From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Nature's paradise

Embark on your adventure with a luxurious coach ride from Te Anau, winding through rolling hills and lush countryside. Arrive in Manapouri and board a serene cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Manapouri, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Kepler and Hunter Mountain ranges. Continue your journey with a scenic drive over the dramatic Wilmot Pass, renowned for its stunning vistas of dense rainforest and rugged peaks, offering plenty of photo opportunities as Doubtful Sound comes into view.

Discover the Majestic Fiord

At Deep Cove, board the Patea Explorer for a 3-hour cruise through the remote Doubtful Sound. As you glide through the fiord, marvel at the cascading waterfalls, ancient rainforests with towering Rimu and Kahikatea trees, and serene, misty waters. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the region’s history and ecology. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins leaping playfully, fur seals basking on rocks, and, if you’re fortunate, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Humpback whales may also make an appearance. Enjoy complimentary tea or coffee or treat yourself to a drink and some quick snacks available for purchase at the onboard bar. Conclude your journey by retracing your route over Wilmot Pass and across Lake Manapouri, cherishing the last views of this pristine wilderness before returning to Te Anau.

From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Discover the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park on this full-day guided tour from Te Anau, including a 3-hour cruise through Doubtful Sound and crossing the Wilmot Pass. The tour covers over 100 kilometers of stunning landscapes, with highlights such as Lake Manapouri, the Wilmot Pass, and ancient rainforests. Enjoy complimentary tea or coffee on board while your nature guide shares insights about local wildlife like dolphins, fur seals, and rare Fiordland crested penguins. With a duration of approximately 12 hours, this tour includes audio guides in English, Mandarin, and Japanese, ensuring an enriching experience for all visitors. The cruise explores the deepest fiord in New Zealand, reaching depths of up to 421 meters, offering unparalleled views of cascading waterfalls and lush greenery.

Cruise Through Doubtful Sound

Your tour stops at Doubtful Sound where you will embark on a breathtaking 3-hour cruise through the deepest fiord in New Zealand. Established as part of Fiordland National Park in 1952, this area covers over 10,000 hectares and includes numerous waterfalls cascading into the sound’s pristine waters. Visitors can expect to see an array of wildlife including dolphins, seals, and rare penguins. The cruise takes you past towering cliffs that reach up to 1683 meters in height, providing a unique perspective on New Zealand's natural beauty. This experience is unparalleled due to its remote location and the sheer scale of the landscape, offering a glimpse into one of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas.

Crossing Wilmot Pass

At Wilmot Pass, guests can marvel at the lush rainforest that blankets both sides of this narrow mountain pass. The pass was established in 1962 and offers stunning views across Lake Manapouri’s crystal-clear waters as you make your way to Doubtful Sound. Covering an area of approximately 30 hectares, Wilmot Pass is a crucial link between Fiordland's major lakes and fiords. Visitors spend about 45 minutes crossing the pass, with time to take in panoramic views of ancient rainforests and cascading waterfalls. This unique feature sets Wilmot Pass apart from other mountain passes by offering not only scenic beauty but also historical significance as a vital transportation route.

Tour Highlights

• Capture stunning photos at Lake Manapouri’s crystal-clear waters
• Cross the breathtaking Wilmot Pass through lush rainforests (45 min)
• Audio guides in English, Mandarin, and Japanese onboard
• Enjoy a 3-hour cruise through Doubtful Sound with waterfalls and ancient rainforests
• Sip complimentary tea or coffee on board during the cruise
• Experience stunning views of towering cliffs reaching up to 1683 meters high
• Access Fiordland National Park, established in 1952 (over 10,000 hectares)
• Spot rare wildlife including dolphins, seals, and crested penguins

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and photography lovers, this full-day guided tour provides an unparalleled experience of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. The 12-hour format allows you to explore Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, and Doubtful Sound in depth, giving you the unique opportunity to witness some of the world's most spectacular natural wonders while enjoying a blend of cultural insights and breathtaking scenery.