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Sightseeing Cruises

From Queenstown: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Woman laughing on boat deck during Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise, New Zealand.
Couple on tour boat deck viewing waterfall in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.
Two people enjoy champagne and a charcuterie board on the Doubtful Sound cruise.
Couple laughing on a boat with waterfall and cliffs in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.

Duration

12 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

Transfers included

Explore the untouched wilderness of New Zealand with a full-day Doubtful Sound Cruise, offering scenic views, wildlife sightings, and a nature guide.

    • Escape the hustle and enjoy this full-day tour of Doubtful Sound, a fiord 3 times longer than Milford Sound, with transfers from Queenstown and a guide.

    • Traverse the crystal clear waters of serene Lake Manapouri on a cruise, then board a coach to cross the alpine route of the majestic Wilmot Pass.

    • Don't miss the spectacular views of rugged peaks, secret inlets, and rainforests, while learning about Fiordland's biodiversity from your guide.

    • Cruise Doubtful Sound's waters for 3 hours on a Patea Explorer for a 360° viewing experience, all while sipping on your complimentary tea or coffee.

    • Fun fact: Doubtful Sound, a haven for wildlife such as dolphins and fur seals, got its name from Captain Cook who was 'doubtful' of its navigability.

    • Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour

    • Cruise across Lake Manapouri

    • Coach trip over Wilmot Pass

    • Round-trip transfers from Queenstown

    • 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.

  • 4.3
    103 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

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    What our guests say

    Trudy fermor

    Trudy

    Mar 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Everything. Our bus driver Paulie was so knowledgeable and we felt very safe with his driving. The boat tour was amazing. Thank you
    Headout Guest

    Headout Guest

    Dec 2024
    Verified booking
    4/5
    Headout Guest

    Headout Guest

    Dec 2024
    Verified booking
    4/5
    Headout Guest

    Headout Guest

    Dec 2024
    Verified booking
    4/5
    Headout Guest

    Headout Guest

    Dec 2024
    Verified booking
    4/5
  • Cruise through Doubtful Sound on a full-day wilderness tour, featuring a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, a coach journey over Wilmot Pass, and an expert-narrated exploration of the remote fiord.

    Getting started

    Begin your day with pick-up from the designated Queenstown meeting point, where your tickets are checked. Transfers take you to Lake Manapouri, and staff will provide a brief orientation before boarding the cruise.

    What to expect

    Doubtful Sound is celebrated for its dramatic cliffs, hidden inlets, and pristine rainforests. The tranquil waters and remote setting make it perfect for wildlife spotting and capturing breathtaking views of New Zealand’s untouched landscapes.

    Features

    • Round-trip transfers: Comfortable coach transfers from Queenstown, including scenic travel through Wilmot Pass.

    • Lake Manapouri cruise: Glide across the serene alpine lake and enjoy panoramic views of surrounding mountains.

    • Doubtful Sound 3-hour cruise: Explore the fiord with expert commentary, taking in rugged peaks, dense rainforests, and secret bays.

    • Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin throughout the cruise.

  • What to bring

    • It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket, 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 display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.

    Ticket redemption point

    • Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.

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