01 Feb 2021

Doubtful Sound Delights

The first expedition day of our Unseen Fiordland, Stewart Island and The Snares voyage started very atmospheric in Doubtful Sound, or the sound of silence as its also known, as grey rainclouds clung to steep-sided mountains. From Blanket Bay in Thompson Sound our Zodiac cruise took us to the outer reaches of Doubtful Sound and the Shelter Islands during which we encountered New Zealand Fur Seals, a New Zealand Falcon and even a Fiordland Crested Penguin/Tawaki.

After lunch we cruised up the enchanted Pandora River, where moss-covered trees overhang the river which is navigable for a few hundred metres during high tide. From there we headed to Deas Cove where we were joined by eagle rays and flounders in the shallow waters. As the sun broke through the clouds we spent the evening at anchor in Open Bay taking in a magical sunset.

Image © K.Riedel, Heritage Expeditions