What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Fabulous

  Paradise623829,,Feb 20, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We were on the Wanderer, the smaller of the two RealNZ boats and it was excellent. The cabins are small but fine and don’t be put off by the communal wash rooms, they are fine. This small vessel feels very personal. The trip from Manapouri is part of the fun: the fast boat followed by the bus over the high pass is exciting and shows how remote you are. All the staff were helpful and friendly and the host on board, Gabe, was fantastic. Enormous fun and worth every penny

• We had a very rainy trip...

  Diane T,,Feb 18, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  We had a very rainy trip given the fact that it rains 200 days a year here, but that did give us thousands of temporary waterfalls. The ship accommodations were adequate, the food and drinks were delicious. The naturalist was very entertaining, knowledgeable and insightful and truly made the trip for us. During the rain I opted to take the boat ride to get closer to the shore, but unfortunately the driver of the boat was very soft spoken and between the rain and the motor, only the 3 people closest to him could hear his comments. Unlike with other boat excursions, he only drove in one direction, so if you were on the wrong side, everything he pointed out was directly behind you and impossible to see. On other boats the driver would turn the boat around so both sides of the boat could see.

• A wonderful experience....

  Jenny W,,Feb 18, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  A wonderful experience. The scenery was magical and don't be put off if rain is forecast as you will see a lot more waterfalls. The accommodation and food were really good and the boat never felt overcrowded

• An unforgettable family experience in Doubtful Sound – outstanding in every way

  James E,,Feb 13, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We travelled to Doubtful Sound with RealNZ as a family of four, together with the grandparents, and it was honestly one of the best tours I have ever been on. What made it so special was the perfect combination of three things. 1. Our guide – Gabe Gabe was exceptional. Easily the most interesting, articulate and thoughtful guide I’ve experienced anywhere in the world. His knowledge was deep but never overwhelming, and he had a calm, reflective way of explaining the history, geology and ecology of Doubtful Sound that made the whole place come alive. He struck the perfect balance between giving information and allowing us to simply absorb the atmosphere. He was engaging for both adults and grandparents alike, and made everyone feel included. 2. The boat and operation The boat was extremely well run – professional, smooth and clearly managed by a very capable team. It felt safe, comfortable and relaxed throughout. Plenty of space to move around, great viewing areas, and everything operated like clockwork without ever feeling rushed. For a multi-generational group like ours, comfort really matters, and RealNZ got it absolutely right. 3. The setting – Doubtful Sound itself Doubtful Sound is simply breathtaking. Remote, vast, and deeply atmospheric. The scale of the fiord, the shifting light, the waterfalls, and the sense of isolation make it feel truly wild and untouched. There’s a quiet majesty to it that is hard to describe – it feels like you are somewhere very special and very far from the rest of the world. For our whole family – from children to grandparents – it was memorable, moving and beautifully delivered. We would recommend RealNZ without hesitation. It’s not just a tour; it’s an experience you’ll remember for years.

• Excellent trip despite the price . Would recommend

  Micemurders,,Feb 11, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Well organised trip. Comfortable cabins, travelled much further along and around the sound than I expected. Nice atmosphere. Kayaking and swimming all possible. Expensive and food could be better .

• Wonderful Overnight Cruise

  cheryl d,,Feb 3, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Very nice cruise! Staff friendly and knowledgeable! The Sound is beautiful!! Rooms were nice! Food was mediocre but there for the sightseeing so not a big deal!

• The tour was excellent....

  Lisa L,,Jan 23, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  The tour was amazing, from the transfer across Lake Manapouri to the onboard itinerary. The nature guide was informative and patiently answered all questions. Highlights included kayaking and a stop with engines silenced to appreciate the bird song and waterfalls. The food was very good. The cabin was very disappointing.

  

  

  

• In the top 5 experiences of NZ.

  Cheryl K,,Jan 17, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This is by far the best experience of seeing a fiord in NZ. Fantastic knowledge and welcoming feeling that the staff deliver sets it aside from just being a cruise.

• Tranquility personified

  john w,,Jan 16, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  So much more peaceful than Milford. Does take longer (2hrs) to get to the Sound but well worth it. No planes, no helicopters. Only the Navigator. The narrator was exceptional Overnight cabin, again exceptional

• A great experience. Every...

  Margaret D,,Jan 14, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  A great experience. Every visitor to New Zealand should experience this. Great trip, most enjoyable.

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