Doubtful Sound Cruise – New Zealand's Biggest Gap Year – Backpacker Guide New Zealand
Day 143: Today we are getting off the beaten track and taking a cruise of Doubtful Sound with Real Journeys! It’s a full day trip over the stunning Lake Manapouri and through the Fiordland National Park wilderness to get to the quieter big brother of Milford Sound.
Yesterday - Day 143➜
Tomorrow – Day 144➜
30 Tips for Backpacking in New Zealand ➜
-- About this video --
Today we are going from Te Anau to Lake Manapouri which is the start of our Doubtful Sound Tour! We are going to be cruising on the less popular fiord of the Fiordland National Park. However, it’s 3X larger than Milford Sound meaning that just the Doubtful Sound cruise is 3 hours. On top of that, it’s a whole adventure to get to Doubtful Sound, starting at the shores of Lake Manapouri.
We join the team from Real Journeys for a cruise across Lake Manapouri, a stunning lake and entrance to the Fiordland National Park. The trip is a couple of hours where already we see towering mountains and that famous Fiordland National Park scenery.
Once we are across the waters of Lake Manapouri, we hop onto a bus to take us over Wilmot Pass, New Zealand’s most expensive road to build and the only road completely disconnected by the New Zealand road network. We stop along the way for epic viewpoints of Doubtful Sound and to see some wildlife, the native kea parrot!
We arrive down at Deep Cove where our 3 hour cruise on Doubtful Sound begins. Doubtful Sound makes an awesome alternative to Milford Sound with a lot less boat traffic and chance for the captain to switch the engines off and allow us to hear the wilderness around us. Milford Sound may be called the 8th wonder of the world, but Doubtful Sound has that same impressive mountains carved by glaciers, waterfalls, dark reflective waters, and not to mention the wildlife as we see dolphins, penguins and seals on this trip. If you were only to do one New Zealand cruise, consider this one!
So what do you think of this cruise in Fiordland National Park? Would you add going to Doubtful sound to your New Zealand bucket list? LUK in the comments!
#NewZealandVlog #BackpackerGuideNZ #MilfordSound #TeAnau #Fiordland #SouthlandNZ #NewZealand #NZMustDo
#TravelNewZealand
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-- New Zealand Biggest Gap Year --
365 Days: 365 Activities
BackpackerGuide.NZ is New Zealand’s biggest online travel guide for adventure and budget travel in New Zealand. Join us, as the team behind BackpackerGuide.NZ, Robin and Laura, update the travel guide while taking on 365 Days: 365 Activities in New Zealand! It’s New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year! We release new videos of the New Zealand backpacking adventure every single day, as well as New Zealand travel tips and 360 videos every Sunday so start making your New Zealand bucket list!
Read more about a tour on Doubtful Sound on New Zealand’s biggest guide for backpackers:
-- More about Things to Do in Fiordland National Park and Te Anau –
6 Best Backpacker Hostels in Te Anau ➜
5 Incredible Multi-Day Hikes in Fiordland National Park ➜
Fiordland National Park – Guide for Backpackers ➜
Doubtful Sounds Fiordlands Overnighter Kayaking
Doubtful Sounds Fiordlands Overnighter Kayaking New Years Eve To New Year's Day, The most incredible experience I have ever felt alive and well deserved. Definitely a must do if in New Zealand. Manapouri area. Every second of this two day kayak, was truly grateful to end 2019 on a high note and live to the fullest I have ever felt. TAKE ME BACK SOON ❤️❤️❤️ 31.12.2019-01.01.2020
Go Orange Company Manapouri NZ
Doubtful Sound, New Zealand during Autumn with doubtful sound cruise overnight.
Doubtful Sound is a very large and naturally imposing fiord (despite its name) in Fiordland, in the far south west of New Zealand. It is located in the same region as the smaller but more famous and accessible Milford Sound. It took second place after Milford Sound as New Zealand's most famous tourism destination.
Escape to the peace and tranquillity of Doubtful Sound on a magical overnight cruise.
Your getaway starts in Manapouri with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. Then coach across Wilmot Pass on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest to Deep Cove where your crew and the Fiordland Navigator await.
Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, the Fiordland Navigator blends old world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon/fully licensed bar and an observation lounge.
As you cruise through some of the fiord’s most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you miss nothing, be it the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins you might encounter.
After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat or to simply relax onboard. For the more adventurous (or very brave), there’s even a chance to go swimming!
In the evening, enjoy a delicious three course buffet dinner prepared by our onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at our licensed bar and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars.
Kick off the next day with a hearty cooked breakfast and spend the rest of the morning exploring other parts of the fiord. You then return to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri.
