Explore: The Sound of Silence

I was lured by the sound of silence.

Imagine. What do you hear when the world slows to a still? Well, if you listen properly, you might hear “Life”; the sweet music of nature that reflects Life in its simplest form. I know I did.

I chose Doubtful Sound in the end. Along the beautiful journey, I was rewarded with breathtaking views of fiords and tranquil seascapes. It was very cold, but I couldn’t resist staying at the top deck.

From afar, the snowcapped mountains stood proudly and basked in gaping admiring stares, seemingly aware of their mesmerising effects on us, ignorant humans. I couldn’t help the silly grin that spreads across my face. I was captivated and extremely happy to be here. Perhaps, it is most accurate to say that I felt liberated. 🙂

My favorite part of this tour must be the moment when the skipper turns off the engine to allow us to enjoy the sound of silence. During that short moment, silence seems to become a form of music that one can savour indefinitely. The birds sang happily and the occasional splashes indicated the playful chase of marine creatures. Ahh… Silence is sweet; silence is golden.

Heading out from Queenstown before dawn

Heading for Pearl Harbour

Doubtful Map/itinerary

Ferry for Lake Manapouri

Free beverages onboard

Sailing along Lake Manapouri

Top Deck – Brrrrrr

Beautiful reflection at Lake Manapouri

🙂 Happy to be here

Lake Manapouri

Here I stand

A tree that’s older than you and me combined multiply by several times more

Along Wilmot Pass

Travelling along Wilmot Pass and taking a peek at Doubtful Sound!

Our Cruise for the Doubtful Sound journey!

Sailing into Doubtful Sound

Waterfalls flow freely~

Beautiful Doubtful Sound

Warm & toasty 2nd deck of cruise

Packed lunch

Doubtful Sound Cruise’s lowest deck

Look closely for lazy seals

Tadaaaa! Lazy seals at Doubtful Sound

Powerful waves

And then a bottle nose dolphin says hi!

Sailing along Doubtful Sound

Wonderful reflection on the tranquil waters of Doubtful Sound

Manapouri Hydro Station

Manapouri Power Station

A kea! An alpine parrot that can be spotted around the South Island!

Sailing along Lake Manapouri back to Pearl Harbour

Useful Travel Info/Tips:

Map/Itinerary of Doubtful Sound (Courtesy of Real Journeys)

Note that all Doubtful Sound experiences start in Manapouri (approximately 2.5 – 3 hours) from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau. In fact, I think Lake Manapouri is very beautiful and a great prelude to Doubtful Sound.

Promotions & Deals:
If you are booking online, it is best to book NZ tours only when you are within the country. Somehow, most companies track IP addresses and some deals are “invisible” if you access from outside of New Zealand.

If unsure, you may always call to check as the price difference can be pretty substantial. In this case, bundle deals are available when you purchase more than one tour from Real Journeys.

Things to bring:
Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/sunglasses, insect repellent and camera.

Personal Travel Review on Doubtful Sound by Real Journeys
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g255124-d273470-r172933024-Doubtful_Sound-Te_Anau_Fiordland_South_Island.html

The above information has been complied based on various sources, including my own experience and should only be used as a reference. Check out http://www.fiordland.org.nz/ for more information on the magnificent fiords of New Zealand.