Milford & Doubtful Information

Welcome to Fiordland - New Zealand

Milford & Doubtful Sounds - The differences

The most asked question about Milford and Doubtful is "Which is the best Fiord" and the honest truth is there isnt an easy answer, you have to experience them both to see which appeals to you most. For me the fiords are about how you experience them.

Milford is a short narrow Fiord and therefore is dramatic and spectacular and whether you take a cruise or become apart of it by kayaking you will enjoy it's breathtaking beauty. Because it is easily accessible by the Milford road it is a cheaper option and provides the opportunity by not only experiencing the fiord but the many scenic highlights & short walks along the way. Making for a great day out.

Doubtful is remote wild and expansive, so before you even reach the Fiord a boat cruise across Lake Manapouri (considered the most beautiful lake in the world)& then bus over the Wilmot pass past the wild moss gardens. This in itself is a wonderful journey. An experience on Doubtful really makes you feel like you are in the wilderness with a lot less tourism it provides a totally different experience to Milford Sound

Doubtful Sound Options

Overnight Excursions if you have the time really are the ultimate way to experience Fiordland. A night amongst majestic mountains, native forest & clean waters refreshes the soul. There are a variety of overnight trips which provide experiences to suit all.

Wilderness Sea Kayaking provides multiple day trips on Doubtful Sound and you can't get any closer to nature than this. This is the ultimate way to not only see the beauty but become a part of your surroundings. A max of 8 in a group, an overnight trip is $315.00 per person

Real Journeys overnight cruise provides comfort with either a private room for 2 or a 4 share room and options for an hours kayaking or extra sight seeing in a small tender craft once the boat is moored. Wonderful buffet style meals, this also is a wonderful choice.

Ecology Holidays provide Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises and multiple nights which can include Breaksea & Dusky Sounds to name a few. These excursions focus on learning and appreciating the environment and wildlife. This is an intimate tour with nature - a once in a lifetime trip

Deep Cove Charters provide the option of Deep Sea fishing on their overnight excursions and take just a small group. Enjoy the beauty of Doubtful a well as experiencing fishing outside the fiord.

If you are short on time then a flight is a great option, either by Helicopter or Float Plane. By air you are able to really see the expansive Mountainous ranges, the mountain pools which feed the many waterfalls, the rivers and lakes weaving & interconnecting, wonderful experience.

And of course their are day cruises on Doubtful starting at $200.00 for a smaller boat cruise to $240.00 on a Real Journeys day cruise. (including power station tour)

Milford Sound Options

If driving to Milford yourself, then it is best to book the morning cruises. This way you are going in before the tour buses and when the cruise is over you have the whole afternoon to explore the Milford Road unhindered by buses (Which are then already in Milford)

Cruises to do are the Real Journeys nature cruises, Mitre Peak & cruising Milford.

Sea Kayaking is another good option, these trips depart early so you are able to get out onto the Fiord before the boats start cruising and in the calm of morn. These trips are available with Rosco's Milford Sound Sea Kayaking or Wilderness Experiences.

In the height of summer Rosco also provides an afternoon sea kayaking experience for the 'Water Confident' called the 'Twilighter', where you are dropped off 3/4 of the way out the fiord and then you kayak back with the wind to your back. This is an adventurous sea kayak experience of the Fiord and for the water competant is a wonderful experience

All the above options are available with transport and for cruise options with transport, I recommend Trips n' Tramps. This is a locally owned business who take small groups and provide 2 options for experiencing Milford. The first stops along the way to show you all the highlights of the Milford road as well as stopping for a 'billy tea' followed by a nature cruise. The second option is the same as above but also includes a short walk up Key Summit or you can stay onboard and while the others are walking you can go with the driver to deliver the mail to the Hollyford camping ground (an experience in itself)

For any further information on any of these trips, I am happy to assist, or have a look at the following website -

Fiordland Local offers knowledge, information and opinions on activity and accommodation from Fiordland, Southland and surrounding areas from a local perspective. Want to know about Fiordland then ask Fiordland Local.

Regards Mike & Donna

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Photo's -

1.Doubtful Sound

2. Homer Tunnel

3. Kayaking Milford Sound with Rosco's Milford Sound Sea Kayaking.

4. Pearl harbour, the departure point for Doubtful Sound

5. Crossing Lake Manapouri en route to Doubtful

6. Eglinton Valley on the way to Milford

7. Kayak in Doubtful Sound with Fiordland Wilderness Sea Kayaking