Three-course buffet dinner & cooked breakfast
Includes kayaking and tendercraft (small boat) activities
Private cabins with ensuite bathrooms and limited quad share bunk - style compartments
Picnic lunch options can be pre-ordered (day 1)
Queenstown and Te Anau coach connections (extra cost) with FREE transfers from most accommodation
Suitable for all ages, with exception of infants in quad share
you may book via
Kayaking Doubtful Sound 2017
This was an amazing experience in a spectacular location. The sun shone, the water was glassy and the breeze extremely light. Part of the experience was getting to Doubtful Sound (2 bus rides and 2 boat rides), which took us to a much more remote (and therefore less crowded) part of Fiordland. It was certainly worth the trip because we only saw one other kayak group the whole time while on the water (no helicopters buzzing overhead, no boats bellowing out tourist instructions). Our guide, Cloudi's passion was infectious, and you couldn’t help but smile. He was such a walking encyclopedia of local knowledge, and with a wicked Kiwi sense of humour. All equipment we needed was supplied, including wetsuits, thermals etc), and was of a really high quality. We even received cookies, muffins and hot chocolate to warm us up (although the sun did this for us). Such a special day (Just in case you are interested: Doubtful Sound Kayaks, 77 Manapouri -Te Anau Highway, Te Anau, New Zealand). I have no commercial interest in this company – I just had an awesome experience with them!
Doubtful Sound NZ
I went on a family holiday last year with my parents from Perth & my sister from Adelaide (me from Brisbane) and we met in New Zealand. The photos are from an overnight boat trip on Doubtful Sound on the South Island. Most of the video footage is from a promotional DVD of the area called 'Ata Whenua' or 'Shadowland' . Music by Salmonella Dub
Doubtful Sound Overnight - Lake Manapouri - Fiordland, New Zealand
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise New Zealand
For more information & to book:
Doubtful Sound located in a World Heritage Area, is an overwhelming place. You can feel the power of nature here - the remoteness, the wilderness and the peace.
Known for its wilderness and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and it is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound.
Your Doubtful Sound adventure with Real Journeys begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it's over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland's densest rainforest and to view the colourful alpine moss gardens.
On reaching Deep Cove, you will board our spacious catamaran for a three hour cruise that takes in the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound. The skippers provide a detailed commentary and point out highlights. Keep a look out for wildlife as Bottlenose dolphins frequently come alongside our vessel, fur seals bask on the rocks around the fiord and rare penguins can at times be observed.
Doubtful Sound & Milford Sound New Zealand
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. Trip schedule Doubtful Sound: Lake Manapouri, by bus through Dingwall Mountains, by vessel through Doubtful Sound to Tasman Sea. Trip schedule Milford Sound: drive along Lake Te Anau, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Tasman Sea. Operations by Real Journeys. Music from Ekto with Never Gonna Lose (That Feeling) .
Doubtful Sound overnight Cruise
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise's with Fiordland Cruises onboard the MV Southern Secret. Activities onboard our Cruises may include a 45 minute cruise on Lake Manapouri, courtesy bus over the Wilmot Pass, views of Doubtful Sound from the Wilmot Pass, a visit to the Hydro Tunnels, Kayaking, Fishing and Crayfishing. In this video there are sightings of Doubtful Sound's Bottlenosed Dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals and Fiordland Crested Penguins. Accommodation onboard is a Private Cabin with Ensuite Bathroom, cruises are catered including picnic lunch, delicious evening meal and a light breakfast. Cruises are operated on Doubtful Sound and include transport from either Te Anau or Manapouri, Queenstown departures are available by arrangement. Visit doubtfulsound.com to book your Cruise and Private Cabin. Spaces limited to 12 passengers per cruise so book now.
New Zealand #4: Doubtful Sound
More sounds, or fiords, because they're just so pretty.
Manapouri to Doubtful Sound Cruise New Zealand
Day trip from Queenstown New Zealand to Manapouri then on to a 3 hour cruise in Doubtful Sound and, of course, the ride back! So beautiful...the fog, the sun, the light, the rainbows, waterfalls, fur seals, birds...just an amazing place
New Zealand: March 20, 2016 ------ Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, Doubtful
New Zealand: Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass, Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound, New Zealand
In the remote fjordland of South Island, New Zealand, Doubtful Sound was made accessible by the works needed to construct a hydroelectric power station deep inside a mountain. It is still remote and dramatic, perhaps even more so than the better known Milfors Sound.
To see the photo album of this visit to New Zealand visit
To find out more about the context of the visit, go to
Doubtful Sound - Te Anau, South Island, New Zealand
- Created at TripWow by TravelPod Attractions (a TripAdvisor™ company)
Doubtful Sound Te Anau
Read more at:
Travel blogs from Doubtful Sound:
- ... This was my second time on Lake Manapouri (the first being on the way to Doubtful Sound ) ...
- ... Luckily they're technologically disadvantaged or my video from Doubtful Sound would've included more footage than I would've liked ...
- ... The road from Lake Manapouri to Doubtful Sound only opened in 1959, and before then it was virtually impossible to reach the Sound ...
