Sailing on Doubtful Sound - Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight, New Zealand

Sailing on Doubtful Sound | Miles Holden

Cycling in Fiordland - Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight, New Zealand

Cycling in Fiordland | Peter N

Cycling Around the Mountains with friends - Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight, New Zealand

Cycling Around the Mountains with friends | Great South

Cyclists riding along the Clutha Gold Trail - Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight, New Zealand

Cyclists riding along the Clutha Gold Trail | Geoff Marks

Sailing on Doubtful Sound | Miles Holden

Around the Mountains Cycle Trail - Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight, New Zealand

Around the Mountains Cycle Trail | Rossco Daubney

Cycling on the Around the Mountains Trail, between Mavora Lakes and Walter Peaks Station in the Vonn Valley - Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight, New Zealand

Cycling on the Around the Mountains Trail, between Mavora Lakes and Walter Peaks Station in the Vonn Valley | Izzi Barton

Cycling Around the Mountains with friends | Great South

Adventure South bikes lined up in vertical racking aboard the Real NZ ferry from Walter Peak Station to Queenstown at the end of the Around the Mountains cycle trail. | Izzi Barton

Spend an incredible overnight on a luxury yacht on the Doubtful Sound - Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight, New Zealand

Spend an incredible overnight on a luxury yacht on the Doubtful Sound | Real Journeys

Cycling the Around the Mountains Trail in the Vonn Valley - Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight, New Zealand

Cycling the Around the Mountains Trail in the Vonn Valley | Izzi Barton

Making new friends with the most populous locals in Aotearoa New Zealand: Sheep! On the road to Mavora Lakes. - Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight, New Zealand

Making new friends with the most populous locals in Aotearoa New Zealand: Sheep! On the road to Mavora Lakes. | Izzi Barton

Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight

Combine the Around the Mountains cycle trail with a magical overnight expedition cruise at Doubtful Sound

New Zealand



33 reviews

5 Days from

Trip Code: ATMD

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Duration

5 Days

Activities

4 days cycling
1 day cruise on Doubtful Sound

Accommodation

3 nights hotel/motel
1 night cabin on luxury yacht

Meals

4 Dinners
5 Lunches
4 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Introductory to Moderate
The Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound cycle is graded introductory to moderate. You will be cycling on a mix of wide designated trails, some gravel roads with traffic with some undulating hills. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 2 hours of cycling per week for the three months leading up to your trip. We recommend training on compacted gravel trails, and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. The more training you have done on hills and on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be.
2 / 5
Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint

99kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(397kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Enjoy the Around the Mountains trail through small settlements and lush farmland
Overnight on a luxury yacht on the majestic Doubtful Sound
Experience the "sounds of silence" of Doubtful Sound
Ride the new Lake to Lake trail from Lake Manapouri to Lake Te Anau
Cycle through the alpine landscapes of the remote Von Valley
Discover the pristine Mavora Lakes
Unique barge transport across Lake Wakatipu

Overview

This tour combines the best of the Around the Mountains Trail with an overnight cruise on the majestic Doubtful Sound in the heart of Fiordland. Explore secluded alpine valleys and remote lakes on our fully supported 5 day tour.

From Queenstown, we transfer alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston to start the Around The Mountains trail. A ride through the rural Mataura valley takes us through the small township of Lumsden and continues through Southland farmland and along the Oreti River. We then head to Manapouri to join an excursion into Doubtful Sound which takes us across the lake and over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove. Here we overnight and cruise through the extensive deep-sided fiord which has to be the highlight of this tour.

From Lake Manapouri we ride the breathtaking Lake to Lake trail and from Te Anau, we head back to the Around the Mountains trail to explore the shimmering Mavora Lakes and secluded Von Valley. We then follow the lakeside trail to Walter Peak Station where we board a family owned barge for a unique journey across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, where our journey ends.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

We will meet our guides in central Queenstown at 8:00am for a tour briefing before a transfer along the lakeshore of Lake Whakatipu to the historic railway town of Kingston where we start the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail. After a bike sitting and safety briefing we weave our way through the pretty rural Mataura valley, surrounded by the Hector and Eyre mountains towards Garston and Athol. Crossing a number of suspension bridges called the Golden Gate bridges we end our morning ride at Five Rivers where there is a cafe and gallery for us to visit. After lunch, our afternoon ride continues on the trail to the outskirts of Lumsden, passing through rich farm lands by the banks of the Oreti River, and then along a mix of old railway line and well-graded track, threaded between the highway and farmland to Mossburn, known as the deer capital of New Zealand. We will check into our accommodation and meet in the evening again for our first group dinner. Cycling Distance: ATM Trail : Kingston to Five Rivers - 48km ATM Trail : Five Rivers to Mossburn : 29km

Meals: L,D

This morning we continue to follow the Oreti River on purpose built trail, with views towards the imposing Fiordland mountains. At Centre Hill the trail meets a gravel road and we head off the trail on a gravel road back towards the Highway. There's a short 2km on the Highway to our lunch stop at the delightful Sprig & Thistle caravan, situated at the base of the Takitimu Mountain Ranges. Anna started the caravan cafe on Davaar Station which her family have been farming since 1915; the rugged hills and lush pastoral lands make it the perfect backdrop and inspiration for the food she creates. After lunch, it's a very short hop on the Highway before a scenic gravel road ride through to the outskirts of Te Anau, our home tonight. Cycling Distances : ATM Trail : Mossburn to Centre Hill Shelter - 24km Gravel section Centre Hill Shelter to Sprig & Thistle - 26km Gravel section Sprig & Thistle to Lake Luxmore - 19km

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we have time to enjoy the township of Te Anau, where the Bird Sanctuary is a 'must visit'. Here are some of Fiordland’s special birds that are difficult to see in the wild, including the Takahe, Kaka, blue duck, Parakeets and many more. Then its another short drive to Manapouri, where we are dwarfed by the mountains looming all around us and there is no question that we are on the edge of the wonderfully remote Fiordland National Park. At midday we join a spectacular Doubtful Sound experience beginning with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri, a drive over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove to meet our expedition style small ship. We cruise out into the Doubtful Sound, formed by glaciers, with huge cascading waterfalls and vertical cliff faces. As we sail we are surrounded by magnificent views with a nature guide sharing their knowledge of the region, and wildlife which might include dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. There also might be the chance to kayak from the boat. At the end of the day we relax into an evening of entertainment, fine food and comfortable sleep in our private cabins. In the heart of the wilderness of the Fiordland National Park we are constantly surrounded by magnificent views of the mountains, the sunset is superb and we feel quite insignificant amongst this grandeur.

Meals: B,L,D

After a delicious on-board breakfast and the the ship located in a stunning bay the captain and crew request your attention to enjoy a period of complete silence. The "sounds of silence" is a powerful way to highlight the immensity of Doubtful Sound and an opportunity to enjoy the morning bird call. We then have more time cruising through the fiord. We then return to Deep Cove and travel back to Manapouri over Wilmot Pass and Lake Manapouri, arriving at midday. This afternoon, we enjoy a delightful ride on the new Lake to Lake trail connecting Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri, following the glistening Waiau River. In the heart of Fiordland with lake, mountain and riverside views as well as native bush, wetlands and farmland scenery. On arriving into Te Anau in the late afternoon there will be time to relax or wander along the shores of Lake Te Anau. There is an option to join an excursion to see the glowworm caves by boat. Your guides can help with suggestions and make any bookings. In the early evening we head to Fiordland Cinema to see "Ata Whenua" (Shadowland) a beautiful short movie showcasing Fiordland landscapes from the air before our final evening meal together. Cycling Distance: Lake to Lake Trail - 28km

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we leave Te Anau and after a short drive we cycle from the hidden Mavora Lakes, a site of scenes from Lord of the Rings. We ride by the lakes and through the beech forest before continuing on to the colourful Von Valley. There is a real sense of isolation and the huge mountain and tussock landscape is vast. We farewell our supporting coach as we cycle downhill to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Mount Nicholas station. Here we are greeted with stunning views of alpine peaks and snow covered Mount Earnslaw at the head of the lake. We then follow the lakeside trail to Walter Peak Station where we board a unique, family owned barge to transport us across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, which brings our journey to an end. (On occasion there may be need for an alternative transport option across the Lake) Cycling Distance: Mavora Valley to Walter Peak Station - 55km

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

12 scheduled departures between 2 Nov 2026 and 5 Apr 2028.

Departs 2 Nov 2026 – ends 6 Nov 2026 (5 days)
Departs 5 Dec 2026 – ends 9 Dec 2026 (5 days)
Departs 6 Jan 2027 – ends 10 Jan 2027 (5 days)
Departs 28 Jan 2027 – ends 1 Feb 2027 (5 days)
Departs 14 Feb 2027 – ends 18 Feb 2027 (5 days)
Departs 5 Apr 2027 – ends 9 Apr 2027 (5 days)
… and 6 more departures.

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x5), two course restaurant dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
3 nights comfortable hotel/motel on a twin or double share basis
1 night in a double or twin cabin on a Doubtful Sound cruise boat with ensuite bathroom
Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 more more)
Entry to Ata Whenua movie at Fiordland Cinema
Journey across Lake Wakatipu on unique, family-owned barge.
Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
Transport from Queenstown (return)
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

Bike hire (including helmet)
Arrival and departure transfers
All beverages, other than with breakfast
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Optional activities from Te Anau (entry to bird sanctuary, glowworm tour etc)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel Insurance

About your guide

Our guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of two guides for many of our trips, (this may depend on the size of the group). All are certified in first aid and CPR and many are trained bike mechanics. To check out more about our guides see our ‘About us’ page on our website (www.advsouth.com).

Videos

Our Premium e-Bikes: Features and Benefits

Our Guides: The Heart and Soul of Your Adventure

Reviews (33)



Breathtaking scenery

Verna|New Zealand

5 Sep 2026



We did 2 bike trips. West Coast Wilderness was terrific. Sam and Nicki were knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful.

Round the Mountains and Doubtful Sound was also very good. Rob Pieper was our guide and he was terrific. Well organized, very sociable and supportive, an excellent guide. He said he had no more known guide jobs. We hope he gets more as he added to the enjoyment immensely.

Audubon F|VIC, Australia

19 Apr 2026



The trip was awesome. Our host/guide was extremely accommodating and made sure we had everything we needed - food, water, sunscreen, bug spray - to enjoy our biking days.

The route itself was nice and scenic although I did find the coarse gravel road on the second day a bit frustrating.

The trip to Doubtful Sound and the over night stay-aboard on the third day was a nice touch but my above average height meant I did have trouble getting comfortable on the ship.

The 4th day Lake-to-lake trail was a lot of fun and we met our host/guide at the bird sanctuary in Te Anau at the end of the ride.

Day 5 was rainy but we still had lots of fun and end our ride with a quick boat ride back to Queenstown.

Richard G|British Columbia, Canada

2 Feb 2026



I will write something thoughtful over the next few days and make sure I share with you. It will be super positive and I want to take my time and do this trip justice. It was awesome!

Bonnie G|British Columbia, Canada

2 Feb 2026



Highly recommend this cycle and Doubtful Sound experience.

Our guides were superstars - managing a group with both regular and e-bike riders to all have a fabulous time together.

The landscapes you ride through are dramatic and varied and the Doubtful Sound interlude in the middle is a perfect escape to a truly majestic place.

We loved every part of this trip!

Brent M|VIC, Australia

17 Jan 2026



I had a fantastic trip with Adventure South.

The food was delicious and plentiful and the accommodation excellent.

Our 2 guides, Robbie and Steve, were extraordinary. Professional, knowledgeable, thoughtful and ensured we all safe, comfortable and having a great time. The ride was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed it except the distance cycled on some days (over 70 km) were a bit long for my level of ability. Outstanding!

Kelly B|New South Wales, Australia

14 Jan 2026



Excellent well designed trip

Angela J|New Zealand

8 Jan 2026



Great guides, always working to make our trip fun and interesting. Didn't have great expectations for the Doubtful Sound trip but now want to do it all over again.

Simon L|Vitoria, Australia

15 Dec 2025



Great ride. Flexible to cater for weather changes. Guides knowledgeable and fun. Not too strenuous.

Marion G|Queensland, Australia

11 Dec 2025

Extra trip info

Accommodation Bikes Trail surfaces Will My Trip Run?

Studio Room at Carrick Lodge | Carrick Lodge

Motels

Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms with tea and coffee making facilities. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Overnight Cruise (Navigator Boat)

The Fiordland Navigator is a purpose built vessel designed to replicate a traditional trading scow and is perfectly suited to cruising the fiords, with spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with a fully licensed bar and an observation lounge. Comfortable private cabins are provided on a twin or double share basis with ensuite bathrooms. At night the boat will anchor in a sheltered bay and a delicious 3 course buffet meal will be prepared by the onboard chef.

Sinch eBikes - Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL*

Designed specifically for Adventure South, our fleet of Sinch e-bikes is built to handle Aotearoa New Zealand’s cycle trails with ease.

These pedal-assist bikes take the effort out of hills and longer rides, thanks to a smooth and reliable Shimano motor system and a comfortable, upright riding position.

For premium comfort and control, they are equipped with:

Large 630Wh battery

Electronic and optional automatic gear shifting

Swept-back handlebars with ergonomic comfort grips

120mm front air suspension

20mm suspension dropper seat post

Hydraulic disc brakes

Adjustable handlebar stem

All sizes apart from XL feature an exceptionally low step-through frame (40cm) and 27.5” x 2.35” tyres.

*The XL bikes feature a step-over frame with 29” x 2.4” tyres for added stability and performance.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth Muster, or cycling through Otago’s stunning gorges, our e-bikes are designed to help you enjoy every moment of the ride.

Merida Big Nine 200 (Hardtail Mountain bike NOT AN E-BIKE) - Sizes S, M, L & XL:

Our Merida Big Nine 200 hardtails are built for real-world Aotearoa New Zealand trails — reliable, capable, and comfortable. The lightweight aluminium frame and 29x2.4'' tires roll efficiently over a wide range of terrain, while the air suspension fork smooths out bumps and rough tracks. A modern, big range 1x10 drivetrain keeps shifting simple and intuitive, letting you focus on the ride ahead.

Hydraulic disc brakes give you reliable stopping power, and the rear rack fitted with one of our rack bags (included in hire) is ideal for stashing your layers, lunch or camera. With a relaxed upright riding position, this is a great choice for those who want a traditional, pedal-powered ride without sacrificing comfort.

With cleverly engineered geometry, this is a great choice for those who appreciate an engaging pedal powered ride without sacrificing the slightest bit of comfort.

Whether you’re cruising through the Roxburgh Gorge, flying across the Shotover Bridge, or pedalling beside the wild surf of the Taranaki coast, the Merida Big Nine 200 is a dependable trail mate.

* We have step-through bikes available on request, subject to limited availability. These are Avanti Discovery models.

Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ (Full suspension, MTB e-bike) - Sizes S, M, L:

This is the e-bike for riders who want the lot — comfort, control, and a little electric boost when the legs need it. The Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ features full suspension, a sporty mountainbike position, 29x2.4'' tires and a powerful Shimano motor that’ll help flatten out hills and keep your day flowing smoothly.

A long-lasting 712 Wh battery means you can ride all day, and extras like integrated lights, mudguards and a rack make it practical too. Whether you’re gliding around the Timber Trail, cruising the West Coast Wilderness, or soaking in the sights of the Alps to Ocean, this bike turns the dial up on comfort and capability.

*Subject to limited availability

Walter Peak to Mt Nicholas | bennettandslater.co.nz

Compacted Gravel & Gravel Roads

Majority of the Around the Mountains trail is compacted gravel with a range of wide and narrower trails. Cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces and aware that riding on this surface will reduce cycling speeds.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Guaranteeing A Great New Zealand Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?