Circumnavigating New Zealand — Fiordland 2020; Doubtful Dolphins

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Nat’l Park, New Zealand

We’re now heading into Doubtful Sound in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. As I mentioned Monday, the views here did not for the most part compete with those over in Milford Sound, but there were some nice exceptions:

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Nat’l Park, New Zealand

I will give a thumb’s up to the flora here, though. It seemed a bit more colorful than what we experienced earlier in the day:

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Nat’l Park, New Zealand

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Nat’l Park, New Zealand

And while the mountains seemed smaller, there were still some dramatic shots to be had:

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Nat’l Park, New Zealand

Being a wider, longer fiord, Doubtful Sound’s waters were not quite as glass-like as we had encountered in Milford Sound, but there were still on the calm side:

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Nat’l Park, New Zealand

So, am I glad we came here this day? You bet! Why? Because . . . dolphins! Lots and lots of dolphins!

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Nat’l Park, New Zealand

Our ship had apparently stumbled through a pod of dolphins, and I suspect some fish may have been stirred up in our wake. Or perhaps the pod were just in a playful mood:

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Nat’l Park, New Zealand

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Nat’l Park, New Zealand

At any rate, the ship’s passengers were abuzz at the sight. And I was fortunate enough to have a great seat in the back of the ship because cold drizzle had sent me seeking shelter a short while earlier.

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Nat’l Park, New Zealand

We’ll finish up Fiordland with this week’s Fun Photo Friday before moving on to our next New Zealand destination next Monday. Until then, one last look at Doubtful Sound for today.

Doubtful Sound, Fiordland Nat’l Park, New Zealand