Doubtful Sound. Visitor Guide.

Transcription

1 Overnight Cruises Wilderness Cruises Small Boat Cruises Manapouri Underground Power Station Sea Kayaking Doubtful Sound Visitor Guide

2 Doubtful Sound Doubtful Sound is a place of towering peaks and bush-clad islands, of twisting, hidden arms and sheltered coves. In Maori legend, Tu Te Raki Whanoa created this incredibly beautiful fiord not alone, but with the assistance of four young sea gods who carved out its sheltered arms. You can feel the power of nature here - the wildness, the remoteness, the peace. Doubtful Sound (Patea) remains an unspoilt and remote wilderness.

3 DOUBTFUL sound Options OVERNIGHT CRUISES Overnight cruises on board the Fiordland Navigator with a choice of private ensuite cabins or quad-share bunk style compartments. Wilderness and wildlife viewing, plus delicious meals and exploring by kayak and tender craft included. Coach connections from Queenstown and Te Anau. WILDERNESS CRUISES Daytime cruises of Doubtful Sound on board our modern catamaran, Patea Explorer. Wilderness and wildlife viewing, and Manapouri Underground Power Station visit included (selected departures). Coach connections from Queenstown and Te Anau. SMALL BOAT CRUISES Daytime cruises on board the classic ketch, Breaksea Girl. Discover the inner reaches of the fiord with a personalised, flexible itinerary. Lunch included. Coach connections from Te Anau. Manapouri Underground Power Station Excursions Visits to the underground machine hall carved deep beneath Fiordland, viewing of displays at the visitor centre and cruises across Lake Manapouri. Coach connections from Te Anau. Sea Kayaking Two day sea kayaking adventure amidst the beauty and serenity of Doubtful Sound. Overnight camping involved. Coach connections from Te Anau included. 1

4 Overnight Cruises Doubtful Sound Fiordland Navigator Sleeps 70 Private cabins with ensuite bathrooms (two single beds or, if requested, double bed) or quad-share bunk style compartments (occasionally unisex) with shared bathroom facilities Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed bar and observation lounge 30 kayaks and two tender craft Three course evening buffet and breakfast

5 Real Journeys contributes over $50,000 per year via a Doubtful Sound passenger levy, to the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation. Projects include research, endangered birds protection and outdoor education camps. Nee is Secretary Doubtful sound island Febrero point Precipice cove Bradshaw sound malasapina Reach Lake te anau First arm Mt soaker Mt luxmore kepler mountains Crooked arm dagg sound Commander peak Mt George Cathedral peaks Deep cove North arm Hall arm West arm Lake manapouri n Wilmot pass Underground power station Manapouri Overnight anchorage and route may vary dependent upon weather and wildlife sightings OVERNIGHT CRUISES Doubtful Sound Cruise island studded Lake Manapouri and then it s over Wilmot Pass by coach, pausing for stunning views of Doubtful Sound extending into the distance. You will soon feel at home on board the Fiordland Navigator as we cruise hidden waterways. Bottlenose dolphins are often encountered, fur seals bask on the rocks and, at times, rare penguins can be seen. As the shadows lengthen, we will drop anchor at a favourite mooring amidst this amazing wilderness. There is plenty of time to explore with our nature guide: kayak around the shoreline; cruise in the tender craft, or simply relax on deck. Activities, meals and accommodation included Queenstown and Te Anau coach connections with transfers from most accommodation Optional picnic lunches available if pre-ordered (day 1) Suitable for all ages (with exception of infants in quad-share) Timetable DOUBTFUL SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISES FIORDLAND NAVIGATOR Depart Manapouri Late Sep - Apr 12.30pm daily 1- late May 12.00noon daily Return 11.45am / 12.00noon (day 2) COACH / CRUISE / COACH Depart Te Anau Late Sep - Apr 11.30am daily 1 - late May 11.00am daily Return 12.30pm / 12.45pm (day 2) Depart Queenstown Late Sep* - late May* 8.30am daily Return 3.30pm approx (day 2) Check in 20mins prior to departure *September and May coach connections depart Queenstown Monday, Wednesday and Friday only Note: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises do not include Manapouri Power Station visit What to bring Shoes / boots (non-slip) Waterproof jacket Change of clothes Extra trousers (water-based activities) Warm sweater / fleece jacket Sunscreen / sunglasses Insect repellent Swimwear (optional) Camera Overnight bag only If travelling during spring or autumn ask about our fantastic off-peak rates! 3

