Te Anau, a small town located in the South Island of New Zealand, is known for its majestic natural beauty. The town is a gateway to the Fiordland National Park, which is home to one of the most iconic tourist destinations in New Zealand – Doubtful Sound. Doubtful Sound is a stunning fiord that is surrounded by towering peaks, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers who want to experience the tranquillity of New Zealand’s wilderness.
How to Get to Doubtful Sound from Te Anau
The only way to get to Doubtful Sound is by boat. There are several tour operators in Te Anau that offer day trips to Doubtful Sound. The tour starts with a scenic drive from Te Anau to Manapouri, where you board a ferry that takes you across Lake Manapouri to the West Arm Power Station. From there, you take a coach ride through the Wilmot Pass, which is a scenic route that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Finally, you board a cruise ship that takes you through the Doubtful Sound.
The Beauty of Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound is a majestic fiord that stretches over 40 km from the Tasman Sea to the head of the fiord. The fiord is surrounded by towering peaks that rise over 1,500 meters above sea level. The fjord is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and penguins. The water in the fiord is crystal clear, and you can see down to the bottom of the fiord, which is over 400 meters deep.
What to Expect on a Day Trip to Doubtful Sound
The day trip to Doubtful Sound is a full-day tour that starts early in the morning and ends in the evening. The tour includes a scenic drive from Te Anau to Manapouri, a ferry ride across Lake Manapouri, a coach ride through the Wilmot Pass, and a cruise ship ride through the Doubtful Sound. The tour includes lunch and refreshments. You should dress warmly, as the weather can be unpredictable in the fiord. You should also bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Things to Do in Doubtful Sound
There are several things to do in Doubtful Sound. You can take a kayak tour of the fiord, which allows you to explore the fiord at your own pace. You can also go fishing in the fiord, which is home to a variety of fish species, including trout and salmon. You can also go hiking in the surrounding rainforest, which is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
Conclusion
A day trip to Doubtful Sound from Te Anau is a must-do activity for nature lovers who want to experience the beauty of New Zealand’s wilderness. The tour includes a scenic drive, a ferry ride, a coach ride, and a cruise ship ride through one of the most stunning fiords in the world. You should dress warmly and bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. There are also several activities that you can do in the fiord, including kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
