Highlights
- Take a full-day tour from Lake Manapouri to Doubtful Sound
- Visit the second largest fiord in Fiordland National Park
- Combine with a visit to Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- Complete this combo over 1 or 2 days (accommodation not included)
Description
Combine the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise with a visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves for an unforgettable experience in Fiordland National Park with RealNZ. Take a day cruise in the beautiful World Heritage area of Doubtful Sound and top off your adventure with the add-on of visiting thousands of glowworms in Te Anau.
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise
Your Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise with RealNZ will take you from boat, to coach and boat again for a mind blowing tour of the raw nature and abundant flora and fauna in Fiordland National Park. Board your first RealNZ cruise at Lake Manapouri and speed across the waters with stunning views of the Kepler Mountains, Turret Range and Hunter Mountains, together with informative commentary from your local RealNZ skipper. Once at the other side, jump on a coach to take the scenic drive over Wilmot Pass and admire your first glimpse of Doubtful Sound, the second largest fiord in Fiordland National Park.
Your second boat trip is a 3 hour cruise across the stunning Doubtful Sound with your friendly and knowledgeable RealNZ skipper. Discover the incredible history and culture surrounding Doubtful Sound on a luxury catamaran. Doubtful Sound is home to an abundance of wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin, so head above deck to make the most of this experience.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Make your trip to Fiordland National Park something to remember by visiting the awe-inspiring Te Anau Glowworm Caves with Real Journeys. Cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western shore to start your underground exploration of unusual limestone caves decorated by glittering glowworms. Your RealNZ Guide will take you on an astonishing journey through intricate underground cave networks on a small boat with views of exquisite rock formations and whirlpools. Stay as quiet as possible in your small group to view this dreamworld populated by tiny glowworms.
Learn about the fascinating history of Te Anau Glowworm Caves, ‘Te Ana-au’ named by ancient Maoris for ‘caves with a current of swirling water’, from your RealNZ guide. In 1948, Lawson Burrows searched for the Te Anau caves of legends and rediscovered the underground system lit with thousands of glowworms that you can experience today.
Trip Includes
Duration
- Allow a full day (approx 12 hours)
- In winter months (May-Sep), please allow 2 days due to reduced tour departure times
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise - allow 8 hours from Manapouri
- Te Anau Glowworm Caves - allow 2.5 hours from Te Anau
Departures
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise from Manapouri Wharf - 10:30am in summer & 10:00am in winter
- Te Anau Glowworm Caves from RealNZ Visitor Centre, Te Anau - 10.15am, 2:00pm & 7:00pm (additional 4:30pm & 8:15pm departures in summer months)
- Operates daily all year
Other Information
- Self-drive to Manapouri & Te Anau (approx 2.5 hours from Queenstown)
- Bus transfers available from Te Anau to the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise for an additional cost
- Children under 5 years cannot visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. There is a cafe after the boat cruise on the other side of Lake Te Anau where you can wait with your infant while your partner visits the caves. You can then swap as the tour is always split into two groups
- Infant rates apply if transfers ex Te Anau are selected
- If completing this tour over 2 days, you must organise your accommodation in Te Anau between tours
- Photography is not permitted in the glowworm caves
- Bring your camera for the Doubtful Sound Cruise
- Complimentary tea and coffee is provided on the Doubtful Sound Cruise and we recommend bringing a packed lunch
- Wear warm layers for both tours, bring a warm jacket, waterproof, sunscreen/sunglasses and insect repellent
- Wear non-slip shoes for the Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- Please specify if you would prefer to complete this combo over 1 or 2 days upon booking
Normal Retail Prices
- Adult:
- self drive NZD$524.00
- with transfers ex Te Anau NZD$546.00
- Child (5-15yrs):
- self drive NZD$234.00
- with transfers ex Te Anau NZD$256.00
- Infant (0-4yrs):
- with transfers ex Te Anau NZD$10.00
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All prices shown in NZD$.
