milford Sound is also very accessible, and you can drive yourself there if you please. The drive to Milford Sound, whether driving yourself or on an organised tour, is also stunning, with plenty of things to do along the way. I’ve written about driving from Queenstown to Milford here. 

On the other hand, thousands of people head to Milford Sound every single day. There are several boats out on the fiord at any one time. This can sometimes make the trip seem a little commercialised and busy.

It’s impossible to say which is better, it really depends on what you prefer, and what best fits into your schedule. If you can, do both! Despite both being fiords, they are really very different. 

I’ve written all about Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound. 

Doubtful Sound Scenic Flights

Another way to see Doubtful Sound is by air, with flights departing from both Te Anau and Milford Sound.

I never got to explore Fiordland from above, but I’ve only heard good things.

Being in the air means you won’t get to experience Doubtful Sound’s peacefulness, but it will give you a bird’s eye view. It offers the chance to see the true scale of fiordland. 

There are a range of operators to choose from, including Queenstown Helicopters , Southern Lakes and Wings and Water .

Do they serve food on the Doubtful Sound cruise?

If you’re doing the Doubtful Sound day cruise, there will be a couple of opportunities for you to buy snacks and drinks. This includes on the Manapouri Lake boat ride and the Doubtful Sound boat.

However, the offerings are limited and I’d highly recommend taking snacks or your own lunch.

The other option is to pre-order a packed lunch which will be given to you once you arrive in Manapouri.

For those doing the overnight cruise, your meals are included.

Did you find this post about visiting Doubtful Sound useful? Share on social media. 

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Power Station Cruise, Lake Manapouri - Lake Manapouri

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• Lake Manapouri

Power Station Cruise, Lake Manapouri

Great scenery, an hour on the water, an hour by bus through the tunnel to the power station & an hour back. Amazing engineering & foresight, 1st thought up in 1904! Very informative guide Cathy. On the cruise back captain did a wee detour to show us a magnificent Rata in full bloom on one of the lake's islands, the South Island "cousin" of the Pohutukawa.

If you have a few days, rent a wee Bach, kiwi for a self-contained, self catering accommodation and enjoy the peace away from Te Anau, full of budget accommodation, tour companies etc etc. you will have to bring in your food and drink as there are very limited supplies at Manapouri. There is a creditable restaurant at the Lakeview Motel and you can get an early morning coffee at their small harbour, Pearl Harbour, where the cruises for Doubtful Sound kick off!

It's hard to choose the best scenery in this part of the country - there's just so much of it. Lake Manapouri can be seen from the shores in the small township of Manapouri or, for better views, take one of the scenic cruises on the lake. A ferry trip across the lake is also the first leg of the journey to see the beautiful Doubtful Sound. So many ways to see the lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains (at the right time of the year) and they're all worth it.

We took a tour that included a boat ride on the lake, a visit to the power station deep underground, and then a Doubtful Sound cruise. I'd do all three again if given the chance. The lake is beautiful, and I recommend seeing it by boat. The power station is a unique engineering achievement, and worth a visit. Watching the bus driver turn the huge bus around at the end of the very tight tunnel was also fun to watch. Note that sand flies are a pest at the power station end of the lake (maybe elsewhere, too, but I didn't notice them until we got to that end of the lake) but don't let them stop you. I have separately reviewed the Doubtful Sound cruise and if you have the time, continue on from Manapouri and do the cruise; it was well worth it.

This is a brilliant scenic lake about 20kms from the town of Te Anau. The drive is scenic and you could get there in about 10 -15 minutes. The lake is huge, beautiful, surrounded by lakes and reminds me of the lakes of Austria and Switzerland. I would suggest that you visit the lake around sunset when the lighting is dramatic enough for landscape photography. There are Motels and cafes in the vicinity.This is an absolutely quiet place and a must visit if you are in this region. Enjoy!

We had some time to kill in Te Anau and decided on the Lake Manapouri and Manapouri Underground Power Station Tour - we did not have enough time for the Doubtful Sound Cruise. It turned out to be an excellent decision. The boat ride across Lake Manapouri was spectacular while the excursion to the Manapouri Underground Power Station included stopovers that were interesting, educational and worthwhile, in particular the views of Doubtful Sound at Wilmot Pass. The most exciting part of the Manapouri Underground Power Station was the drive down the 2km underground tunnel to the observatory. One of the main highlights was the 3-point turn by the bus driver in what was a very narrow and confined space. He can drive my car anytime!

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Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

Pricing From $479

Take a Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise Day Tour from Queenstown, driving around beautiful Lake Wakatipu down to Manapouri. A day tour into this untouched fiord commences with a cruise across stunning Lake Manapouri to West Arm. You will then get on a coach and drive the sub-alpine road over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience the impenetrable Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound shimmering far below.

On arriving at Doubtful Sound, embark on a three-hour cruise on our roomy catamaran Patea Explorer, through some of the fiord’s most dramatic scenery. An expert nature guide gives commentary during the cruise, answers questions and draws attention to highlights.

You will be struck by the quietness of Doubtful Sound, once you see the fiord – the quietness is disturbed only by birdsong or the rushing of a far-away waterfall. Only a few hours after leaving civilization, the magnificence and remoteness of Doubtful Sound are so undeniable that it’s hard to realise.  There are frequent wildlife sightings in Doubtful Sound. The fiord’s local pod of bottlenose dolphins are frequently seen in the deep waters; whilst fur seals relax on rocky outcrops.

On some departures a day tour to Doubtful Sound also takes in a trip to Manapouri Underground Power Station**, one of New Zealand’s chief sources of sustainable hydro-power.

