Doubtful Sound / Patea, Southland, New ZealandAlso situated in Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound is three times longer, about ten times larger than Milford Sound, and every bit as stunning and majestic.
The trip was both boat & bus. Started at 11:30 and finished at 7:45.
Drove to Manapouri; boarded boat for a 1.5-hr cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri.
Dozens of islands with snow on the mountain tops that surround the lake.
Dozens of islands with snow on the mountain tops that surround the lake.
On the West Arm of the lake is the Manapouri Power Station. Toured this underground power station machine hall.
Coach trip (1.5 hr) over the epic Wilmot Pass stopping at many scenic spots.
Short walk through Fiordland’s rainforest.
Highlight was the viewpoint at the top of Wilmot Pass, where you can see right down to Doubtful Sound.
Continued on bus down to Deep Cove. Boarded a catamaran for 3-hour cruise of the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound. Sat on top even though it got very cold & windy; only about 6-8 of us stayed on top. The view was so great.
Cloudy day but could see all the mountains (many days it's clouded over or raining).
Great nature talk entire time. Seal colony where they breed; lots of seals on the rocks. Saw 10-12 dolphin, which the boat followed and got next to them. They jumped and came right next to boat. Very cool.
Cruised down two of the different arms that seemed like separate fjords.
Short walk through Fiordland’s rainforest.
Highlight was the viewpoint at the top of Wilmot Pass, where you can see right down to Doubtful Sound.
Continued on bus down to Deep Cove. Boarded a catamaran for 3-hour cruise of the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound. Sat on top even though it got very cold & windy; only about 6-8 of us stayed on top. The view was so great.
Cloudy day but could see all the mountains (many days it's clouded over or raining).
Great nature talk entire time. Seal colony where they breed; lots of seals on the rocks. Saw 10-12 dolphin, which the boat followed and got next to them. They jumped and came right next to boat. Very cool.
Cruised down two of the different arms that seemed like separate fjords.
Returned the same way on the bus and then boat. Our bus driver Russell was really good. Pointed out funny signs: "Slippery when Wet--Woopsi" "DANGER spice ICE girls." Ended the long day with lots of laughs.
Doubtful Sound was really worth it--quite a bit more to it than Milford Sound tour. Even with with mist and clouds wrapping around mountain peaks, this is truly a unique place in the world.
Doubtful Sound was really worth it--quite a bit more to it than Milford Sound tour. Even with with mist and clouds wrapping around mountain peaks, this is truly a unique place in the world.
2025-05-22