Doubtful and Dusky Sound Cruise

^{Photo: Heritage Explorer}

Found in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, Doubtful and Dusky Sound are remote fjords that feel like they belong to another world – think dramatic cliffs, waterfalls tumbling into glassy waters, and wildlife everywhere you look.

It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear the silence, broken only by the occasional splash of a dolphin or the call of a bird.

Getting to Doubtful Sound is half the adventure. First, you’ll cross Lake Manapōuri by boat, then take a scenic drive over Wilmot Pass – the views here are unreal.

Once you’re on the water, it’s all about soaking in the scenery and maybe hopping in a kayak to explore up close. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and those adorable Fiordland crested penguins.

Dusky Sound is even more remote, and it’s perfect if you’re craving some serious off-the-grid adventure. You can only get there by boat or plane, which means fewer people and more untouched beauty.

The sound is dotted with islands and hidden coves, and it’s a haven for wildlife. Birds, seals, and marine life are everywhere, and the waterfalls cascading down the cliffs make it feel like you’ve stepped into a prehistoric paradise.

Explore more:

• Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand (video)

• Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds (cruise)