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Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri

525 Reviews 4.78 out of 5 stars Based on 525 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 95% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Te Anau, New Zealand

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On average, this is booked 43 (23) days in advance.

7 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Experience an 8-hour day trip into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound, the heart of Fiordland National Park, while nature guides answer questions and point out landmarks. This fiord is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals - both are often seen. In season, you may even catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Explore Doubtful Sound's vast waterways on board a luxurious vessel. A highlight is experiencing the unique 'Sound of Silence', where you hear only birdsong while floating on the fiord with the engines turned off.

If you wish to pre-order a picnic lunch, please contact the supplier directly after you have made your booking.

Please be sure you arrive 20 minute before departure to check in.

What's Included

  • Live commentary on board
  • Food and drinks (available to purchase)
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

64 Waiau Street
Manapouri 9679, New Zealand

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Lake Manapouri

Enjoy a 45-minute scenic cruise across the stunning, island-studded Lake Manapouri. This peaceful journey offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush rainforest, setting the stage for the wilderness ahead.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Wilmot Pass

Disembark at West Arm and board a coach for the 45-minute drive over Wilmot Pass, ascending 671 meters through dense rainforest. This extraordinary road, flanked by towering peaks, provides stunning views of Pātea Doubtful Sound when conditions permit. On clear days, the panoramic vista is unforgettable; on misty days, the fiord takes on an ethereal, mysterious beauty. Be sure to pause for photos and appreciate whatever nature reveals.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Doubtful Sound / Patea

Doubtful Sound, one of New Zealand's most remote fiords, offers a rare wilderness few get to experience, made accessible through our unforgettable single-day adventure. Cruise along Doubtful Sound’s 40km stretch of pristine waterways surrounded by untouched nature, towering peaks and powerful waterfalls. In New Zealand’s deepest fiord, you’re exploring the home of abundant native wildlife, like bottlenose dolphins, NZ fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins. Experience one of the most expansive and awe-inspiring fiords in this epic wilderness.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Wilmot Pass

You then begin your return route
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Manapouri

Sit back and relax on the way aboard a stunning cruise back to the Manapouri visitor centre
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Please note: During survey the Patea Explorer will be substituted with another vessel from the RealNZ fleet
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 135 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-2264P28

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.78
525 reviews

Average 4.78 out of 5 stars based on 525 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
442
4 stars
59
3 stars
17
2 stars
4
1 star
3

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 43 (23) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Live commentary on board
  • Food and drinks (available to purchase)
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a rain jacket or hat, as necessary
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Please note: During survey the Patea Explorer will be substituted with another vessel from the RealNZ fleet
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 135 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. RealNZ

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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