Better Than Milford Sound? Doubtful Sound | New Zealand's Best Travel Secret

[@gabygaedecke2411]

I will never forget Fjordland. This is where my beautiful Canon SLR got COMPLETELY waterlogged. (Luckily the old rice-and-plastic-bag trick overnight worked.) The nature guide told us some of those waterfalls were 1 km high - and I believe him. Mind-blowing country, this NZ!

[@frogacy42]

i think your nature guide was messing with you 🤣🤣

[@geangekate]

@@frogacy42 Actually a few of the waterfalls do fall from that height. Several of the surrounding peaks are over 1000m.

[@hudsonturnbullnz123]

Excellent Alexander and Carrie, absolutely excellent. Makes me feel so proud to be part of the RealNZ team and hope we see you down here again.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Hudson! Your team did an excellent job hosting us!

[@vidaallen4722]

What is the name of the company that took you in the 2 day journey

[@ttbko]

This has been a bucket list destination for years. Early spring 2025, as my retirement gift to myself!!!!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

You’re gonna love it!

[@elay.b]

Alex, wow! As someone who has seen every single travel vlogs you have made, including the vagabothers', this must be one of the most beautiful one you've made. I loved the reverence and the slow-pace. You transported me in a place of worship and awe of the creation. Thank you so much for this gift!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Firstly, thank you for the dedication and years of support. It means so much to me. Secondly, thank you for the kind words, they help fuel me to continue to create and share. I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@louhill4733]

I'm house sitting and it's so great to watch this on a large amazing quality TV to really see how beautiful it is! 😍

[@AlexanderAyling]

Awesome! Hope you enjoyed it on the big screen!

[@alejandramorales6896]

This is helping with my horrendous depression, thanks

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Alejandra. I hope you feel better soon. Sending good vibes your way

[@mariekebuitelaar182]

Absolutely wonderful video about such a gorgeous and special place, I had tears in my eyes just looking at it. I'm definitely putting this on my bucket list for when I come back to NZ. Thank you so much!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Marieke!! It’s well worth a visit

[@Alexandra-g9f]

Google it

[@niacomp]

Words can’t do justice to magical doubtful sound, much can be felt with your body postures. I will be visiting it for sure in dec25

[@Sallyreay1]

You captured Doubtful Sound magnificently. I was lucky enough to do the trip 4 years ago with my sister and husband who were visiting from the UK. It was a very special trip and one I will never forget. Thank you.

[@louisaklimentos7583]

I rather see Doubtful Sounds because it isn’t as busy as Milford Sounds . A most beautiful video and I wish I was there !

[@joshe3713]

your content deserves more peoples eyes. so underrated.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Josh. Help me out and share my channel with your friends and family. Word of mouth is the best way forward! Cheers!

[@sunshinegorman3218]

Breathtaking, even on my iPad. That trip looks better than a birthday party. Happy Birthday Carrie!

[@nannajaysadventures]

YOu can tell how much Doubtful Sound touched Carrie.... amazing.

[@ianh2674]

Symphony of the senses - sums it up beautifully Alex. Stunning.😊

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Ian. It’s a special place down there for sure!

[@babsdebipopsLiz]

You are a real story-teller Alex ! very poetic ;-) it is always inspiring to see that some parts of the world are still amazingly beautiful. I think it's my favorite video of yours so far

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Elizabeth - I love sharing and hearing feedback like this. Cheers!

[@iangarbutt7451]

Absolutely Fantastic Scenery!! Thank you New Zealand!!♥️♥️

[@travelwithbec374]

This cruise was one of the best things I ever did in New Zealand! Doubtful Sound is so beautiful

[@AlexanderAyling]

So much fun!

[@ewelinagryszowka3400]

No words. Just beauty. It reminded me of waterfalls in Iceland. I can see passion and I'm amazed . My first comment on KZbin. I had to 🤦

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Ewelina. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@stargazer5073]

Beautiful scenery, thanks for taking us along!!! Great job

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you

[@mandyabusahliya2660]

I really admired the soundtracks you used in this video, it fit in perfectly with the scenery! ❤ thanks for sharing this experience with us! 🙏🏼

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Mandy. Scoring my films is one of my favorite parts of the edit :)

[@youtube_moderator]

Alex, you have a real gift for presenting experiences. We're lucky to have you in NZ

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@effie-Toronto]

What a beautiful place Thank you Alex for all these amazing videos

[@mattmaiden9596]

Absolutely magic. Family coming from the Uk and this will be on our bucket list now for sure.Thx for making us aware of all the beautiful places in Aotearoa.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Of course. Thank you Matt. Safe travels!

