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3 to 5 Days Doubtful Sound Sea Kayaking

Doubtful Sound Kayak

FIORDLAND – a sea kayaker’s wilderness

Sea kayaking is the natural way to experience the essential spirit of this stunning, primeval, intense wilderness and we want to take you on a real sea kayaking adventure as we personally do it – in a small group, with friends exploring in our kayaks, experiencing its wildness, working with nature, becoming a part of the sea and landscape on its terms.

Explore this dynamic land of glacial mountains, view classic peaks, spectacular waterfalls, and towering cliffs clothed in primeval rainforest. From your vantage point of the kayak, at sea level, sense the water and landscape more clearly. Respect it as is and keep discovering, plus have heaps of fun along the way.

Day 1: Deep Cove - Crooked Arm

Our destination for the first night is a small sheltered cove opposite the entrance to Crooked Arm or in favourable conditions a campsite at the junction of Doubtful, Thompson and Bradshaw Sounds.

Day 2: Camelot River

Depending on day 1, an early start continuing down Malaspina Reach, the fiord becoming steadily wider with glimpses of the open ocean in the distance. Secretary Island looms before us as we leave the Reach and cross one of the most exposed areas of the fiord - Pendulo Reach - a major junction of waterways. Large shingle beaches appear on our right - time for a hot drink maybe. From here we paddle into Bradshaw Sound - characterised by steep inaccessible sides. Another favourite playground of the dolphins. Lunch is close to the junction of Gaer Arm, McDonnell Island and Precipice Cove, one of the most beautiful areas of the fiord. After exploration we either camp here or in Gaer Arm at the mouth of the Camelot River.

Day 3: Bradshaw Sound

Hours can be spent in the graceful waterway of the Camelot, exploring a network of channels - images of the Amazon rain forest come to mind. Depending on conditions we may return down Bradshaw Sound paddling to the junction campsite or to the Gut Hut or on to Crooked Arm. Sailing the kayaks is an option whenever the conditions allow during the trip to give us a break from the paddling.

Day 4: Crooked Arm

A big day with an early start. The aim is to paddle out of Bradshaw Sound, around into Crooked Arm if we have not done that Day 3. Either way, we explore as much of Crooked Arm as time and weather allows. A comfortable campsite, the evening becomes a time for reflecting on the trip so far.

Day 5: Deep Cove

Stillness is normally the theme as we leave the campsite anticipating the challenge of the morning's paddle down the southwest shoreline - a 3 hour paddle with no landing points. In marginal conditions we use the more sheltered northern shoreline. Lunch either in Olphert Cove or opposite Elizabeth Island and back into Deep Cove to return to Manapouri and Te Anau, hot showers, maybe a celebratory drink or meal out together? and comfortable beds!