Underground Tours
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$129
per adult
RealNZ
4.5
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Discover the breath-taking, pristine wilderness scenery of Doubtful Sound, deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park with RealNZ.
Manapouri, New Zealand
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Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$339
per adult
Sightseeing Cruises
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 92% of travellers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$449
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
1,704 reviews
Excellent
1,329
Very good
254
Average
67
Poor
27
Terrible
27
Cameron S
Somerset, UK7 contributions
Feb 2020
We went on a boat tour of Doubtful Sound on the 6th of Feb 2020 and had an unforgettable experience.
We were lucky enough to observe a large pod of Bottlenose Dolphins and they put on a real show for us! The scenery was breathtaking and we almost had the entire Sound to ourselves.
The staff were informative, friendly and professional. The water taxi ride, the coach trip and the boat journey were all very enjoyable. Would highly recommend you do this if you’re in South Island!
We were lucky enough to observe a large pod of Bottlenose Dolphins and they put on a real show for us! The scenery was breathtaking and we almost had the entire Sound to ourselves.
The staff were informative, friendly and professional. The water taxi ride, the coach trip and the boat journey were all very enjoyable. Would highly recommend you do this if you’re in South Island!
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora and thank you for your feedback. Doubtful Sound is breathtaking - we agree! We are thrilled you got to see Dolphins and that our experienced crew took good care of you. We do hope that the rest of your visit was just as enjoyable and that you travel with us again soon. Kind Regards - The Team at Real Journeys.
Written 16 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
spritz_e
Toronto, Canada16 contributions
Jan 2020
It’s an expensive excursion, but I would definitely say it’s worth it. The experience includes a cruise across the lake plus coach ride over the Wilmot Pass plus the main cruise on Doubtful Sound. Both boats and the bus were in excellent condition and very comfortable. Crew/drivers were knowledgeable and professional. We were fortunate to see both dolphins and seals swimming in the water. Loved that we encountered just one other vessel the whole time. Absolutely stunning landscape and when they turned the engines off so we could hear the birdsong it was magical. Free coffee and tea on board both boats.
Written 18 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora - thank you very much for your 5 star review of the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise. We are pleased you found our boats and coach comfortable, and appreciate your positive thoughts regarding our Crew and Coach Drivers. Being able to experience the "sound of silence" is very special and a highlight for many people who travel with us so it's great to hear you loved it. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your holiday. Regards - The Team at Real Journeys.
Written 22 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris B
Harpenden, UK109 contributions
Feb 2020
The cruise starts from Manapouri with a boat trip across the lake and then a coach trip (both about 45 mins) over the pass to Doubtful Sound. The route was made possible when the road across the pass was built in the 1960s to build a power station. Then we had a 2 ¾ hour cruise down the sound to the Tasman Sea and back, taking in a couple of the side fjords. Overall it takes about 7 hours. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and because it is so difficult to access, there is virtually no one else there. Our guide was lively, amusing and very informative. There was plenty of space on the boat, even though the trip was full. Overall, and exceptional trip.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Chris. Thank you for your feedback. We love sharing this amazing corner of 'our backyard' and hope that the rest of your holiday is just as enjoyable. Kind Regards - The Team at Real Journeys.
Written 12 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anna R
15 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Our family had an amazing mid-winter trip to Doubtful Sound with Real Journeys. Definitely recommended. The landscape is absolutely stunning. The boat is warm and they provided free hot drinks. The best parts were seeing the beech forest covered white in a deep frost and huge icicles hanging from the banks on the bus ride from lake Manapouri to Deep Cove and also seeing the arms of the fiord covered with a layer of ice - really magical. And we spotted a seal swimming beside the boat. It was good value for a full day trip, with the kids go free special.
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina M
Dunedin, New Zealand15 contributions
Jan 2022
Spent my 40th birthday on the tour, what a fantastic way to do so!
The crew are all very friendly and the boat ride across Lake Manapouri was very informative as was the bus trip along Wilmott Pass. Shoutout to Reynold the bus driver for his humour.
The cruise on Doubtful Sound was just as wonderful as I hoped with great commentary and so many beautiful sights.
A wee bit choppy as we approached the Tasman Sea opening but nothing a sit down inside doesn't fix!
A must do when in the lower South. Way less commercial that Milford Sound (unless they start letting cruise ships back in).
The crew are all very friendly and the boat ride across Lake Manapouri was very informative as was the bus trip along Wilmott Pass. Shoutout to Reynold the bus driver for his humour.
The cruise on Doubtful Sound was just as wonderful as I hoped with great commentary and so many beautiful sights.
A wee bit choppy as we approached the Tasman Sea opening but nothing a sit down inside doesn't fix!
A must do when in the lower South. Way less commercial that Milford Sound (unless they start letting cruise ships back in).
Written 27 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy 40th Birthday!! What a beautiful way to spend it, cruising around the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound.
We hope your time with us in Doubtful and on Stewart Island was a unforgettable RealNZ experience. We are so grateful you could come.
Written 30 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bernie Sycamore
2 contributions
Aug 2020
Hubby and I have just completed the 6 night trip from Doubtful Sound to Preservation Inlet. Absolutely fantastic!!! The crew were amazing, Chris and Glen were the skippers, Richard knew just about everything there is to know on Captain Cook's travels (he brought it all to life), Stefan is the worlds most amazing cook, and the other 3 crew (Forest, Annette and I can't remember the other guys name) all went out of their way to make our trip wonderful. We highly recommend the tour and we know you wont be disappointed.