[@casslarkin4567]

Beautifully shot and narrated, Alex.~Cass

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Cass!

[@casslarkin4567]

@@AlexanderAyling I'm always so inspired by Mother Nature and what she provides. Thanks for sharing this with we viewers.

[@elahhale9057]

Happy birthday Carrie. A beautiful way to celebrate and very fitting for Carries birthday pressy👍🏻☺️. She's such a lovely little earth sign. Sometimes it takes viewing, what we take for granted, through another person's eyes before we can truly see what's around us. Kiwis are born travellers, it's in our DNA. We often see the world before we explore our back yard. That's what makes your videos super fantastic. 🏆☑️🏅🥇🌟 Thank you 😊

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Elah. I appreciate hearing that my videos help you see the beauty that surrounds us a little more often.

[@sherreehill8299]

We are booked for this trip in November. After seeing your beautiful video I am super stoked. :)

[@janices6136]

You have just taken my mind back to when I was nineteen, A cruise to Australia taking in parts of the South Island. Christchurch and Dunedin plus Milford and Doubtful Sounds; before heading across the Tasman Sea to Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney. This was breathtaking taking this journey with you. Your description was right on, taking me back to a time in my life that I had left behind because it was so long ago. Thank you. It makes me feel so proud to be a New Zealander love the country I was born...

[@jacknife10000]

We did this in NZ, miss that place, so beautiful

[@AlexanderAyling]

So awesome. Doubtful Sound is incredible

[@philipnixey436]

I've been there twice now, and your video gave me goosebumps as I remembered the feelings I had whilst there.

[@indianairlines]

Really nice. Thank you for this delightful video. Informative, well narrated and nicely shot. I enjoyed this very much.

[@AlexanderAyling]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@eddiegreene7334]

Gorgeous video. Watching you two is like looking at family…that’s not easy to do. Incredible video skills..in an absolutely stunning location…it’s a win! Thanks you ❤️

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Eddie. Welcome to the family

[@Tiramisù.2-d6w]

What a wonderful place 😍 so quite and stunning and peaceful! You made a great trip

[@AlexanderAyling]

Glad you enjoyed it Patrizia

[@protandeutan]

You captured the moment! Thank you!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@KristenMelissa]

Wow! 😮 I had never heard of Fjordland before this video and now I really hope I can visit some day! 😍 I could really feel the majestic beauty and peace of this place through your film. This was both informative and relaxing to watch. Thank you Alex for making these amazing videos! Happy Birthday to Carrie!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Kristen. If you want another Fiordland video watch my Milford Track documentary!

[@Frank-rx8ch]

Awesome scenery in the deep south, even with the cold winds straight from the Antarctica.

[@RobinCapper]

Lucky to have done both the day and overnight trip here. I recommend visit Milford Sound, day trip, but make time for the overnight Doubtful Sound trip too. It's not inexpensive but factor in you're getting transport, accommodation and meals in a stunning location and it's good value. The experience is priceless

[@sharontihore1585]

So awesome Alex ,yes thanks for sharing this journey with us love it so beautiful. I love waterfalls

[@ericproulx8473]

Wow breathtaking!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

It’s amazing down there

[@taniahollis8571]

Your photography/videography on this was wonderful :)

[@beesmith3294]

My school had year six camp each year at Deep Cove (in the hostel by where you get on the second boat) in the middle of winter. We were so hopeful we’d get snowed in and have to be helicoptered out - my class was fine (although it was snowing off and on) but the next week the class after ours did! We were very envious lol

[@alanageary5905]

Stunning! I did the same trip last September, including the polar plunge, because as you said, why not? Such a beautiful part of the country. It was lovely to relive the experiance through your lens

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Alana. Such a fun trip! And awesome you took the plunge!

[@Nynke_K]

Wow! I was struggling to put into words how this made me feel but I think Carrie expressed it best (and then some)! It's funny how reminiscent this is of the fjords in western Norway, while at the same time hosting a completely different ecosystem in terms of all the species - and of course it's amazing to see it's virtually untouched by humans.

[@yvonneandbeyond]

This video is beautiful as usual and I totally LOVE the music! This feels like a storybook. Thanks so much for creating this! 🤩

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Yvonne 🙏🏼

[@parkiwi4787]

I am so Kiwi proud that your nature guide obviously came from Asia. New Zealanders embrace diversity, we're all Kiwi. Just love our growing family.

