Location: Manapouri
Top Things to do in Manapouri
Top 7 Things to do in Manapouri, New Zealand
Manapouri is a small town in Southland / Fiordland, in the southwest corner of the South Island, in New Zealand. The township is the westernmost municipality in New Zealand. Located at the edge of the Fiordland National Park, on the eastern shore of Lake Manapouri, close to its outflow into the Waiau River, tourist boat services are based in the town.
Restaurants in Manapouri
1. Real Journeys
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 775 reviews
Cruise across island-studded Lake Manapouri and coach over Wilmot Pass. Then explore Doubtful Sound on a three-hour cruise with our nature guide on board the modern catamaran the Patea Explorer. Wildlife sightings are likely to include dolphins, seals and penguins. Discover the 'sound of silence', rugged peaks and explore the waterways of this serene and isolated fiord. Queenstown and Te Anau coach connections available. Daily departures, all year.
Reviewed By SteveS1959 - Coventry, United Kingdom
Fabulous scenery, kayaking/tender boat, swimming, seals, albatross, absolute silence (apart from birdsong and waterfalls), and finally the dolphins. OK - we were blessed with great weather which probably made it even more special. But everything - the journey to Doubtful Sound by coach, boat and coach again, the boat itself, the friendly staff, the food (hot soup after the swim was very welcome), and then the scenery. Fabulous
Don't be put off by the cost - this trip is well worth it. TIP - if you are a group of 3 as we were (family of 3 with adult daughter) and don't want to share with anyone else, you can book the 4 berth cabin and pay a supplement to have the whole cabin to yourselves.
2. Fiordland Expeditions - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 90 reviews
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruises and Fishing, Diving, Hunting Charters
Reviewed By jdwyer46 - Kent, Connecticut
My wife and I had the fun experience of an overnight outing on Doubtful Sound. Wonderful staff, views and adventure. Small excursion boat, great companion guests and seafood caught by passengers and staff for a delicious dinner. Expensive but worth the investment.
3. Deep Cove Charters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By karen p
Can't speak highly enough of our overnight trip. Great food (thanks Travis), wonderful explanations and commentary ( thanks Chris), just a totally blow your mind trip. Dolphins, Albatross, crayfish, seals, beautiful scenery, kayaking, swimming, fishing. We explored all 3 arms and the main channel of...MoreThanks for your wonderful words Karen. We do try to make sure everyone has a wonderful time. This summer is the best. Take care. Di
4. Doubtful Sound Kayak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Doubtful Sound Kayak Full Day Tour is designed to maximise the time spent on the water of Doubtful Sound. Kayak with us and experience Doubtful Sound from Sea Level during your 4 hour Kayak from Deep Cove at the head of Doubtful Sound, followed by return water taxi Your Doubtful Sound Kayak Adventure is the longest kayaking day tour of Doubtful Sound. During your 4 hour paddle you will journey up to 15km* into Doubtful Sound following Hall Arm, “The Sound of Silence”. We are a local company showing Doubtful Sound to 10 guests per adventure. This ensures a personal experience is provided by your Kayak Nature Guide. Meet us in Te Anau or Manapouri. Car parking is available in Te Anau at our office. Your Doubtful Sound Journey includes a coach from Te Anau, relaxing cruise on Lake Manapouri and transport over spectacular Wilmot Pass into Deep Cove. Launch your kayak into Doubtful Sound at Deep Cove. Wildlife encounters may include Dolphins, Seals or Penguins. Your return to Deep Cove is via Water Taxi Cruise
Reviewed By Alice P - Yorkshire, UK
I can't think of one part of the whole day that could be improved - nor the booking process. We were a little nervous when we booked in November 2016 as there were no Trip Advisor reviews for this young company and we were in the UK trying to make a judgement. So it took a few emails and a phone call to be confident - now we wonder why we had any concerns at all. It's a long day with a 6.30am start, a minibus ride, bouncy (but fun!) boat trip and an off-road mountain minibus ride before even seeing the Sound. But it is worth the wait. Forget the coach loads heading for Milford Sound. This is New Zealand as close to what the original explorers would have seen it as we'll probably get in this day and age. The group size is kept deliberately small. Apart from another small group we encountered at the power station at the far end of Lake Manapouri, we didn't see anyone else all day apart from Reg who discreetly arrived for lunch then to pick us up and carry us and our kayaks back to the jetty (this way, you get to kayak further). Cloudi, our guide, is passionate about the nature we were experiencing, with detailed knowledge about the geology, flora and fauna as well as the human history of the area, and he balanced the whole experience with quiet interludes so you can soak up the majesty of the Sound. We say plenty of wildlife, too - the highlight being the dolphin pod complete with youngsters 'playing'! Doubtful Sound Kayak offer one of the most incredible experiences you will get - not just in New Zealand, but in life. They are warm, friendly, super-organised, knowledgable and safe. But don't tell anyone - it won't be long before this amazing opportunity is spoiled by the big boys finding a way of getting the masses there.
5. Manapouri Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Johnmir13 - Athens, Greece
most of the lake is accessible by boat, so if you are on a car then you only get to enjoy the main beach, on your way from Te Anau, right before you enter the little village. Good shade and tables by the lake for a coffee break.
6. Manapouri Lake Cruises
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Manapouri Lake Cruises offers boutique sunset cruises and charters on beautiful Lake Manapouri in Fiordland National Park. Cruise along unspoiled Islands, stop in hidden coves to listen to native birds and a live piano recital with classical or other relaxing music while treated to a gourmet platter or choose to step ashore and follow us into the lush New Zealand bush. Join for a 1/2day charter; cruising along golden, sandy Beaches and choose activities like, kayaking, fishing or guided bush walks all at your own pace. We tailor every trip to suit your interests and we do our best to make your day truly unforgettable.
Reviewed By Ken S - Cirencester, United Kingdom
We were recommended to take the cruise with a difference and were not disappointed ! Kirsten and Jimmy were excellent hosts. Although the weather was not great ,the experience of having a home prepared food platter whilst listening to Kirsten play beautiful classical piano music surrounded by superb scenery was magical. Not to be missed!
7. Wild Wool Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Wild Wool Gallery is situated at Kepler Mountain View Alpacas, an alpaca farm on the outskirts of Lake Manapouri, Fiordland National Park. Jessie, the proprietor, is a fibre artist who works in her studio on the alapca farm hand felting bespoke fine alpaca wearable art pieces from her alpaca fibre. Visit to view the creations and own one of her unique one off art works.
Reviewed By Masami S
Well, it said Alpaca Gift Shop, but its much more than you imagine. Of course it features seriously beautiful things hand-crafted (or ‘felted’) by Jesse. Absolutely exquisite throws, scarfs and much much more. But then we got to meet Ray and got the most incredible...MoreThanks for dropping by Masami and Paul and for the great feedback. You can't help but love alpacas:)
