Doubtful Sound, or Patea in Māori, is a place of “sound of silence”, as it was originally inaccessible by land, and its unpredictable access to the sea makes it one of the most inaccessible and pristine places in the world. It is the deepest and second longest fjord in the South Island. When Captain James Cook, the first European to set foot on New Zealand soil, first came here, he doubted that there was enough wind in the bay for his ship to sail out (ships at the time were sail-powered), and was skeptical about being able to sail into it, so he named it Doubtful Harbour. Harbour.) The hunters who later arrived to kill whales and seals called it Doubtful Sound.
The journey to the magical fjord is an adventure in itself. Still not accessible by purely overland route, the journey from Manapouri is a mysterious and tranquil one, with forests cascading over the lake's edge and 34 small islands scattered across the water like scattered pearls. Upon arrival on the other side of the lake, transfer to a scenic bus for the Wilmot Highway, one of the world's most expensive and lonely highways, and travel through the dense jungle of New Zealand's largest national park, Fjords National Park, with waterfalls cascading down along the way, which are particularly spectacular in the wet season. At certain times of the year, you can also take a side trip to New Zealand's largest hydroelectric power station: Manapouri Power Station
Upon arrival at the pier, step aboard the boat and the wildest and most pristine nature unfolds all around you, you are no longer viewing the scenery, you are in the midst of it, except for the rare sightings of broad-snouted dolphins, soft-furred seals, and yellow-eyed and blue-eyed penguins around the periphery, and the only thing that contrasts with the mountainous tranquility is the tiny chirping of birds and the murmuring of the water as the side of the boat is cut open. Leave all ties to the outside world behind and experience three hours of pure and rare isolation.
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Incredibly Quiet: Welcome to the World's Most Remote Wilderness, Winner of New Zealand's Top 10 Best Destinations 2015
Limited access: the Ministry of the Environment has limited the number of people allowed in to 450 per day, and this is the most stringent measure of high-end environmental protection, which emphasizes the unique value of browsing here.
Something else: 10 times larger than the famous Milford Fjord and three times as long as the Milford Fjord!
Unique paths: many waters with diverging trails and fjords within fjords, explore the magnificent passages of the magical fjords and experience the purest serenity on a three-hour cruise!
Includes “Lake of a Thousand Islands” cruise: one hour tour of Lake Manapouri, the “Lake of a Thousand Islands”, with a view of the sacred Maori mountain, Mt. Titiroa.
The most expensive and lonely highway: the Wilmot Highway, which is not connected to any other highway and is waterborne at both ends, cost more than N$4 million, or an average of N$2 per centimeter.
World Natural Heritage: As part of the world's World Natural Heritage, the arrival at Fantastic Fjords is preceded by a journey through Fjords National Park, New Zealand's largest national park.
Close encounters with wild marine animals: dolphins are much more likely to be seen in the magical fjords than in Mifune, and the reefs at the mouth of the sea often host dozens of seals and penguins.
Mystery program “Sounds of Silence”: listen to nature in its purest form, a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience in the wilderness!
Luxury Cruises: High-speed catamarans specially built by Real Journeys for sailing in the magical fjords, with luxurious interiors with comfortable seating, spacious decks and wide-view windows, cameras and video screens on board for real-time geo-hydrological observation!
Unrestricted by weather: year-round, sunny days as colorful as watercolors, rainy days ink painting like a fairyland, different weather has a different unique and fascinating landscape.
Suitable for the whole family, young and old: the drive is significantly reduced compared to Milford Sound, with only 2 hours from Queenstown to Manapouri and 20 minutes from Te Anau to Manapouri!
Detailed itinerary
At 10:30am, embark from Manapouri and travel through the “Lake of a Thousand Islands”, which is dotted with 32 islands. Please arrive at the Manapouri Marina Reception Center 20 minutes early to report and receive your lunch box. (See later for bus times from Queenstown and Te Anau.)
One hour later, arrive on the opposite side of the Wilmot Highway and transfer to a scenic bus for the start of your journey through Fjords National Park, a World Heritage Site and New Zealand's largest national park.
Pass Cleve Garth Falls and stop at Wilmot Pass for a magical view across the fjord.
Pass Stella Falls, with a stop at the Lyvia River
Wind around the entrance to the Manapouri Power Station tailrace (culvert), with access to the interior of the power station at selected times
At 13:00, board the Sound of Silence, a high-speed catamaran custom-built by Real Journeys for the magical fjords, for three hours of the purest and rarest isolation. Traveling through a number of feeder fjords, you will arrive in the Tasman Sea to see seals and penguins on the reefs, while listening to nature in its purest form through the mysterious Sound of Silence, a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience in the wilderness.
16:00pm, return to land and transfer to the sightseeing bus for the return trip.
17:30 Arrive at Manapouri Marina.
If returning to Queenstown, arrive in the town center around 7:30-8:00pm.
For return to Te Anau, arrive in town center around 6:00pm
(Due to different schedules, the time is for reference only, please refer to the booked schedule):
Things to do
Tours are available by limousine bus from Queenstown and return, Te Anau and return, Queenstown departure + Te Anau return, Te Anau departure + Queenstown return, or by car to Manapouri Marina (2 hours drive from Queenstown to Manapouri, 20 minutes drive from Te Anau to Manapouri).
Picnic lunches as well as Asian lunch bento are provided and must be booked 24 hours prior to departure, vegetarian options are available (book at least 48 hours in advance if required), please collect your lunch from the Manapouri Reception Center prior to embarkation.
Sandwiches and snacks, alcoholic beverages and freshly brewed coffee are available for purchase on board.
Complimentary hot water, coffee and tea on board
Wilmot Highway buses with Chinese commentary along the way, full English commentary on board, Chinese staff, detailed Chinese brochure.
Fantastic Fjord Cruise Time: 3 hours
For those who suffer from severe motion sickness or seasickness, it is recommended to take preventive medication in advance.
The tour involves several transfers, please listen carefully to the staff guidance.
Please do not make noise during the “Sound of Silence” program.
The opening hours of Manapuri Power Station vary from year to year, so please inquire at the time of booking and refer to the booking confirmation letter.
Children: 5-14 years old (inclusive), 4 years old and below are exempted from admission.
Tickets are non-refundable if canceled within 24 hours
Complimentary transfers from Queenstown and Te Anau are available from most hotels, subject to booking confirmation.
Departures & Prices
Manapouri Departure: From NZ$445
Time Slot
Frequency
May 1-October 31
09:45-17:15
November 1-April 30
08:00-15:15
10:30-17:45
From Queenstown: From NZ$505
Time Slot
Frequency
May 1-October 31
06:55-19:30
Return to Te Anau OR Depart Te Anau, return to Queenstown
November 1-April 30
07:15-20:15
Return to Te Anau OR Depart Te Anau, return to Queenstown
From Te Anau: From NZ$455
Time Slot
Frequency
May 1-October 31
08:45-18:00
November 1-April 30
07:00-16:30
09:30-18:30
If you have any questions you can Email info@pioneertravel.co.nz or call us 09 9750 888