[@lostamonglocals5382]

Wow! you did an incredible job showing the beauty of Doubtful Sound. Your videos are so well done such an inspiration.

[@santhoshs7028]

Really beautiful. Thank you for the video. 😇😊

[@ros4645]

I walked the Doubtful Sound Track with my parents when I was 7 years old. Even carried my own little pack. To say I remember some of that trek now I am in my 60s shows what an incredible impression it made on a 7-year old. (I think at the time I was the youngest to walk the track). To say the scenery is awe-inspiring is an understatement.

[@msgriz56]

Your kayak moments are my absolute favs. Completely unreal and outstanding!

[@chriskeentechnician]

One of the few places in NZ that I still haven’t been. This video makes me want to visit now more than ever!! Thank you for sharing your experience 😊 What a stunning place

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Chris! Hope you get down there soon!

[@bextc32]

Reminded me of our trip in 2009. We did 2 full kayak days. But the luxury (and food) on the boat looks amazing. Agree it’s something everyone should experience once in their life. I still remember the feeling when dolphins swam by the kayak and the calmness and peace I felt out there on the water. 💖

[@barryhansen6854]

Over 22yrs ago had to work on the tunnel boring machine digging the 2nd tail race tunnel. We were repairing the head as the rock was so hard that the head was wearing out.Didn't see much as we traveled over Wilmont Pass in the dark morning and night due to 12hr shifts. Still this brings back memories of the rain and snow and cold as was in winter.

[@samantha1277]

Wow how beautiful, thank you for taking us along😍

[@AlexanderAyling]

Of course, thank YOU for coming Samantha

[@peterferan4389]

I loved it too and would like to do the week long cruise through the southern Sounds

[@maureenlowe32]

Thank you for taking us along with you to experience by your video the Doubtful Sound …..what an amazing serene and peaceful feeling of calmness the whole surrounding landscape emitted ….Best belated birthday wishes to Carrie your lovely wife

[@helenover3381]

Great vlog Fiordland is a wonderful place to visit thank you for sharing.👍

[@chrissessions6108]

8:32 helluva dive! 😆

[@AlexanderAyling]

I've been practicing lol

[@cynthialeaf8358]

Absolutely gorgeous place. Thanks for sharing and inspiring

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Cynthia

[@cyndicunanan400]

Wow magical. Thanks for taking us along.

[@chasingadeline]

That is cool to Get so close to a waterfall!!! We just did that in Norway 🇳🇴

[@pamelabarber1033]

Thank you enjoyed your video 😊

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Pamela!

[@jasonmuir4201]

Good one Alex, it's good like milford sound I hope u too have a good small break

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Jason!

[@jasonmuir4201]

We all need break, and good to travel around

[@karinwtfont]

Oh wow, the scenery is just stunning! Thanks for taking us there with you! Also lol to you saying you were going to tell everyone on the boat that it was Carrie’s birthday…and then her reaction. Haha! Happy belated Birthday to Carrie!

[@saharaf_]

Alex this video is absolutely out of this world, so amazing! I'm so grateful to you for showing us your part of the world. I have always been curious about New Zealand and just thinking of travel there sounds almost impossible due to time and money limitations. Thanks to your videos I am living New Zealand through your eyes. Thank you thousands of times for this. ❤️❤️ kisses from Italy

[@AlexanderAyling]

Grazie mille Sara!

[@glyniskevey8719]

Nga mihi..very much appreciate your acknowledgement and reference to te reo

[@francescathomas3502]

I have done the Milford track and seen Lake Manapouri, but I have never been to Doubtful Sound. Thank you allowing me to see part of my homeland that I will probably never see in my life time. I left NZ 22 years ago and have never been back. Your video was wonderful!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Of course. Thank you for watching Francesca

[@cordeliastockwell1837]

I can barely imagine the magnitude of the mountains! theyre massive on the screen, but I can only imagine how they are in person, like Carrie said

[@amandasubero]

I enjoyed this video guys thank you

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Amanda 🙏🏼

[@mariatomlinson2551]

Such an amazing video, thank you

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Maria! Watch my Milford Track film next :)

[@millionairesucce2872]

One of the best places to visit for sure

[@PeterGallagher1]

Such a wonderful place.

[@MTravelVlog]

I really enjoyed your video. 👌🏼 Great channel. 🤝 ⭐️ Greetings from Albania. 👋🏼🇦🇱

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you!

[@Nature_with_Peter_Kane]

What a beautiful place 😍

[@ExpatNatt]

Perfect timing with the video, I’m currently trying to convince my boyfriend to plan a trip to NZ with me when our borders reopen (hopefully soon please hahah).