**PLEASE NOTE: The Manapouri Power Station is closed indefinitely, passengers will not tour inside the Power Station on this cruise.

Departures Daily

1 May - 30 Sep 2023:   6:55am to 7.30pm 

1 Oct 2023 - 30 Apr 2024:  7.40am to 8.00pm 

1 May - 30 Sep 2024:  7.10am to 7.45pm 

Start: Queenstown

Finish: Queenstown

• Coach Transfers from Queenstown
• Lake Manapouri Cruise
• Coach tour over Wilmot Sound
• Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
• Optional meals available (must be pre-ordered)
• Suitable for all ages

Te Anau departures available. Please enquire.

Cost per person

October 2023 - April 2024

• Adult: NZ$479
• Child: NZ$289
• Infant: NZ$50

May - Sep 2024

• Adult: NZ$429
• Child: NZ$269

*Child age 5-14 yrs

Meals: Cost per person (Must be pre-ordered)

October 2023 - September 2024

• Cold Seasonal packed lunch: NZ$35

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Doubtful Sound Cruise: The Best Day Trip in New Zealand?

By Author Jon Algie

Posted on Last updated: February 21, 2023

Categories Fiordland National Park

Doubtful Sound (which is a fjord, not a sound) is possibly the most beautiful place in New Zealand. It’s similar to the far more popular Milford Sound (also not a sound) but the experience is very different. To visit Doubtful Sound, you’ll need to go on a tour, which first takes you across Lake Manapouri and then over the Wilmot Pass. The views from every part of the trip are stunning and getting so far away from civilization like this is a great experience. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the Doubtful Sound cruise (and everything else about the day trip).

This post contains affiliate links. If you click one and book a hotel or tour we’ll get a small cut. It won’t cost you any extra and it helps maintain this website!

Cruising Across Lake Manapouri

The trip to Doubtful Sound starts in Manapouri , a small town close to Te Anau . It takes around two hours to drive to Manapouri from Queenstown – pickups are available from either Queenstown or Te Anau if you don’t have your own transport.

I’ve heard Lake Manapouri described as New Zealand’s most beautiful lake, which I originally thought was wild exaggeration. That all changed when I got out on the water. Lake Manapouri is home to dozens of islands and with snow-capped mountains all around it was like cruising through a narrow fjord. The trip takes around 45 minutes and is the perfect entrée for what’s to come.

Wilmot Pass

The boat trip ends at West Arm, a small bay where you’ll see the Manapouri Power Station. From there you’ll file onto a bus which will take you over a very scenic stretch of road to Doubtful Sound. This road is used by tour buses and fishermen and passes below mountains and giant waterfalls.

The bus we travelled on (we went with Real Journeys ) had big windows and it was a relaxing 30 minutes or so on the road. The highlight is the viewpoint at the top of Wilmot Pass, where you can see right down to Doubtful Sound.

Doubtful Sound Cruise

It was straight off the bus and onto another boat for the three-hour Doubtful Sound cruise. I’d already been to Milford Sound a few times before so I knew what to expect (they are similar), but I had no idea just how incredible the scenery would be. We were the only boat on the water for most of the journey and the views started out strong and didn’t relent.

You can never get sick of seeing peaks like these covered in trees and rising sharply from the water. Throw in some waterfalls and you’ve got yourself some of the most unique scenery in the world.

The Doubtful Sound cruise takes you out to the Tasman Sea (if conditions play along) where you’ll see fur seals lounging around on small rocky islands. You’ll also pass by Secretary Island, surely one of the coolest islands in New Zealand. If they ever need to film another Jurassic Park movie it should be here. We also saw a couple of penguins along the way and if you’re lucky you might see dolphins.

Once the boat turns around you could be forgiven for thinking you’ll just head straight back the way you came, and that the scenery won’t really change. You’d be wrong — the return journey is even better! Doubtful Sound has a few different arms (which kind of seem like separate fjords) and we cruised down two of them.

Crooked Arm was first and in my opinion is the most scenic part of the Doubtful Sound cruise. You’ll be surrounded by hanging valleys, waterfalls and snow-capped (in winter and spring at least) granite peaks. The captain might even turn off the engine and implore everyone to be quiet for a minute so you can enjoy the serenity of this place without man-made noise. All you’ll hear is the lapping of the water and birds singing in the distance.

Before reaching the end of the cruise you’ll also go down Hall Arm.  The captain said he rated it as the most beautiful part of Doubtful Sound and I probably would have agreed if the light was a bit better (it had started to get a bit cloudy by then). Still though, we weren’t even expecting to cruise down another arm of Doubtful Sound, so we were happy just to be there!

Doubtful Sound Cruise FAQs

• Where can I book a Doubtful Sound Cruise? Here’s where you can book a Doubtful Sound Cruise from Manapouri or a   Doubtful Sound Cruise from Queenstown .
• How long does it take? When we did the cruise, our tour started at 9.45 am in Manapouri and finished up at 5 pm. It’s a long day but for the money you’re spending you’d be disappointed with anything less! It may be a long day but it’s an easy one – there’s almost no walking required so just sit back, relax and appreciate the views.

• What about the overnight cruise? If you feel like splashing out and want to spend as long as you can at Doubtful Sound you should consider doing an overnight cruise. I haven’t done one, but I reckon it’d be a great experience.
• What’s the boat like? The boat we went on was a decent size and had some great viewing areas. The top deck is good, but we preferred to be out the front most of the time. The inside area is nice and has some comfortable seats. These tend to fill up quick so it’s a good idea to get on the boat early, grab some good seats and then go in and out when you need to (it gets cold outside, so you won’t want to spend the whole cruise out there). Make sure to save your seat by leaving a bag or something on it! There’s food and drink available on board and you can also order lunch when you book (on Real Journeys at least) which you’ll collect before leaving Manapouri.

