Table Of Content
Dramatic views and incredible natural beauty await you in New Zealand’s second-longest fjord, Doubtful Sound. As weather shapes this landscape, it’ll also shape your experience of this pristine place. Fiordland’s weather is what gives the region its unique character. Rainfall is what makes Fiordland a land of lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and fiords. Visitors should always be prepared to enjoy some rainfall during their stay. It is recommended to bring sensible clothing for cool and wet weather to fully appreciate your stay.
Other Activities to do While You’re in Te Anau
Tim and I were hopeful that we would also get to see the sun in Doubtful Sound. Start or finish your trip in a spectacular way by adding a scenic helicopter flight out of Doubtful Sound right from the boat. Our friendly personable crew will do all they can to ensure your experience is the best we can make it. Most of the rain falls on the seaward side of the mountains. Located deep in the heart of Fiordland, and almost inaccessible to humans, Doubtful Sound is within a temperate rainforest and home to a largely undisturbed wildlife.
Fiordland Expeditions Difference
As a Queenstown local, I’ve been lucky enough to do several Doubtful Sound cruises. From my experience, I consider this tour the best of the bunch, which is why I’ve written this whole guide about it! Keep reading to learn why it’s my top choice and how to book it. Since Doubtful Sound is so remote, only a handful of tours can take you there. Staying in Te Anau is a wise choice because this is the closest city with decent accommodations and tour options. These tours handle all your transport to Doubtful Sound and include a nature cruise once there.
What are the departure and arrival times for a Doubtful Sound cruise?
This isolation makes the fiord a very special, private place, a place only those in the know get to see. Whilst care is taken, prices are subject to change without notice. The Southern Secret has five comfortable and warm ensuite guest cabins. The Master Suite cabin (sleeps 1-2), Double cabins (sleeps 1-2) and the Double/Twin cabin (sleeps 1-4). All have private bathrooms with toilet and shower facilities. Access the spacious viewing decks outdoors or enjoy the views from the saloon.
Even with my bout of seasickness and the rainy weather on day one, it was one of the highlights of our trip and I would highly recommend it for any New Zealand itinerary. From there, our boat headed back towards the Wilmot Pass and our journey onward to Manapouri. I stayed out on the deck enjoying the best parts of a Doubtful Sound cruise – the views. After yesterday’s grey skies and seasickness, I was so excited to have this peaceful and beautiful time on the water with the sun shining and a light breeze.
Everything is managed with efficiency and care from start to finish. We were looked after by skipper Jason who shared his enthusiasm for the natural world with us all ... He also taught us how to fish and we caught dinner - blue cod and Jock Stuart - expertly cooked by Kirsten. SCUBA Diving Should you wish to Dive, we can offer the use of the MV Southern Secret as a dive platform only (a tender is also available).
Experience the spectacular, remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound on our guided day trip. Journey across Lake Manapouri, over the breathtaking Wilmot Pass and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Your getaway starts with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri, then a coach across Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest where your crew and the Fiordland Navigator boat await.
One of the finest examples of a fiord environment
They had warned us the night before that it was going to be a fairly early wake up, so we weren’t surprised to hear the captain’s voice booming over the speaker system at 7 am. Following dinner, Colin and I walked over to the observation deck where our ship’s nature guide was leading a talk. He shared photos, maps and videos explaining where we had travelled on the fiord, where we were going the next day, the history of the area and, of course, the local wildlife. Your cruise may also include round trip transportation to Manapouri from Queenstown or Te Anau if you’ve opted for the coach transfer. Otherwise, you can drive your own rental car to Manapouri, park for free and join the tour from there.
One of my favorites is Browne Falls, which is 619 meters (2,030 ft) tall. For budget travelers, you can’t beat staying at the Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels. It’s perfect for those on a road trip in a campervan or motorhome and has budget rooms available. They offer self-contained studios, bungalows, and private rooms with views of Lake Te Anau and the mountains. Some units come with private cooking facilities and balconies. Rooms are clean, showers are hot, and the whole property feels like a giant park.
However, you’re responsible for buying any alcoholic drinks at the cash bar. And if you need transportation from Queenstown or Te Anau, you’ll be charged an extra fee. The overnight cruise also includes a 3-course buffet dinner, and there’s a cash bar on board if you want to purchase alcoholic drinks to go with it. Overnight, you’ll stay in a private cabin with a shared bathroom, and you’ll be treated to a continental breakfast in the morning. When you arrive in Doubtful Sound, you’ll board the overnight cruise. I love the fact that this boat has a comfortable, modern interior, but on the outside, it looks very old-fashioned and charming.
This was such a wonderful experience from start to finish so, if you get a chance to do it, we would thoroughly recommend it. The trip organisation worked like clockwork and every one of the staff we met, from drivers to the crew, were great. Thanks especially to our principal driver, Paulie (it isn’t really fair to single any one person out but he was just so nice and helpful).
To get to Doubtful Sound visitors first take a launch trip across Lake Manapouri and drive over Wilmot Pass. The only time I felt seasick on our Doubtful Sound cruise was when we went out to the Tasman Sea. We experienced this on our Milford Sound cruise too but the sea wasn’t as rough that day. On our Doubtful Sound cruise, the captain took us out to the sea for 5-10 minutes; I hear it’s usually 30 minutes in better weather.
If you have the time and cash to spare, and really want to experience as much of the fiord as possible, I would definitely recommend the two night cruise. If time and budget are lacking, the day cruise can give you a little taste of Doubtful Sound. For most people, visiting Doubtful Sound is the kind of thing you only do once, so you want to make sure you choose the right cruise!
Investigation begins on cruise ship grounding in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand - Baird Maritime
Investigation begins on cruise ship grounding in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.
Posted: Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Doubtful Sound’s allure isn’t confined to its shimmering waters. Step off the boat, and you’re welcomed into a world of dense rainforests, rugged New Zealand mountains, and tales whispered by the wind. This land, forged by glaciers and cradled by nature, beckons you to explore its depths. There aren’t many Doubtful Sound cruises available in general, and this is one of the only tours with 24-hour cancellation when you book through Viator.
No comments:
Post a Comment