Manapouri is only 20 minutes from Te Anau and among tourists is known as the gateway to Doubtful Sound.
There’s are not a heap of things to do in Manapouri, but there’s no denying it’s a beautiful place to spend a couple of days on the edge of Fiordland.
Continue reading for an idea of how you can enjoy your time in Manapouri.
5 FUN THINGS TO DO IN MANAPOURI
1. A Day Trip To Doubtful Sound
2. Relaxing on Fraser Beach
3. Cruising Lake Manapouri
4. Have a beer at The Church
5. Cycle the Lake2Lake Trail
6. Accommodation in Manapouri
1. A DAY TRIP TO DOUBTFUL SOUND
Looking out over Doubtful Sound from Wilmot Pass
Doubtful Sound vs Milford Sound? It’s a question people are starting to ponder more as Doubtful Sound starts to get more attention as a great alternative to the popular Milford Sound.
There are various ways to experience Doubtful Sound, with the most popular one being the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise with Real Journeys.
To get there from Manapouri, you catch a ferry across the lake, then a bus across the Wilmot Pass (which is landlocked), and board a cruise-like ferry that takes you around Doubtful Sound for three hours.
It sounds like a lot, but it’s all coordinated by the well-oiled Real Journeys team.
Unlike Milford Sound, you’ll feel like you’re in the wilderness here given how remote it is. There aren’t 5-plus companies running multiple cruises every day, nor are there helicopters buzzing around, or ferries bringing people back and forth from the Milford Track.
It’s amazing and so well run with little waiting around being idle. I was looking forward to this trip, and it exceeded my expectations making it one of the top things to do in New Zealand.
2. RELAXING AT FRASER BEACH
A foggy morning at Fraser Beach on Lake Manapouri
On the morning we arrived at Fraser Beach, before the Doubtful Sound cruise, there was a heavy fog over the lake. Yet it was so peaceful and the locals we chatted to said they love walking to Fraser Beach via the Old Coach Road track.
We ran along the track and it’s lovely.
After the Doubtful Sound trip, we headed straight back to Fraser Beach for the sunset. While we didn’t have a jaw-dropping sunset, it’s one of the relaxing things to do in Manapouri.
In the summer I can imagine the water is a lot more inviting to swim in too 😉
3. CRUISING LAKE MANAPOURI
Cruising back to Manapouri in the late afternoon
If you’re only able to make it to Lake Manapouri for a few hours, then consider a cruise out on the lake. Sure, it won’t be the full Doubtful Sound experience, but it’s beautiful.
Tracknet offer a two hour cruise of the second deepest lake in New Zealand that has 35 islands scattered throughout. Departing at 9 am and 3.30 pm daily, the prices are $75 for adults and $45 for children.
That’s great value for tours that are going to have no more than 12 people on board, and the staff will share some amazing stories about the Lake and surrounding areas.
I’d be interested to know what is the most popular things to do in Manapouri, the Lake Manapouri Cruise or Doubtful Sound tour.
4. HAVE A BEER AT THE CHURCH
As you drive into Manapouri, you’ll see a church-like building on the left-hand side of the road. Turns out it’s a former Presbyterian Church that was built in 1885 (that’s not a typo).
Today it’s still standing, and the two owners at the time of writing are locals who are in it for the community.
They’ve got a reasonable selection of beers for a small-town pub, and even some craft beer from the Catlins Brewery which I’ve never come across.
We missed out, but looking at their Facebook Page, they have live music from time to time which I can imagine is a fun night. All the locals will be out.
p.s. order the kumara fries. We were naughty and got a second bowl, they’re sensational.
5. CYCLE THE LAKE2LAKE TRAIL
Thanks to the Fiordlands Trail Trust, there’s an awesome 28km one-way trail that connects Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri.
We only had time to run a brief section of the track, but I’d love to back and run the full length at some point.
I’m not sure why this trail isn’t more popular. It’s a grade 2 track (easy) and is suitable for e-bikes with only minimal elevation changes throughout.
