From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise

Top rated
4.7967916 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.7967916 out of 5 stars
187 reviews
Activity provider:RealNZ
From Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise
Top rated
4.7967916 out of 5 stars
4.8
4.7967916 out of 5 stars
187 reviews

Travel to an untouched world in Fiordland National Park from Te Anau. Enjoy a cruise across Lake Manapouri, a short coach trip over Wilmot Pass, then discover Doubtful Sound on a magnificent cruise. Be on the lookout dolphins, fur seals and more!

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 8.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Driver
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

I
Isabelle – France

Very well organised and a lot of time spent on the boat at Doubtful sound, only 15 min from Te Anau to the first ferry by bus. The weather was not great but the experience remains unforgettable. Beautiful scenery. Magical.

T
Tracey – Australia

This day trip was worth ever cent. The trip was seamless and the guides were so informative. Doubtful Sound was breathtaking and so majestic. The commentary on board the vessels was exceptional. We could not recommend highly enough. We were so fortunate to have a dump of snow the evening before so the mountains were shown at their best. all who helped our day be so memorable!!!!Thank you to everyone

Select participants and date

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    1 Lakefront Drive

  • Bus/coach

    (30 minutes)

  • 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

    (30 minutes)

  • Arrive back at:

    1 Lakefront Drive

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a peaceful cruise across the crystal-clear Lake Manapouri
  • Climb aboard a catamaran for a 3 hour cruise of the spectacular fiord
  • Learn about the region from your knowledgeable nature guide
  • Keep a lookout for dolphins, seals and even penguins
  • Take advantage of a licensed bar onboard, with snack options
  • Sit back, relax and we'll take care of the transport to the remote Doubtful Sound

Full description

Discover Doubtful Sound on a day trip from Te Anau and experience the remote wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Start your trip by journeying 30 minutes by coach through rolling countryside from Te Anau to Manapouri.From Manapouri, cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip across the breathtaking Wilmot Pass. Enjoy some photo stops along New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road and admire the dense surrounding rainforest.  On reaching Deep Cove, board the Patea Explorer to begin the 3 hour cruise of the spectacular and remote Doubtful Sound. When it rains in Fiordland, the landscape is especially dramatic. Look out for waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Your knowledgeable nature guides will provide engaging and informative commentary throughout. Bring your own lunch, or purchase drinks and snacks on board in the vessel’s bar and cafe. At the end of your cruise, return over Wilmot Pass by coach and cruise across Lake Manapouri before the short coach journey back to Te Anau.

Includes

  • Return transport from Te Anau to Manapouri
  • Return Lake Manapouri cruise
  • Return short bus trip with commentary through Wilmot Pass
  • Live commentary
  • Drinks from the licensed bar on board (cash only)

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments

Meeting point

RealNZ Visitor Centre, Lakefront Drive, Te Anau, New Zealand

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Sunscreen
  • Packed lunch
  • Insect repellent
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Personal medication

Know before you go

  • Please note that during the survey the Patea Explorer will be substituted with another vessel
  • It is recommended to bring clothing and footwear for cool and wet weather
  • Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility
  • Please note our experiences are cashless. We do accept card payments on board the vessels - thank you!

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 187 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

Customer photos

+36
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I
Isabelle – FranceApril 30, 2025 – Verified booking
Very well organised and a lot of time spent on the boat at Doubtful sound, only 15 min from Te Anau to the first ferry by bus. The weather was not great but the experience remains unforgettable. Beautiful scenery. Magical.
T
Tracey – AustraliaApril 8, 2025 – Verified booking
This day trip was worth ever cent. The trip was seamless and the guides were so informative. Doubtful Sound was breathtaking and so majestic. The commentary on board the vessels was exceptional. We could not recommend highly enough. We were so fortunate to have a dump of snow the evening before so the mountains were shown at their best. all who helped our day be so memorable!!!!Thank you to everyone
P
Phillip – New ZealandApril 7, 2025 – Verified booking
What a great day. We were picked up at the gate of our Motel, and the weather was sunny for the day. We had lots of photo shots and Stephen gave us lots of interesting stories along the way. A nice small group of people were on the tour, and the boat trip included bicuits and tea/coffee. Stephen provided us we morning tea complete with carrot cake. I was verry impressed. We opted to take the Helicopter back via Tutoko glacier up in mountain, and then met with the van again partway home. The helicopter option was expensive, but I would say it was worth it, as its not something you get the chance to do very often. Milford sound itself was stunning. One of the best day trips Ive ever done.

Product ID: 179876

Activity provider:RealNZ

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