Important travel update regarding the Northern Explorer train

Between 15 January 2025 and 27 January 2025 and Between 12 April 2025 and 28 April 2025.

Essential upgrade work will be taking place on the Auckland network to prepare for the City Rail Link to open in 2026. The tracks between Auckland Strand Railway Station and Hamilton are closed for train travel for this portion of the line while the Rail Network Rebuild work takes place. 

We are very pleased to advise that the Northern Explorer service will go ahead as planned however the first 2.5 hours portion of your journey will be replaced by bus.  

The bus will follow the standard timetable: 

·         Auckland departure at 7.45am 

·         Papakura departure at 8.35am

·         Hamilton arrival at 10.10am 

The transfer bus will meet the Northern Explorer train at Hamilton Railway Station. The train will depart Hamilton at 10.15am and continue travelling to Wellington following the standard train timetable.  

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Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise ex Te Anau

Travel with us to the heart of Fiordland National Park and take in the beauty and vastness of remote Doubtful Sound on our Wilderness Cruise. It will take your breath away as you experience its deep wilderness.

  • A 3-hour cruise of Doubtful Sound, exploring beautiful waterways on our way to meet the Tasman Sea
  • Commentary by our knowledgeable onboard nature guide
  • Wildlife viewing, including dolphins, fur seals, and even occasionally penguins
  • Start with a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip over the epic Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Sound.
  • Duration: 7 hours 15 mins to 8 hours

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord. Three times longer than Milford Sound, with twisting arms, it has a surface area ten times larger. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest, and twisting hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.
There’s no direct road access, so the only way you can get to Doubtful Sound is a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road. We’ll pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this field a very special place, only those in the know get to see it.

In Doubtful Sound, you’ll board our spacious, purpose-built catamaran Patea Explorer for a 3-hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise, our knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks, and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Things you should know

  • Check-in 30 minutes prior to your Coach Transfer from Queenstown to Manapouri
  • You’ll cruise across crystal clear Lake Manapouri to West Arm
  • A highlight is the coach trip through Fiordland’s rainforest and over Wilmot Pass
  • Our dedicated nature guide will let you know all about the region's flora and fauna

Extra information

  • Delicious lunch options are available (please pre-order for pick up at check-in)
  • Sandwiches & snacks are also available on board to purchase (cash only)
  • Complimentary tea and coffee is available
  • Licensed bar on board (extra cost, cash only)
  • The tour is suitable for all ages.

Getting there
All our Doubtful Sound experiences start in Manapouri which is around 2.5 – 3 hours from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau. Our coach drivers are extremely knowledgeable about the area, its history, and local flora and fauna and will provide you with informative commentary along the way. 


What to bring
Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent & camera

Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise ex Te Anau
Departure City Arrival City Departure Time Arrival Time
Fares
Fare Type Adults Price Child Price
 
Te Anau Te Anau 09:20 AM 05:45 PM

Day Excursions :-

Tour TRAVEL FROM Te Anau TO Te Anau ONLY - RNZ

Travel with us to the heart of Fiordland National Park and take in the beauty and vastness of remote Doubtful Sound on our Wilderness Cruise. It will take your breath away as you experience its deep wilderness.

  • A 3-hour cruise of Doubtful Sound, exploring beautiful waterways on our way to meet the Tasman Sea
  • Commentary by our knowledgeable onboard nature guide
  • Wildlife viewing, including dolphins, fur seals, and even occasionally penguins
  • Start with a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip over the epic Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Sound.
  • Duration: 7 hours 15 mins to 8 hours

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord. Three times longer than Milford Sound, with twisting arms, it has a surface area ten times larger. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest, and twisting hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.
There’s no direct road access, so the only way you can get to Doubtful Sound is a cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road. We’ll pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this field a very special place, only those in the know get to see it.

In Doubtful Sound, you’ll board our spacious, purpose-built catamaran Patea Explorer for a 3-hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise, our knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks, and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.

Things you should know

  • Check-in 30 minutes prior to your Coach Transfer from Queenstown to Manapouri
  • You’ll cruise across crystal clear Lake Manapouri to West Arm
  • A highlight is the coach trip through Fiordland’s rainforest and over Wilmot Pass
  • Our dedicated nature guide will let you know all about the region's flora and fauna

Extra information

  • Delicious lunch options are available (please pre-order for pick up at check-in)
  • Sandwiches & snacks are also available on board to purchase (cash only)
  • Complimentary tea and coffee is available
  • Licensed bar on board (extra cost, cash only)
  • The tour is suitable for all ages.

Getting there
All our Doubtful Sound experiences start in Manapouri which is around 2.5 – 3 hours from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau. Our coach drivers are extremely knowledgeable about the area, its history, and local flora and fauna and will provide you with informative commentary along the way. 


What to bring
Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent & camera

Departure : Kiwi Country, 2 Miro St
Arrival : Kiwi Country, 2 Miro St