If you’re got a caring travel buddy, you could cycle one way and have them meet you in Manapouri at the other end. Or you can make a larger 41km loop (you can start at Manapouri or Te Anau).
There’s more info you can find on the Trails Trust site and the TripAdvisor reviews are worth a nosey.
If you’re looking for a place to rent a bike, you can do so at Wild Rides in Te Anau.
6. ACCOMMODATION IN MANAPOURI
For a small town, Manapouri has a good range of accommodation options.
We were freedom camping and found a spot which we believe is official (found on Maps.me) next to the Whitestone River, a 10-minute drive out of town.
There’s no massive resorts envading Manapouri which is great. There’s even a few places you won’t find on the traditional booking sites like Possum Lodge (they have dorm bed accommodation in Manapouri from $25) and Manapouri Motels & Holiday Park.
And as you’d expect, there are some options available on Airbnb.
I’ll briefly detail the five available options on Booking.com for Manapouri:
MANAPOURI LAKEVIEW MOTOR INN
The name doesn’t lie. All the rooms here gave a view of the lake which is awesome. And on a summers evening the BBQ facilities sound very ideal. The staff are great here, and previous guests really rate the non-serviced rooms and the onsite bar/restaurant.
This is the cheapest accommodation in Manapouri with options starting from about $84. Click here for the Booking.com page.
GLENDALE RIVER VIEW
With views of the Waiau River, you’ve got easy access to hiking and fishing from Glendale River View. It’s a holiday home with 3 bedrooms, and while many guests note the quirky layout they appreciate the sun terrace.
The only downside is the steep set of stairs to the toilet during the night, but if that’s the only downside, it must be good!
You’ll feel like home here, and in the morning you’re only a few minutes away from the Doubtful Sound departure point.
With the price starting at $180, Glendale River View might your perfect accommodation.
LEIGH COTTAGE MANAPOURI
This 95 square metre cottage is somewhere that’ll quickly feel like home with a lovely garden and BBQ facilities. Many of the previous guests mention how comfortable they are when they arrive.
No doubt the communicative hosts help with that.
And if you’re not keen on eating out, the cottage has a full kitchen with a dishwasher, fridge, and microwave so you can make a great home-cooked meal (you’ll need to get your groceries in Te Anau).
With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and prices starting from $190, check out Leigh Cottage Manapouri.
ACHERON COTTAGES
Jo is the host of the lovely Acheron Cottages (there are two cottages). Like the other properties listed, you’ll have a BBQ, garden, and free parking here, all while being a short distance from the Real Journeys departure point.
As you’d expect, the cottage has all the amenities you need for you to settle in. You can even get your washing done here.
Previous guests often mention how spacious the place is, and how easy it’s to get in touch with Jo should they have any questions.
You can book Acheron Cottages here with prices starting at $180.
KEPLER MOUNTAIN VIEW
Love alpacas? You might want to book Kepler Mountain View right away with prices starting at $200 (maybe you want to hike the Kepler Track too).
This is a great spot with a patio, pool (you can use the hot tub and gaze up at the Milky Way), garden, BBQ, and even a tennis court.
Ray and Jessie are the hosts of the place and must love cooking as they supply top-quality kitchen equipment.
If you find yourself staing in different accommodation in Manapouri, you can still book a tour to visit the alpacas.
And there you go. A short guide on the fun things to do in Manapouri.
If you’re going for a day trip from Queenstown to Doubtful Sound, make sure to head to Fraser’s Beach for sunset, and pop into The Church as well. If it’s summer, head to The Church first, but if it’s winter, head to the beach first before The Church.
RECOMMENDED READING
Fun things to do in Queenstown
I’m guessing you’ll pass through Queenstown on the way to Manapouri?
How to get from Queenstown to Te Anau
There’s plenty of options, and from Te Anau you’re just 20 minutes away from Manapouri
What to do on Kawau Island
An epic island to explore north of Auckland
Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.