Doubtful Sound is a spectacular, remote fjord located in the Fiordland region of New Zealand. It is the second largest Fiordland fjord, after Milford Sound, and is surrounded by steep mountains, lush rainforest, and beautiful waterfalls. It is often described as the “Sound of Silence” due to its secluded and tranquil nature.
Doubtful Sound is located on the southwestern coast of the South Island of New Zealand, about 100 miles from the city of Queenstown. It is part of the Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fjord spans nearly 30 miles in length and is nearly 1,000 feet deep in some areas. It is fed by several rivers and is home to a variety of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and whales.
The area was originally discovered by Captain Cook in 1770, and was later named Doubtful Sound by Cook, who thought the area was a bay rather than a sound. It was later explored by the French explorer, Dumont d’Urville, in 1827.
Doubtful Sound has been a popular tourist destination since the late 1800s. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. There are several boat tours available, as well as guided cruises and overnight stays.
Doubtful Sound is an incredibly beautiful and serene place, and is a must-see for anyone visiting New Zealand. With its stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife, it is truly a special place.
Experience Doubtful Sound with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Doubtful Sound. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Doubtful Sound in New Zealand has a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters. In summer (December to February), temperatures range from 10-20°C and the area experiences high rainfall and strong winds. In autumn (March to May), temperatures range from 5-15°C and the area experiences moderate rainfall. In winter (June to August), temperatures range from 0-10°C and the area experiences high rainfall and strong winds. In spring (September to November), temperatures range from 5-15°C and the area experiences moderate rainfall. Overall, the climate in Doubtful Sound is mild with a large amount of rainfall throughout the year.
Our weather forecast for Doubtful Sound helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr. 14th 2025 Apr. 14th 2025 | max: 13.5 °C min: 5.1 °C |
29.2 m/s 54.4 m/s |
95.3 % 9.8 m |
94.8 % 1,019 hPa |
07:25:55 18:18:14 |
|
| Apr. 15th 2025 Apr. 15th 2025 | max: 12.0 °C min: 2.3 °C |
18.7 m/s 23.4 m/s |
0.2 % 24.1 m |
70.7 % 1,029 hPa |
07:27:11 18:16:29 |
|
| Apr. 16th 2025 Apr. 16th 2025 | max: 16.0 °C min: 3.6 °C |
14.8 m/s 16.2 m/s |
11.3 % 24.1 m |
63.1 % 1,028 hPa |
07:28:27 18:14:45 |
|
| Apr. 17th 2025 Apr. 17th 2025 | max: 12.7 °C min: 8.6 °C |
11.9 m/s 15.5 m/s |
100.0 % 23.5 m |
75.3 % 1,015 hPa |
07:29:42 18:13:02 |
|
| Apr. 18th 2025 Apr. 18th 2025 | max: 13.5 °C min: 8.8 °C |
15.8 m/s 19.4 m/s |
99.0 % 23.4 m |
88.1 % 1,001 hPa |
07:30:58 18:11:20 |
|
| Apr. 19th 2025 Apr. 19th 2025 | max: 14.5 °C min: 7.6 °C |
11.5 m/s 15.5 m/s |
67.7 % 23.5 m |
91.8 % 997 hPa |
07:32:14 18:09:38 |
|
| Apr. 20th 2025 Apr. 20th 2025 | max: 10.0 °C min: 6.9 °C |
10.4 m/s 18.8 m/s |
65.8 % 21.0 m |
87.1 % 1,010 hPa |
07:33:29 18:07:58 |
|
| Apr. 21st 2025 Apr. 21st 2025 | max: 9.7 °C min: 5.9 °C |
11.2 m/s 23.0 m/s |
76.0 % 21.4 m |
82.8 % 1,019 hPa |
07:34:45 18:06:18 |
|
| Apr. 22nd 2025 Apr. 22nd 2025 | max: 14.3 °C min: 5.6 °C |
9.0 m/s 11.5 m/s |
12.6 % 24.1 m |
75.4 % 1,027 hPa |
07:36:00 18:04:40 |
|
| Apr. 23rd 2025 Apr. 23rd 2025 | max: 13.2 °C min: 5.5 °C |
16.6 m/s 40.7 m/s |
41.5 % 21.2 m |
81.0 % 1,029 hPa |
07:37:15 18:03:02 |
|
| Apr. 24th 2025 Apr. 24th 2025 | max: 13.0 °C min: 8.7 °C |
18.4 m/s 38.2 m/s |
93.1 % 23.8 m |
80.7 % 1,026 hPa |
07:38:30 18:01:25 |
|
| Apr. 25th 2025 Apr. 25th 2025 | max: 14.4 °C min: 9.1 °C |
22.7 m/s 52.2 m/s |
68.9 % 24.1 m |
72.9 % 1,021 hPa |
07:39:45 17:59:50 |
|
| Apr. 26th 2025 Apr. 26th 2025 | max: 11.9 °C min: 11 °C |
15.1 m/s 42.8 m/s |
95.7 % 22.3 m |
87.2 % 1,018 hPa |
07:41:00 17:58:15 |
|
| Apr. 27th 2025 Apr. 27th 2025 | max: 13.2 °C min: 11.7 °C |
10.1 m/s 18.4 m/s |
94.4 % 12.3 m |
94.8 % 1,016 hPa |
07:42:15 17:56:42 |
Would you like to travel to Doubtful Sound on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Doubtful Sound.
| Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 4th 2025 Tuesday, 4th of Nov. 2025 | Celebrity Edge | 12:30 pm | 02:00 pm | |
| Nov. 13th 2025 Thursday, 13th of Nov. 2025 | Anthem of the Seas | 01:00 pm | 02:00 pm | |
| Nov. 21st 2025 Friday, 21st of Nov. 2025 | Celebrity Edge | 12:30 pm | 02:00 pm | |
| Dec. 3rd 2025 Wednesday, 3rd of Dec. 2025 | Celebrity Edge | 12:30 pm | 02:00 pm | |
| Dec. 13th 2025 Saturday, 13th of Dec. 2025 | Scenic Eclipse II | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Dec. 25th 2025 Thursday, 25th of Dec. 2025 | Anthem of the Seas | 11:00 am | 11:59 am | |
| Dec. 27th 2025 Saturday, 27th of Dec. 2025 | Norwegian Spirit | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Dec. 31st 2025 Wednesday, 31st of Dec. 2025 | LE SOLEAL | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Jan. 2nd 2026 Friday, 2nd of Jan. 2026 | Celebrity Edge | 11:45 am | 01:00 pm | |
| Jan. 10th 2026 Saturday, 10th of Jan. 2026 | Norwegian Spirit | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Jan. 14th 2026 Wednesday, 14th of Jan. 2026 | LE SOLEAL | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Jan. 19th 2026 Monday, 19th of Jan. 2026 | Silver Moon | 04:30 pm | 07:00 pm | |
| Jan. 21st 2026 Wednesday, 21st of Jan. 2026 | Silver Nova | 04:00 pm | 07:00 pm | |
| Jan. 22nd 2026 Thursday, 22nd of Jan. 2026 | Norwegian Spirit | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Feb. 3rd 2026 Tuesday, 3rd of Feb. 2026 | Anthem of the Seas | 11:00 am | 11:59 am | |
| Feb. 8th 2026 Sunday, 8th of Feb. 2026 | Celebrity Edge | 11:45 am | 01:00 pm | |
| Feb. 15th 2026 Sunday, 15th of Feb. 2026 | Norwegian Spirit | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Feb. 16th 2026 Monday, 16th of Feb. 2026 | Silver Moon | 04:30 pm | 07:00 pm | |
| Feb. 18th 2026 Wednesday, 18th of Feb. 2026 | Anthem of the Seas | 01:00 pm | 02:00 pm | |
| Feb. 25th 2026 Wednesday, 25th of Feb. 2026 | Celebrity Edge | 12:30 pm | 02:00 pm | |
| Feb. 27th 2026 Friday, 27th of Feb. 2026 | Norwegian Spirit | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Mar. 11th 2026 Wednesday, 11th of Mar. 2026 | Norwegian Spirit | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Mar. 23rd 2026 Monday, 23rd of Mar. 2026 | Norwegian Spirit | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Mar. 26th 2026 Thursday, 26th of Mar. 2026 | Celebrity Edge | 11:45 am | 01:00 pm | |
| Mar. 31st 2026 Tuesday, 31st of Mar. 2026 | Anthem of the Seas | 11:00 am | 12:00 pm |
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There are a few basic rules to follow
.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Thompson Sound in New Zealand | 9,70 km |
| Fiordland National Park in New Zealand | 42,44 km |
| Dusky Sound in New Zealand | 58,22 km |
| Milford Sound in New Zealand | 104,29 km |
| Queenstown in New Zealand | 135,06 km |
| Bluff - Invercargill in New Zealand | 176,11 km |
| Stewart Island in New Zealand | 192,07 km |
| Oban in New Zealand | 195,37 km |
| Ulva Island in New Zealand | 198,80 km |
| Dunedin in New Zealand | 280,00 km |
| Port Chalmers in New Zealand | 287,75 km |
