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From Queenstown: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip

Top rated
4.7386365 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.7386365 out of 5 stars
264 reviews
From Queenstown: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Trip
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.7386365 out of 5 stars
4.7
4.7386365 out of 5 stars
264 reviews

Explore Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park on a day trip. Cruise across Lake Manapouri, coach over the breathtaking Wilmot Pass, and discover Doubtful Sound on a 3-hour cruise.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 13 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

T
Tanya – United States

This is a fantastic tour. The scenery, boat and coach rides all add to the overall experience. Seeing the dolphins, seals, penguins was just to most amazing experience.

C
Chris – United States

Had an amazing trip to Doubtful Sound with efficient transportation. The bus from Queenstown left on time (by 7 am) and took us to the transfer point where we hopped off and waited on the 2nd bus to take us to the Lake. Commentary was relevant on both bus trips but not too much. The actual ride on the Lake and on Doubtful Sound were amazing. We lucked upon a clear blue sky. On the trip in the sounds we witnessed a few small penguins and many sea lions out at the mouth of the sounds where it meets the Tasmanian Sea. All of the staff members were incredibly friendly on both vessels. The busses were spacious and plenty of opportunities for bathroom breaks. Overall this was a great value for the money in my estimation. I'd happily do it again!

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre

  • Bus/coach

    (2.33 hours)

  • Lake Wakatipu

    Sightseeing

  • Timeline stop icon

    Lake Manapouri

    Boat cruise (1 hour)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Wilmot Pass, Southland

    Scenic drive (1 hour)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Doubtful Sound

    Boat cruise (3 hours)

  • Wilmot Pass, Southland

    Scenic drive (1 hour)

  • Lake Manapouri

    Boat cruise (1 hour)

  • Bus/coach

    (2.25 hours)

  • Arrive back at:

    RealNZ - Queenstown Visitor Centre

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Discover Doubtful Sound on a day trip from Queenstown
  • Travel by luxury bus and enjoy informative commentary from your friendly driver
  • Enjoy a licensed bar onboard, with hot and cold food options
  • Explore the waterways of the serene and isolated fiord on a 3 hour cruise
  • Be on the lookout for dolphins, seals, and even penguins
  • Experience Fiordland’s breathtaking rainforest over Wilmot Pass

Full description

Visit Doubtful Sound on a full-day trip from Queenstown. Sit back and relax as we take care of your journey to this magnificent remote region of Fiordland National Park. To begin, board a luxury bus and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, through the rolling countryside to Manapouri. Enjoy informative commentary along the way from your driver. From Manapouri, cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm. Then board a coach to cross the stunning alpine route of the Wilmot Pass, through some of Fiordland National Park’s most dense rainforest. On reaching Deep Cove, climb aboard the Patea Explorer for a 3-hour cruise, exploring the waterways of this serene and isolated fiord. See waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. When it rains in Fiordland, the landscape is especially dramatic.Your knowledgeable nature guides will provide you with engaging and informative commentary throughout. Experience floating on the fiord, with only the rush of waterfalls and birdsong to break the silence. Bring your own lunch, or purchase drinks and snacks on board in the vessel’s cafe. At the end of your cruise, return over Wilmot Pass by coach and cruise across Lake Manapouri before the bus journey back to Queenstown.

Includes

  • Round-trip coach transport from Queenstown
  • Round-trip cruise across Lake Manapouri
  • Round-trip journey across Wilmot Pass through the rainforest
  • 3-hour cruise of Doubtful Sound
  • Commentary by drivers and nature guides
  • Food and drinks available for purchase

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes before departure at the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain gear
  • Insect repellent

Know before you go

  • Please note that during survey the Patea Explorer will be substituted with another vessel
  • It is recommended to bring clothing and footwear for cool and wet weather
  • Please note that the cafes onboard the vessel only accept card payments for drinks and snacks. This experience is cashless - thank you!
  • Drinks from the licensed bar are not included
  • Complimentary tea and coffee onboard
  • It's possible to preorder a picnic lunch (please contact the local partner directly)
Likely to sell out

From $272 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 264 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

+8
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T
Tanya – United StatesMay 16, 2025 – Verified booking
This is a fantastic tour. The scenery, boat and coach rides all add to the overall experience. Seeing the dolphins, seals, penguins was just to most amazing experience.
C
Chris – United StatesMay 6, 2025 – Verified booking
Had an amazing trip to Doubtful Sound with efficient transportation. The bus from Queenstown left on time (by 7 am) and took us to the transfer point where we hopped off and waited on the 2nd bus to take us to the Lake. Commentary was relevant on both bus trips but not too much. The actual ride on the Lake and on Doubtful Sound were amazing. We lucked upon a clear blue sky. On the trip in the sounds we witnessed a few small penguins and many sea lions out at the mouth of the sounds where it meets the Tasmanian Sea. All of the staff members were incredibly friendly on both vessels. The busses were spacious and plenty of opportunities for bathroom breaks. Overall this was a great value for the money in my estimation. I'd happily do it again!
J
Jasmin – GermanyMarch 11, 2025 – Verified booking
It was well worth the drive and the money! Such a special spot on earth

Product ID: 179873

Activity provider:RealNZ
  • New Zealand
  • South Island
  • Wilmot Pass, Southland

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