Doubtful Sound

Overview

Captain Cook named the sound 'Doubtful Harbour' in 1770, unsure whether it could be safely sailed back out of without a favourable wind — enough doubt that he didn't attempt to enter it at all. It remained largely inaccessible until a road was built in the 1960s to service a hydroelectric power station, and today that same road and a boat crossing of Lake Manapouri form the only way in.

The extra effort required to visit keeps visitor numbers far lower than Milford Sound, giving a quieter, more remote experience of similarly dramatic scenery — towering forested cliffs, waterfalls, and resident pods of bottlenose dolphins in the deep fjord waters.

Things To Do

• Day cruise — the classic visit: boat across Lake Manapouri, coach over Wilmot Pass, then a cruise on the fjord.
• Overnight cruise — an extended trip with more time on the water, including evening wildlife viewing.
• Wilmot Pass — the coach road between the lake and the fjord, itself a scenic alpine crossing.
• Dolphin and seal spotting — pods of bottlenose dolphins and fur seal colonies are regularly seen.
• Manapouri Power Station — an underground hydroelectric station visited on some tour itineraries.

Getting There

Doubtful Sound is reached via Manapouri, about 20 minutes' drive from Te Anau. From there, tours handle the full boat-coach-boat journey; there's no direct road access to the fjord itself.

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Nearby Attractions

Milford Sound

New Zealand's most visited fjord, a scenic drive north through Fiordland National Park.

Stewart Island / Rakiura

New Zealand's third island, one of the best places to see wild kiwi.

Te Anau

The gateway town to Fiordland, with its own glowworm caves.

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