READ MORE: 25 of the Best Things to Do in Fiordland National Park

• Doubtful Sound VS Milford Sound? With two such similar places, it’s hard to know which one to visit (or should you visit both?). In my opinion Doubtful Sound is better – it’s bigger, there is more variety in the views you get and it’s far quieter. Milford Sound is still awesome though and I recommend visiting both. If you only want to shell out for one cruise, I’d go for Doubtful Sound. To me, the biggest appeal of Milford Sound is the fact that you can drive straight to it and that there is so much to see nearby, including some of the best hikes in New Zealand. So, in an ideal world you should do both, but if you’re short on money do Milford Sound (and spend a day or two nearby if you can) and if you’re short on time do Doubtful Sound. Or do the Doubtful Sound cruise and then drive to Milford Sound and see it from the foreshore and do some hikes nearby but skip the cruise. There are so many options!

• Where to stay nearby? Te Anau is only 20 minutes from Manapouri and is the logical option. There are heaps of hotels in Te Anau and you’ll easily find something in your price range. Otherwise you could stay in Manapouri or keep driving to Milford Sound and either camp there or stay at Milford Sound Lodge.

Did this post inspire you to do the Doubtful Sound cruise? Let us know in the comments below!

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Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise LT-97A

Te Anau, Fiordland, New Zealand

Join this tour in Manapouri to experience an untouched world deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. The beauty and vastness of Doubtful Sound will take your breath away as you experience its deep wilderness, be struck by its silence broken only by birdsong or the rushing of a distant waterfall. The tour begins in  Manapouri with a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri and then by road over Wilmot Pass, from the pass experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. In Doubtful Sound, board a spacious, purpose built catamaran for a three hour cruise, with full commentary, through this pristine fiord. During the cruise landmarks will be pointed out and information about the varied wildlife you may encounter like dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. The tour included is a visit to one of New Zealand’s major sources of sustainable energy – the Manapouri Underground Power Station.

• 10.30 Tour commences in Manapouri
• Cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri
• Traverse the Wilmot Pass by road
• 3 hour cruise on Doubtful Sounds
• Picnic Lunch on board the cruise
• Visit Manapouri Underground Power Station
• Tour Returns to Manapouri at  5.00 pm
• Tour Duration 7.5 hours approximately

This tour can also commence in Te Anau with coach transfers from Te Anau to Manapouri and return Tour option LT-97B

This option commences at 09.00 am and returns to Te Anau at 6.00 pm. Tour Duration 9.5 hours approximately

From $285.00

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• Milford & Doubtful Sounds

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise LT97A

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Up to 7 days

Join this tour in Manapouri to experience an untouched world deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park. The beauty and vastness of Doubtful Sound will take your breath away as you experience its deep wilderness, be struck by its silence broken only by birdsong or the rushing of a distant waterfall. The tour begins in  Manapouri with a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri and then by road over Wilmot Pass, from the pass experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. In Doubtful Sound, board a spacious, purpose built catamaran for a three hour cruise, with full commentary, through this pristine fiord. During the cruise landmarks will be pointed out and information about the varied wildlife you may encounter like dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.  A picnic lunch is available as an additional add-on.

• 10.00 Tour commences in Manapouri
• Cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri
• Traverse the Wilmot Pass by road
• 3 hour cruise on Doubtful Sounds
• Picnic lunches available (optional)
• Tour Returns to Manapouri at  5.00 pm
• Tour Duration 7.5 hours approximately

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Doubtful Sound Cruise – The Best Fiordlands Excursion

The Doubtful Sound cruise is the very best Fiordlands National Park excursion. On this day trip, you’ll get a wide variety of experiences, starting with a cruise across Lake Manapouri during the sunrise. Once you cross the beautiful lake, you’ll board a coach bus that takes you on a scenic journey through the heart of Fiordlands National Park. Keep your eyes open looking for Keas and other famous New Zealand birds. Finally, you’ll reach Doubtful Sound, where you’ll board a cruise and enjoy the sights and sounds of New Zealand’s most beautiful waterway. Doubtful Sound is magical, full of waterfalls, wildlife, and stunning reflective waters that show off the huge cliffs that surround the sound. This adventure, which we took with Go Orange, will be the perfect Fiordlands excursion .

Part 1: Lake Manapouri Cruise

This Doubtful Sound cruise excursion starts with a Lake Manapouri cruise. If you take the early trip, you’ll get 2 great benefits. First off, the trip is cheaper than the later option. You’ll save some money! Second, you’ll get to see the sun rise over Lake Manapouri.

Seeing the sun rise and paint the sky a watercolor of reds, yellows, purples, and blues is great. Add in the fact that you are cruising across the smooth water of Lake Manapouri and it becomes a downright wonderful experience!

While on the Lake Manapouri Cruise, you will also learn some incredible facts from your tour guide. Many of these facts are around the Manapouri Power Station , which produces a HUGE amount of power to keep New Zealand’s South Island on the grid. This power station is located right in between Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound, and is pretty cool to see up close and personal.

Part 2: Coach Bus Through Fiordlands National Park

Once you reach the opposite shore of Lake Manapouri, there is a bus waiting to bring you on a 30 minute scenic drive through Fiordlands National Park. The road you take goes only between Lake Manapouri and Doubtful Sound, and therefore is impossible to reach except by boat!

