Embark on a journey to an unspoiled realm within Fiordland National Park. Glide over the serene waters of Lake Manapouri, traverse Wilmot Pass aboard a coach, and discover the enchanting labyrinth of watercourses in Doubtful Sound.
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Highlights
- Experience serenity cruising Lake Manapouri to West Arm
- Gain insights on local flora and fauna from expert guide
- Spot dolphins, seals, and penguins in the wild
- Enjoy onboard licensed bar and diverse food selection
- Marvel at rainforest vistas traveling Wilmot Pass by coach
Description
Embark on a day-long adventure in the secluded wilderness of Doubtful Sound, nestled within Fiordland National Park and stretching three times the length of Milford Sound. Begin your journey by self-driving to Manapouri, where you’ll embark on a serene cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus excursion over Wilmot Pass.
En route, pause to immerse yourself in the lush expanse of the Fiordland rainforest. Upon reaching Deep Cove, transition to the Patea Explorer, a specially designed catamaran, for a captivating 3-hour cruise through Doubtful Sound.
The cruise offers stunning vistas of waterfalls, rainforests, and mountains. Keep an eye out for the resident bottlenose dolphin pod, the fur seal colony at the fiord’s entrance, and the elusive Fiordland crested penguins. Throughout the journey, well-informed naturalist guides provide engaging commentary.
When rainfall graces Fiordland, the landscape transforms into a spectacle: rock faces cascade with waterfalls, mist envelops mountain summits, and rivers surge with vigor. Safely ensconced within the bus or vessel, you’ll relish this dramatic panorama from a cozy, dry vantage point.
Anticipate the possibility of rain during your visit; many believe that truly experiencing Fiordland entails witnessing it under the rain’s embrace. At tour’s end, you’ll be conveniently returned to your starting point.