6 Wilderness Cruises Doubtful Sound WILDERNESS CRUISES Doubtful Sound Doubtful Sound lies at the geographic heart of Fiordland National Park. Three times longer than Milford Sound, it has a sea surface area 10 times larger. Discover Doubtful Sound and be struck by the quality of its silence - a silence broken only by birdsong, or the rushing of a distant waterfall. Begin with a cruise across the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then it s over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to view some of Fiordland s most dense rainforest and to view Doubtful Sound far below. On reaching Deep Cove, board our catamaran Patea Explorer for a three hour cruise, taking in the most stunning scenery of Doubtful Sound. Bottlenose dolphins and fur seals are frequently seen and, at times, rare penguins. Manapouri Underground Power Station visit included (with selected departures) Queenstown and Te Anau coach connections with transfers from most accommodation Picnic lunches available (must be pre-ordered no later than the previous evening and collected from Manapouri Visitor Centre prior to departure) Suitable for all ages

7 From water level, the giant prison formed by walls looming thousands of feet up in all directions seemed all the more impregnable... - New York Times Nee is Secretary Precipice cove Doubtful sound island Bradshaw sound Febrero point malasapina Reach Lake te anau First arm Mt soaker Mt luxmore kepler mountains Crooked arm dagg sound Commander peak Mt George Cathedral peaks Deep cove North arm Hall arm West arm Lake manapouri n Wilmot pass Underground power station Manapouri Route shown is indicative only Timetable DOUBTFUL SOUND WILDERNESS CRUISES PATEA EXPLORER Depart Manapouri All year 9.45am daily Nov - Mar 8.30am daily Late Dec - early Mar 11.30am daily Duration 8hrs approx Other departures as locally advertised COACH / CRUISE / COACH Depart Te Anau All year 8.45am daily Nov - Mar 7.30am daily Late Dec - early Mar 10.30am daily Duration 9hrs 30mins approx Other departures as locally advertised Depart Queenstown All year 6.55am daily Duration 12hrs 30 / 45mins Check in 20mins prior to departure What to bring Shoes / boots (non-slip) Waterproof jacket Warm sweater / fleece jacket Sunscreen / sunglasses Insect repellent Camera 5 Looking at multiple Fiordland excursions? Save $$ with our Fiordland Triple Pack!

8 SMALL BOAT Cruises Doubtful Sound

9 The absolutely massive Doubtful Sound is a magnificent wilderness area of rugged peaks, dense forest and thundering post-rain waterfalls - NZ Lonely Planet Guide Book Doubtful sound Febrero point dagg sound First arm n Secretary island malasapina Reach Crooked arm Commander peak Bradshaw sound Hall arm Wilmot pass Mt soaker Cathedral peaks Mt George Deep cove North arm West arm Underground power station Mt luxmore kepler mountains Lake te anau Lake manapouri Manapouri Route shown is indicative only SMALL BOAT CRUISES Doubtful Sound Share a leisurely cruise of Doubtful Sound on board the classic ketch Breaksea Girl with other travellers. Cruises on board this vessel are legendary for their welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. The days adventure begins with a crossing of Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove where you board the Breaksea Girl. The spectacular inner reaches of Doubtful Sound are then explored during a four and a half hour cruise weaving through Crooked Arm, Hall Arm and around Elizabeth Island. The crew of two will provide an in depth nature commentary and share stories. Our personalised, flexible itinerary enables wildlife viewing opportunities and the chance to get close to the waterfalls. Experiencing the sound of silence is another highlight. Small group (maximum 20 passengers) Lunch on board is included Coach connections from Te Anau Suitable for children 12 years and over Not suitable for less mobile passengers, due to steep stairs Timetable DOUBTFUL SOUND SMALL BOAT CRUISES BREAKSEA GIRL Depart Manapouri Nov - Mar 7.15am daily Duration 9hrs 30mins COACH / CRUISE / COACH Depart Te Anau Nov - Mar 6.30am daily Duration 11hrs Check in 20mins prior to departure Note: Doubtful Sound Small Boat Cruises do not include Manapouri Power Station visit What to bring Shoes / boots (non-slip) Waterproof jacket Warm sweater / fleece jacket Sunscreen / sunglasses Insect repellent Camera 7 For more information Freephone or visit

