Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown

Breathtaking day. Despite the extensive transport required to get to Doubtful Sound (coach to Te Anau from queenstown, mini van to a boat, boat to another coach, coach to the cruise and then all back again after the cruise! ) But all of it except the final two hour coach from te anau (which was in the dark) felt like a breathtaking part of the tour bc the views from all were so spectacular . RealNZ is really tightly organized and all the staff seemed really passionate about what they were doing. It was really well executed. We traveled with a 5 and 8 year old and we all enjoyed it. Things they didn’t make clear in advance- there is zero reception or wifi once you get off the ferry boat to the start of Fiordland park- so you will be disconnected for hours (it was lovely). You are truly in the middle of no where. Also while you have the option to pre order lunch, we packed ours, but was pleased to see opportunities to purchase coffee and sandwiches etc at the rest stop in the morning on the way to Te Anau, on the ferry to fjordland park, and on the cruise itself. The bus departed the tour center at 7am and didn’t return til 8pm so you likely want to bring many snacks at the minimum. You can refill your water bottle on the cruise boat. All the busses have seatbelts which I appreciated as we had the kids with us. The toilet facilities were all quite nice and clean despite being on boats or public restrooms stops. Pro tip- bring a cloth so you can dry the condensation off the coach windows when you head out in the mornIng- there were so many stunning sun rise views I wanted to snap but was foiled by the wet and streaky window. It’s a big commitment and a very full day but we were so glad we did this. Also when deciding between this or Milford sound, this is definitely the way to go if you want a much less crowded and more serene and pristine natural experience. Our group on the cruise was probably less than 40 people whereas there was huge coach upon coach full of people coming from Milford when we rendevouzed in Te Anau. Really well done tour overall highly recommend.

This was a fantastic day trip! It was long but definitely worth it. We departed Queenstown at 6 am, arrived into Te Anau a couple hours later, then took another bus for 25 mins to the ferry terminal, then took a 45-minute ferry to cross Lake Manapouri, and then another 30 mins bus ride to finally get to the Doubtful Sound cruise. Despite many changes of transportation, the views along the road were spectacular, and Doubtful Sound was worth all the time and effort. I would recommend this trip to anyone who anchors in Queenstown but at the same time wants to visit Doubtful Sound in a day.

This full-day tour was really well worth it and a great experience. Safety throughout was paramount and a credit to the operators and all their staff. A taxi picked me up from my hotel and dropped me at the tour bus start point in the town (walkable if you don't want the taxi option). The check-in was very smooth there. The coach was on time and the driver was friendly yet professional, looking after us all, providing clear instructions and guidance. He also gave an excellent running commentary on the landscape and history of the areas we travelled through. We arrived in good time for a relaxed book-in, lunch collection (if ordered) and toilet break before boarding the first boat. This took us across the lake to the surreal New Zealand southern rain-forest. A wonderful crossing. There is also a close-up view of the power station on the lake. Disembarking, one transfers to coaches again for a "wilderness" drive through the rain-forest terrain to the boat docking point on Doubtful Sound itself. Make sure you've thoroughly coated yourself in anti-insect spray before crossing the lake. The drivers were very good, providing running commentary on the history of the reserve and how the trail came about. It's wonderfully remote, however not desolate. Respect the scenery and naturalness of it all. The Sound boat and crew looked after us well. There is a small cafeteria on board. Make sure you have wet-weather gear with you regardless of the weather - shine or cloud. The experience, scenery, wildlife and nature's effects were magical. To be at the entrance of the Sound and almost on the Tasman Sea at the southern point of the Sound was incredible. On return, the views of the waterfalls were something to behold - the wind was so strong, it was whipping the falling water fully upwards. Waterfalls were not succeeding in waterfalling. On return to Queenstown, let the experience of the day wash in, relaxing and calmly absorbing the return scenery. The driver kindly did several drop offs however doesn't necessarily go back to the central office. It's a two minute walk to that point, and a lovely concluding evening walk back to my hotel on the edge of the town. A day to be recorded in one's mental and written memoires. Thank you all, and keep up the good experiences for the layperson.

​The scenery at Doubtful Sound is amazing, and only RealNZ offers to see it. It is a professional and seamless trip with world-class views, though there are a few logistical things to keep in mind. ​The schedule is very tight; the bus goes straight to the transit point with no stop-overs, leaving almost no time for washroom breaks, lunch, or souvenirs. Additionally, announcements are only made once, so you have to stay alert or you might miss key instructions while napping. ​Overall, it's a great way to see a beautiful part of the world—just be sure to pack your own snacks and use the facilities before you board!

Excellent day, beautiful to be so remote!

The Doubtful Sound cruise is worth the long journey from Queenstown and the whole trip was a well oiled machine from start to finish (plenty of chances to purchase food and drinks as well as clean bathrooms on the boats). Our experience started with a ~2.5 hour bus ride from Queenstown to Manapouri which was both scenic and educational (our bus driver Andrea was great!). The bus ride was followed by a 45 minute boat ride where you were able to enjoy more amazing scenery as well as purchase food and drinks. After the first boat ride was a 50 minute long bus ride to the start of Doubtful Sound cruise. The main event of the Doubtful Sound cruise was a once in a lifetime experience. There was ample time and space to both take in the surroundings and to take all the pictures and videos you want. We only saw a couple of other boats during the cruise, but most of the time the cruise is the only boat in Doubtful Sound. After the cruise, the return trip is the reverse of the journey there, with a long bus ride to Queenstown giving you a chance to take a nap. Overall, the day took 12 hours and was a day we’ll never forget!

Absolute downpour for most of the voyage. Never saw so many awesome waterfalls in my life. Moody vistas. Loved it!

This is a long day, however it is comfortable and very well organized by RealNZ. First bus was comfortable with one bathroom/coffee break (2hours) then you pick up your lunch at the visitors center/cafe at lake dockside. Then a 1 hour ferry ride over the lake, stunning views (amazing on its own) Get off ferry boat to get on a bus that goes on some very hilly/windy roads to get to the larger boat on Doubtful Sound. If you can, sit on the top deck, views are amazing, though it does get windy. We were lucky enough to see Dolphins, fur seals, jumping tuna, migrating birds and amazing vistas and waterfalls. Doubtful Sound is quiet, hardly any other boats and it is large. Highly recommend this trip, though it is long, it is worthwhile.

It was a long ride to get there, but absolutely worth it. The cruise on Doubtful Sound was 3hr, and the rest of the time was getting there and back. We learned a lot on the way, and I'd definitely do it again. Doubtful is more peaceful and wild than Milford, and we were able to have a few minutes of absolute silence. Magical.

If you are visiting the sounds of southern New Zealand, Doubtful Sound is the one to see. We were the only tour on the water. No helicopters or planes flying over, just peace and the beauty of creation. RealNZ are absolute professionals, providing the touring experience we are all looking for. Thanks Dan for a wonderful day.