Our bestselling escapes are back!
Explore our most loved limited-time getaways.View all
Our bestselling escapes are back!Explore our most loved limited-time getaways.
View all
Queenstown, Queenstown, Southland District · Outdoor activities

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise Day Tour

10
Outstanding
99 reviews

Embark on an enchanting journey to Doubtful Sound, a pristine fiord that surpasses its renowned counterpart, Milford Sound. Stretching three times longer and boasting a surface area ten times larger, Doubtful Sound captivates with rugged peaks, lush rainforests, and hidden inlets. Accessible only by a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri and a bus expedition over Wilmot Pass, this secluded gem promises an exclusive experience.

As you traverse crystal-clear Lake Manapouri and venture through Fiordland’s rainforest, the majestic beauty unfolds. Delight in the expertise of your knowledgeable skipper or nature guide, revealing the secrets of the region’s flora and fauna, from dolphins and fur seals to the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Inclusions
Packages: Departs Manapouri and Departs Manapouri

What’s included

  • English-speaking guide

  • 3 hour cruise of Doubtful Sound

Not included

  • Other personal expenses

  • Insurance

  • Lunch

  • Accommodation drop off

Package: Departs Queenstown

What’s included

  • English-speaking guide

  • 3 hour cruise of Doubtful Sound

  • Knowledgeable guides will provide commentary and share their passion for this spectacular part of New Zealand

  • Comfortable return coach transfers from Queenstown

Not included

  • Other personal expenses

  • Insurance

  • Lunch

  • Barista-made coffee and organic tea are available for purchase

Package: Departs Te Anau

What’s included

  • English-speaking guide

  • 3 hour cruise of Doubtful Sound

  • Knowledgeable guides will provide commentary and share their passion for this spectacular part of New Zealand

  • Comfortable return coach transfers from Te Anau

Not included

  • Other personal expenses

  • Insurance

  • Barista-made coffee and organic tea are available for purchase

Overview
Duration: Up to 8 hours
Digital voucher accepted
From US$193 /person
Includes taxes & fees
Check availability

Pricing & availability

To check availability and prices, please let us know the following:
Location
Queenstown, Queenstown, Southland District
From
US$193 /person
Not ready to book just yet?
Give this experience as a gift
Surprise a special someone with the gift of an unforgettable experience.
Location

Things to know

Voucher type

  • Present your mobile voucher

Redemption information

  • Present voucher and exchange it for a ticket(s) at the The Real Journeys Visitor Centre

Things don’t always work out, so enjoy peace of mind knowing that the following cancellation options are available to you.

  • Up to 24 hours before your chosen date - 100%
Packages: Departs Manapouri, Departs Queenstown and Departs Te Anau

Cancelation policy

  • You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hour(s) before the activity starts
Package: Departs Manapouri

Cancelation policy

  • You’ll get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hour(s) before the activity starts
  • Picnic lunch boxes can be pre-ordered by contacting RealNZ directly. Cabinet food and snacks are also available on board. RealNZ also has a café at the Manapouri Visitor’s Centre where you can purchase a snack before embarking on your adventure.
  • Taxi drop-off is unavailable after the experience. All guests will finish at an appropriate bus stop along Frankton Road or the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 88 Beach Street. The operator recommends dinner in Queenstown before independently returning to the accommodation

7hr 30min Duration

Please select a tour date

Join in group

Eligibility

  • Children aged 0-4 can join the tour for free (excluding lunch)
  • Children aged 5-14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
  • Important: Infants must be booked on their own ticket

Usage validity

  • The voucher is valid only on the specified date (and time if applicable)
  • Cruise across the crystal-clear Lake Manapouri, then journey over the stunning Wilmot Pass—New Zealand’s most majestic road—to reach the remote and breathtaking Doubtful Sound.
  • Enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise aboard the Patea Explorer (or substitute vessel), guided by expert skippers or nature guides who share insights into local wildlife like dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
  • Take in views of the lush Fiordland rainforest and Doubtful Sound below during your coach journey.
  • With no direct road access or WiFi, Doubtful Sound offers a rare opportunity to unplug and fully immerse yourself in untouched nature.
Packages: Departs Manapouri and Departs Manapouri
  • [Departure] meet up at Manapouri Visitor Centre. You can choose to depart at the following times: 07:30, 10:00, 10:30. Make sure you take part at the time you selected at booking, Meeting Point: RealNZ - Doubtful Sound Manapouri Visitor Centre, 64 Waiau Street, Pearl Harbour, Manapouri 9679.Please arrive at the location 15 mins before the departure time Latecomers or no-shows can’t be refunded
  • [Attraction/experience] 7 hour(s), Guided tour, Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound / Patea
  • [Return] at Manapouri Visitor Centre, You can choose to return at the following times: 15:00, 17:30, 18:00. Options available can vary based on the departure time you selected at booking and the duration of the itinerary.
  • Day {num}

