Fiordland's West Coast is deeply indented by 14 fiords spanning 215 km (129miles) of coastline. A true "Sound" is a river valley that has been drowned due to the land sinking below sea level. Fiords are created by glacial action that produces u-shaped valleys with steep cliffs. Fiords are also characterised by shallow entrances that slope quickly seaward to deep water. Although the famous Sounds continue with the misname, the region was renamed Fiordland to recognise this error.
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Daytime Cruise: Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of LakeManapouri. Then its over WilmotPass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland's densest rainforest and to view the colourful alpine moss gardens. On reaching Deep Cove, you will board our spacious catamaran for a three hour cruise that takes in the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound. Our skippers provide a detailed commentary and point out highlights. Keep a look out for wildlife as bottlenose dolphins frequently come alongside our vessel, fur seals bask on the rocks around the fiord and rare penguins can at times be observed.
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise: Sometimes called the sound of silence there is a cloistered serenity within Doubtful Sound that contrasts Milford Sound.Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise offers a very special dinner, bed and breakfast wilderness experience and cruising along the full length of the spectacular fiord. Departing from beautiful LakeManapouri the journey to Doubtful Sound begins with a cruise across LakeManapouri and coach ride through the Wilmot Pass. There will be plenty of time once cruising Doubtful Sound for you to kayak around the shoreline or explore in the tender vessel with a nature guide, admiring the wildlife. As the shadows lengthen the anchor is dropped in one of Doubtful Sounds hidden arms. The vessel offers spacious viewing decks, a comfortable dining saloon and observation lounge.
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise: The Milford Mariner offers a very special dinner, bed and breakfast experience. The vessel is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand
coastal trading scow to reflect Fiordlands heritage and is purpose
built to accommodate passengers in private cabins with ensuite
bathrooms.It has a spacious dining saloon, observation lounge and large open deck areas for viewing the scenery of Milford Sound.The Milford Mariner cruises the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea.The
vessel explores in a leisurely way many points of interest, with plenty
of time available to view waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and
wildlife with the experience nature guide on board.The vessel returns to and anchors overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove.Activities include kayaking and exploring the shoreline by tender craft.The overnight cruise includes delicious four course buffet evening meal.The next morning enjoy a hearty breakfast and more cruising before returning to MilfordWharf.
Milford Sound Nature Daytime Cruise: Explore Milford Sound in a leisurely and
casual way with our nature guides. The Milford Mariner and Milford
Wanderer have been designed along the lines of traditional trading
scows and have been purpose built to operate in the fiords. These
modern vessels offer a relaxing, extended cruise option. For
those on board wanting to learn about the magnificent scenery and
wildlife, nature guides provide a detailed commentary. Keep a look out
for dolphins, seals and penguins.Duration:2.5 hours, optional visit to Underwater Observatory, luxury coach transfers to Te Anau, Queenstown or fly out option available.
Scenic Flights: For those limited on time; or for those looking for a truly magical
experience, there are a wide range of fabulous scenic plane or
helicopter flights to view both Milford and Doubtful Sounds which
depart from either Wanaka or Queenstown. A fabulous special occasion
experience is a heli flight and glacier landing or a heli flight and
romantic picnic on a peak. We can arrange many memorable experiences.
Ask us for details.
Kayak Milford Sound Full Day Guided Tour: Kayak the waterfalls, glacial fiords and home to dolphins, fur seals and crested penguins. Journey along NZ’s most spectacular alpine road, the Milford Road, a World Heritage highway with highlights such as the famous Homer Tunnel wedged into a world of slab-sided mountainous rock faces, icy-clear streams, avalanche scars plus the CleddauValley, and the rocky gorge of the chasm.Along the way you will learn about the history and conservation. After a safety briefing and paddling instruction you will be on the fjords for 4-5hours, often encountering seals, penguins and sometimes dolphins. *This tour is only available if you are staying the night before and after the tour in Te Anau.
