Doubtful Sound, South Island, New Zealand

5malmac 5:00 PM Apr 30, 2021

Overnight Cruise
We took the overnight cruise with Real Journeys. Check in at Manapouri at 12pm to catch the ferry across the lake, connect to the bus over Wilmot Pass to then meet the 'Fiordland Navigator' at Deep Cove. Light hearted and informative commentary on the ferry and bus. They look after you well on board- get settled in to your quarters. Our family of 5 (including 3 teenagers) booked the quad share option - so four in one bunkroom, then I slept in the adjacent cabin with 3 other guys. You don't spend much time in the bunkroom so it all works quite well. After motoring for a shortwhile we stopped to get set up for kayaking while others went off for short outings on the powerboats that are carried on the back of the Navigator. The sheltered conditions made for very pleasant kayaking followed by a swim (diving/jumping from the boat) in the very cold water (maybe 10 or 11 degC). Hot showers afterward to warm back up and we're cruising again down to the mouth of the sound. Good commentary from Watsy about all sorts of aspects of the sound. Spectacular buffet dinner and dessert. You can't really sleep in as the boat springs to life early in the morning to power the raising of the anchor, and the buffet breakfast starts around 7am. Beautiful scenery just keeps unfolding, and its all over at 10am when you meet the bus for the return sequence. Our whole family really enjoyed the whole experience which was very well done. The drizzly weather didn't really detract from our enjoyment, was just part of the whole package. I highly recommend this tour.

4jetsetterj2015 5:00 PM Nov 6, 2022

Doubtful Sound a must-do in the rain
Took a RealNZ day tour into Doubtful Sound. A long day with the boat trip across Lake Manapouri, and bus travel over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove to join the cruise on the fiord. Pouring with rain so an excellent day to see the Sound with waterfalls in all their full glory. Saw seals at the Tasman Sea entry to the Sound. Only negative was that it was a fully booked tour and some of the tourists did no respect the pristine nature or peace of the place.