Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Te Anau
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it's over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland's densest rainforest and to view the colorful alpine moss gardens before joining the 2-hour 45-minute Doubtful Sound Cruise that takes in the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cruise maximum capacity: 135 people
Please note: During survey the Patea Explorer will be substituted with another vessel from the Real Journeys fleet
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please wear comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket and warm clothing
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Doubtful Sound cruise
Live commentary on board
Lake Manapouri cruise
Food and drinks
What To Expect
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.
Lake Manapouri
Cruise across Lake Manapouri to the Wilmot Pass. Take in the amazing mountain scenery from on board a modern catamaran.
Options
Peak Period- 6:45am Departure
Off-peak - 9:15am Departure
1st May - 30th Sept 2024
May-Sept
Peak Period - 9:45am Departure
Reviews
265 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Doubtful Sound from Te Anau
Pioneer23996303892,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic experience, calm water, saw penguins, seals and dolphins. The skipper took us into the Tasman Sea because it was calm enough. Great commentary all the way. The only downside was the bus from Te Anau left earlier than our ticket said. We were lucky to have been there early, another couple was left behind. I am unsure if this was because it wasn't booked directly with the RealNZ or not. I would be upset to have missed this trip because the time was incorrect. Overall an excellent experience!
Brilliant but long trip
JoAnne A,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Brilliant day but cold do take plenty of layers. Expected to see loads of wildlife but there wasn’t much. Coach driver between the 2 boats made our day with the stuff he told us. A real asset to the company
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Shirley N,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise was absolutely breathtaking! The whole experience was very organised and well planned — from the check-in to the transfers and the cruise itself. At one point, the current was quite strong, but the captain calmly assured us of our safety and announced that he would do his best to make the journey as smooth and safe as possible. His professionalism really put us at ease. What I loved most was the moment of silence — the captain turned off the engines, and everyone stayed quiet. The stillness was so serene and tranquil, surrounded only by the sounds of nature. It was truly unforgettable. The crew were friendly, knowledgeable, and shared interesting facts throughout the trip. We even saw dolphins and seals! A must-do experience in Fiordland — highly recommended!
This was an interesting...
Karen A,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an interesting and informative trip. The staff were helpful and keen to share information. We appeared to be the only tourist boat on Doubtful Sound so well worth the 2 buses and 1 additional boat to get there. We had a wet and misty day but that only added to the dramatic surroundings.
best trip ever
brentmO5872NE,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing day with a great crew that kept us informed thru out the trip. Excellent on board service. I would recommend this nature experience to anyone that likes the outdoors
Disappointing and dishonest feeling
bina G,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The tour has been taken place even it was raining and we could see any thing We all the time were inside the ship . It was waste of time and money
Doubtful Sound
Adrian K,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip the weather was kind and all the staff and info was great. I hate the minimum out your expectation of a review you need to review it…..
Doubtful Sound Tour
Lora B,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this tour. You are on the bus a couple times for a while, but the scenery is very nice. The boat rides were spectacular with some of the most beautiful outdoor scenes I have ever seen. Our Milford tour got canceled due to weather, but we have been told that this is truly the best of the sound tours, just a little harder to get to. Recommend this tour highly!
Great trip with an...
Barry K,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip with an excellent company. Everything about the excursion was perfect. A beautiful place to see the sound.
Amazing Experience!
Mark A,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on a very wet day. Our drivers, pilots and tour guides were excellent. We saw hundreds of waterfalls on the coach ride to our cruise on Doubtful Sound and throughout the cruise. Tour guides provided clear and interesting information.
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Operated by RealNZ