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Doubtful Sound is an unspoilt and remote wilderness of many moods. One minute clear, blue and sun-drenched, the next mysterious and mist shrouded. Our nature guides are always on hand to point out the highlights and wildlife sightings are common (dolphins, seals, penguins), experience the 'Sound of Silence'.
About the Fiordland Navigator
It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals - both of which are often seen. In season, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Once you arrive, you will board the Patea Explorer for a 3 hour (approximately) cruise on Doubtful Sound - a spectacular pristine fiord.
Forest Treks and Nature Walks
So, pack your raincoat, your sunscreen and prepare for whatever may come. Patea / Doubtful Sound’s inaccessibility is its crowning glory. While a Doubtful Sound Patea tour will take a whole day, it is well worth dedicating the time to soaking up this epic landscape. If cancelling or amending a retail booking, a refund will only be granted when RealNZ receives notification five days prior to departure. To get to Doubtful Sound, you will have to take a boat across Lake Manapouri and a bus over the Wilmot Pass.
Meet new friends on your small group tour
Both are day trips from Te Anau or Manapouri, and very long day trips from Queenstown (allow an additional 4 hours). Patea / Doubtful Sound is much bigger than Piopiotahi / Milford Sound. Spend just a short amount of time immersed in Doubtful Sound Patea and it is easy to understand why early Māori named the fiord, Patea-meaning ‘place of silence’.
Departure Times
It takes all the stress out of planning, and you’ll get to experience an awesome cruise, spotting the scenery and wildlife as you go. If you’re staying in Te Anau, which is around a 15-minute drive from Manapouri, you can drive to Manapouri and park at the visitor center for free. Or, you can arrange a bus transfer after you’ve booked the tour, which usually costs $20-$30 NZD.
Doubtful Sound is just so untouched you really feel like you’ve immersed yourself in the wilderness here. Plus, this tour offers such a serene and relaxing experience, making it a wonderful escape. Plus, Doubtful Sound is just so serene and peaceful that it’s impossible to not feel relaxed on a cruise here. The staff are super knowledgeable so this is a great chance to get to know New Zealand’s wildlife and learn about this unique fiord.
The one time you want rain on a cruise - Escape
The one time you want rain on a cruise.
Posted: Sat, 16 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Budget – $
The whole operation with all the transfers ran like clockwork. The accommodation was comfortable (we had a double ensuite cabin). The onboard naturalist kept up the commentary all the time we were sailing, making it so interesting. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course dinner prepared by our onboard chef, served in the dining saloon.
Best Times of the Year to Visit
It’s an eco-friendly property with a playground (and a big trampoline!), BBQ, and lovely gardens. The staff are super friendly, and the units stay nice and warm in the wintertime. If you’re staying in Manapouri, you can join your group at the meeting point 20 minutes before your tour begins. However, you can also be picked up from your hotel in Queenstown or Te Anau for an additional fee. When it comes to scenery, expect rugged mountains, dense rainforests, and deep water. This place also has stunning waterfalls, and one of the biggest, Browne Falls, is 619 meters (2,030 feet) tall.
Our Favourite Things To Do In Fiordland National Park
I love this because it lets you get even closer and admire the fiord’s waters, mountains, and wildlife. If you want to sleep on Doubtful Sound, I highly recommend booking this overnight cruise well in advance. So if you’re thinking about booking the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise, stay tuned. This blog contains everything you need to know before you set sail. Travel across beautiful Lake Manapouri, coach across Wilmot Pass and explore spectacular Doubtful Sound on this amazing day cruise.
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. This was such a well organised, professionally run experience. All the staff were well trained, worked as a team, were friendly and so knowledgeable.
A double room is a private room for two people, with one bed to share. A twin room is a private room for two people, with two single beds. From Queenstown to Manapouri by car or coach takes around 2 hrs 45 mins and from Te Anau around 30 minutes. The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose-built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords.
Look out for wildlife, such as dolphins, seals, penguins which are often seen. Private ensuite rooms or quad-share cabins aboard a spacious catamaran for a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise. Milford Sound is more popular with more dramatic scenery. Cruises are shorter and you can drive to the Milford Sound or get here on a tour. If you want a shorter day trip, a shorter cruise, are traveling with kids, or want to see want the famous Milford Sound is all about, then put the Milford Sound on your list. If you want to thoroughly immerse yourself in the beauty of the Doubtful Sound, you have the option to take an overnight cruise of the fiord.
You can book your cruise directly through Real NZ or with GetYourGuide. GetYourGuide does not have the option to add on the lunch box, so you have to book using the RealNZ website if you want to add that option. RealNZ takes payment upon making the reservation and in NZ currency. GYG will take payment 72 hours before your departure and offers various currencies.
Mayday call made after Fiordland Navigator runs aground in Doubtful Sound, 67 people on board - New Zealand Herald
Mayday call made after Fiordland Navigator runs aground in Doubtful Sound, 67 people on board.
Posted: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Home to abundant wildlife you may see bottlenose dolphins and fur seals at play, or catch a glimpse of a rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Escape to the peace and tranquillity of Doubtful Sound on a magical overnight cruise. Our roomy cabins include small windows that open to the outside, reading lights, linens and towels, soap, and the convenience of a private shower and toilet ensuite. With just five Cabins onboard, space is limited, so book early. We can visit parts of the Doubtful Sound area, including Hall Arm, Crooked Arm, First Arm, Thompson Sound, Bradshaw Sound, and Gaer Arm.
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