Doubtful Sound

On Friday morning we left Queenstown on a trip to Doubtful Sound.

Doubtful Sound is a remote fiord in the South West of South Island, strictly a fiord we are told, rather than a sound. It was originally named Doubtful Harbour by Captain Cook. He observed the steep sided granite rocks that bounded the inlet and doubted whether the boats would be able to get back out into the ocean under the power of their sails, should they venture further in.

Before we arrived at Doubtful Sound, we had the option of taking a steam train ride as part of the journey. We decided to do this and were mighty pleased that we did.
We rode on The Kingston Flyer - only on a ten mile trip, but what a superb old train this was.





So, on to Doubtful Sound.
A coach journey, a boat across Lake Manipouka and the anotherbus journey across gravel roads brought us to Deep Cove at the end of Doubtful Sound.
The Cruise was brilliant. Food excellent, crew first class.

We did some kayaking on the Fiord as part of the trip. That was a great experience. In the wonderful tranquillity of Doubtful Sound all we could hear were the birds and the lap of the water - really peaceful, beautiful scenery. we were dead lucky with the weather as well. It was bright warm and sunny and considering the area gets around 8 metres of rain a year, that was, as the Kiwis would say, good as gold.

We spotted some penguins - 3 or 4 anyway, but as ever wildlife proved quite elusive for me to photo (I'm sure Mr Lewis will remember the hedgehog incident!). However, look closely at this picture and you'll see a little feller in the middle. This is a very rare Fiordland Crested penguin.







Spot the penguin


One of the best bits of the trip was when the engines on the boat were killed and everybody just sat and absorbed the quiet. Nothing that man had had a hand in could be heard. We just sat on the deck of the boat and reflected on life. Sounds very mystical, doesn't it? It's a bit hard to describe really, but it was a unique experience, for which words cannot really do justice.

Suffice to say, we loved Doubtful Sound - anyone going to NZ, please try!

A few other Doubtful sound photies....