- ... This is a pleasant town by the lake, which exists as a service town to Milford and Doubtful Sound ...
- ... While I was there I booked a trip to the doubtful sound for the next day ...
- ... I plan on doing some kayaking in Milford Sound and/or Doubtful Sound also ...
Read these blogs and more at:
Photos from:
- Te Anau, South Island, New Zealand
Photos in this video:
- Doubtful Sound zonsopkomst by Peterluxem from a blog titled Fjorden...
- Joan & John Doubtful Sound by Johnmyers2 from a blog titled Yet more beauty!!
- Doubtful Sound from above by Stevebotts from a blog titled Te Anau and Fiordland National Park
- Mitzi at Doubtful Sound by Johnmyers2 from a blog titled Yet more beauty!!
- More of Doubtful Sound by Stevebotts from a blog titled Te Anau and Fiordland National Park
- Doubtful Sound - 1 by Mtrmsd from a blog titled Doubtful Today
- Doubtful Sound - 2 by Mtrmsd from a blog titled Doubtful Today
- Doubtful Sound - 3 by Mtrmsd from a blog titled Doubtful Today
- Doubtful Sound by Fyrelizard from a blog titled The sound of silence.
Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, 2017
This video is about Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, 2017
Milford Sound Sea Kayaking New Zealand
For more information & to book:
Find out for yourself why Lonely Planet has rated sea kayaking as the best way to see Milford Sound. Rosco's Milford Kayaks is New Zealand's longest established owner operated sea kayaking business.
We are New Zealand's longest established owner/operated sea kayaking company with almost two decades' experience showcasing Milford the eco-adventurous way. That's experience you can count on.
Roscoʼs is Milfordʼs only specialist sea kayaking company based in Milford Sound. We are the only company to run kayak trips to the outer fiord including Stirling Falls. We offer you five different sea kayaking options. Choose one to suit you and remember to book early to avoid disappointment.
All trips depart from Milford Sound although the Sunriser can include transfers from Te Anau.
Kayaking Doubtful
Kayaking from the Fiordland Navigator Overnight Cruise in the stunning Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand.
The Sound clip form 3mins on is of an actual bird mimicking humans. The NZ Tui.
Packrafting in New Zealand – New Zealand's Biggest Gap Year – Backpacker Guide New Zealand
Day 145: Today we are trying out packrafting in New Zealand for the first time! Join us on this rafting and kayaking adventure in the Fiordland National Park in New Zealand! We’re packrafting with Expedition X on the Waiau River, Lake Manapouri and the Kepler Track.
Yesterday - Day 144➜
Tomorrow – Day 146➜
30 Tips for Backpacking in New Zealand ➜
-- About this video --
Today we are doing packrafting in Fiordland National Park! What is packrafting? Well, it’s exploring the wilderness with everything you need on your back including a raft or kayak. We are using blow-up kayaks to explore the Waiau River in Te Anau and Lake Manapouri before packing the rafts up in a backpack then hiking on the Kepler Track.
Packrafting is one of the awesome adventure activities in Te Anau, where we start our trip. We learn how to blow up our packrafts then hit the grade 2 Waiau River. Packrafting on the Waiau River is great for beginners to packrafting.
Once floated down the Waiau River we emerge on Lake Manapouri. At one side of the lake, we reach the shores and pack our rafts away. With our rafts on our backs, we hit the Kepler Track which is one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. Hiking the Kepler Track is part of the packrafting experience.
So what do you think of packrafting in New Zealand? It’s a great way to experience kayaking in Te Anau or kayaking in Fiordland, as well as being able to hike the Kepler Track all in one trip. Would you add packrafting to your New Zealand must-do list? LUK in the comments.
#NewZealandVlog #BackpackerGuideNZ #TeAnau #Packrafting #Fiordland #SouthlandNZ #NewZealand #NZMustDo
#TravelNewZealand
Subscribe ➜
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YouTube Channel ➜
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-- New Zealand Biggest Gap Year --
365 Days: 365 Activities
BackpackerGuide.NZ is New Zealand’s biggest online travel guide for adventure and budget travel in New Zealand. Join us, as the team behind BackpackerGuide.NZ, Robin and Laura, update the travel guide while taking on 365 Days: 365 Activities in New Zealand! It’s New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year! We release new videos of the New Zealand backpacking adventure every single day, as well as New Zealand travel tips and 360 videos every Sunday so start making your New Zealand bucket list!
Read more about Packrafting in Te Anau on New Zealand’s biggest guide for backpackers:
-- More about Things to Do in Te Anau and Fiordland National Park –
6 Best Backpacker Hostels in Te Anau ➜
5 Incredible Multi-Day Hikes in Fiordland National Park ➜
Fiordland National Park – Guide for Backpackers ➜
Our quarters on Doubtful Sound cruise, New Zealand
New Zealand - Doubtful Sound (inside)
inside the Sound at a dead end