Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience an 8-hour day trip into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound, the heart of Fiordland National Park, while nature guides answer questions and point out landmarks. This fiord is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals - both are often seen. In season, you may even catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Explore Doubtful Sound's vast waterways on board a luxurious vessel. A highlight is experiencing the unique 'Sound of Silence', where you hear only birdsong while floating on the fiord with the engines turned off.
If you wish to pre-order a picnic lunch, please contact the supplier directly after you have made your booking.
Please be sure you arrive 20 minute before departure to check in.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a rain jacket or hat, as necessary
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please note: During survey the Patea Explorer will be substituted with another vessel from the RealNZ fleet
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Manapouri
Enjoy a 45-minute scenic cruise across the stunning, island-studded Lake Manapouri. This peaceful journey offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush rainforest, setting the stage for the wilderness ahead.
Disembark at West Arm and board a coach for the 45-minute drive over Wilmot Pass, ascending 671 meters through dense rainforest. This extraordinary road, flanked by towering peaks, provides stunning views of Pātea Doubtful Sound when conditions permit. On clear days, the panoramic vista is unforgettable; on misty days, the fiord takes on an ethereal, mysterious beauty. Be sure to pause for photos and appreciate whatever nature reveals.
What‘s Included
Live commentary on board
Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Doubtful Sound Cruise - Early
Manapouri departure
Doubtful Sound Cruise
Manapouri Departure
Reviews
490 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely fantastic.
pepeeeeee,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic. Boat from Manapouri to the other side of Manapoori Lake was about 45 min, then scenic drive for another 45 mins to set off for a great boat ride along Doubtful Sound until the very beginning of Tasman Sea (ca. 2,5h return). The views were spectacular, also because we were lucky with weather as it was sunshine, not usual in this place which sees 240 rainy days a year and annaul rain fall of about 6-8 metres. One of the highlights of the trip was a few minutes pf total silence with engines turned off and all visitors asked to be quiet. That was a moment to remember! Guides and all staff were very helpful and friendly, especially the bus driver who shared lots pf interesting stories of the area and water power plant. Altogether the trip it took almost 7h, as we set off at 10.30 am and returned to Manapouri at 5.10 pm. Bring your own food or you can buy sandwiches, snacks and soft drinks at the bar on the boat. We did also Milford Sound cruise which was great too, if you like this type of activity and have time, dont hesitate to book both. If I had to choose one, I would choose Doubtful Sound.
One to do
385kevk,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A brilliant trip throughout. Pick from manapouri harbour trip across the lake to connect with the coach. Driver very good with a sense of humour. To doubtful sound harbour to pick up boat. Great trip through the sound and out into the Tanzanian sea. Lots of wild life and flora n fauna. Great stops for photos on both boat trips and on the coach.
A more remote section of Fiordlands
HowardHooper,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a very remote location to enjoy the Fiordlands and getting there was enjoyable. The one thing I didn't expect was 130 people on the boat. The adds made it appear smaller, more boutique with solitude and silence. The fiord and Lake Te Anau were beautiful, but you will be sharing it with 120 of your closest friends. The staff and bus drivers were very polite and professional. I would recommend, but know you will be sharing with quite a few more people than you might think.
Sound or fiiord?
karl w,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice trip on boat to pick up bus. Trip down wonky road to boat great trip through ffiord to taxman sea running commentary throughout. Fur seal colony sooty shearwater and reverse
Stunning view
ekta g,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00it was really nice. beautiful surrounded by mountain and water. it is long journey becouse yo have to catch first ferry then bus again ferry. its worth it.
Very good
DAN B,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Its a full day activity including boat+bus+ bigger boat and return wonderfull views and animals at sea
Wonderful wilderness
Ciaobella77,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed our day trip to Doubtful Sound. The trip on the bus between was a bit of an adventure and the cruise was wonderful. We had great weather on the day we went so could go right out to sea. Tour guides were helpful and friendly.
Great views, wonderful...
William F,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great views, wonderful crew, and worth the cruise! Our family enjoyed the Doubtful Sound cruise—much quieter trip than we expected!
Good
supriadi s,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Long commute (did not know it would take 2 hours to get there) Good views and explanations Good bathroom breaks Very windy and wet Should have brought raincoats Saw lots of waterfalls Saw seals Did not see penguins and dolphins Quite expensive
A great way to spend a day!
mosaabr2022,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Overall stunning.. I found the bus ride in particular to be just breathtaking! It is a great full-day experience, so if you have the time, go for it!
From NZ$349.00
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