Decided to go to Doubtful as it is signifcantly less drive than Milford Sound. Had been raining and continued on/ off for most of the day. This actually adds to the feel of the place and is probably better than just sunshine. Best would be heavy rain then clouds clear. Need to get a 50 minute boat ride from Manapouri... more

We were advised that Milford Sound was rather commercial so opted for Doubtful Sound. We overnighted (not on the Navigator but a small 10 berth boat, but can't remember the name) and caught our own blue cod which was beautifully cooked by the crew/chef for dinner. My husband actually caught a small shark first which was deftly unhooked and returned... more

This was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip to NZ in Dec 2007. It did not come cheap though, at NZ$584 per person (on a twin share basis in a private cabin) for an overnight cruise but in retrospect, it was worth it for the memories that we took away with us. We were picked up by coach in Te... more

If you want to kayak Doubtful Sound, don't pick an overnight! We chose this trip over a cruise on a small ship - it was very expensive, almost as expensive as the cruise, and instead of getting three meals and wonderful snacks, we had to haul our own food, our own supplies, and spend hours hauling all the company's gear... more

In Australia they say see Tassie first and then NZ.second - that way you wont be disappointed. The same goes for the sounds, do Milford first and then do Doubtful Sound and you definitely wont be disappointed. Pristine, untouched, so quiet and the most breathtaking scenery you will see anywhere on the planet. We did our trip with "realjourneys" and... more

Visit Milford Sound first- so not to be disappointed after doing Doubtful Sound. A must to see-takes a full day but worth every second. We visited Doubtful sound first then Milford sound the next day but we should have done it in reverse order. We went with realjourneys.co.nz and they were excellent. Public bus service over there was also TOP... more

We went on a one-day kayak trip on Doubtful Sound with Adventure Kayaks. It was beautiful - we hardly saw another boat all day and were lucky enough to watch a seal playing and eating a fish right up close to us. In a kayak you feel very connected to the environment and are able to explore the nooks and... more

If you are amazed by the scenery in Milford Sound, consider a second trip to Doubtful Sound with even more panoramic views and amazing vistas! The lowdown: ------------------- Scenery Fijordland, lakes, islands, mountain ranges, waterfalls, snow capped mountains, seals, pengiuns, native trees, birds and plants, dolphins (if lucky) open seas, power station, breathtaking scenic panoramic views of the lake and... more

Doubtful Sound is less visited than Milford Sound, so it is unspoilt and less commercialised because of this. Unfortunately it does make a very long day - 12 or 13 hours, but that's the price you pay. We visited Doubtful Sound thanks to Real Journeys, who have a few offices in Queenstown, but we booked through the i-site in Christchurch.... more