Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise Scenic Tour | Doubtful Sound Cruise (Coach - Wilderness Cruise - Coach)
Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise Scenic Tour | Doubtful Sound Cruise (Coach - Wilderness Cruise - Coach)
On boarding the transfer coach in Te Anau enjoy a short trip through the rolling countryside to Manapouri. Then cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm before boarding a coach and crossing the alpine route of Wilmot Pass through some of Fiordland and Doubtful Sound’s most dense rainforest.
On reaching Deep Cove, board a modern catamaran vessel, the Patea Explorer for a three hour cruise exploring the waterways of this serene and isolated fiord. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and mountains all the way out to the Tasman Sea. It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals and when in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
An on board nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region’s history, flora and fauna provides detailed interpretation in English with a roving microphone. On the return cruise, the vessel’s engines are turned off and visitors are treated to the ‘sound of silence’. Complimentary tea and coffee are available on all vessels (Lunch must be pre-ordered when booking). Suitable for all ages.
Tour Info
| Tour Type: | Cruises & Sailing Adventures |
| From: | Te Anau to Te Anau |
| Price: |
From (NZD) $299 per person
|
| Duration: | 1 Day |
| Tour Code: | RJ308 |
Inclusions
| Luxury coach transport from Te Anau to Manapouri & return |
| Cruise across Lake Manapouri to West Arm |
| Coach crossing of Wilmot Pass |
| 3 hour cruise on Doubtful Sound aboard the Patea Explorer catamaran |
| Morning and Afternoon Tea |
| *Deluxe Picnic lunch (at additional cost and must be pre-ordered). Note: Meals are not available for purchase on the vessels |
| Pick up / drop offs from select Te Anau accommodations |
Schedule & Duration
General Information
- Child ages are 5-14 years inclusive (0-4 years years are free if sitting on a lap, but if a seat is required a child fare must be paid)
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and camera
- Specialist commentary in English is provided on board the vessel and by the coach driver. Interpretation handouts are available in the following languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai
- Experienced drivers have extensive knowledge of the Te Anau and Fiordland regions
- Luxury 47 seater Volvo coaches with reclining seats and air conditioning.
- Cruise on Fiordland Flyer or Fiordlander Class Launch for Lake Manapouri. Cruise on Patea Explorer in Doubtful Sound. Note: The Fiordland Navigator substitutes for the Patea Explorer when this vessel is away on survey
- * Deluxe picnic lunch includes Beef sandwich on Turkish bread (beef, cheese, cucumber, sprouts, capsicum, lettuce and chutney), Ham and cheese filled croissant, Fruit (apple and grapes), Cake selection (chocolate muesli brownie, apricot and coconut slice), Cheese and crackers, Dried fruit and nut mix, After dinner mint & Complimentary Tea and Coffee (indicative only)
Important Information
- This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of travel
- Confirmation for this product will be received within 24 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated
- Complete operator information, including opening times and local contact telephone numbers are included on your e-voucher
Tourism Affiliations
4.6/5.0
There are 21 reviews of this tour from past clients of Relaxing Journeys, averaging 4.6 out of 5.
Tour Reviews
4
Chris Forster (United Kingdom)
03/12/2017
This tour was so well organised. We had decent weather and so the views in the Sound were exciting. The whole trip was a bit long and even the exciting scenery looked much the same after a while. I suffered from sea sickness where the sound exits to the ocean but most travellers appeared to be OK. I am still not sure whether Doubtful was a better choice than Milford Sound. I would recommend going with Relaxing Journeys whatever your decision.
5
Bob & Lorraine McKay (Australia)
18/11/2017
We really enjoyed the whole experience. The bus drivers were informative, lunch was ready to collect prior to boarding the boat, and the cruise was amazing. The scenery was incredible, the commentary very interesting. The opening to the Tasman Sea, viewing the sea lions, experiencing the 'sound of silence', the passing dolphins, penguins all added to one very special day. Highly recommend this experience.
5
Name Withheld (United Kingdom)
09/03/2016
Well organised, kept informed, lovely friendly staff, delicious cakes in the picnic and the dolphins came out to play. Wow
5
Name Withheld (Australia)
28/11/2015
Well organised, helpful & informative staff, that help make the entire trip a great memory.
4
Name Withheld (United Kingdom)
17/11/2015
Well organised with all guides/ drivers being very friendly and competent. Facilities very good.
5
Name Withheld (Australia)
15/02/2015
Excellent tour in perfect weather. This was the highlight of our visit to South Island along with lunch at the Gibbston winery. The Doubtful Sound cruise component was perfect apart from the distorted sound system which made parts of the commentary hard to hear. The big catamaran was very stable and provided good views from all around. The jumping dolphins were a great extra but the scenery was the star! The lunch provided was good value. The sand flies were not too bad. When the power station re-opens the tour would be even more interesting. We did the power station tour in 1971!
4
Name Withheld (United Kingdom)
29/01/2015
Doubtful Sound is beautiful, remote and peaceful. The trip on Lake Manapouri, the coach trip and the cruise on Doubtful Sound were fabulous. The only disappointing part of the day was that we were given a time at the hotel but it was not explained to us that everyone is given the same time It made us wonder whether we had been forgotten. The hotelier told us the coach is always late! We were on our way to Manapouri and had to return to Te Anau as the driver had forgotten 3 people. Rather expensive day out.
