New Zealand Private Tours, Planned Especially For You.

How to experience Doubtful Sound from Queenstown

At New Zealand Private Tours, we invite you to experience the tranquillity of Doubtful Sound, one of Fiordland’s most untouched wonders. From Queenstown, your journey begins with a scenic drive to Lake Manapouri, followed by a boat cruise and a breathtaking coach ride over Wilmot Pass. Choose a day trip or extend your adventure with an overnight cruise, immersing yourself in the fiord’s serene beauty and abundant wildlife for a truly unforgettable experience.

Tour/Day Cruise/Tour

“One Day Option from Queenstown”

  • Transport: Coach Tour/ Manapouri Lake Cruise/ Doubtful Sounds Boat Cruise (option to have a private driver from Queenstown)

  • Driving time: 5.5 hours

  • Cruise time: 3 hours in Doubtful Sound plus 2x 1 Hour cruises on Lake Manapouri

  • Total time: 12.5 Hours

  • Locations along the way: Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass

  • Doubtful Sound, one of New Zealand's most remote fiords, offers a rare wilderness few get to experience, made accessible through our unforgettable single-day adventure. Cruise along Doubtful Sound’s 40km stretch of pristine waterways surrounded by untouched nature, towering peaks and powerful waterfalls. In New Zealand’s deepest fiord, you’re exploring the home of abundant native wildlife, like bottlenose dolphins, NZ fur seals, and Fiordland crested penguins. Experience one of the most expansive and awe-inspiring fiords in this epic wilderness.

    • Scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, then journey over the epic Wilmot Pass through lush Fiordland rainforest

    • Enjoy a 3-hour cruise through Doubtful Sound’s breathtaking waterways

    • Expert nature guides and listen to their engaging commentary on Doubtful Sound and its inhabitants

    • Can be done in a day from Queenstown

    • Long day at 12 plus hours

    • Only can be done on a Coach tour from Queenstown, no private tour option.

    • After the cruise you will be returning back the same way

    • If you a prone to motion sickness it’s long day on winding roads

Tour/Overnight Cruise/Tour

“The tour option we would choose”

  • Transport: Private driver or group tour from Queenstown

  • Driving time: 3.5 hours each day

  • Cruise time: 2 x 1 Hour Lake Manapouri Cruises, Overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound

  • Total time: 2 Days

  • Locations along the way: Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass

  • The ultimate way to experience Doubtful Sound from Queenstown

    Give in to the wilderness and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.  

    The trip begins on the shore of Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop onto a vessel to cross over to West Arm. From there, travel across the breathtaking Wilmot Pass, delivering you to Doubtful Sound—your secluded sanctuary for the night.

    On the smaller boat you can fish and help catch Crayfish for dinner.

    • Explore the nooks and coves of Doubtful Sound all the way out to the Tasman Sea. 

    • For the larger boat the onboard chef will feed you well. Freshly baked afternoon tea, local platters, a gourmet buffet dinner and a selection of hot and continental breakfasts will be served. 

    • For the smaller boat the lunch consists of salad, bread, meat, fruit, tea, and coffee. Fruit and a cheese board are served in the late afternoon. The evening meal varies from cruise to cruise and is served buffet style. It is a wholesome meal consisting of New Zealand meats, Fiordland fare, seasonal vegetables, and salads. Where available by fish caught by you during the day (literally the catch of the day), accompanied by a selection of salad and vegetable dishes, and then followed by dessert. Breakfast is continental style with muesli and other cereals, fruit, toast, and croissants.

    • Be the captain of your own boat! Choose to explore a sheltered shoreline by kayak or hop into our small boat with a nature guide. 

    • Takes a total of 2 full days

    • Only operates between November and April (Summer)

    • Limited numbers so pre bookings well in advanced are essential

    • After the cruise you will be returning back the same way.

    • Least cost effective option

12 Person Overnight Cruise Option

60 Person Overnight Cruise Option

Experience Doubtful Sound from Cabot Lodge

Staying at Cabot Lodge offers a convenient and luxurious base for exploring Doubtful Sound, one of Fiordland’s most remote and untouched fjords. Located near Lake Manapouri, the lodge is just a short drive from the departure point for Doubtful Sound cruises. This exclusive retreat, set on a 2,000-acre estate, offers elegant suites, gourmet dining, and personalised service, ensuring a relaxing stay. From the lodge, the journey to Doubtful Sound includes a scenic boat ride across Lake Manapouri and a trip over Wilmot Pass before reaching the fjord. A cruise through Doubtful Sound provides the chance to see dolphins, seals, and rare penguins while taking in the peaceful, unspoiled surroundings.