A visit to the South Island of New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without a boat cruise through the majestic fiords. A Doubtful Sound cruise is one of the top things to do in Fiordland and for good reason.
Tucked away in the remote location of the far southwest of New Zealand, Doubtful Sound is not easy to get to, making the experience all the more special. The remote location, untouched beauty and exciting wildlife deliver an adventure like no other.
The only way to experience this unique and pristine part of the world is by boat, either as a day trip through a local tour company out of Manapouri or by sea, which is less common unless you charter a boat or are embarking on a cruise between Australia and New Zealand.
Having personally experienced Doubtful Sound both ways, via a large cruise ship from the sea and as a day trip through a local tour company from the mainland, both experiences were impressive.
However, I really enjoyed the expert commentary of the local tour. Plus, the journey to Doubtful Sound from the mainland offered an off-the-beaten path experience, with smaller boats that can access parts of the sound the bigger cruise ships can’t.
The best way to experience Doubtful Sound is by going on this Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise which departs from the Manapouri Visitors Centre near Te Anau.
Or for an even deeper experience, you can spend the night in the sounds on this Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise. A truly remarkable experience in a remote and pristine part of the country.
For many visitors, a cruise through the sounds is the highlight of their visit to New Zealand and an experience I highly recommend if you can fit it into your itinerary and budget.
Here are some of the incredible experiences you can expect on a Doubtful Sound cruise as well as some useful information to help with your planning.
About Doubtful Sound
First, here are some quick facts about Doubtful Sound that you may find interesting, plus clarification around some of the terms we use here in New Zealand that can be a little confusing at first.
Doubtful Sound was named Patea by the Maori settlers which translates to “a place of silence”. For this reason, Doubtful Sound is often referred to as the ‘sound of silence’. Once you arrive in the sound and the boat shuts down the engine you will get to experience it for yourself…it’s really beautiful!
It was in 1770 when Captain Cook came across the fiord while sailing around New Zealand but did not enter as he was doubtful it could be navigated under sail. He named it Doubtful Harbour which was later renamed Doubtful Sound by whalers and sealers who inhabited the area.
Despite its name, Doubtful Sound is actually a fiord (or fjord as it is known in other parts of the world). A sound is formed by flooding of a river valley whereas a fiord is a valley formed by glaciers that filled up with water when the glaciers melted.
Doubtful Sound was formed by 20 glaciation events that took place over thousands of years, hence it is technically a fiord. However, in New Zealand, all maritime fiords use sound in their name. Confused yet!
At approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) long and up to 421 meters (1381 feet) deep, Doubtful Sound is the second-longest and deepest fiord in the South Island. It’s made up of four arms – First Arm, Crooked Arm, Hall Arm and the innermost part of the fiord called Deep Cove.
Deep Cove is also home to New Zealand’s largest, and fairly controversial, hydroelectric power station which was built to power an aluminium smelter in the small rural town of Bluff.
Additionally, Doubtful Sound has unique marine and wildlife including a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins and the rare crested penguin.
The high volume of rainfall in the area creates a unique environment of tannin-stained freshwater running off from surrounding mountains layered over saltwater. This creates a dark low salinity habitat where deep sea marine species, such as black coral, can exist in the shallower depths of the sound.
It’s fair to say that Doubtful Sound is a pretty special place.
Why Take a Doubtful Sound Cruise
Located deep within Fiordland National Park, there is no direct road access in which you can drive yourself to Doubtful Sound. You’ll need to book in with a local tour operator who will arrange transport from Manapouri.
From here, you’ll travel by boat across the lake to West Arm, then by coach (bus) over the Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove, where you’ll board another boat to commence your cruise through Doubtful Sound.
The journey to Doubtful Sound is an adventure in itself where, through expert commentary, you can learn all about the history and geography of this unique area.
There are dozens of smaller islands in Doubtful Sound along with several large waterfalls including Helena and Browne Falls. With over 200 days of rain a year, the steep hills surrounding the fiord are lush and green all year round, making for spectacular scenery at every turn.
Wildlife is plentiful in Doubtful Sound. As mentioned, the fiord is home to a unique resident pod of bottlenose dolphins in addition to fur seals, penguins, whales, albatross, other birdlife and unique marine life.
Overall, a Doubtful Sound cruise is a unique experience providing you with access to a raw, untouched and spectacularly beautiful landscape in a remote corner of the world.
Additional FAQs
Before we jump into the highlights (or you can skip right to them of course), here are some frequently asked questions you may find useful to help with your planning and preparation.
Do cruise ships go into Doubtful Sound?
Yes, in addition to the local small boat tours, some larger cruise ships such as Celebrity go into Doubtful Sound.
What is the best time to visit Doubtful Sound?
For the best weather, the summer months (December to February) are the best time to visit, although this is also the busiest season. September is the best time to see the Crested Penguins and autumn (March to May) is the best time for decent weather and fewer crowds.
How do I get to Doubtful Sound?
There is no direct road access in which you can drive yourself to Doubtful Sound. You will need to travel by boat and coach with a local tour company to access Doubtful Sound from the mainland of New Zealand.
Where do Doubtful Sound cruises leave from?
Doubtful Sound cruises depart from Pearl Harbour wharf at the Manapouri Visitor Centre.
How long does it take to get to Doubtful Sound from Queenstown?
The drive from Queenstown to Manapouri is around 2 hours. From Manapouri, you’ll need to travel by boat and coach with a local tour operator for another couple of hours to reach Deep Cove in Doubtful Sound.
What is Doubtful Sound known for?
Doubtful Sound is the second longest and deepest fiord in the South Island known for its remote location, untouched beauty and wildlife encounters.
What is the Maori name for Doubtful Sound?
Patea, meaning “place of silence”. Once you arrive in Doubtful Sound you’ll experience why.
