Doubtful Sound Cruises

Want to know why Doubtful Sound is sometimes called the 'Sound of Silence'? Stand here on the deck of a boat with its engine off and you'll quickly find out. It's tranquil, it's beautiful, it's... silent.

Doubtful Sound, New Zealand's deepest fiord, is an unmissable highlight of the South Island. Yes, it's calm. Yes, it's peaceful. But that doesn't mean you won't have heaps to see. We've got dolphins, we've got penguins, we've got seals, we've got soaring peaks fit to make you feel like an ant. For such a quiet place, Doubtful Sound certainly doesn't cut any corners.

There are endless things to do in the area around Doubtful Sound. To get the most out of your visit, you're going to have to get off dry land. There's just no better way to explore this natural wonder than by water.

To kickstart your trip planning, here are some different kinds of Doubtful Sound boat cruises to work into your itinerary.

Image: Destination Fiordland

Overnight Cruises

  • Overnight cruises usually take two days and one night. That means meals on the vessel, sleeping in cute cabins and waking up in the perfect beauty of Doubtful Sound.
  • You're likely to be accompanied by a nature guide who'll point out all the good stuff on land and in the water. So you don't have to risk missing a single bird.
  • Don't worry about being cooped up in the boat for two days. When you drop anchor, there's the chance to get in a kayak or small boat and explore the shore.

Image: Destination Fiordland

Day Cruises

  • Many tour companies offer lovely day cruises that still give you plenty of time on the water.
  • Up to three hours of the trip time will be spent getting to and from the Sound, an adventure in itself, involving taking a ferry across Lake Manapouri and driving over the amazing Wilmot Pass.
  • Even on a shorter journey, you'll still see waterfalls and rainforests on the trip here and stand a good chance of seeing dolphins, seals and, if you get very lucky, penguins too.

Image: Doubtful Sound Kayak

Kayaking

  • Kayaking increases your chance of some close animal encounters since your approach will be less noisy and threatening than on a boat.
  • Head out on a day trip or really commit to that kayak and sign up for an overnight or multi-day kayaking experience.
  • Most kayaking tours are suitable for novices, with expert guides coaching you on technique before you head on out into the Sound. Check for minimum age limits.

Created in partnership with Destination Fiordland