Having traversed Lake Manapouri we were taken across Wilmot Pass by coach and descended into Doubtful Harbour / Patea. We boarded a ‘RealNZ’ launch for the trip through the sound’s various ‘arms’ out to the Tasman Sea and back. The overall experience was superb and we were treated to a variety of light and weather conditions which suited photography. The commentary was pitched right, maybe tailored for a New Zealand audience in the absence of tourists, and we learned of Cook’s reluctance to enter what he felt was a doubtful harbour. The captain found a quiet arm with no wind, stopped the launch and turned off the engine for us to appreciate another alternative name “The Sound of Silence”. Best to let the images tell the story.
