Explore
The actual wilderness cruise on the waters of Doubtful Sound lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Doubtful Sound is 40 kilometres (25 miles) long, making it roughly three times longer than Milford Sound. It reaches a maximum depth of 421 metres (1,381 feet). You will spend up to three hours exploring these remote waterways by boat.
Wildlife sightings are a core part of the experience on the water. Keep watch for the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and rare Fiordland crested penguins.
15 minutes (boarding)Embarkation point
Deep Cove is the embarkation point for the wilderness catamarans and overnight vessels. It receives some of the highest rainfall in New Zealand. Boarding the vessel here takes about 15 minutes. Look out for cascading waterfalls right at the cove, especially if it has rained recently.
Viewed from boat619m (2,030 ft) high
Browne Falls is one of New Zealand's highest waterfalls, dropping 619 metres (2,030 feet) down steep, rainforest-clad cliffs. You view this directly from the deck of the boat while cruising. Heavy rain turns the surrounding cliffs into a wall of hundreds of temporary waterfalls.
5-10 minutesEngines switched off
This is a signature moment during the cruise where the captain turns off the ship's engines in a secluded arm of the fiord. The stop lasts around 5 to 10 minutes. Put away your camera and just listen to the native birdsong, distant waterfalls, and profound natural quiet.
