What Wildlife can you see in Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound, sometimes referred to as the "Sound of Silence," is a majestic, remote fiord located in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. Unlike its more famous neighbour, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is less accessible and, therefore, more tranquil and untouched. The journey to Doubtful Sound involves a boat ride across Lake Manapouri and a trip over the Wilmot Pass. This journey reinforces the fiord's isolation and its pristine natural beauty.
This isolation has allowed Doubtful Sound to maintain a rich and varied ecosystem, fostering an environment where both marine and terrestrial wildlife in Doubtful Sound can thrive. The combination of deep waters, dense forests, and rugged cliffs creates an ideal habitat for diverse species, many of which are endemic to the region. For nature enthusiasts, Doubtful Sound offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience wildlife in its most natural state, free from the pressures of human encroachment.
Whether you're scanning the waters for playful dolphins or listening for the calls of native birds deep in the forest, Doubtful Sound offers a unique window into New Zealand's rich biodiversity on both the land and sea.
What Is The Best Way To See Wildlife In Doubtful Sound?
The best way to see wildlife is by taking a Doubtful Sound cruise; the Southern Secret offers one of the most immersive experiences. Cruises allow you to venture deep into the heart of this remote fiord, where you can observe its rich wildlife in its natural habitat. From the comfort of the vessel, you can spot playful dolphins, seals lounging on rocks, and, if you're lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. The cruise gives you the unique opportunity to witness these animals undisturbed, offering a serene, close-up view that's impossible from land. Plus, being on the water ensures you cover more ground, increasing your chances of sightings. Southern Secret's guided tours are ideal for nature enthusiasts, as their experienced crew helps you spot wildlife while providing insightful commentary on the region's ecosystems.
Marine Wildlife in Doubtful Sound
Exploring the Hidden Wonders of FiordlandNew Zealand Fur Seals
Another common marine inhabitant of Doubtful Sound is the New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri). These seals can often be spotted lounging on the rocky outcrops that dot the fiord, especially near the mouth of the Sound. Fur seals are expert divers, capable of reaching depths of up to 200 meters to hunt for their prey, which includes fish and squid.
Fur seals breed along the rugged coastline of Fiordland, with pupping season between November and January. Visitors may spot young seals learning to swim and play in the shallow waters near their colonies during this time. The seals’ playful nature and the way they bask in the sun make them a delightful sight, especially for photographers.
Bottlenose Dolphins
One of the highlights for many visitors to Doubtful Sound is the chance to see its resident population of bottlenose dolphins. These intelligent and social creatures are often seen swimming alongside boats, riding the waves generated by vessels, or simply playing in the calm waters of the Sound. Unlike their counterparts in warmer climates, the bottlenose dolphins in Fiordland have adapted to the cooler water temperatures. These dolphins are larger and have a thicker layer of blubber, which helps them retain heat in the fiord’s chilly waters.
The dolphins in Doubtful Sound live in a tight-knit community, making them a favourite sight for tourists. Observing them in their natural habitat, whether it’s during feeding or while they interact with one another, offers a glimpse into the complex social behaviours of these remarkable marine mammals.
Fiordland Crested Penguin
Doubtful Sound is also home to one of New Zealand's most charismatic and elusive species: the Fiordland crested penguin or Tawaki (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus). This rare and endangered penguin is distinguished by the striking yellow crest feathers on its head and the stark contrast of its black and white plumage. While these penguins spend much of their time at sea, they return to the fiords during the breeding season, typically from July to November.
Spotting a Fiordland crested penguin can be a rare treat, as they are notoriously shy and tend to nest in remote, forested areas along the shorelines. However, lucky visitors may catch sight of them either swimming in the water or standing along the rocky coastline. The penguins' elusive nature only adds to the thrill of encountering one in the wild.
Birdlife in Doubtful Sound
A Secluded Haven for BirdlifeNative Birds
The forests surrounding Doubtful Sound are alive with the calls of New Zealand’s native bird species. Among the most notable are the Kea, Tūi, and Kākā. The Kea, known for its intelligence and curiosity, is a large alpine parrot that can often be seen flying over the fiords or foraging for food. Its distinctive green plumage and bright orange underwings make it a striking sight against the backdrop of Fiordland’s lush greenery.
The Tūi and Kākā are also integral to the region’s ecosystem. With its iridescent feathers and unique white throat tuft, the Tūi has a beautiful and varied song that echoes through the forests. The Kākā, a large native parrot, is known for its raucous calls and playful behaviour. These birds contribute to the biodiversity of Fiordland, playing crucial roles in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.
Sea Birds
Doubtful Sound is not just a haven for land birds; it is also home to various seabird species. Among the most impressive are the albatross and shearwaters, which can often be seen soaring majestically above the waters. With its massive wingspan, the wandering albatross is a frequent visitor to the region, gliding effortlessly on the ocean winds. These seabirds are often seen near the islands and rocky cliffs that punctuate Doubtful Sound, where they find abundant feeding grounds.
Shearwaters, petrels, and other seabirds also flock to the Sound’s nutrient-rich waters, attracted by the upwelling currents that bring fish and squid to the surface. These seabirds are not only a vital part of the marine food web but also contribute to the unique atmosphere of Doubtful Sound, with their calls and aerial acrobatics adding to the sensory experience of exploring the fiord.
Terrestrial Wildlife In Doubtful Sound
Fiordland Kiwi
The iconic kiwi, New Zealand's national bird, is another resident of Doubtful Sound's forests. Specifically, the Southern Brown kiwi, or tokoeka, is native to this region. While kiwi are nocturnal and notoriously difficult to spot, they can often be heard at night, their distinctive calls echoing through the dense forest. The Fiordland kiwi is larger than other kiwi species and is well adapted to the cool, damp environment of the fiord.
Although sightings are rare, knowing these elusive birds inhabit the forests adds mystery and allure to the Doubtful Sound experience. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the kiwi population from predators like stoats and rats, ensuring that this unique species continues to thrive in Fiordland.
Long Tailed Bats
New Zealand is home to very few native land mammals, and one of these rare creatures is the long-tailed bat or pekapeka (Chalinolobus tuberculatus). These tiny, insect-eating bats are most often seen at dusk when they emerge from their roosts to feed on moths and other flying insects.
Though they are endangered and seldom seen, there is always a chance of spotting them flitting through the twilight sky in the forests near Doubtful Sound.
Conservation Efforts
Fiordland National Park is a protected area, and numerous conservation programs are in place to safeguard its fragile ecosystems. The Department of Conservation (DOC) works to control invasive species, restore native habitats, and monitor endangered wildlife populations. Predator control programs, such as trapping and the use of poison baits, have been instrumental in reducing the number of stoats, rats, and other non-native species that threaten native wildlife in Doubtful Sound, particularly ground-nesting birds like the kiwi and penguins.
Sustainable tourism is another crucial component of protecting Doubtful Sound's environment. Visitors are encouraged to follow strict guidelines to minimise their impact on the ecosystem. This includes respecting wildlife, avoiding disturbing nesting sites, and following the "leave no trace" principle while exploring the area.
A FINAL WORD
Doubtful Sound’s remote location and unspoiled natural beauty make it a haven for wildlife, offering a unique opportunity to observe a wide range of species in their natural habitats. From the playful bottlenose dolphins and sunbathing fur seals to the elusive Fiordland crested penguins and iconic kiwi, the Fiord is a treasure trove of biodiversity.
Doubtful Sound is more than just a beautiful destination; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that offers a glimpse into New Zealand’s natural heritage—one that deserves our respect and protection.