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Fjord · Manapōuri, Southland
Doubtful Sound / Patea
Fiord about 40 km long and up to 421 m deep, the deepest on the South Island, in Fiordland National Park. Access is by boat on Lake Manapouri and by bus via the Wilmot Pass. Home to a small group of bottlenose dolphins.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Doubtful Sound / Patea
Doubtful Sound (Patea) is the second-longest fiord on the South Island, about 40 km long, and the deepest, reaching up to 421 m. The name comes from navigator James Cook, who in 1770 called it "Doubtful Harbour" and did not enter, doubting he could sail back out. In 1998 the official name was changed to include the Māori Patea.
Getting there is part of the experience. Tours depart from Manapouri, cross the lake by boat to the western arm—where the Manapouri underground hydroelectric station is—and continue by bus along the unsealed Wilmot Pass road to Deep Cove at the head of the fiord. From there the boat tour begins, traveling the fiord to the open sea and into its side arms.
Compared with Milford, Doubtful is larger and more remote, with less vertical walls and fewer boats. On many cruises the engine is turned off for a few minutes so you can hear the fiord’s silence. A small group of about 70 bottlenose dolphins lives there, one of the southernmost groups in the world; seals and Fiordland penguins often appear near the fiord mouth.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day, about 7 to 8 hours, from Manapouri; there are also overnight cruises.
Best time
From November to April, when days are longer. Tours run year-round, and rain fills the waterfalls on the cliffs.
How to get there
Tours depart from the Pearl Harbour wharf in Manapouri, by boat across the lake and bus over the Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove. There is transport from Te Anau and Queenstown.
Tip
The cruise is charged separately; check current fares and book in advance. Bring a waterproof jacket and some food, as it’s a long day and the weather changes quickly.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Doubtful Sound / Patea
What is the difference between Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound?
Doubtful is larger, deeper and more remote, with fewer boats, but it requires crossing a lake and a mountain pass. Milford is smaller, more accessible by road, and has steeper walls and Mitre Peak.
How long is the Doubtful Sound tour?
About 7 to 8 hours round trip from Manapouri. There are also overnight boats in the fiord.
Are there dolphins in Doubtful Sound?
A small group of about 70 bottlenose dolphins lives in the fiord. They often appear, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.