Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

Take the hassle out of getting to your Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise with this package that includes the cruise itself along with coach transfers from Queenstown. With the cruise itself, you will escape from civilization to one of the most beautiful natural destinations in New Zealand - Doubtful Sound, a massive, incredibly scenic fiord brimming with scenery, cascading waterfalls, native wildlife and much more. This Doubtful Sound wilderness cruise will take you to this compelling destination for an excursion across the lovely Lake Manapouri after which you'll hop aboard a coach and travel the sub-alpine road over Wilmot Pass then witness the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glimmering in the distance below.

Once you reach the Sound itself, you'll board a spacious catamaran to kick off a three-hour cruise through some of the area's astounding scenery as your accompanying experienced nature guide provides commentary and answers any questions you might have. During the cruise, be sure to keep your eyes open for the many varieties of wonderful wildlife that inhabit the region including fur seals which can be seen basking in the sun or bottlenose dolphins which inhabit Doubtful Sound's waters.

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Inclusions

• Full day Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise and Coach package from Queenstown
• Luxury launch cruise across Lake Manapouri and coach trip over Wilmot Pass
• Three hour full length cruise of Doubtful Sound on a modern, spacious catamaran with excellent viewing
• Wildlife viewing opportunities including fur seals, dolphins and rare Fiordland crested penguin
• Expert commentary
• Interpretation hand-out sheets in 5 languages: English, German, French, Spanish and Japanese
• Dedicated nature guide with specialist knowledge of flora and fauna
• Complimentary tea and coffee on board

Exclusions

• Meals. Picnic lunches available for purchase from Manapouri Café. Snacks and drinks available for purchase (cash only onboard)
• Packed lunch can be purchased prior to your cruise. Please contact the supplier after booking

Itinerary

• On boarding a luxury coach in Queenstown, travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Manapouri
• Then cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm before boarding a coach and crossing the alpine route of Wilmot Pass through some of Fiordland’s most dense rainforest. On reaching Deep Cove, board a modern catamaran vessel, the Patea Explorer for a three hour cruise exploring the waterways of this serene and isolated fiord
• There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and mountains all the way out to the Tasman Sea
• It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals and when in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. An on-board nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region’s history, flora and fauna provides detailed interpretation in English with a roving microphone

Extras

• Picnic lunch is available for an additional $20.00 each. This must be pre-ordered (cut off at 4pm on the day before travel)
• Snacks are available for purchase on board only i.e. chips, chocolate, biscuits etc (cash only)

Highlights

• Cruise across the crystal clear Lake Manapouri to West Arm
• Coach trip through Fiordland's rainforest and over Wilmot Pass
• 3 hour cruise on Doubtful Sound, a pristine, beautiful fiord
• View rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and hidden inlets
• Spot dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguins
• Dedicated nature guide
• Expert commentary
• Doubtful Sound is 3 times longer than Milford Sound
• Luxury coach transfers from Queenstown

Time

• Tours depart Queenstown daily at approximately 6.55am at return at 7.30pm

Hotel Pickup

• Some hotel pick ups are offered for this tour and are available from most centrally located Queenstown hotels. If a hotel pick up is required, please contact the operator 48hrs prior to departure to arrange pick up location. If a hotel pick up is not required, please meet the tour at the RealNZ Visitor Centre, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown for a 6:55am departure

What To Bring

• Non-slip shoes/boots
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm sweater/fleece jacket
• Sunscreen/sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Camera

Booking Information

• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking, however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control. We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
• Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The from price displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you
• Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
• Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction