Pātea Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound is the second largest fiord in Fiordland National Park and is memorable for its vastness, wilderness, and undisturbed beauty.
Each season brings a different experience. Clear skies and reflective water mesmerise all who visit, while grey skies and low-hanging clouds equally add a special mood to the fiord, creating mysterious layers among sprawling forests, peaks, and inlets.
The fiord is a habitat for many New Zealand taonga (treasured) species. With a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, NZ fur seals lounging on the rocks, and Fiordland crested penguins swimming around, it’s one of the best places for a chance at spotting native New Zealand animals in the wild.
A trip to Doubtful Sound is an adventure. Unlike Milford Sound’s direct access road, Doubtful Sound requires a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri and an even more spectacular coach ride over Wilmot Pass to get there! It’s this real adventure that makes the fiord even more special in its seclusion.
When you arrive, you can explore the fiord on a Wilderness Day Cruise , or spend the night aboard a specially designed overnight vessel and wake up to peace in nature, with coach transfers to the start of your adventure in Lake Manapouri available.
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Immerse yourself in the vast and untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound, the second largest fiord in Fiordland National Park.
With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away. Home to abundant wildlife you may see bottlenose dolphins and fur seals at play, or catch a glimpse of a rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.
Getting to Doubtful Sound is an adventure in itself. With no direct road access, the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is by a cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass. This isolation makes the fiord a very special, private place, a place only those in the know get to see.
If you’d like to experience the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound for yourself, join us for a Wilderness Day Cruise or better still, spend an unforgettable night on the fiord on our Fiordland Navigator Overnight Cruise. And if you prefer not to drive to Manapouri (where the trips depart), we can get you there by coach from Queenstown and Te Anau.
For a more intimate experience, join us on a kayaking adventure where you get to paddle or explore and camp overnight in Doubtful Sound.
About Doubtful Sound
There’s no settlement here and no easy access. Cruise vessels and fishing boats ply the waters only seasonally. When you visit Doubtful Sound, it’s unchanged, pristine nature is striking. You are witnessing the same spectacular scene that greeted early Maori and European visitors – the years have changed little, if anything, in this magnificent place.
The mood of the fiord is dominated by the weather – glorious and sparkling on a sunny day, tranquil and mysterious in the mist or dramatic and exciting in the wet as hundreds of waterfalls thunder into the sea.
This is an awesome place where you’ll experience the raw power of nature. The sheer scale and beauty of the fiord makes for a profound experience for any holiday itinerary.
Getting There
All our Doubtful Sound experiences start in Manapouri which is around 2.5 – 3 hours from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau.
You can drive there yourself or if you’d much rather relax and let us do the driving, we offer coach connections from Queenstown and Te Anau.
Our coach drivers for your Doubtful Sound tour are extremely knowledgeable about the area, its history and local flora and fauna and will provide you with commentary and information along the way.
Fiordland is one of the wettest places in the world with a mean annual rainfall of 6813mm (268 in). It rains for around 180 days of the year, with rainfall reaching 250mm (10 in) over a 24 hour period.
The temperature here can vary depending on the season and can go from an average high of around 19C in summer (Dec - Feb) to around 9.5C in winter (Jun - Aug).
As weather shapes this landscape, it’ll also shape your experience of this pristine place. Glorious and breathtakingly beautiful on a sunny day, in the mist it’s a magical fairyland of hidden peaks and twisting arms while in the rain, the power of nature is unleashed as walls of water thunder to the sea.
All year round, whatever the weather, a visit to Doubtful Sound is profound and unforgettable.
Dolphins playing in Doubtful Sound
Located deep in the heart of Fiordland, and almost inaccessible to humans, Doubtful Sound is within a temperate rainforest and home to a largely undisturbed wildlife.
The rainforest is an extravagance of green and incredibly dense with vines, perching plants, tree and ground ferns and podocarp trees. Home to a wonderful array of native birds, you’ll hear their songs if you listen carefully.
The waters of the fiord are fascinating and home to an amazing array of sea-life because of a surface layer of dark fresh water that blocks sunlight. This layer is caused by the incredibly high annual rainfall which is darkly coloured by the tannins of the forest as it tumbles through a huge catchment area to the sea. This dark layer allows corals and undersea life to grow in waters much shallower than they normally would. Creatures of the southern oceans live here – there’s a resident pod of dolphins and lots of fur seals. Others visit and you could glimpse Mollymawks and Royal Albatross, penguins, including the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin which breeds at Doubtful Sound or even a whale.
Two million years ago the glaciers of Fiordland were grinding their way towards the sea sculpting the landscape as they retreated and advanced.
In Maori legend, Doubtful Sound and the other Fiords were created by the godly figure Tu Te Raki Whanoa who split the rock with his adze allowing the sea to pour in creating safe harbours from the restless, often stormy sea.
The first European to discover the fiord was Captain Cook during his search for a ‘great southern continent’. Visiting the mouth of Doubtful Sound in 1770 and unsure whether it was navigable, he named it Doubtful Harbour. 23 years later, a visiting Spanish scientific expedition charted the entrance and lower parts of the sound.
In 1971, the Manapouri Hydro-Electric Power Station, New Zealand’s largest hydroelectric facility, was completed on the western arm of the lake. Considered one of the country’s greatest engineering feats, the power station uses the 230 metre drop between the lake and the sea (the Deep Cove arm of Doubtful Sound) to create electricity. The road over Wilmot Pass was created as part of the project and provides our access to the fiord.
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Did you know.
Fiordland, one of the world’s wettest regions. Most of the rain falls on the seaward side of the mountains.
Manapouri village receives 1,143mm a year but over in West Arm the rainfall rises to 3,786mm. Deep Cove receives 5,290mm per year.
Doubtful Sound reaches about 430m at its maximum depth. Near the entrance there are sills where the water is relatively shallow (90m).
The water temperature in the fiord averages a bracing 11 degrees Celsius.
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Doubtful Sound FAQs
What is the difference between Milford and Doubtful Sounds?
Our places. Our experiences. Milford and Doubtful Sounds, NZ.
The main difference between Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound is their locations in Fiordland. Milford Sound, in the northern region, is captivating with its dramatic beauty. Doubtful Sound, on the other hand, is further south, in the heart of Fiordland, and is vaster and wilder, approximately ten times larger than Milford Sound.
Why is it called a Doubtful Sound?
Doubtful Sound, originally dubbed 'Doubtful Harbour' in 1770 by Captain Cook, earned its name due to the captain’s hesitation to venture into its waters, unsure of its navigability under sail. Despite Cook's reluctance, subsequent explorers, including whalers and sealers, renamed it Doubtful Sound.
What is the best time of year to visit Doubtful Sound?
The best time of year to visit Doubtful Sound is during the winter. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the fiord in crisp, fresh air and snow-capped mountains. In winter, the landscape transforms with snow often visible at low levels and occasional ice formations within the fiord itself. To make the most of your visit during this magical season, be sure to pack plenty of layers, including a warm hat and gloves. Embrace the invigorating chill of winter in Doubtful Sound and create memories that will stay with you forever.
How long is the drive from Te Anau to Doubtful Sound?
To reach Doubtful Sound, start your journey at Lake Manapouri, the gateway to this stunning fiord and only a short 20-minute scenic lakeside drive from Te Anau. Once at Manapouri, board a boat bound for the West Arm. From there, embark on a coach journey over Wilmot Pass, terminating in Deep Cove, the heart of Doubtful Sound.
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Our ultimate guide will give you all the tips you need to plan that special holiday in the south island including Queenstown, Te Anau, Stewart Island and Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
How a Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise will change your life
5 reasons Doubtful Sound should be on your bucket list
How to choose between Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound
Our Favourite Things To Do In Fiordland National Park
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The Daily Dirt: Another reprieve from Local Law 97?
NYC officials have provided some leeway since passage of climate rule
The fight for relief from Local Law 97, five years later.
Since its passage in 2019, state and city officials have considered ways to soften the blow of emission caps — and the fees that come with not meeting them.
In 2021, state legislature declined to take up a proposed workaround that would have allowed property owners to use renewable energy credits generated outside the city to meet the caps. That would be a big deal because of the scarcity of locally available credits.
The city finalized rules last year that gave landlords until 2026 to comply with the first set of emission caps if they show a “good faith effort” to meet the law’s requirements. It also laid out the rules for renewable energy credits, barring owners who apply for the fee reprieve by submitting a decarbonization plan from offsetting their emissions with credits.
Crain’s reports that a City Council bill that would give a break to condo and co-op owners is gaining steam. The measure , sponsored by Council member Linda Lee, would allow such buildings to count ground floor green and open spaces on the same tax lot toward their gross floor area when calculating their allowable greenhouse gas emission under Local Law 97 (meaning, they would be permitted a higher emission threshold).
The bill would also require the city to consider the median property value of the condo and co-op units when calculating the fines levied against non-compliant buildings. The city would also need to consider whether payment of the fines would “impact the operations of facilities critical to human life or safety.”
Lee introduced the bill late last year . The Real Estate Board of New York supports the measure, but per Crain’s, advocates and elected officials have pushed back on further altering the law.
What we’re thinking about: If the broker free bill passes, will landlords opt to hold open houses for apartments, and require tenants bring their own brokers? Will landlords who hire brokers be able to negotiate lower fees? Send a note to [email protected] .
A thing we’ve learned : A museum down the shore has a photo collection on display of Taylor Swift vacationing as a child in Stone Harbor, N.J., according to NJ Advance Media . The photos were provided by her family, along with some other Swiftie collectibles.
Elsewhere in New York….
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— Gov. Kathy Hochul is considering banning passengers from wearing masks on the train, Gothamist reports .
The governor is in talks with Mayor Eric Adams to implement at least a partial ban, following a video of masked protestors who asked passengers on a crowded train to identify themselves if they are Zionists. Hochul said a ban could deter crime.
“We will not tolerate individuals using masks to evade responsibility for criminal or threatening behavior,” Hochul said. “My team is working on a solution, but on a subway, people should not be able to hide behind a mask to commit crimes.”
— House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is helping allies in his home district fend off challenges from candidates backed by the DSA, Politico New York reports . Jeffries supports Assembly member Stefani Zinerman, who is facing a challenge from Eon Huntley.
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Residential: The priciest residential sale Thursday was $13.4 million for a 3,800-square-foot condominium unit at 212 West 18th Street in Chelsea. Maria Elena Scotto of Douglas Elliman had the listing.
Commercial: The largest commercial sale of the day was $9.7 million for a six-story, 16-unit apartment building at 35-16 Astoria Boulevard in Astoria.
New to the Market: The highest price for a residential property hitting the market was $19.9 million for a 3,364-square-foot condo unit at 217 West 57th Street, in Central Park South. Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group has the listing. — Matthew Elo
Economy | $1.6 billion Oakland hospital project gains…
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Economy | so long, warriors klay thompson unfollows golden state on instagram, subscriber only, economy | $1.6 billion oakland hospital project gains milestone with key jobs deal, project will add new hospital and revamp medical campus.
The Building and Construction Trades Council of Alameda County, a major East Bay labor organization, and the general contractor for the project — Rudolph and Sletten, a big-time construction firm — crafted a jobs deal for the project. Overaa Construction, the general contractor for a series of site improvements on the campus, also signed the labor agreement.
The $1.6 billion development would create a landmark, state-of-the-art hospital and trauma center for children on the medical center campus at 747 52nd St. in Oakland.
“The new hospital project is our covenant to the community to take care of all kids regardless of their socioeconomic level,” Dr. Nicholas Holmes, president of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, said in an interview with this news organization about the project. “This is to provide the best possible care for children through the region.”
The deal assures priority will be given to hiring of local workers for what would be a years-long project that’s slated to be completed in 2030.
“This project is a huge investment in our community that will include union workers from the ground up,” said Andreas Cluver, secretary-treasurer for the Building and Construction Trades Council of Alameda County. “We’re making sure that local residents have access to these jobs, whether they are new to construction or masters in their trade.”
The massive development is expected to double the size of the emergency department, add a new diagnostic imaging suite and increase room sizes as part of a wide-ranging modernization, upgrade and expansion.
“We have outgrown the size of the existing facility,” Dr. Holmes said. “The real driver of this is to meet the needs of the community.”
The workforce agreements set a 30% local hiring goal for both contractors and subcontractors, which UCSF Health described as its commitment to supporting the local economy.
The new and expanded hospital complex will help ensure that children in the East Bay and other areas can be sure to receive top-notch medical and trauma care.
“This will help with patient flow,” Dr. Holmes said. “As a safety net hospital, we want to be sure there are no deterrents to a child receiving medical care and to ensure no child is turned away.”
The project also will add dedicated mental health inpatient beds to address what UCSF Health officials believe is a pressing and unmet need for adolescent mental health care and services.
The five-year construction endeavor is expected to require the hiring of about 400 workers a year until the project is completed in 2030 when the new hospital will open.
This summer, UCSF Health will seek approval from the UC Regents for the hospital project and campus revamp.
“The construction and building trades are the backbone of Oakland,” Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said. “This project will bring well-paid jobs for union construction workers, job training for apprentices, and new careers for veterans.”
Plus, once the hospital is open, it’s likely that additional hospital staff, including nurses, will need to be hired to work in the new medical center.
“This project is not only for the physical and mental well-being of our community, it also is for the economic vitality of Oakland itself,” Dr. Holmes said. “We will increase the staff accordingly, as mandated by nurse-patient ratios.”
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Grab great savings on RealNZ experiences in Queenstown, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound & Te Anau. Day cruises, overnight cruises, glowworm caves & more
Real Journeys have always done a locals discount through the winter months - though don't recall if it was up to 50% off previously. Would be great to see other tours offering the same.
RealNZ operates stunning tours, cruises and activities in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, Te Anau and Stewart Island. Book your next adventure today.
Need help planning your New Zealand holiday? We've compiled one, two and three day itineraries with popular destinations and activities to inspire you.
Join us on a Doubtful Sound day cruise for an unforgettable Fiordland experience. The scenic beauty and vastness of this day trip will take your breath away.
Experience a magical Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise. Explore the stunning fiord, famous for wilderness scenery and wildlife sightings.
Crew are always ready to assist if required. And we can assure you the locals are bitten by the sandflies too! Thank you for your feedback and we hope you enjoyed the rest of your holiday - the team at Real Journeys.
Join us for a Doubtful Sound Cruise. Day tours, overnights and sea kayaking in one of the most iconic and breathtaking destinations in New Zealand.
Answer 1 of 11: Just posting here in case people aren't aware already. Real Journeys are offering 50% off some activities in March for residents of Otago and Southland. So now is a great time to go on the TSS Earnslaw. I did the Walter Peak Gourment BBQ in...
RealNZ used to be called Real Journeys, and they've been around since 1954. The company actually started when a local couple, Les and Olive Hutchins, bought a pre-existing tour company with the mission to help more people explore Doubtful Sound, which is famously difficult to get to.
Take in the breath-taking alpine views from the unique TSS Earnslaw as the leisurely 90 minute cruise takes you across the lake to picturesque Walter Peak High Country Farm and back again. While underway you can visit the engine room, watch the stokers in action, view the collection of historical photos in the onboard mini museum or sing-along ...
Get up close and personal with Milford Sound on our leisurely Nature Cruise. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces. Informative, participative and more relaxed, a Nature Cruise is the perfect way to experience Milford Sound to the fullest.
Would recommend book the early morning cruise, buffet breakfast included and extra 20 mins cruise time, and most importantly less people. visit milford sound twice, one was with Jucy, and this time with Real journey, and from my experience, real journey has better value. will definitely choose real journey again!
Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord. Three times longer than Milford Sound, with twisting arms, it has a surface area ten times larger. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.
Take on one of New Zealand's most scenic boat tours, the Milford Sound cruise! Travel through Fiordland National Park while enjoying the stunning scenery and wildlife onboard Real Journeys' luxury boat.
RealNZ - Milford Sound Coach & Cruise from Queenstown. 4.880. Hot Deal. $204 Save up to $41.00. 17% Off Discount. 20+ Spaces. Best between: 8 Jun - 16 Jun. Book Now. 4.880.
Trips to the Glowworm Caves depart from the Real Journeys Visitor Centre, 85 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau. Doubtful Sound Cruise departs from the Real Journeys Visitor Centre, 64 Waiau Street, Pearl Harbour, Manapouri.
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Answer 1 of 11: Just posting here in case people aren't aware already. Real Journeys are offering 50% off some activities in March for residents of Otago and Southland. So now is a great time to go on the TSS Earnslaw. I did the Walter Peak Gourment BBQ in...
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The Daily Dirt digs into New York City's latest proposal to give a break to landlords complying with Local Law 97
A project to build a modern UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland has gained a major milestone through a key labor deal to prioritize hiring local workers for the $1.6 billion plan.