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Trip Planner: South Pacific / New Zealand / South Island / Southland Region / Fiordland National Park / Te Anau / Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound, Te Anau

4.8

#1 of 41 in Wildlife in Southland Region

Water Body · Wildlife Area

Create an itinerary including Doubtful Sound

Explore the many twists and turns of Doubtful Sound, a large fjord where calm, dark blue water is flanked by green mountain peaks. The sound was named by Captain Cook in the 16th century because he was unsure if it was accessible by sailboat; today, access to this isolated area is restricted to boat cruises and bus trips. To get more out of your visit, consider an overnight cruise or kayaking in the sound. The unspoiled wilderness area supports rare marine life like bottlenose dolphins, penguins, fur seals, and sometimes whales. Using our custom trip planner, Te Anau attractions like Doubtful Sound can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.

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Tours to Doubtful Sound

FROM $144 BOOK WITH VIATOR Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri

Duration: 7 hours

Tours from $144 ›

Doubtful Sound reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

Google

4.8

By rodneyj423

A truly magical place! We enjoyed a one night cruise on Doubtful Sound 28th/29th December 2022. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful and it's a "must do" if you're down South on the West coast of.... more

A truly magical place! We enjoyed a one night cruise on Doubtful Sound 28th/29th December 2022. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful and it's a "must do" if you're down South on the West coast of.... more »
By Vicki D

Doubtful Sound is one of the most awesome experiences in the world! There’s a lot in NZ which is claimed to be the best in the world/southern hemisphere but this is the real deal. We had tried to...

Doubtful Sound is one of the most awesome experiences in the world! There’s a lot in NZ which is claimed to be the best in the world/southern hemisphere but this is the real deal. We had tried to... more »
By Amy41378

Highly recommend Doubtful Sound. It is a different experience than Milford and well worth doing- its beautiful. Don't miss it. We were lucky enough to be there on a rainy day- in its full glory...

Highly recommend Doubtful Sound. It is a different experience than Milford and well worth doing- its beautiful. Don't miss it. We were lucky enough to be there on a rainy day- in its full glory... more »

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Google

By Janneke

One of the best experiences (if not THE best) of our travels on the South Island. We went on a day cruise with Real Journeys, which was fantastic. Next time we’ll definitely go for an overnight cruise though, to get the full experience! We found the Doubtful Sound far more impressive than Milford because of its length. This place is magical in any weather.

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By Kavinga Ariyathilaka

Another most beautiful places in New Zealand. I did the day cruise with Real Journeys. We were lucky to have a super sunny day and saw seals and a couple of yellow eye penguins which is rarest species in the world. The journey includes a couch ride along the national park as well. Lucky to have local offer and got tickets at cheap.

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By John Boereboom

Extraordinary part of the world. Nature's forces have chiseled a landscape into a cathedral of rock. Then life has transformed the resulting shapes into a place that has to be experienced.

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By Clancy Arkcoll

Pretty spectacular place, boat tour out to Whisky Falls was a great fun, would recommend!

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By Grace Villamor

Stunning and spectacular place… right timing to visit.

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