• Season: Oct - Apr, daily departures
• Duration: 3 - 4 hrs

Known for its pristine beauty and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. It is home to bottlenose dolphins and fur seals - both of which are often seen. In season, you may also catch a glimpse of the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin.

In Maori legend, this colossal fiord was created by the godly figure Tu Te Raki Whanoa. Four young sea gods assisted him by carving the fiord’s long, sheltered arms.

Today, Doubtful Sound remains an unspoilt wilderness of many moods; one minute clear blue and sun-drenched, the next mysterious and mist-cloaked. Real Journeys offers daytime and overnight cruises at Doubtful Sound.

Manapouri Underground Power Station

Doubtful Sound

The Manapouri Underground Power Station, located deep beneath Fiordland, harnesses the energy of rushing water to generate electricity.

The construction of this power station was one of New Zealand's greatest engineering achievements, with the majority of the work completed underground in a remote location. The only external signs are the above-ground control building, a switchyard and two sets of transmission lines that loop across the head of the lake on their way to join the national grid.

A visit to the Manapouri Underground Power Station begins with a cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri. You will then travel by coach down a 2km (1.2 miles) spiral tunnel to view the immense underground machine hall and learn the story behind this power station.

A visit to the Manapouri Underground Power Station is normally part of the Doubtful Sound daytime excursion.  However, access may not always be possible. Picnic lunch options  (must be pre-ordered) Te Anau coach connections and courtesy transfers from most accommodation Suitable for all ages