Additional information

  • Snacks and drinks available to purchase (cash only)
  • Lunch is not available on board nor able to be pre-ordered, very limited snack selection on board. It is recommended that you are prepared with your own lunch and snacks
  • Meeting Point: RealNZ - Doubtful Sound Manapouri Visitor Centre, 64 Waiau Street, Pearl Harbour, Manapouri 9679 Prohibitions & Limitations
  • This activity is not recommended for anyone with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, etc. What to bring
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent What to wear
  • Waterproof clothing (jacket, shoes, pants, etc.)
  • Non-slip shoes or boots Accessibility
  • This activity is stroller-friendly
Package: Departs Queenstown
  • [Departure] meet up at RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre. You can choose to depart at the following times: 06:55, 07:40. Make sure you take part at the time you selected at booking, Meeting Point: RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300.Please arrive at the location 10 mins before the departure time Latecomers or no-shows can’t be refunded
  • [Attraction/experience] Self-guided, Lake Manapouri, A coach trip over the epic Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Sound
  • [Attraction/experience] 3 hour(s), Guided tour, Doubtful Sound / Patea
  • [Return] at RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre, You can choose to return at the following times: 19:00, 19:15, 19:45. Options available can vary based on the departure time you selected at booking and the duration of the itinerary.
  • Day {num}

Additional information

  • Snacks and drinks available to purchase (cash only)
  • Lunch is not available on board nor able to be pre-ordered, very limited snack selection on board. It is recommended that you are prepared with your own lunch and snacks
  • Meeting Point: RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300 Prohibitions & Limitations
  • This activity is not recommended for anyone with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, etc. What to bring
  • Camera
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen / Sunglasses What to wear
  • Non-slip shoes or boots
  • Waterproof clothing Accessibility
  • This activity is stroller-friendly
Package: Departs Te Anau
  • [Departure] meet up at RealNZ - Te Anau Visitor Centre. You can choose to depart at the following times: 06:45, 09:15, 09:45. Make sure you take part at the time you selected at booking, Meeting Point: RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9640.Please arrive at the location 10 mins before the departure time
  • [Attraction/experience] Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, A coach trip over the epic Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Sound
  • [Attraction/experience] 3 hour(s), Guided tour, Doubtful Sound / Patea, Cruise onboard the Patea Explorer (Southern Express, Fiordland Navigator, Mariner or M.V. Sinbad may substitute)
  • [Return] Shuttle included
  • Day {num}

Additional information

  • Snacks and drinks available to purchase (cash only)
  • Meeting Point: RealNZ Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9640 Prohibitions & Limitations
  • This activity is not recommended for anyone with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, etc. What to bring
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent What to wear
  • Waterproof clothing (jacket, shoes, pants, etc.)
  • Non-slip shoes or boots Accessibility
  • This activity is stroller-friendly

Meet at location

Packages: Departs Manapouri and Departs Manapouri

Address

  • The Real Journeys Visitor Centre (Manapouri), Pearl Harbour, 64 Waiau Street
  • Please refer to the map for assistance

Meet-up information

  • Arrive at the meet-up location 15 minutes before the scheduled activity time

  • Latecomers or no-shows can’t be refunded

    The Real Journeys Visitor Centre

How to get there

  • By car: 120-180 minutes drive from Queenstown or 30 minutes from Te Anau. Free car parking available. Please allow up to 45 minutes to park your vehicle and check-in
Packages: Departs Queenstown and Departs Te Anau

Address

  • The Real Journeys Visitor Centre (Manapouri), Pearl Harbour, 64 Waiau Street
  • Please refer to the map for assistance

Pick-up information

  • Please select your pick up location at the check-out

Reviews

10
Outstanding
Reviews from Google