Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound is part of Fiordland National Park in South Island and while it may not be as popular as the nearby Milford Sound, the fiord is popular for its remoteness. The best way to experience and explore the fiord and its solitude is by kayak.

The official name of the fiord is Doubtful Sound / Patea, with Patea being the Maori name.

History
Doubtful Sound got its name from James Cook, who was too doubtful to sail the fiord at the time. Because of the huge amounts of precipitation, the fiord is covered with a layer of freshwater several metres thick.

Flora and fauna
What you definitely have to deal with are hordes of sandflies. These little beasts can truly drive you insane if you let them. There are good insect repellents that reliably protect against the pests.

Visitor information

 * Department of Conservation
 * Visit Fiordland - Regional tourism organisation
 * Visit the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau or the West Arm Visitor Centre.

Get in
There is no direct road connection to Doubtful Sound.

The journey from Manapouri is by minibus to Lake Manapouri (Pearl Harbour), where you take the boat across Lake Manapouri past the hydroelectric power station and then continue again by minibus or coach over the Wilmot Pass to the fiord.

Doubtful Sound can be accessed by boat from the sea. Some international cruise ships visit the sound as part of a cruise around New Zealand.

Fees and permits
There is no general entry fee for Doubtful Sound, but permits are required for some activities.

See
With a lot of luck, dolphins or New Zealand fur seals can be observed in the water. It is also home to one of the world's rarest penguins, the Fiordland Crested Penguin.

Tramping
There are four short walks from Deep Cove.

Buy
Because of its remoteness, there are no shops. You have to bring everything you need with you.

Eat and drink
There are no restaurants or other places to eat. You will need to bring all food and drinks with you.

Go next

 * Milford Sound can be acessed by road from Te Anau. Cruises are available in this sound which attracts more visitors.