5
Name Withheld (United States)
01/01/2015
This was one of the highlights of our 3 week NZ visit, among so many stunning sights. I would recommend this to everyone and an overnight trip if you can manage it! Thanks
5
Nigel Mortimore (United Kingdom)
21/03/2014
A very well organised and run tour. Doubtful Sound was just amazing place. The weather was terrific. The Captain took us out into the Tasman Sea and we saw the seal colony, on the way back we went into one of the arms were the engines were turned off and the silence was out of this world. Just the best trip ever. We were very grateful to some Kiwi's we met at a camp site for telling us about this place.
5
Jean Inwood (United Kingdom)
09/03/2014
Despite the very early start it was a very good trip. The weather was good and we were able to see seals, penguins and get out into the Tasman Sea. The staff were good and gave us informative commentary during the coach and cruise journeys. The visit included a trip to the Power Station - although not my interest it was interesting - a bit like something out of a James Bond Movie. Overall an excellent trip.
5
Richard Allen (Australia)
07/08/2013
Even though it was raining, I really enjoyed the tour.
5
Name Withheld (Australia)
22/04/2013
A wonderful trip with a lot of wows. The Doubtful Sound cruise was well organised and I feel it value for money. The captain was really good and had managed to show us a couple of more places due to the good weather. The stories behind the scenes were all very interesting to know. Definetely a must-see for South Island! The only comment on the negative side was about the packaged lunch. We, a group of 11 people, could hardly complete half of the lunch. 3 days later we still consumed the leftovers from the lunch. Can you get a smaller package with a little cheaper price?
5
John Clift (Parry John Clift) (United Kingdom)
03/04/2013
A truly atmospheric trip that I'd recommend to anyone. Also I'd advise tourists to stay in Te Anau prior to making the trip, rather than further away. Could otherwise be a long day. The only down side was the appearence of a large cruise ship entering the mouth of the Sound.
5
Sue Sampson (United Kingdom)
27/02/2013
Fantastic experience and really well run. The staff were really pleasant and helpful and did everything they could to make it a fun trip. Only one small thing, we were told that we would be picked up at 8.30 by the coach to take us to Te Anau and it didn't turn up until 9.15 am with nobody informing us that they would be late. However, a small inconvenience in what was a fantastic day trip to Doubtful Sound.
3
Charles Jones (Australia)
01/01/2013
Bus pick up from Te Anau and bus, boat, bus, boat connections all went smoothly if some what slowly due to numbers. Pre-ordered lunch was very adequate. Bus drivers commentaries were interesting and informative. The boat trip covered most of the Sound and gave us an excellent range of views and experiences, loved the silence when everything was turned off. Commentary was good and one was able to move round the boat to get different views and photographs. On the down side we went on the busiest day possible, New Year, lots of people, full coach, and so slow getting on and off at viewing stops as well as the change overs. By the end of the day we were some what peopled out! Overall Doubtful Sound speaks for itself, in the wet somewhat sombre and brooding but very very beautiful. We enjoyed the trip but would have preferred a less crowded and more personal experience.
4
Roger Birch ()
24/11/2011
A most interesting and atmospheric trip made all the better by the very friendly crew and very informative commentory by Neil.
4
Roger Birch (Spain)
24/11/2011
A most interesting and atmospheric trip made all the better by the very friendly crew and very informative commentary by Neil.
5
Phyllis Clisby ()
03/11/2011
Everything went like clockwork - we were collected from our motel and looked after until our courteous driver delivered us back there. We certainly couldn't find anything to complain about; we loved every moment.
5
Elizabeth Levett ()
17/02/2011
We could not fault the service by all concerned from the pickup to the cruise. Good information, friendly and informative staff. Even the weather was perfect! Good value for the day.
4
David Bull ()
05/01/2011
Excellent 1 Day trip. All staff very helpful and friendly. Facilities (transfer boat, bus and cruise ship) very good. Pre-ordered lunch very acceptable. Bus driver commentary very good and relaxing. Tour of Power Station interesting. A very good day out with excellent scenery and atmosphere.
5
Kathy Hall ()
13/04/2010
My 83 year old mother and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. The organisation of the day was excellent, all staff on all three phases of our trip were courteous, friendly and efficient. Our deluxe lunch was delicious. The facilities were clean and modern. There was plenty of room to get some wonderful shots of the scenery and time to really get a feel for the place. We would highly recommend this experience!
Enquire about our Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise Scenic Tour | Doubtful Sound Cruise (Coach - Wilderness Cruise - Coach)
Doubtful Sound Coach & Cruise Scenic Tour | Doubtful Sound Cruise (Coach - Wilderness Cruise - Coach)
Day Tours
Tour Code: RJ308
From (NZD)
$299 per person
21 reviews
(4.6/5)
On boarding the transfer coach in Te Anau enjoy a short trip through the rolling countryside to Manapouri. Then cruise across the crystal waters of La... Read More
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