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Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound is a vast, untouched wilderness. Three times longer than Milford Sound, it has a sea surface area roughly ten times larger due to its longer length and many side arms.

Our multi-day kayak trips (choose from 2 - 5 days) are all about allowing yourself some quality time to experience a personal adventure; a sea kayaking and camping trip in a remote environment that epitomises what Fiordland wilderness is all about – and of course, having fun along the way!

Each day involves approximately five hours of kayaking amidst towering cliffs, waterfalls and lush rain forest. There are wonderful secluded waterways and islands to explore. Penguins, seals and dolphins are sometimes encountered and bird song breaks the silence as we paddle the shoreline.

In the evening, we camp amidst the forest with fresh water nearby. Relaxing by the water's edge is a special place as dusk descends.

  • Travelling to Doubtful Sound involves crossing beautiful Lake Manapouri by launch and over Wilmot Pass by coach/van
  • Small groups – maximum of 8 people per guide
  • Experienced kayak guides – who carry all the safety and emergency equipment, make all safety decisions, provide helpful paddling instruction, comprehensive safety briefing and tell you about Doubtful Sound
  • Competence in water and moderate fitness required
  • Kayakers supply own food (hot drinks, snacks and wine with dinner provided)
  • Minimum age 16 years
  • Te Anau coach connections included (pick ups from most accommodation)
Paddling Experience:
  • 2 Day Doubtful Sound: No paddling experience needed although drive, a can-do attitude and positive outlook all assist.
  • 3 & 4 Day Doubtful Sound: Prior paddling experience preferred - our staff will be in contact to discuss your prior experience and suitability
  • 5 Day Doubtful Sound: Prior paddling experience required - our staff will be in contact to discuss your prior experience and suitability

For 3, 4 and 5 day trips, it is essential you join us at 4pm the day before at our base in Te Anau to answer questions and work through details - e.g. food, equipment, advise your height and weight (wetsuit sizing), etc.

Booking requests for 3, 4 and 5 day Doubtful Sound Trips

We also operate 3, 4 and 5 day Doubtful Sound trips - please contact us directly for all booking requests for these trips.
Departure dates for the coming season are listed below.

Trip Departure dates
3-Day Doubtful Sound Sea Kayaking 26 Nov, 19 Dec & 28 Dec 2013
3, 14 & 21 Jan, 7, 18 & 26 Feb, 11 Mar 2014
4-Day Doubtful Sound Sea Kayaking 28 Jan & 18 Mar 2014
5-Day Doubtful Sound Sea Kayaking 7 Jan, 11 Feb & 4 Mar 2014

 

Specials

- 20% Multi-purchase REWARD
Book both Milford and Doubtful Sounds Sea Kayaking adventures together and SAVE 20% off your Milford Sound trip! More information

Specials: Any specials will be applied to your booking automatically - details of the savings are shown on your booking summary, prior to final payment.

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Customer Comments

This company pride themselves on the standard of their trips and their attention to detail. Clients come away saying "our best experience in NZ", "preparation, equipment and guides are the best I've ever witnessed", "extraordinarily brilliant".
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2 Day Doubtful Sound Kayaking - from Te Anau / Manapouri
Season: Mid Oct *- mid Apr*, daily departures
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
15 Oct* 2012 - 19 Apr 2013
Departs: 6.15am from Te Anau / 6.45am from Manapouri
Prices from: $399 adult
Find Availability and Prices
Calendar
Please note:

  • * From 15 Oct - 14 Nov, trips depart Monday, Thursday and Saturday only
  • All departures are subject to weather and minimum numbers
  • Please phone by 5pm the day prior to departure to confirm pick up place /time and advise your height / weight (wetsuit sizing)
  • No departures on Christmas Day (25 December)
  • Minimum age 16 years




Fiordland Wilderness Experiences is owned by Real Journeys Ltd.