Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
Sightseeing Cruises

From Manapouri: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Cruise boat on Doubtful Sound with lush mountains in the background.
Couple laughing on a boat with waterfall and cliffs in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.
Passengers receive a briefing from the crew on the open deck of a boat in Doubtful Sound.
Couple on tour boat deck viewing waterfall in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.

Duration

7 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Take a journey through Doubtful Sound's untamed realm on this full-day tour with a guide, and immerse in its diverse wildlife and stunning vistas.

4.6/5

(139)

Alasdair Duncan Buchanan

Alasdair

Mar 2025
Verified booking
4/5
The whole experience from booking to end was smooth and efficient. The trip more than lived up to our expectations and was very good value. Doubtful Sound was absolutely stunning and we were lucky to have a beautiful sunny day after heavy rain so the waterfalls were really impressive. The boat trip across Lake Manapouri and the coach trip over the pass really add to the whole experience. Good commentary from everyone throughout the trip without bombarding you with too much information. I would highly recommend this trip.
Anne Oliver

Anne

Apr 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Our ticketing experience was perfect with no problems. Our trip out was out standing. Great crew on both boats and I think Tabitha was our guide. Very interesting and so knowledgeable and that's a credit to her. Apart from being quite windy and rather cold out experience was very memorable. My favourite part was seeing the Dolphins and where we stopped and the boat was turned off. Very tranquil.
    • If you love nature, don't miss this 7-hr tour of Doubtful Sound, a remote fiord with dense rainforests and cascading waterfalls, with a nature guide.

    • Begin your trip by cruising Lake Manapouri's crystal waters before boarding a coach over Wilmot Pass, a scenic mountain route through the rainforest.

    • Savor the tranquility of Doubtful Sound's waterways, a blend of deep blues and emerald greens, during your 3-hr cruise aboard a spacious catamaran.

    • Relish complimentary tea or coffee while your dedicated guide helps you spot unique wildlife, such as bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and more.

    • Fun fact: Doubtful Sound is 3 times longer than Milford Sound and was named by Captain Cook in 1770, who was 'doubtful' it was navigable!

    • Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour

    • Cruise across Lake Manapouri

    • Coach trip over Wilmot Pass

    • Knowledgable nature guide

    • Informative commentary

    • Interpretation hand-out sheets in 5 languages: English, German, French, Spanish & Japanese

    • Complimentary tea & coffee

    • Meals & drinks
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.6
    139 ratings
    5/5
    84
    4/5
    54
    3/5
    1
    2/5
    0
    1/5
    0
    • Germany
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • Australia
    • Switzerland
    • Italy
    • South Africa
    Guests from Germany, United Kingdom, United States and over 8 countries have loved this experience

    Anne Oliver

    Anne

    Apr, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Our ticketing experience was perfect with no problems. Our trip out was out standing. Great crew on both boats and I think Tabitha was our guide. Very interesting and so knowledgeable and that's a credit to her. Apart from being quite windy and rather cold out experience was very memorable. My favourite part was seeing the Dolphins and where we stopped and the boat was turned off. Very tranquil.
    Alasdair Duncan Buchanan

    Alasdair

    Mar, 2025Verified booking

    4/5
    The whole experience from booking to end was smooth and efficient. The trip more than lived up to our expectations and was very good value. Doubtful Sound was absolutely stunning and we were lucky to have a beautiful sunny day after heavy rain so the waterfalls were really impressive. The boat trip across Lake Manapouri and the coach trip over the pass really add to the whole experience. Good commentary from everyone throughout the trip without bombarding you with too much information. I would highly recommend this trip.
    Robert Gibson

    Robert

    Apr, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Bryan S Cilliers

    Bryan

    Apr, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Quin WEBSTER

    Quin

    Apr, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
  • Journey into the wilderness

    Begin your journey into the heart of New Zealand's breathtaking wilderness with the all-inclusive Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise. This full-day adventure commences with a tranquil cruise across the idyllic Lake Manapouri, known as one of the most stunning lakes in New Zealand. After this picturesque start, you'll board a coach for a scenic ride over the dramatic Wilmot Pass, the only road to cross over the main divide of the Southern Alps, offering unparalleled views of the dense Fiordland rainforest.

    Immersive Fiordland experience

    Upon reaching Doubtful Sound, you'll venture on a 3-hour exploration of this pristine fiord that's 3 times longer than its famous counterpart, Milford Sound. From the deck of your spacious catamaran, witness the majesty of cascading waterfalls, rugged peaks, and verdant rainforests. As you traverse this remote paradise, keep an eye out for native wildlife, from lounging fur seals to playful dolphins, and the elusive Fiordland crested penguin. Throughout your journey, an experienced nature guide will offer informative commentary and answer your queries, adding depth to your experience. Sip complimentary tea and coffee while immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of one of New Zealand's most impressive natural wonders.

  • What to bring

    • It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a warm sweater or fleece jacket.

    • It is advised to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and an insect repellent.

    Accessibility

    • Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.

    Additional information

    • The cruise vessel is subject to change without notice.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

    Boarding point

    • Board your cruise at RealNZ - Doubtful Sound Manapouri Visitor Centre.

    • Address: 64 Waiau Street, Pearl Harbour, Manapouri 9679, New Zealand.

    Get directions to the boarding point

Similar experiences you'd love

Free cancellation
Tourists exploring Te Anau Glowworm Caves with rock formations.
Guided Tours
4.5(13)
Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 from 13 ratings.
from
NZ$129
Free cancellation
Cruise boat on Milford Sound surrounded by misty mountains and calm waters.
Day Trips
4.4(251)
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 251 ratings.
from
NZ$205
Free cancellation
Cruise boat on Milford Sound surrounded by misty mountains and calm waters.
Sightseeing Cruises
4.7(245)
Rated 4.7 out of 5.0 from 245 ratings.
from
NZ$145
Free cancellation
Cruise passengers enjoying drinks with views of Milford Sound fjords.
Sightseeing Cruises
4.9(18)
Rated 4.9 out of 5.0 from 18 ratings.
NZ$389
Free cancellation
Cruise boat on Doubtful Sound with passengers photographing lush fjord scenery.
Sightseeing Cruises
4.3(114)
Rated 4.3 out of 5.0 from 114 ratings.
from
NZ$361

Top things to do in Te Anau

Download app section background

We've served 42 million+ guests and we are here for you

42 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime