Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

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.