Lucky for you, you’ll be the only ones on the road! A Doubtful Sound cruise is basically the only way you’ll be able to drive this scenic route. The road takes you on a winding path across Wilmot Pass , the highest point you’ll reach on this excursion.

While on this route, keep your eyes out for some of New Zealand’s famous bird wildlife, including the Kea , Weka , and maybe even a Kiwi if you are lucky! After you cross Wilmot Pass, also make sure to spot Doubtful Sound from above, an absolutely beautiful site from a bird’s eye view.

Part 3: Doubtful Sound Cruise

After about an hour and a half of cruising Lake Manapouri and touring Fiordlands National Park, you’ll reach the incredible destination of this excursion: Doubtful Sound. At the harbor, you’ll board a ship, which will be your home for the next few hours as you cruise each nook and cranny of New Zealand’s most beautiful body of water.

If you choose Go Orange, as we did, your Doubtful Sound cruise will have a full tea and coffee bar on board. Having a hot drink while standing on the bow of the ship enjoying the brisk Doubtful Sound wind, not to mention that view, is pure bliss.

Your cruise captain will navigate you through the incredibly calm waters of Doubtful Sound. There will likely be only one or two ships on the ENTIRE SOUND, making the water very still and reflective, especially early in the morning.

The Doubtful Sound cruise will take you up close and personal to the huge waterfalls flowing over the enormous cliffs on shore. You’ll see the sun disappear and reappear around the high peaks of Fiordlands National Park.

If you get lucky, you can even spot some of the sea life that lives in Doubtful Sound! On our cruise, we saw a small pod of dolphins swimming by. You can also spot seals and, if you are super lucky, a whale or two!

Doubtful Sound / Patea – A Quiet Place

The best part of the cruise, in our opinion, was a period of 10 minutes when the captain stopped the ship, turned off the engine and asked the crew and passengers for complete silence. During this time, our ears were treated to the sounds of Doubtful Sound, and only those sounds.

The Maori name for Doubtful Sound is Patea, which according to our captain roughly translates to ‘Quiet Place’. When the captain shuts the engine off and all you hear is the natural noises, you’ll see why. Doubtful Sound is EXTREMELY quiet, and is one of the most peaceful places we’ve ever been to.

All in all, the Doubtful Sound cruise was an absolutely wonderful experience. Each leg of the journey, the Lake Manapouri cruise, the tour of Fiordlands National Park, and the Doubtful Sound cruise, made for a unique and wonderful adventure.

If you need more convincing, check out our video on Doubtful Sound!

One question does come up, however. Is Doubtful Sound a better excursion than New Zealand’s most popular destination, Milford Sound? Check out our blog post on Doubtful Sound vs Milford Sound .

We sincerely hope you enjoyed this article on why a Doubtful Sound cruise is the best excursion in Fiordlands National Park. If you liked the article, please Pin It to Pinterest using the below images. Thanks!

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• Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruises

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri Doubtful Sound

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Doubtful Sound Day Tour from Manapouri

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• Full day tour from Manapouri to Doubtful Sound
• Cruise across Lake Manapouri
• Scenic bus transfer across Wilmot Pass
• 3 hour wilderness cruise in Doubtful Sound

Description

The magnificent Doubtful Sound, situated in a World Heritage Area, is mind blowing. Never has the awesome power of nature seemed as palpable as it does amidst the isolation, raw wilderness and overwhelming peace of Doubtful Sound. You can experience this on a full day adventure from Manapouri with RealNZ.

If you would like coach transfers for this tour from Queenstown or Te Anau, check out the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise ex Queenstown or Te Anau.

Renowned for the richness of its flora and fauna, Doubtful Sound is the second largest fiord of the fourteen located within the Fiordland National Park. It is three times as long and ten times as large as Milford Sound.

Your adventure with RealNZ begins on the pristine waters of Lake Manapouri, after which you continue on to Wilmot Pass, pausing along the way to soak in the sights of Fiordland’s most luxuriant rainforest and alpine moss gardens awash with colour.

Once you arrive at Deep Cove, the real adventure begins as you board a commodious catamaran and embark on a three hour cruise that will allow you the most dramatic views of Doubtful Sound’s most spectacular and most awe-inspiring scenery. Detailed commentary will be provided courtesy of friendly skippers, and highlights will be brought to your attention so you don’t miss a thing. Keep your eyes peeled for sunbathing fur seals and bottlenose dolphins, which often like to frolic alongside the ship. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of elusive rare penguins.

Trip Includes

• 45 min boat ride across Lake Manapouri
• 45 min coach trip over the Wilmot Pass
• 3 hour luxury cruise on Doubtful Sound
• Allow 8 hours
• 7:30am & 10:30am in summer & 10:00am only in winter
• Self drive to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri
• Operates daily all year

Other Information

• Child rates apply (5-15yrs)
• Children 4 years or under travel free of charge
• Dress warmly for the cruise boat & don't forget your camera
• Free tea and coffee is available on the cruise boat
• You can drive yourself to Manapouri (2.5 hrs from Queenstown). If you require coach transfers from Queenstown click here or for transfers from Te Anau click here
• Doubtful Sound overnight cruises are available (Oct - May only).These are very popular and we recommend booking several months in advance

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$379.00
• Child (5-15yrs): NZD$189.00

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All prices shown in NZD$.

Genuine Customer Reviews powered by

Service rating:

Initially couldn’t get the date I wanted but the team did further enquiring and managed to obtain my preferred dates without my asking.

