To experience Patea Doubtful Sound should be on everyone’s bucket list. It is one of the most untouched, remote and wild places of the world - yet still accessible. To get to Doubtful Sound, you have to book with Real NZ. The journey includes a 45 minute boat ride across Lake Manapouri, a 45 minute bus over the Wilmot Pass, before arriving at Doubtful Sound for your cruise.

Doubtful Sound was carved by glaciers in the previous ice age, it has a total of 2 residents and the rest of the locals are dolphins, seals and penguins. The Real NZ Cruise is an exceptional experience and the guides are knowledgeable, approachable and happy to answer any questions.

Compared to Milford Sound, the scenery is slightly less dramatic (less steep). However it is much less commercialised, more of a hidden gem and definitely more special.

Remember: Fiordland (the region) receives 8m of rainfall over 200 days of the year - that’s more rain than the Amazon Rainforest! Expect that it will be wet, but celebrate if you get a day with sunshine. Book in advance, particularly during peak summer season.

Personal tip: Real NZ also offer overnight cruises on Doubtful Sound. I haven’t done this yet, but if your budget allows, I would highly recommend. You will increase your chances of getting different types of weather, seeing different wildlife and what better way to unplug from the world than in a remote place like this.

Pronunciation: Patea: pah-tay-ah

For more info, listen to Episode 103 of the Aotearoa Adventures podcast.