Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Doubtful Sound is unquestionably the premier wilderness excursion from Queenstown and Te Anau.

An overnight cruise is the ultimate way to explore this massive fiord, which is renowned for its abundant wildlife, rugged peaks and twisting, hidden inlets.

Doubtful Sound rewards those who linger in its pristine waters. It is home to both New Zealand fur seals and a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. At some times of the year you might be lucky enough to catch glimpses of the blue penguin (the world's smallest), or the Fiordland crested penguin (New Zealand's rarest).

Upon arrival at Doubtful Sound, board the traditional-style vessel, Fiordland Navigator and cruise the length of the fiord out to the Tasman Sea. The pace is relaxed and there is plenty of time to pause and explore the shoreline by kayak or tender craft with the onboard nature guide.

In the evening, a delicious three-course evening buffet is served in the dining saloon. After dinner, relax in the observation lounge with a drink from the bar, or enjoy the long southern twilight from one of the viewing decks.

Next morning, there's plenty of time to linger over a cooked breakfast and experience more of the fiord on a relaxing morning cruise before your return to the modern world.

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises depart Manapouri daily between mid September and late May. Coach connections are available from Queenstown and Te Anau.

Doubtful Sound daytime Wilderness Cruises

PHOTO: Doubtful Sound overnight cruise vessel, Fiordland Navigator, offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the wilderness and wildlife of Doubtful Sound

Known for its pristine beauty and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound.

A daytime Wilderness Cruise begins with a scenic cruise across island-studded Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip over a stunning alpine pass. At the road's peak, the views of isolated Doubtful Sound snaking into the distance give a breath-taking clue of what lies ahead.

On arrival in Doubtful Sound, board the spacious catamaran Patea Explorer for a three-hour cruise through some of the fiord's most stunning scenery. Along the way, a specialist nature guide explains the history and wildlife of the area.

Wildlife sightings are common in Doubtful Sound. Fur seals bask on rocky outcrops and the fiord's resident pod of bottlenose dolphins are often seen roving through the deep, dark waters.

A day excursion to Doubtful Sound also includes a visit to one of New Zealand's major sources of sustainable hydro-power - the Manapouri Underground Power Station.

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises operate all year, with coach connections from Queenstown and Te Anau.

Freephone 0800 65 65 01
www.realjourneys.co.nz