Written 25 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzanne W
Kaiteriteri, New Zealand3 contributions
Jul 2020
We went on the Real Journeys trip from Oban to Port Pegasus on the MIlford Wanderer. It was 5 nights, fantastic scenery, trips off the boat and the crew are really skilled and so helpful. Great crowd of passengers as well. We had been previously on the Preservation Inlet and both are superb organisationally, real efforts to get into remote places and safety is a big consideration. Its a comfortable vessel, crew have great knowledge of the areas visited and all are very friendly.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nzp0ppy
New Zealand27,256 contributions
Feb 2022
We were using Realnz or real journeys across lake manapouri. We got on at west arm with other passengers. there were about 7 staff who promptly all came on, some with masks, some without and literally starting stuffing their faces on food that had come from the overnight cruise. they sat in the middle and others off the overnight cruise commented on it.
then the real journeys staff started complaining about having to reapply for two permanent positions only, and oay dates and even threw in a few swear words.
Very unprofessional, but they were all younger people. Maybe they were now off duty but they were wearing real journeys labelled clothes and acted very poorly.
then the real journeys staff started complaining about having to reapply for two permanent positions only, and oay dates and even threw in a few swear words.
Very unprofessional, but they were all younger people. Maybe they were now off duty but they were wearing real journeys labelled clothes and acted very poorly.
Written 22 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank for taking the time to provide us with your feedback and for bringing this to our attention. We set a high standard for our staff, on and off duty, to deliver a great guest experience so it is disappointing that hear that you did not receive this. On behalf of the RealNZ team, I sincerely apologise.
We will be sure to investigate this issue further to ensure this does not repeat itself. If you would like to provide any further information on the matter or would like to contact someone directly please feel free to email marketing@realnz.com.
Again, we're very sorry for your poor experience with us and we appreciate your honest feedback.
Written 6 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brandon Pankey
3 contributions
Mar 2023
This was our favorite thing we did in New Zealand. The team on the boat were friendly and helpful, and the scenery is unbelievable. There was a great sense of community from the experiences we had in just over 24 hours.
We loved the boat, the scenery, the people, and the food. Great time all around.
We loved the boat, the scenery, the people, and the food. Great time all around.
Written 20 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This review has made our day! Thank you so much for joining our Fiordland adventure.
Written 4 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thelma A
Delray Beach, FL6 contributions
Jan 2020
We took the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise in 2016 and with limited time aren't keen on duplicating experiences. My partner's Daughter came to visit with her boyfriend and we agreed this cruise was something we would do again and wanted them to experience. It was magical once again. This time we were treated to warm sunny weather and went quite far into the Tasman which was not the case on our last trip so we were thrilled. His daughter and boyfriend loved it and were grateful it worked right at the end of their trip.
The crew is AMAZING! The food! Oh dear, I have to walk and bike for several days to take off the calories but it was worth it. Delicious food and plenty of it.
The crew is AMAZING! The food! Oh dear, I have to walk and bike for several days to take off the calories but it was worth it. Delicious food and plenty of it.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora. It's fantastic that you returned to travel with us again and had another magical experience with your family. Thank you for your praise of our stellar crew and the delicious food they provide our guests. Your 5 star review is appreciated and we wish you well for your calorie busting session! Kind Regards - The Team at Real Journeys.
Written 3 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If you’re on the Doubtful cruise, it’s about an hour kayaking. They also do a separate kayak only trip (assume half a day or a day) and also a kayak and camp experience. Take lots of sandfly repellent!
Real Journeys are a super organised company!
Written 5 March 2020
Hi, I would like to know the cost of this Doubtful Sound Day trip on the 26th January leaving from Queenstown?
Thanks & Regards
Jude
Written 9 January 2018
Price starts at $465 per person from Q'town. Have a look at their website for exact prices - and book asap. There is only one single cabin or a double left for that date
Written 9 January 2018
Kelly Q
Cambridge, New Zealand
Hi, what time do we return to Queenstown on the coach from Doubtful Sounds after our Fiordland Navigator Overnight cruise in October. Do we allowed to dress up costumes (pioneer theme?) for our 50th birthdays?
Written 20 August 2017
Real Journeys can best answer the return schedule question. (We arrived back to the dock in Te Anau at noon.) The ship is small, casual and friendly. I think the costumes would be fine with the crew and supported by fellow travelers.
Written 22 August 2017
Is it possible to take a small manual wheelchair on board for the day trip in Doubtful Sound please?
Written 31 May 2016
I think so but ask Real Journeys. They'd have people with wheelchairs often, & they're helpful people.
Written 22 June 2016
what time do you leave manapouri for an overnight cruise? we will be coming from dunedin and want to know if we should spend the night somewhere before manapouri
Written 13 January 2016
Unfortunately Real Journeys does NOT offer shuttle services to airports. However we do operate coach tours, cruises, scenic flights and activities in Queenstown, Fiordland and Stewart Island. As you don’t specify which airport, it is difficult to assist you further.
Hope that this helps,
Written 1 April 2015
Jodi F
Townsville, Australia
Did you take food with you for the day?. If you go on the 9am cruise, what time do you return to TeAnau.
Thank you
Written 14 February 2015
We operate a 9.30am Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise departing Te Anau (Nov – Apr) and it returns at 6.30pm (or 7am departure, returning 4.30pm). Alternatively May-Oct it departs 8.45am/returns 6pm.
Picnic lunches need to be booked in advance for this tour and can be picked up prior to boarding. Sandwiches, snacks, fruit and confectionary are available on board for purchase (cash only). Complimentary tea and coffee provided. Hope that this helps.
Written 17 February 2015
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