Product rating:

Amazing day, the weather can’t be ordered but our trip managed sunshine, rainbows, showers and torrential rain. It is a magical place and well worth the time getting there.

Reviewed 26-Apr-2024

Efficient and friendly

Amazing unspoilt scenery. Don't miss it. A very special part of New Zealands Unesco World Heritage area.

Reviewed 16-Apr-2024

Well organised and wonderful experience

Amazingly Beautiful place

Reviewed 05-Feb-2024

Great day out with friendly staff.

Very informative bus ride over the Crown Ridge with driver Andy and staff all friendly and helpful.

Reviewed 29-Jan-2024

Excellent friendly staff

Excellent company and professional

Reviewed 06-Dec-2023

All the staff ever great, the passed on a load of information to everyone on the tour. It was impressive. Every part on the day was timed/planned well. The food was good. The bus and boat were clean and easy to access. Going to Doubtful Sounds was a real advantage. Lake Manapouri was a great boar tired i its self . The bus ride at 45 minutes went quickly with the driver sharing some many wonderful facts. The boat ride on Doubtful sounds had everyone clicking on their cameras all day long.

Great value for money. Along day but so worth the time even on a short holiday.

Reviewed 06-Nov-2023

The Doubtful sound trip was perfect. So we’ll orchestrated and service was great. Everyone was helpful and eager to share their homeland treasure with us. What a pleasant day. The scenery is beautiful beyond words!

Beautiful Beyond what words can describe!

Reviewed 12-Mar-2023

Great service, would use and recommend again. Doubtful Sound trip was amazing. Thanks

Cannot fault this tour , it was amazing. The scenery unbelievable.

Reviewed 26-Feb-2023

Awesome thanks

A must do great hospitality and value

Reviewed 28-Oct-2018

We loved the Doubtful Sound cruise and would recommend it. Everything New Zealand were exceptional in ease, service and questions during the booking process. The only reason for not giving it 5 stars was the weather.

Reviewed 03-Apr-2018

Sally was extremely helpful considering our booking had been accepted for an 8am departure at 10.07pm the night before which was accepted but there was no one to confirm it and we arrived at Pearl Harbour only to find out that it was fully booked. Tomoko then contacted Sally to find out what had happened and as indicated she was extremely helpful and we were able to get on the 10.30am tour for which we were very grateful.

We were expecting to at least see some dolphins or any other creature that inhabits the area but there was nothing except for the scenery. I understand that it can be a hit and miss situation when it comes to nature but you are always hopeful when you go on a tour such as this.

Reviewed 08-Mar-2018

Everything promised was delivered and staff were friendly and helpful staff. We would book again on our next trip

Awesome great experience will do it again on our next trip!

Reviewed 31-Jan-2018

Real Journeys saved the day when original trip didn’t get booked for us. We ended up on additional trip laid on for only 21 people so it was like having our own boat and guides to Doubtful Sound

Everyone involved was enthusiastic and couldn’t have given us a better day. Stunning scenery and wildlife, with bonus of small number of people on trip so made it more personal

Reviewed 05-Jan-2018

The on-line booking service was efficient. The logistics of transporting customers via catamaran-bus-catamaran throughout the journey were well organised and smooth. Scenery comments provided by bus drivers and boat captains were informative.

Reviewed 04-Jan-2018

The whole day was so memorable. All the arrangements went perfectly. At every step the staff were gave us great information and were very helpful and efficient

Reviewed 26-Mar-2017

Flexible, helpful, responsive. I'd recommend them and would buy from them again.

A bit disappointing as the journey was long and slow, and there was very limited wildlife to see.

Reviewed 14-Jul-2016

Helpful support to answer my enquiry, and I have made some changes of my booking with very quick response and action.

The tour is great. Both the coach driver and the guide on the cruise has provided us many informative info. The deluxe lunch box is not good to us.

Reviewed 28-Mar-2016

Service was helpful-picking us up and dropping us off from our accommodation and staff were informative and friendly.

Fabulous trip-getting a good look at all aspects of the environment we were visiting.

Reviewed 14-Mar-2016

First rate organization and service.

Thought the trip on the Sound itself was a little long.

Reviewed 03-Mar-2016

Easy to book, excellent service.

Despite not so good weather we enjoyed our day cruise immensely. It was well organised, the boats and the bus clean and in good condition.

Reviewed 16-Jan-2016

very helpful and friendly staff throughout all parts of the day.

To take the tour from Queenstown is a very long day - we seemed to have some unnecessary waiting periods - anything that can reduce the length of the day would be good - even shortening the time on the Sound - only so many waterfalls are interesting!

Reviewed 15-Dec-2015

Very professional and well organised tour

Most enjoyable day .

Reviewed 23-Sep-2015

Beautiful well organized excursion!

Spectacular excursion w very knowledgeable guides!

Reviewed 26-Feb-2015

Most enjoyable day and we were lucky enough to see a large pod of dolphins close up

Reviewed 04-Feb-2015

I received excellent service from the lady at Every Travel Group. Asked question and received excellent responses. Which made our experiences unforgettable.

We enjoyed our cruise. The staff were helpful and the boat was modern.

