In short
- Doubtful Sound is three times longer and ten times wider than Milford Sound.
- You cannot drive directly to Doubtful Sound; a multi-stage tour is required.
- Doubtful Sound is remote and officially known as the 'Sound of Silence'.
In this article
Both fiords sit in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. Milford Sound is more famous and receives more visitors. Doubtful Sound requires a boat and coach journey just to reach the water, which naturally limits daily visitor numbers.
How much bigger is Doubtful Sound?
Doubtful Sound is 40 kilometers (25 miles) long and roughly ten times larger in total surface area than Milford Sound.
It is roughly three times longer than Milford. It is also the deepest fiord in the South Island, reaching 421 meters (1,381 feet) in depth.
Can you drive to either fiord?
You cannot drive directly to Doubtful Sound.
Doubtful Sound has no direct road access. You must park at Manapouri and join a commercial tour. The journey requires a 45 to 60-minute boat ride across Lake Manapouri, followed by a 45-minute coach trip over Wilmot Pass.
Which fiord has fewer crowds?
Doubtful Sound is significantly quieter due to its remote location.
Often called the 'Sound of Silence', Doubtful Sound limits visitor numbers because everyone must arrive via the organized multi-stage tour. Cruise ships even turn off their engines for 5 to 10 minutes so guests can listen to native birdsong and waterfalls.
Will I see wildlife in Doubtful Sound?
Yes, Doubtful Sound hosts abundant marine life.
The fiord is home to a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. You can also spot New Zealand fur seals and rare Fiordland crested penguins along the rugged shorelines.
How long does a Doubtful Sound tour take?
A day trip to Doubtful Sound takes 7 to 8 hours round trip from Manapouri.
Because of the required lake and road transit, the journey takes most of the day. The actual fiord cruise lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours. If you start from Queenstown, expect a 12 to 13-hour day trip.
Can you stay overnight on the fiords?
Yes, Doubtful Sound offers overnight cruises.
Overnight vessels provide private berths, dinner, and breakfast. These cruises cost between NZD $499 and $749. Staying overnight lets you explore the fiord on kayaks and enjoy the water after day boats leave.
Questions travellers ask
Which is deeper, Milford or Doubtful Sound?
Doubtful Sound is the deepest fiord in the South Island. It reaches a maximum depth of 421 meters (1,381 feet).
Does Doubtful Sound have waterfalls?
Yes. The area gets 3,000 to 6,000 mm (120 to 240 inches) of rain annually. This creates hundreds of temporary waterfalls along the steep cliffs.
Can I drive myself to Doubtful Sound?
No. You must park at the Manapouri visitor center and join an organized multi-stage commercial tour to reach the water.
