Day 11: Doubtful Sound
Since we were so close to our meeting point this morning, we had plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast, plus time to make & pack a lunch (Lindsay still not willing to pay $17pp for the cruise lunches), before heading down to the docks.
Our tour started with a 45min boat ride across Lake Manapouri. The sun was shining, so we stayed out on the top deck to enjoy the views. On the other side of the lake, we got out at the West Arm Visitor Center, which is in view of the Manapouri Power Station. While there is a tour option to descend 200 meters underground to tour the hydroelectric power station, we were cool just looking at the model on display.
Starting our day-tour to Doubtful Sound! First stop – crossing Lake Manapouri to the Manapouri Power Station
How fast the weather changes! Sunny on one side of Lake Manapouri, stormy on the other!
We are not afraid of the rain! We are staying up top the whole cruise!
Our group hopped on a bus that took us on an hour-long drive across the Wilmont Pass to Doubtful Sound. Apparently, this access road is the only road in New Zealand that is not attached to the main road system on the rest of the South Island. It was built solely for the creation of the Manapouri Power Station – without it there would be no tour!
Rain clouds had settled in, however, so there was very little for us to see other than a little Weka bird that wandered out into the road.
Too rainy for pictures of the Wilmont Pass – just a wandering Weka & a misty waterfall
We got on the boat, and headed out into Doubtful Sound. Our tour operator, Katy, encouraged everyone to not let the rain interfere with us having a good day – “Get out and get wet! We have towels and heaters inside the cabin!” Luckily, we didn’t need to worry about the weather, as the clouds parted about 5min into the cruise, and we had dry, partly sunny weather for the rest of the cruise!
Parting the clouds in Doubtful Sound
Checking in with family & friends with our GPS Spot! Check “Where are we now?” (email us for password)
Fur Seal colony resting on the Shelter Islands at the opening into the Tasman Sea
Too many pictures to share them all! Highlights from Doubtful Sound
Lindsay enjoying a homemade lunch on the ship! Igor enjoying the fresh air on deck
After a very satisfying day in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful & remote locations, we returned to Deep Cove where we got back on the bus. The clouds were still heavy on the Wilmont Pass, but Katy didn’t want to return to Lake Manapouri too early, so she tried to find filler activities for the group. So we stopped on the side of the road to look at, “A really old tree. Oh, and if anyone likes mossy trees, there’s bunch of them over there.”
Fishing boats docked at Deep Cove. Rain clouds still hanging over the Wilmont Pass.
Igor staying on the bus while Lindsay takes pics of the mossy trees
Lindsay swatting away sandflies when we board the boat at West Arm. So relieved when the boat starts moving & blows them away!
Sadly, our day had to end at some time – once we got back on shore, we hopped in the RV and booked it down south, to get as close to Bluff as possible for our early morning ferry next day. We found a FREE freedom campsite at Colac Bay about an hour outside Invercargill, and called it a night.
Driving the Scenic Southern Route at twilight, looking for a place to park for the night
Home Sweet Home for the night! You can see our ocean-front suite reflected in the window!