Reviewed 20-Jan-2015

Well organized

Great day trip

Reviewed 29-Jul-2014

I will note the excellent excursion but I will put between good and excellent. I did not appreciate the visit of the powerplant and I did not appreciate to be in a tunnel for a visit. That several minutes. I come to see outsides and not the interiors. The power station is a beautiful work but I do not come to New Zealand for that. On this subject, and I did not look at my confirmation yet but it seemed to me that the visit of the power station was not obligatory and that one could choose. (I must look at my documentation). For the remainder I then to note you 8,5 out of 10. VF je vais noter l'excursion excellente mais je mettrai entre bon et excellent. Je n'ai pas apprécié la visite de la centrale électrique et je n'ai pas apprécié de me trouver dans un tunnel pour une visite. Cela plusieurs minutes. Je viens pour voir les extérieurs et pas les intérieurs. La centrale est un beau travail mais je ne viens pas en Nouvelle-Zélande pour cela. A ce sujet, et je n'ai pas encore regardé ma confirmation mais il m'a semblé que la visite de la centrale n'était pas obligatoire et que l'on pouvait choisir.(je dois regarder ma documentation). Pour le reste je puis vous noter 8,5 sur 10.

Reviewed 03-Jan-2014

I had made an error on my dates and double booked myself which they picked up for me.

We had all weather, rain, hail, snow and sun and it was great. Let us see the Sound in all conditions, from eerily misty to sunshine. Because of the rain there were lots of waterfalls not usually there.

Reviewed 14-Oct-2013

very quick response and helpful staff

amazing experience, this one is hard to match!!

Reviewed 15-Mar-2013

Seemless and professional

Reviewed 14-Mar-2013

Everything Travel Group Review

A truely stunning trip, compared with Milford Sound Doubtful Sound is more remote, around 10 times larger and the cruise is longer. With less people and companies operating in the area, Doubtful really does feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, amongst all the natural beauty that the area has to offer. If you dont have the time to do an overnight then this is the trip to do.

  Wow Factor

  Environmental Care

Reviewed 29 Feb 2012 by Everything Travel Group (Kris)

Latest Questions about Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri (Doubtful Sound)

Is it possible to make the Day Cruise with a one year old toddler? Or would you not recommend it?

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Hi, can you tell me if there is as toilet on the cruise on lake Manapouri and the bus, and can you book a seat at the front, if no toilet presume there is one before hoping onto the cruise in Doubtful sound. Do we return the same way as arriving at the sound ie bus back to Manapouri Thanks

Hiya Lloyd, Thanks so much for your Queenstown regarding the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri, Great news, they have toilets on the boat across Lake Manapouri, they have toilets at the Visitor Centre in Wilmont before you board the coach, then it is short 45-minute coach trip into Deep Cove, once at deep Cove you will board the vessel for your day cruise which also has toilets on board, so I think you will be okay for toilet stops along the way ☺

Comment by: Everything New Zealand on 4th Oct 23 at 15:05

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will you be operation this tomorrow the 13/9/2023 thanks

Can i get any discount as a NZMCA member for the trip to doubtful sound for 4 people

what is the name of the tour boat company that does this trip?

If you are disabled and on a walker with difficulty getting in and out of small boats, can you do this cruise?

The cruise is very accessible if you have a walker as there are ramps on and off the boat. The only issue you will encounter are steps, you would need to be able to get up steps to board the coach.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group on 19th Jun 19 at 09:59

What time do we need to be in Manapouri for the boat? We will be driving our own car from Queenstown.

Hi Joanie, from Manapouri you can leave at either 8am or 10am and check in is 20 minutes before

Comment by: The Everything Travel Group (Sally) on 6th Dec 17 at 11:20

Does the day trip include a visit to the power station

Hi Kate, unfortunately the power station is out of operation until further notice, so at the moment a trip to the power station is not included

Comment by: The Everything Travel Group (Sally) on 27th Sep 17 at 15:02

I plan to drive to Manapouri to join the Doubtful Sound cruise. Please advise if there is free parking near the cruise boat boarding point. If no, pls advise the approx cost parking. Thanks

Heya, Yeah absolutely there is free parking right next to the cruise terminal. It is not technically a 'secured' car park but Manapouri is very small and in my opinion generally a safe place. Kind regards,

Comment by: Alicia - Everything New Zealand on 24th Aug 17 at 10:07

As we would be interested in this tour from Queenstown, just wondering what facilities etc are available for lunch? Is this onboard or do we have it prior to cruise?

For the Doubtful Sound day tour from Queenstown you have the option of pre ordering a picnic lunch which is given to you on board the coach to eat whenever you like. Or you are welcome to bring your own packed lunch with you. There are no lunch options to purchase on board the boat however you can buy lunch when passing through Te Anau on the way to Manapouri where the boat leaves from.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Callum) on 6th Mar 17 at 14:35

whats in the picnic lunch and delux picnic lunch?

Hi Ella, the picnic lunch consists of a fresh filled bread roll, cheese and crackers, sweet slice and fresh fruit. The deluxe picnic lunch consists of a fresh filled bread roll, cheese & ham croissant, cheese and crackers, dried fruit/ nuts mix, sweet slices and fresh seasonal fruit.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 9th Feb 17 at 20:10

How many passengers does the boat hold?

Hi Diane, the maximum number of passengers the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise boat can carry is 170.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 23rd Jan 16 at 15:26

My mum (in her early 80's) is super keen to see Doubtful Sound and the fiords. Is the boat large and comfy and easy enough to board and disembark? She did the Milford last year, with ease, so hoping this will provide a similarly wonderful experience for her.

Yes your mum will find the Doubtful Sound cruise a very simliar experience to the Milford Sound boat cruise except that there are 2 boats to get on and off (including the launch across lake Manapoouri) and a short coach trip across Wilmot Pass. The boat the does the main cruise on Doubtful Sound is large and comfortable. 

