Milford Sound is more popular with more dramatic scenery. Cruises are shorter and you can drive to Milford Sound or get here on a tour. If you want a shorter day trip, a shorter cruise, are traveling with kids, or want to see what the famous Milford Sound is all about, then put Milford Sound on your list. A visit to Doubtful Sound takes a full day. A day trip here takes 7 hours from Manapouri. Doubtful Sound is more remote, harder to get to, and less visited than Milford Sound. If you like the idea of visiting a less touristy place and cruising through one of New Zealand’s most remote destinations, put Doubtful Sound on your list.