Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘s Included

Live commentary on board

Food and drinks

Gratuities

What To Expect

Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

Cruise around Doubtful Sound in the beautiful Fiordland National Park.

Admission Not Applicable

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.

2 hours 45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Doubtful Sound - Queenstown

Reviews

4.66

230 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

179

A very full very picturesque day, very well organised.
Sherpa55364391040,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Awesome 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
5.00
I 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
5.00
Wow! 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!!
Doubtful Sound
966wendyj,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The scenery was just over the top… the drivers, boat crews were very kind… thoroughly enjoyed the trip … overload on the senses
A mystical tour
Antoinette D,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our driver/guide Blake was very knowlegeable about the history of the sheep and deer farms. The stories about trying to catch the deer to lure them into farms were very entertaining. I’d call those men who hunted or tried various daring ways to help reduce the overwhelming number of deer, deer boys. In spite of the wind, clouds and rain, the spectacular boat trip through the fiord and the Doubtful Sound with the roaring sound of the magnificent waterfalls, had a mystic vibe.
Lovely but a bit overhyped
Joseph B,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
We had quite the day! First of all the weather the day we were scheduled was bad and it was rescheduled to the following day. They informed us that since our tour was rescheduled we would need to rent a car and drive to Lake Manapouri ourselves as they had no room on a bus for us. We had to basically beg for money off the excursion since we had to hire a car for $250 for the day. We finally received $132 off 4 days after the fact with multiple phone calls and emails. So once we arrived it was lovely and a very long day. It rained nonstop so with that and some fog it wasn’t as pretty as it could be. Don’t get me wrong, it was lovely but the four of us traveling together all felt it wasn’t worth the cost, effort and time and was underwhelming. It didn’t help that all towns around the sound including Ta Anau had no power. Which meant no gas or ability to get food for the trip.
Awesome place
MrDigzz62,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked this trip well in advance as part of our NZ three week tour. We arrived in Queenstown a couple of days before and the weather wasn't great. This prompted us to consider cancelling the trip. Thankfully we didn't- the weather wasn't great, rained all day with sporadic winds but that didn't detract from the stunning beauty of Doubtful Sound. It's a long day with coach, ferry and more coach travel to get to deep cove and the start of the cruise but the backdrop of new Zealand's countryside never disappoints. We were held up by cattle crossing the road heading home but even this didn't dampen our spirits. I'd honestly say if you're in a position to go, then go. RealNZ take great care of you (got to mention our driver Gordy who was great!).
Doubtful Sound day trip from Queenstown
Kenton J,
Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Doubtful Sound really is a must see when in this part of New Zealand. Most people tend to go to Milford Sound, which is also spectacular, but Doubtful Sound is equally spectacular and different than Milford Sound. Had a great time and was a lot to take in even though it was a rainy day. Well worth the experience regardless of weather.
Marvellous Doubtful Day!
MRSSLNEWBROOK N,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wonderful day. Fantastic scenery, informative guides, comfortable safe transportation. Plenty of opportunities to get a drink/snack during the trip. Would go again, no question.
Not a doubt, Doubtful Sound is a must
craigsJ182SW,
Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
This is a must do trip, seriously. The trip there is multiple buses and boats, but the journey is so worth it. No where near as busy as Milford Sound and you can really feel at one with nature. Breathtaking views and an occasional penguin and fur seal along the way.