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Callum) on 4th Jan 16 at 14:25

Where is the best place to stay if going on Doubtful Sound Day cruise

The Doubtful Sound day cruise departs from Manapouri which is located 20 minutes drive from Te Anau or 2 hours from Queenstown. You can either meet the boat in Manapouri if you have access to a car or you can get picked up from your accommodation in Queenstown or Te Anau. 

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Callum) on 29th Dec 15 at 00:13

Hi - is the visit to the power station compulsory? How long is this component of the tour?

Hi Hazel. All the Doubtful Sound day cruises include a visit to the Manapouri underground power station for about 1 hour. If you prefer not to visit the power station then you are welcome to way outside and enjoy the scenery while the guide takes the rest of the group through. You will then join up with the group for the Doubtful Sound cruise and the rest of the tour. 

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Callum) on 12th Dec 13 at 11:21

Please advise how many people does the cruise boat take on each trip ( assuming a Feb 2014 date ) Also what time is the pick-up from Te Anau?

Hi David, the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise boat can carry up to 135 passengers. You will be collected between 8.30am and 9am in February depending on where you are staying in Te Anau. 

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 30th Apr 13 at 12:28

Is the coach from Queenstown to doubtful sound glass-roof?

Hi Jo, the coaches with the glass roofs are usually reserved for the Milford trips so it is unlikely that you will get a glass roof coach on the trip to Doubtful Sound. 

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 20th Feb 13 at 16:25

Hi, Is this cruise run through Real Journeys and where is teh collection point in Queenstown. Do they collect from motels? Thanks

Hi Steve, yes the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise is operated by Real Journeys. They pick up from most accommodation places in Queenstown, this is a free pick up service.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Kris Barrs) on 1st Sep 12 at 11:52

Hi. In your prices section> " from Qtown (+ lunch) Special NZD$218.00 (was NZD$323.00) (Special from 1st May 2012 - 30th September 2012) " Does this mean we get a picnic lunch included in the price or do we still need to bring ourown? Thanks in advance, Ben

Hi Ben, yes that special means you do get lunch included with the special price on the Doubtful Sound Wilderness day cruise. 

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 9th Jul 12 at 11:36

i am travelling to new zealand in September, if i book the tour but because of the weather the tour is canceled then will i get a refund? Hope to hearing from you soon

Hi Paulo. Yes that is correct. If you book the Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise or any other activity via our website and the trip is cancelled due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances by the activity provider then you can reschedule or receive a full refund from us.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Callum) on 27th Jun 12 at 10:26

what is the difference if I was to book from Manapouri or Te Anau? do I get longer on one than the other? do you still see the same places? How far away is Manapouri from Te Anau?

Hi Lorraine. The boat actually departs from Manapouri however transfers are offered from Te Anau and Queenstown if that's where your accommodation is so the extra time from Te Anau just includes the tranport to Manapouri. Te Anau is about 20km from Manapouri. The cruise departs daily all year round.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 7th May 12 at 10:55

is this ship wheel chair friendly?

Hi Tanya, yes the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise is wheelchair friendly. They have ramp access to get both on and off the boat and they will have someone available to help you on and off the Real Journeys coach.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Kris) on 19th Dec 11 at 11:53

Do you have a discount for Seniors 75+ years. Aussie residents? Trip would be from Tenau

Comment by: Bill Taylor on 29th Oct 16 at 16:10

2 comments - Post a Comment

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MANAPOURI LAKE CRUISES - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Bookings are now open for our Winter 2024 Great Walks transport! The Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Track Transport Packages and Sector Transport can now be booked online

Tracknet Transport 77 Manapouri-Te Anau Highway Te Anau 9679 New Zealand [email protected]

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Lake Manapōuri Private Guided Cruise

Get a group together and join us for a small boat tour on new zealand’s second deepest and most beautiful lake, lake manapōuri. carved by glaciers tens of thousands of years ago, lake manapōuri is adorned with many islands, rugged cliffs, and beautiful bays. let us show you the highlights during our 2.5 hour cruise while we share stories of the history, nature, and beauty of the area..

About Lake Manapōuri Cruise

Lake Manapōuri is just 20 minutes' drive from Te Anau. It is known for its many islands and mysterious, deep brooding waters. Join us on a cruise and explore the remote Eastern shores of the lake by boat & learn about the area's history.

Travelling by boat on Lake Manapōuri is like embarking on a journey through a tranquil and unspoiled paradise. This deep, pristine lake is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, which was hard-fought to be saved in New Zealand's first nationwide environmental campaign in the late 1960's.

The Save Manapōuri campaign stirred up national interest as the construction of a hydro-electric power station at West Arm was to increase the levels of Lakes Manapōuri & Te Anau by up to 30 metres, inundating many of the islands and engulfing much of the natural shoreline and joining the lakes as one. The power station did go ahead and be built, but thankfully, due to public pressure, lake level changes were kept at a minimum.

Lake Manapōuri was named by early Māori as Motu-rau or the 'Lake of many islands' due to its 33 small islands, each with its unique character. Exploring these islands by boat unveils a world of hidden coves, secluded beaches, and enchanting wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Lake Manapōuri Tour Details

Our Lake Manapōuri 2.5 hour cruise tours depart from Te Anau or Manapōuri on demand. Small group size of 12 passengers maximum per cruise

Fare from Te Anau: $600.00 (1-10 guests)

Please Note: weather and lake conditions can affect the operation of this tour, if the conditions are deemed unsuitable then the tour will be postponed or cancelled. Our Lake Manapōuri tour is aboard a 9.8 metre vessel and is not recommended for guests with mobility issues or children under 5 years. * Bookings are essential

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Manapōuri Power Station

Completed in 1971, manapōuri power station is an underground power station on the west arm of lake manapouri in the south island’s fiordland national park. with 850 megawatt (mw) installed capacity, it is new zealand’s largest hydro-electric power station..