[@TheMiks]

Wow! I never realized how beautiful that place is - Makes me want to go there too! 🙂Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@MonkeyandScout]

Beautiful vid. Makes me want to head straight back.

[@yvette1379]

Great to visually return to Doubtful, did a day trip a few years ago having only done Milford previously. It truly was breathtaking, as Carrie mentioned, photo’s didn’t do justice to how high or majestic your surroundings are. Being ‘in the moment’ was an unforgettable experience. Thanks for taking us along!😁

[@r.a.l.1898]

Y'all go to unique places!! Thanx for the trip!

[@ceramicnurse]

We did this same trip to celebrate becoming kiwis a few years back. Doubtful Sound is the bomb and seeing it on that boat made it so much more special 🥰. It was the DOC talk explaining what introduced mammalian predators do to NZ wildlife that turned me into an active Forest & Bird trapper. Lovely to see the Fiords again, you’ve done NZ proud with this one 🤩 🇳🇿

[@IndigoTraveller]

Great to see some parts of home, I miss the nature everyday. Thanks for sharing guys. Nick

[@tommyau2006]

Happy Birthday Carrie

[@rollyrolly7729]

Awesome experience bro. Was going to do that trip last summer but got too tired trying to see too much so Gunna do it on the next trip down to my daughter's. Did the pilot turn the engines off so you could hear the sound of silence? The whole region of Fiordland is just mind blowing and as Carrie says at the end there are no photos that do this place justice, you have got to see it with your own eyes. As you said with regards to the scale you need to see something you can relate to to understand the scale of the region. 1600 metre peaks don't sound that big and there are much bigger peaks above sea level around the world but when they go straight up from sea level they are massive, they go a couple of hundred metres down into the sea as well. Helps you put life into perspective. As individuals we are nothing on this planet. Nature is the king

[@rhondapeace3957]

❤️ so homesick now

[@AlexanderAyling]

Where are you now?

[@rhondapeace3957]

Buffalo, NY

[@exDamascus]

That was absolutely wonderful! Thank you!

[@laskinov]

Awesome vid guys. Would love to see the introduced wild life there.

[@adventure_outdoors]

That was one of my favorite places in New Zealand 😍

[@AlexanderAyling]

It’s awesome isn’t it?

[@Andy_M986]

Pure Salt is another boat that does that,but you have to get there by Helicopter apparently, then get taken out to the boat. It includes all the meals and drinks, kayaking,diving, snorkelling, and even hunting for Deer if you wanted to. Because it's a protected area, they take you ashore and check the traps ,show you around the rain forest ecosystem. Just have a look at Pure Salt on KZbin.

[@AlexanderAyling]

That sounds rad! I’d love to forage some fresh Kai down there

[@Andy_M986]

@@AlexanderAyling You would love it for sure mate,stay well.

[@talkthruthenight2299]

Gorgeous video!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you!!

[@annajoie700]

Thank you for sharing this majestic piece of nature with us all! Truly immaculate!! 👏🏼😻

[@shanewilson2484]

Wow! Stunning.

[@francisa751]

After all the imaginary Pandora planet from the movie Avatar, truly exists on the real Earth planet. Love from afar and thanks for so much beauty.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Definitely Avatar vibes down there haha

[@leilaniwagner69]

Wow! I felt like I was in this place. So relaxing. Thanks for sharing. 🤗

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Leilani. I love being able to share experiences and places like this with you

[@protandeutan]

I will be touring New Zealand from Feb. 15 to April 5 2023. Will you be in around? My first time there. Love to touch base.

[@chrisharris1522]

Pretty cool, how much do they charge for that cruise?

[@rollyrolly7729]

You can do a day trip for around NZ$200. The overnight cruises are around $500 which is not bad for the experience you get

[@Tom_McMurtry]

You'll have to Dusky sound too one day!!

[@eprohoda]

man-vry epic .see you on my side~ 📢

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@luizahayitova6870]

May Allah send me there to travel and enjoy the place like you, InshaAlloh. Thank you, dear Alexander and Carrie.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

I hope Allah does :))

[@geniehawke6397]

Have you ever thought about organising some sort of tramp/hike as a group. Like putting the word out for any subscribers that feel like doing one with you and Carrie :) feel like that would be so fun

[@rorycostello8916]

Lake Hauroko is the deepest lake in the country

[@Tom_McMurtry]

:)) Such a beautiful area

[@srishtifinance]

I miss the vagabrothers.