On boarding the coach in Queenstown, visitors are treated to a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri. They then cruise on a Fiordland Travel vessel across picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm, where they then travel by coach through dense rainforest across Wilmot Pass. There are opportunities along the way to examine the plant life and view the spectacular scenery. Once at Doubtful Sound, visitors board the catamaran, the "Commander Peak", for a three-hour cruise of Doubtful Sound to the Tasman Sea. Onboard there is excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest and mountains. Of particular interest, if sighted, is a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins and a colony of fur seals which reside on the Nee Islets at the mouth of the fiord. Rare Fiordland crested penguins are sometimes encountered on a seasonal basis. Understanding of the area is greatly enhanced by the interesting on board English commentary. On the return journey, the vessel's engines are turned off and visitors are treated to the "Sound of Silence". At some stage on the excursion, visitors have the opportunity of visiting the Manapouri Underground Power Station by coach.
PLEASE NOTE. Visits to the power station at times may not be possible due to maintnence.