Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown
Overview
Be struck by the beautiful silence of Doubtful Sound as you cruise the crystal waters and take in the breathtaking scenery. Journey across Lake Manapouri, cross over the 670-meter high Wilmot Pass and enjoy a 2 hour and 45-minute cruise through pure serenity that is Doubtful Sound.
This trip is a round trip of approximately 13 hours. If you wish to pre-order a picnic lunch, please contact the supplier directly after booking.
Hotel pick up/drop off from select locations is available - please call RealNZ directly to find out if there is a pick up close to your accommodation.
Please be sure to arrive at your pick up location 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
What's Included
- Live commentary on board
- Food and drinks (available to purchase onboard)
Meeting Location
88 Beach Street
Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) (pass by)
RealNZ - Doubtful Sound Manapouri Visitor Centre
2 hours 45 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Lake Manapouri
50 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Lake Wakatipu (pass by)
Queenstown (pass by)
Manapouri
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Te Anau
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please wear comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket and warm clothing
- Please note: During survey the Patea Explorer will be substituted with another vessel from the RealNZ fleet
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 135 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-2264RJ301
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.73 out of 5 stars based on 259 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- Live commentary on board.
- Food and drinks (available to purchase onboard).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Live commentary on board
- Food and drinks (available to purchase onboard)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please wear comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket and warm clothing
- Please note: During survey the Patea Explorer will be substituted with another vessel from the RealNZ fleet
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 135 travelers
