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

Doubtful Sound, Te Anau

4.7

#1 of 34 in Wildlife in Southland Region

Water Body · Nature / Park

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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Tours to Doubtful Sound

FROM $142 BOOK WITH VIATOR Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri

5.0

Duration: 8 hours

Tours from $142 »

Doubtful Sound reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

2,301 reviews

Google

4.7

By rscollo

My family of 5 had the absolute please of doing the 2night Doubtful Sound Cruise with Real Journeys this month. It was worth the 2 hours scenic drive from Queenstown to Manapouri, 1hour boat trip... more »
By KCBC-Europe

The 2 night cruise on the Fiordland explorer is magical - Doubtful sound in all its moods, light and times of day - such a wonderful experience = everyone should do this trip more »
By GrandTour11149011394

Had a great day. Weather was perfect, saw penguins, dolphins and even a seal. Crew was fantastic, couldn’t be more helpful and knowledgeable. Best trip I’ve ever done anywhere, not just in NZ more »

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Google

By Julian Kleinbussink

Save your time and money and go to Milford Sound instead. Average views, I was very bored for most of the journey. At Milford I saw seals, dolphins and a penguin and here I got to see the same scenery for the whole duration.

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By W R Edwards

Four seasons in one. We had rain, then snow on the mountain peaks and finally beautiful sunshine. Captain Cook named it Doubtful sound. We saw seals, dolphins and were lucky enough to see a penguin sailing past the boat. It was a delightful trip.

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By Linda Phipps

Stunning scenery, but can be very windy and rainy!

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By Garry Bates

Terrific boats and crew but doubtful weather created doubtful views doubtful wildlife.

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By Anna Sandercoe

I'd definitely visit again.

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