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 33 in Wildlife in Southland Region

Water Body Wildlife Area Must See

• ©

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.

more less Improve this listing »

Create an itinerary including Doubtful Sound

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Doubtful Sound Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1,971 reviews

Google

4.8

facebook

4.9

404 likes

• By 762petes

  Great trip! We were collected from our hotel in Te Anau and transported to Manapouri to start our boat tour. After confirming our meal choices for lunch, we had time to prepare before boarding the boa...  more »

• By Lenn831

  I took the Doubtful Sound cruise the day after I went on the Milford Sound cruise. It's a lot longer (basically a day trip) because you've to cross Lake Manapouri first, then take a bus to get to the ...  more »

View more on TripAdvisor »

Google

• By Joanne Tan

  No doubt, this is one of the most enchanting place in NZ! Even better than Milford sound and it is a must-go in South Island. The cruise for Doubtful sound is more expensive than Milford. Hence, if budget is a constraint you might want to consider going Milford Sound instead. The low cloud and mist make the mountains so dreamy. When the cruise brought us close to the Tasman sea, there are alot of seals resting on the rock. Sea was rough and everyone on board was having some "roller coaster" fun. There is a moment of "Sound of Silence" at the end of the cruise where u put all your electronic devices away and close your eyes to enjoy the peace and tranquility. Lovely! We totally love this cruise with Real Journeys to Doubtful Sound. Highly recommended! #J2ACE

  more less
• By Matt Champlin

  This place is absolutely stunning - a must visit if you are in this area of New Zealand. We left from Te Anu and took a bus/boat/boat/bus trip to the fjord and had an amazing time. The rainforests surrounding the sound are incredible and being on the water in this remote wilderness is unlike any other experience. This place is much harder to get to than the more well known Milford Sound so you'll have to book a trip with a company that runs out of Te Anu or Queenstown.

  more less

View more on Google »

Places to stay near Doubtful Sound

Plan your trip to Te Anau

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Book it

  Choose from the best hotels
  and activities. Up to 50% off

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.