Doubtful Sound
 

My husband and I are traveling to New Zealand in about 10 days we want to see Doubtful Sound. How far in advance do we need to make reservations? Is Real Journeys the only group that has cruises?

If I were you, I'd book as soon as possible, especially around this time of year. I'm afraid I can't offer much advise on cruises, I was in Doubtful in January, it was moody, misty and utterly magnificent. I kayaked all day, got completely soaked but loved every minute of it...!

If that's your idea of a good day out, then let me know, I can give more details out if required! But regardless, it's really worth the effort.

We got there from Te Anau, driving to Manapouri, taking a boat over to the West Arm Power Station, then a 4x4 over the hill to Doubtful. Be warned, the sand flies there are VERY nasty indeed. And the bites last weeks, not days like a mosquito!

All the best

Jimbo

I would suggest you email the Information Centre at Te Anau for a boat booking to Doubtful Sound. [email protected]
It is a great trip. We did it in the middle of winter and one of the sounds was covered in ice and we were like an icebreaker smashing the ice as we went. You will not have that at this time of the year.
Good luck
cwkiwi

I just got back from my New Zealand trip on Sunday and would whole-heartedly recommend Doubtful Sound.

We did the overnight cruise on Real Journeys and though it was expensive it was well worth it. We didn't see another boat all day or night so I'm pretty sure Real Journeys is the only operator. We were extremely lucky to see dolphins, sea lions and penquins. The overnight trip allows you to kayak and/or take a smaller boat out with a naturalist for no extra charge.

We also did a Milford day cruise which was nice but there were so many large boats in such a small area.

Doubtful was one of my favorite experiences on our 2 1/2 week trip. I'd recommend booking it now (via email or on their site just to make sure you can get space).
Let me know if you have any other questions.

Cbegbie,

Where else did you go on our trip? We will be in the south island for about nine days, what were your highlights besides doubtful sound? How did you travel around?

sharij,
Take a look at the post titled "Just returned...Do you have any questions for me?" because I've listed my itinerary there.

Because we hiked the Milford Track (which was extraodinarily beautiful) which took up a couple days, we didn't see a ton of the South Island. I would recommend Abel Tasman (the northern national park on the South Island) which was very pretty and offered a couple of fun activities (day hikes, kayaking).

Things I wish we had done on the South Island but didn't have time for:
seeing the penquins in Omaru
glacier hike on Fox or Franz Josef
maybe drive the Caitlins Coast

Let me know if you have any other questions.

We went in February and there was no need to make reservations in advance. Plus if the weather is bad you can change the days of the trip (within a 24 hour notice I think).

Most of your day is spent being transported by boat and bus; so sunshine helps.

Real Journeys is the only outfit that services this area.

Hi - we went in November and had no trouble just booking the day before from a little tour booking office in Te Anau. It rained all day and was very misty on Doubtful Sound, but magnificent, all the same. Jimbo's right about the sandflies at Lake Manapouri - they're huge - make our Oz sandflies pale into insignificance and they fly straight in your face and bite like hell!