10 sea kayaking Doubtful Sound (2 days) Timetable SEA KAYAKING Depart Te Anau Oct - Apr 6.15am daily Return 6.30pm (day 2) Note: Oct - mid Nov and mid - late Apr depart Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday only Weather dependent Fiordland Wilderness Experiences is owned by Real Journeys Ltd SEA KAYAKING Doubtful Sound This two day trip is all about allowing yourself some quality time to experience a personal adventure; a genuine sea kayaking and camping experience 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 kayaking amidst towering cliffs, waterfalls and lush rain forest. Penguins, seals and dolphins are sometimes encountered and bird song breaks the stillness as we paddle along the shoreline. In the evening we camp in Hall Arm beside a fresh water stream - a special place in which to relax as the dusk descends. Specific cancellation conditions apply We provide Quality kayaking equipment and camping gear. Please enquire for a detailed list of what we provide and what you need to bring. Note: Kayakers bring own food. Contact details Sandy Brown Road, Te Anau Phone Freephone Experienced kayak guides (carry group safety and emergency equipment) Comprehensive safety and paddling techniques briefing provided Competence in water and moderate fitness required; minimum age 16yrs Te Anau coach connections included (includes pick-ups from most accommodation) These are the guys to see about paddling on Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound... - Rough Guide

11 Doubtful sound Secretary island Bradshaw sound First arm Crooked arm Dagg sound Deep cove Tailrace Hall arm N Wilmot pass MANAPOURI Underground Power Station Underground power station Kepler mountains West Arm Visitor Centre Lake te anau Lake Manapouri Te Anau Manapouri Route shown is indicative only MANAPOURI UNDERGROUND POWER STATION Your Manapouri Underground Power Station excursion begins with a cruise across the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm. On arrival at West Arm Visitor Centre there is time available to view the fascinating interpretation displays on Fiordland National Park and the powers station construction. Then travel by coach 2km down the spiral tunnel hewn from solid granite to the immense power station machine hall. From the displays, learn more about the power station construction and how it harnesses the energy of rushing water to generate electricity sustainably. Te Anau coach connections available with transfers from most accommodation Delicious picnic lunches available (if pre-ordered) Suitable for all ages Timetable MANAPOURI UNDERGROUND POWER STATION Depart Manapouri Oct - Apr 12.30am daily Duration 3 / 4hrs approx Depart Te Anau Oct - Apr 11.30am daily Duration 4 / 5hrs approx Check in 20mins prior to departure Note: Access to the Manapouri Underground Power Station may not always be possible, we reserve the right to reschedule Manapouri Underground Power Station is also available with selected Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises What to bring Shoes / boots (non-slip) Waterproof jacket Warm sweater / fleece jacket Sunscreen / sunglasses Insect repellent Camera 9 Ask about our children go free promotion that runs during the NZ school holidays

12 Doubtful Sound is a remote wilderness of many moods, one minute clear, blue and sundrenched, the next mysterious and mist-shrouded For all enquiries and reservations Contact a Real Journeys Visitor Centre Queenstown: Steamer Wharf Freephone Phone Te Anau: Lakefront Drive Freephone Phone Manapouri: Pearl Harbour Freephone Phone Booking Conditions: Bookings are recommended and pre-payment is required to confirm a booking. If cancelling, or amending a retail booking, a refund will only be granted when Real Journeys receives notification 24 hours prior to departure. Real Journeys reserves the right to amend timetables, cancel departures, substitute plant or equipment and alter ticket prices at any time. RJDS 09/10 In recognition of our conservation efforts and quality delivery, we have won prestigious New Zealand Tourism Awards including NZ Tourism Industry Conservation in Action Award, Export Award and Qualmark Mark of Quality Award. Printed in New Zealand using environmentally friendly inks and paper