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Doubtful Sound, Te Anau

4.8
#1 of 264 in Wildlife in South Island
Water Body Wildlife Area Must See
Explore the many twists and turns of Doubtful Sound, a large fjord where calm, dark blue water is flanked by green mountain peaks. The sound was named by Captain Cook in the 16th century because he was unsure if it was accessible by sailboat; today, access to this isolated area is restricted to boat cruises and bus trips. To get more out of your visit, consider an overnight cruise or kayaking in the sound. The unspoiled wilderness area supports rare marine life like bottlenose dolphins, penguins, fur seals, and sometimes whales. Using our custom trip planner, Te Anau attractions like Doubtful Sound can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
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Doubtful Sound Tours
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $186
5.0
162 reviews
Duration: 9 hours
Buy tours from $186
Te Anau Super Saver: Doubtful Sound Cruise plus Te Anau Glowworm Cave Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $242
4.5
8 reviews
Duration: 2 days
Buy tours from $242
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $175
5.0
2 reviews
Duration: 8 hours
Buy tours from $175
Doubtful Sound Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 5.0
2,044 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • By Peter L
    Went with go orange. Exceptional experience. The scenery would make the visit with whole anyway,but the boat crews and drivers were all very easy going and knowledgeable. Special thanks to Tony on our...  more »
  • By Brian_StNeots
    We stayed in Te Anau from where a coach picked us up for the first leg to the dock on Manapouri Lake for an hour boat ride to the hydro electric power station where we switched to a bus trip over Wilm...  more »
  • By TipperaryAbu
    After every trip there is usually one thing I do that chews at me and causes me some regret/remorse. Ours was listening to the ‘Doubters’- yes it is bigger than Milford , it is a longer tour on the bo...  more »
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Google
  • By Thomas Treschmitzer
    Absolutely amazing. We saw a lot of falls, dolphins jumping next to our boat and the nature was breathtaking. I enjoyed it very much.
  • By Carmen Lo
    beautiful natural scenery, you can breath the fresh air, hear the birds sound. A place without human pollution.
  • By Zolkarnain tun abdullah
    A true wonder - would suggest using an electric vessel. Will truly represent "The Place of Silence"
  • By Terry Bixler
    If you have an opportunity do not think twice about it. A beautiful wilderness experience. We were fortunate to have snow capped hills. Such dramatic scenery. We went on the Fiordland navigator for an overnight stay. An incredible journey.
  • By Jules Cleary
    Fabulous place. We did the Real Journeys overnight tour which was well worth it!
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Milford Sound
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Plans to Doubtful Sound by other users

22 days in North Island & South Island BY A USER FROM LIBYA May, popular sights PREFERENCES: May ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 31 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM LIBYA May, popular sights PREFERENCES: May ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 15 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM LIBYA May, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular sights PREFERENCES: May, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 14 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE January, slow & easy, popular sights PREFERENCES: January ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Slow & easy 12 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE January, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, shopping, popular sights PREFERENCES: January, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 22 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE June, popular sights PREFERENCES: June ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 31 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND May, wildlife, popular sights PREFERENCES: May, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 29 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND April, outdoors, beaches, wildlife, popular sights PREFERENCES: April, outdoors, beaches, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 21 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM CANADA October, popular sights PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 22 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM CANADA November, popular sights PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 17 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM CANADA November, popular sights PREFERENCES: November ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular sights PACE: Medium 19 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND December, outdoors, wildlife, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: December, outdoors, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium
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