The Minister of Justice, Mr Riddiford, with Mr R C Nelson and Mr D McCurdy [26 May 1970]. Ref; EP/1970/2278/9-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.

Power for industry

In July 1956, the New Zealand Electricity Department announced the possibility of a hydro-electric power project at Lake Manapōuri, and five months later Consolidated Zinc Proprietary Limited/Comalco Power Limited formally approached the Government about acquiring a large amount of electricity for aluminium smelting, more than any other single electricity user in the country.

On 19 January 1960 an agreement was signed between the company and the Government which aimed at creating New Zealand’s first significant attempt at an integrated electro-metallurgical industry. The Manapōuri–Tiwai Point electro-industrial complex involved the proposed power station and Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter at the entrance to Bluff Harbour, more than 150 kilometres (km) away.

The agreement violated the National Parks Act, which provided for formal protection of the Fiordland National Park, and required subsequent legislation to validate the development. The agreement gave Consolidated Zinc exclusive rights to the waters of both Lakes Manapōuri and Te Anau for 99 years. The company planned to build dams that would raise Lake Manapōuri’s lake level by 30 metres (m), merging the two lakes and having significant environmental impacts on the Park. However, in 1963 Consolidated Zinc decided it could not afford to build the power station. The Government then took over the power station project and the company proceeded to build their smelter.

Machine Hall excavation, circa 1967, Image courtesy of L.Smith.

Construction

Building the power station started in 1964, with the three construction phases originally costing $135.5 million. The project involved almost eight million work hours and claimed the lives of 18 workers.

The location of the station utilises the 178m drop between Lake Manapōuri and Deep Cove in Doubtful Sound. Main contractors, Utah Construction and Mining Company excavated down 200m below the level of Lake Manapōuri, through hard rock, to build the power station’s machine hall between 1966 and 1968. This involved the removal of 1.4 million tonnes of rock. The machine hall excavation is 111m long, 18m wide and 39m high. The turbine-generator structure occupies the lower two-thirds with operating level and gantry cranes above.

The underground powerhouse has seven turbine-generators and their transformers. Cables in separate ducts feed power to the switchyard at the surface. Surface access to the machine hall is provided by a 2km spiralling vehicle tunnel or a lift that descends 193m from the control room.

Water for each turbine flows from the lake through screens and down vertical concrete-lined penstock shafts and discharges to a large draught tube manifold before entering the tailrace tunnels. The first tailrace tunnel was constructed concurrently, from Deep Cove portal, by joint venture contractor Utah-Williamson-Burnett.

Engineering versus the environment

The construction of the Manapōuri Power Station had wider implications for New Zealand’s engineering profession and is considered by many to be the birth of New Zealand's environmental movement.

In September 1969 the station generated power for the first time. Stage Two of the project involved the installation of three more generators and raising the lake level by 8m. The following month, the Save Manapōuri Committee was formed in Invercargill and soon led a national campaign to prevent the lake being raised because of the environmental impacts.

“Save Manapōuri” became the catch cry for scenery preservation, conservation and environmentalism, over commercially-driven industrial development. In 1970, the Save Manapouri campaign petition attracted 264,907 signatures opposing the raising of the lake, and in 1972 the Government decided against raising water levels at Lakes Manapōuri and Te Anau. This was a compromise between preserving the lake system and realising the hydro-electric potential of the Manapōuri Power Station.

Environmental considerations became an important aspect of subsequent civil engineering design and construction in New Zealand as a result of this project.

Machine Hall, 2005, Image courtesy of L. Smith.

Increasing capacity

Engineers found a design problem soon after the power station was fully commissioned in 1972. Greater than anticipated friction between the water and the tailrace tunnel’s walls reduced the hydrodynamic head – the potential energy per unit weight of fluid. Station operators risked flooding the powerhouse if they ran the station at an output greater than 585MW, which was well short of the designed peak capacity of 700MW. The power output capacity was also reduced by the decision to not raise the lake level.

Construction of a second tailrace tunnel commenced in 1997 and was completed in 2002. The original and second tunnels are 10km long, carrying the water to Deep Cove. The second tunnel is 10m in diameter and increased capacity to 850MW, although it is limited to 800MW due to resource consent conditions. The increased exit flow also increased the effective hydrodynamic head, allowing the turbines to generate more power without using more water.

Heritage recognition

The Manapōuri power station was added to the Engineering New Zealand Engineering Heritage Register on 6 March 2024.  Read the Engineering Heritage Register report

Webinar recording

On 8 April 2024 we hosted a webinar to launch the Register Report.

Chair: Alan Brent, Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems, Victoria University of Wellington

Panellists:

• Keith Turner, Board Chair, Transpower.
• Brett Horwell, Head of Electricity Supply, Meridian Energy
• Caroline Rea, Civil Engineering Manager, Renewable Construction, Meridian Energy

Watch the recording below.

Find out more

“ Manapōuri hydro station ”, Meridian Energy, accessed 7 September 2015.

“Second Manapouri Tailrace Tunnel”, Electricity Corporation of New Zealand Limited (1996).

A Question of Power – The Manapouri debate (1980), NZonScreen, accessed 7 September 2015.

John Martin, People,  Politics and Power Stations: Electric power generation in New Zealand 1880–1998  (Wellington: Electricity Corporation of New Zealand, 1998), 205–17.

West Arm, Lake Manapouri, through to Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound, Fiordland

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