Trip Planner: South Pacific / New Zealand / South Island / Southland Region / Fiordland National Park / Te Anau / Nature / Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound, Te Anau

4.7

#1 of 320 in Wildlife Areas in New Zealand

Water Body Wildlife Area

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. Put Doubtful Sound and other Te Anau attractions into our Te Anau itinerary maker, and watch your holiday take shape.

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Related Tours to Book

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau or Manapouri BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $179

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $198

Te Anau Super Saver: Doubtful Sound Cruise plus Te Anau Glowworm Cave Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $231

Queenstown Super Saver: Doubtful Sound Cruise plus Walter Peak High Country Farm Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $245

Full-Day Doubtful Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $660

Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound Helicopter Flight from Te Anau BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $797

Doubtful Sound Scenic Helicopter Flight from Te Anau BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $419

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Where to stay in Te Anau

Despite its modest size, Te Anau offers a decent range of accommodations from which to explore the surrounding national park. Boutique hotels, economy motels with kitchenettes, and rental apartments cluster mostly in the town center, but also along the main roads that lead into it. Campsites offer a good option for those wanting a full-on outdoor holiday. Reserve in advance for busier periods.

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1,619 reviews

sandscoleman

Doubtful Sound gets a LOT of rain so you should expect it, but the rain and mist only added to our experience of this hauntingly beautiful, end-of-the-earth fiord. We did the Real Journeys tour with p... more »
sugadaze

Doubtful Sound was a fantastic addition to our NZ holiday and turned out to be the highlight for everyone. I was part of a larger group that booked on this tour. We had walked the Keppler track and th... more »
Anne M

A short drive from Te Anau to the Real Journeys visitor center in Manapouri. Must book in advance, even in shoulder season. Most visitors don't get to Doubtful Sound, and they're missing out on a spec... more »

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Doubtful Sound, Te Anau

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