Doubtful Sound

Sometimes called “the Sound of Silence”, Doubtful Sound (Pātea) is the deepest of Fiordland’s fiords and the second longest, with three distinct “arms”, numerous small islands and several outstanding waterfalls.

This majestic fiord has no direct road access and is therefor much quieter  and remote than its famous neighbour Milford Sound. It lies deep within the Fiordland National Park about 50 kilometres from Manapouri, which is the nearest inhabited town. Access is via a boat journey across Lake Manapouri and then a bus trip on the gravel road across Wilmot Pass to the Sound, where tour boats berth at a small wharf in Deep Cove.

As well as its spectacular scenery, the fiord is also home to a wide variety of fauna, including one of the southernmost populations of Bottlenose Dolphins. There are also multiple tracks to walk starting from Deep Cove Hostel.