How to get there
As mentioned, the most common way to get access to Doubtful Sound is by booking a cruise which departs from the wharf near the visitor centre in Manapouri, a small town in Fiordland and the closest inhabited place to Doubtful Sound.
If driving yourself, Manapouri is a 20-minute drive from Te Anau and a 2-hour drive from Queenstown. These are the two nearest and most popular towns where visitors to the area tend to stay, both having lots of restaurants and a variety of accommodation options to choose from.
There are also a few accommodation options in Manapouri which may be handy if you are booking the 7am cruise. Plus, if you enjoy hiking, there are some excellent day walks in Te Anau and Manapouri you can do the next day.
Alternatively, you have the option to include bus transport from Queenstown or this day tour starting from Te Anau when you book your Doubtful Sound cruise.
From Pearl Harbour wharf, you’ll be taken across Lake Manapouri to West Arm by boat, then transfer to a bus to drive over the Wilmot Pass before descending into Deep Cove.
Deep Cove is the main interior harbour of Doubtful Sound where you’ll board your final boat and head off on your Doubtful Sound cruise.
Highlights of a Doubtful Sound Cruise
Cruising Doubtful Sound is a full day adventure, lasting 7 hours from the time you depart until the time you return to Manapouri, excluding driving time from Queenstown or Te Anau.
After checking in at the Real NZ desk located in the Manapouri Visitors Centre, you’ll board a boat for a 45-minute cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm.
Fascinating History
On the way, the captain will share the fascinating history and geography of the area. Including why Doubtful Sound has rounded islands compared to the pointy peaks of Milford Sound and how Blunter Island reflects the direction the glacier was travelling.
Stunning Scenery
Once you arrive at West Arm you’ll be transferred to a bus (coach) for a 40-minute drive over Wilmot Pass, New Zealand’s most expensive road, to Deep Cove. On the way you’ll have a pit stop to see waterfalls and take in the beautiful Fiordland rainforest with Doubtful Sound shimmering below.
From Deep Cove you’ll board the Patea Explorer (or similar vessel) for a 3-hour cruise through Doubtful Sound. Throughout the journey, an expert nature guide will point out significant landmarks and tell you about the unique flora and fauna of the area.
Wildlife Encounters
The nature guides will also keep an eye out for wildlife and let you know if there are any sightings. During our cruise we were thrilled to see albatross and other birdlife, fur seals climbing up rocks and bottlenose dolphins on two different occasions! Although wildlife encounters are impossible to guarantee, chances are much higher in the quieter and more remote Doubtful Sound.
The Sound of Silence
You’ll explore different parts of the fiord and if the conditions are right you’ll enter a picturesque cove, probably one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve ever seen, where you’ll get to experience the ‘sound of silence’.
Everyone finds a spot along the railing, puts their cameras and cellphones away and closes their eyes. The captain shuts down the boat’s engine for a couple of minutes and you are left with only the sounds of nature in its purest form. It’s a profoundly beautiful moment.
After your Doubtful Sound cruise is complete you’ll arrive back to Deep Cove and follow the same bus and boat journey back to Manapouri.
Doubtful Sound is such a remote and beautiful part of the world and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. You may like to extend your stay in Doubtful Sound with an overnight cruise.
What to Expect on a Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
A Doubtful Sound overnight cruise is an extraordinary experience where you can spend the night in one of the most remote and pristine places in New Zealand. Here is what you can expect on an overnight cruise:
- One or two nights: You can choose between a one or two-night stay leaving plenty of time to experience all the stunning scenery, wildlife and activities on offer.
- Comfortable accommodation: You’ll have the option to stay in a private cabin with ensuite bathroom or a family cabin with shared bathrooms on a modern vessel with a traditional design. The decks are spacious and there is also an observation lounge to enjoy the views from.
- Adventure activities: A Doubtful Sound overnight cruise provides the opportunity to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat. You can even go for a swim if you’re feeling really brave!
- Wildlife encounters: Expert nature guides will share their knowledge about the unique flora and fauna of the area while keeping an eye out for wildlife sightings. You may encounter dolphins, fur seals, albatross, the rare penguins and maybe even a whale during your overnight cruise.
- Delicious food: Your meals will be prepared by an onboard chef including a three-course buffet dinner and cooked breakfast. There is even a licensed bar onboard for you to sample some of New Zealand’s best wines.
- Stargazing: Not only will you get to experience the stunning natural beauty of Doubtful Sound during the day, if skies are clear you can enjoy stargazing on the upper deck at night. With virtually no light pollution the stars light up the sky in the most brilliant display. It’s truly magical.
A Doubtful Sound overnight cruise is a special experience that will give you plenty of time to explore the whole length of the sound and the chance to experience all its beauty and wildlife.
Tips for Cruising Doubtful Sound
- If travelling from Queenstown, be sure to leave plenty of extra time in case of traffic but also to experience some of the scenic stops along the way.
- A reasonable level of mobility is required given the remote access and multiple modes of transport required to get to Doubtful Sound.
- Wear comfortable non-slip shoes.
- Bring warm layers and a waterproof jacket. It gets very cold in Doubtful Sound, even in summer.
- Light snacks and drinks are available to purchase onboard, however we recommend bringing a packed lunch.
- Be sure to book your cruise early so you don’t miss out. Although not as busy as its popular neighbor, Milford Sound, the peak summer months can attract more visitors to the area.
- Bring (New Zealand) cash for the bar if going on the overnight cruise as they are unable to accept cards given the remote location.
Final Thoughts
Overall, a Doubtful Sound cruise is a unique experience that will give you a glimpse into this raw and stunning region of New Zealand. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed. So go on, book your cruise and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
After your cruise, don’t forget to leave some time to explore all the fun things to do in Te Anau.
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.