Deep within Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound is one of the most untouched spots in New Zealand. We explored it on a spectacular overnight cruise, waking up to misty mornings, jumping dolphins, and hundreds of waterfalls pouring from rainbow-shrouded cliffs. It was one of the most unforgettable things we’ve ever done! We’ll explain how to book your Doubtful Sound cruise, how to get there, and our experience. (We visited in early November, which was a great timing).
Milford Sound Vs Doubtful Sound?
Both Milford and Doubtful Sound sit in Fiordland National Park, so we found it hard to choose between them. Milford is famous for its dramatic landscapes; it’s easy to reach, but busy. Whereas Doubtful Sound is more of an off-grid experience in nature, with fewer boats and more space for complete solitude.
Overnight Cruise (The Tour We Booked)
A full 24 hours on the fiord: sailing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, waking up to sunrise views, and complete off-grid tranquility. Cabins are private, and you can choose twin, double, or single occupancy. You can book this tour here.
Costs
- We paid NZD $720 per person (November/shoulder season).
- High season can reach NZD $1050.
- Kids: NZD $350–$450.
In euros, the price is roughly half the NZD amount.
Doubtful Sound Day Cruise
Choose this day tour from Queenstown for a shorter, more cost-effective option. It’s still beautiful, taking you across Lake Manapōuri and into the fiord, but you’ll miss out on the magic of waking up surrounded by mountains.
Day 1: Exploring the Fiord on The Navigator
Inside, the captain gives a quick welcome briefing in the cosy main lounge, where you’ll have your meals. Throughout the Doubtful Sound cruise, a nature guide is on board and checks in via the intercom with fun facts about the wildlife and landscapes. We loved this feature!
The boat then sails across Doubtful Sound toward the Tasman Sea, passing waterfalls and cliffs. If the weather is good, The Navigator may pass out into the open ocean, which is where we were lucky enough to see a seal colony up close.
Tip: Bring motion sickness pills if you’re sensitive, as this part of the journey on the Tasman Sea can be choppy. (This won’t take long though)
Evening Kayak Experience
Later, the boat anchors in a sheltered bay for the night, where you can choose to kayak or take a small boat tour. Although it was raining slightly, we chose the kayak option, which made it feel even more atmospheric. Seeing the boat from the water, set against the cliffs and the open sky, was incredible.
Tip: Bring a waterproof bag for your camera and phone so you can take photos from the kayak.
Day 2: Sunrise on the Return Journey
We set our alarm for 6:30 am to stand outside before the engines were turned back on at 6:45, which was the best decision. The fiord at dawn is pure magic: drifting mist, soft light, serene water, and total peace — just the calming sounds of nature.
Wildlife Watching
After breakfast, everyone sits on the upper decks for the final sailing hours. This is when we spotted dolphins racing alongside the bow, which was such a highlight. We didn’t get lucky this time to see the Fiordland penguins, but this time of year is usually good as it’s breeding season.
Food on the Doubtful Sound Cruise
The meals were surprisingly good (a major reason we recommend you book this Doubtful Sound tour)!
Afternoon Snacks
Once you’re anchored, the staff appear with freshly baked scones or savoury muffins, plus a sharing platter (regular, veggie, or pescatarian). We enjoyed a platter of smoked salmon, olives, and hummus, which was the perfect post-sail treat.
Dinner
Dinner is a three-course buffet with plenty of choices: meat, fish, pasta, roasted veggies, salads, and desserts you can choose at the table. Everything is fresh and generous, which was not what we expected sailing in such a remote place.
How to Get to Doubtful Sound
From Queenstown, it’s 2.5 hours to your start point of Manapōuri. However, you cannot drive to Doubtful Sound itself, as there’s no direct/public road. All Doubtful Sound tours follow this route:
1. Start in Manapōuri
Manapōuri is a cosy lakeside village about 15 minutes away from Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. We stayed in Te Anau the night before in the campervan so we could start our Doubtful Sound overnight cruise in the most relaxed way possible. (See all hotels)
Food tip: There are some great cafés here. Try Sandfly Café for coffee and Ditto for lunch.
2. Ferry Across Lake Manapōuri (45 Minutes)
This is the first “wow” moment of the trip. Begin your Doubtful Sound tour by taking a ferry from the village (included in your ticket). Cruise across mirror-like water, marveling at dramatic peaks and a bright blue sky reflecting across the lake. Tip: If it’s sunny, sit on the upper deck.
3. Bus Over Wilmot Pass (1 Hour)
Once you arrive on the other side of the lake, you will reach a meeting point where you can use the restroom before transferring to a bus. The cruise company also organises this one-hour ride to ensure everything runs smoothly.
4. Board Your Ship at Doubtful Sound
This is where your overnight adventure begins! We booked a twin cabin (there were no doubles left), which totally exceeded our expectations. We had our own private bathroom, too, which we weren’t expecting.
Tips for the Cruise
Make sure to book your Doubtful overnight cruise well in advance, as it sells out quickly (especially in high season). We traveled in the Spring (November) and booked our tour more than 3 weeks before our trip.
Transport
Don’t have your own vehicle? No problem, as you can also book this Doubtful Sound tour with pickup included from Queenstown or Te Anau. This is convenient if you’re using public transport to follow your New Zealand itinerary.
Sandflies
Fiordland is known for sandflies: small insects that are especially annoying in calm weather. Use insect repellent on all exposed skin to avoid coming home covered in bites!
Clothing: Pack Layers
The weather in this area can change by the minute, so bring layers. We started in T-shirts and thin trousers while the sun was out, and ended in rain jackets and beanies toward the end of the day. You should also wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet when kayaking on the fiord.
Enjoy the Rain
While it’s usual to experience a bit of rain here, it’s all part of the experience! After a rainy night, you’ll wake up to mystical morning mist, hundreds of temporary waterfalls running down the mountainsides, and lots of rainbows arching across the water. Just bring a good set of waterproofs and you’ll be fine!
No Phone Signal at Doubtful Sound
During the entire Doubtful Sound Cruise, you have no internet or phone reception. We loved it; it allowed us to feel truly off-grid and present in all the unforgettable moments in nature.
All Doubtful Sound tours start in Manapōuri. From there, you take a 45-minute ferry across the lake, followed by a 1-hour bus over Wilmot Pass.
No. There’s no public road, so you can’t drive yourself. You must join an organised Doubtful Sound tour, but it’s well worth it!
About 2.5 hours to Manapōuri, where you’ll begin your journey by ferry and bus to Doubtful Sound itself.
Yes! Milford is famous for good reason, but Doubtful Sound has fewer crowds, so it offers a more remote experience.
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