Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Be struck by the beautiful silence of Doubtful Sound as you cruise the crystal waters and take in the breathtaking scenery. Journey across Lake Manapouri, cross over the 670-meter high Wilmot Pass and enjoy a 2 hour and 45-minute cruise through pure serenity that is Doubtful Sound.
This trip is a round trip of approximately 13 hours. If you wish to pre-order a picnic lunch, please contact the supplier directly after booking.
Hotel pick up/drop off from select locations is available - please call RealNZ directly to find out if there is a pick up close to your accommodation.
Please be sure to arrive at your pick up location 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please wear comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket and warm clothing
Please note: During survey the Patea Explorer will be substituted with another vessel from the RealNZ fleet
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Cruise around Doubtful Sound in the beautiful Fiordland National Park.
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Take in the scenery and wildlife aboard our comfortable catamaran. Our on board nature guides will be giving an informative commentary throughout the journey.
What‘s Included
Live commentary on board
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Options
Doubtful Sound - Queenstown
Reviews
236 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Just as advertised,,,a...
Tim P,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Just as advertised,,,a very full day that was well managed and kept on schedule with so many changes in transportation. I might emphasize there won't be any stops in the first two hours and the food options quite limited. It's mentioned but bringing a sandwich and snacks would be your best bet. Not anyone fault but just such a long day, lots of prep helps. It was a great experience!
A Day Out at Doubtful Sound
Cristina Y,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a very long but very well organised day; kicked off at 7.30am with one of two bus rides and two boat trips and we landed back at base at 8pm. However (and despite the rain in the sound) the waterfalls were amazing and all the commentary very informative. Throughout the day there are drinks and sandwiches/snacks available. All of the RealNZ staff were helpful, knowledgeable and accommodating- could not recommend this company enough.
Doubtful sound
Elisabeth M,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic bus driver who told lovely informative. Lovely boat trips. Both rain and sunshine - so lovely.
A one day trip experience the very best of South Island's scenery.
chrisdU2731FB,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Total length of trip is about 13 hours with more than half in a coach. However, one experiences the majesty of the South Island scenery - lakes, mountains, waterfalls, dense bush and culminates with an unforgettable cruise along one of Fiordland's beautiful fjords. Trip was very well organized with great guides, drivers and other staff. Special for me as I caught sight of New Zealand's most elusive penguin - the Fiordland Crested. Quite suitable for people with limited mobility.
Amazing Experience
jadegreenleaf,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Pickup from Queenstown by bus, then ferry across Lake Manapouri then bus again for ferry in Doubtful Sound (about 2h-ish). The beauty of Doubtful Sound is incredible. Ferry was very comfortable. The entire day was long but the drivers/guides were great and knowledgeable and the crew on the cruise also did a great job. The only issue is that, the itinerary that's listed on Viator is a little confusing. This is a day trip, with pickup and dropoff from/at Queenstown.
Incredible
chirag483,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We struggled to choose between Doubtful Sound and Milford sound during our trip but ultimately went with Doubtful due to having read it being less touristy. The team and real NZ was amazing and the trip there was really relaxing from Queenstown. We got lucky and it was raining during our visit to Doubtful and the waterfalls and mist looked magical. Also we didn’t see another tour boat in sight during our cruise which really added to the experience. I’m glad we went with Doubtful and real NZ were fantastic tour operators. The boat was very comfortable and spacious and had very good food and drink options. Just remember to bring mosquito repellent for the sand flies, they’re no joke. Would highly recommend!
An incredible experience!
Peggy K,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience is incredibly special because it is so remote and beautiful. Taking the boat down the river before taking a bus through the mountains was icing on the cake for the Sound cruise. We had gorgeous weather and saw penguins and seals, as well as numerous waterfalls. The most special experience was when they turned off the engines and we enjoyed the nature around us in silence.
A very full very picturesque day, very well organised.
Sherpa55364391040,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome day out with beautiful scenery all the way. Very informative and interesting driver Dan - thanks! Pick up went smoothly as organised, beautiful drive to Manapouri, lovely cruise across the lake, time to check out visitors centre before the next very picturesque bus trip down to the doutbtful sound jetty. Brilliant day out.
Once-in-a-lifetime experience
elizabethhJ7836CA,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great driver, Brendon, who was very knowledgeable about the area and friendly! It was a long day but the views and photos were worth it! We saw sea lions and fiordland penguins. Doubtful sound is truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to and this trip was worth the price! Make sure to bring waterproof gear as it was raining almost the entire day!
The highlight of our three week trip to NZ
Lindsey G,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wow! What an experience. It certainly is a journey to get there but man, it’s so worth it. Both breathtaking and jaw dropping. Perfect silence in possibly the most beautiful place on earth. Coach driver Craig kept us enthralled with fascinating stories of NZ’s history. Loved every minute of this fabulous tour. All the stars!!
From NZ$464.00
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