milford sound - real...
TRANSCRIPT
Milford SoundVisitor Guide
Nature Cruises
Scenic Cruises
Overnight Cruises
Sea Kayaking
Coach Connections
Flight Connections
www.realjourneys.co.nz
In Maori legend the fiords were created not by rivers of ice, but by Tu Te Raki Whanoa,
a godly figure who came wielding a magical adze and uttering incantations.
Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is without doubt his finest sculpture.
Milford Sound is simply stunning
milford sound options
GettinG thereLuxury glass-roofed coach connections from Queenstown and Te Anau, plus scenic flights in our quality aircraft from Queenstown.
nature CruisesLeisurely, extended daytime cruises with specialist nature guides on board Milford Mariner, Milford Wanderer and MV Sinbad.
sCeniC CruisesDaytime cruises of spectacular Milford Sound on board our spacious, modern vessels; Milford Sovereign, Milford Monarch and Milford Haven.
overniGht CruisesOvernight cruises on board Milford Mariner and Milford Wanderer, activities and delicious meals included.
sea KayaKinGSmall group guided sea kayaking adventures. Top quality equipment. Coach connections from Te Anau.
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COACH CONNECTIONS Milford SoundCOaCh CONNeCtiONS
Milford Sound is awe-inspiring and getting there is definitely part of the
experience. Whether you are travelling independently or coaching with us, the
overland route is one of the finest alpine drives in the world. To ensure hassle-free
connections with our Milford Sound daytime and overnight cruise options, we
operate our own fleet of luxury glass-roof coaches.
real Journeys coaches have been purpose-built for travelling the Milford road
incorporating the latest technology for your comfort and safety. The seats are
angled and tiered towards the windows, and the expansive glass-roof provides
breath-taking views of the snow capped peaks above.
Our experienced drivers enjoy sharing their knowledge and there is plenty of
time for photo stops and short walks along the way. Our modern coaches depart
daily from our visitor centres in Queenstown and Te Anau or we pick you up from
most accommodation.
You can choose to coach both ways or, if you prefer, fly back to Queenstown
after coaching into Milford.
Depart QueenstownCoaCh / nature Cruise / CoaChOct - Apr 7.30am dailyMay - Sep 6.55am dailyDuration 12hrs 30 / 45mins
CoaCh / sCeniC Cruise / CoaChAll year 6.55am dailynov - Apr 7.30am Duration 12hrs 30 / 45mins
CoaCh / overniGht Cruise / CoaChSep* - mid May* 8.30am dailyreturns 3.30pm (day 2)
Depart te anauCoaCh / nature Cruise / CoaChOct - Apr 8.00am dailyDuration 8hrs 30minsOct - Apr 10.20am dailyDuration 7hrs 30minsMay - Sep 9.50am daily Duration 7hrs
CoaCh / sCeniC Cruise / CoaChAll year 9.50am dailyDuration 6hrs 40minsOct - Apr 8.00am daily Duration 8hrs 30mins
CoaCh / overniGht Cruise / CoaChSep* - mid May* 12.45pm daily returns 12.30pm (day 2)
*September and May coach connections depart Monday, Wednesday and friday only
Check in 20mins prior to departure
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timetable
To find out more Freephone 0800 65 65 01 or visit www.realjourneys.co.nz
“When you emerge from the Homer Tunnel and drop into
the Cleddau Valley’s amphitheatre of hard menacing rock,
you’ll feel like an inconsequential smudge on the landscape.”
- On Holiday Magazine
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FlIgHT CONNECTIONS Milford Sound
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“Flying...allows you to put the grandeur of these
vast, awe-inspiring national parks into perspective”
- NZ i-TAG Guide Book
To find out more Freephone 0800 65 65 01 or visit www.realjourneys.co.nz
timetablefly / nature Cruise / flyDepart QueenstownOct - Apr 12.30pm dailyMay - Sep 12.00noon daily Duration 4hrs 10 / 40mins
fly / sCeniC Cruise / flyDepart QueenstownAll year 10.00am dailyOct - mid Apr 8.00am dailynov - mid Apr 2.00pm dailyMid Apr - Sep 12.00noon daily Duration 3hrs 40mins
fly out optionMilford - QueenstownAll year following coach and daytime / overnight cruise excursionsDuration 35mins (flight only)
Check in 20mins prior to departure
note: flights are weather dependent; free transfers from most Queenstown accommodation; free shuttle bus between Milford Airport and harbour; bookings essential
FliGht CONNeCtiONS
flying between Queenstown and Milford Sound is the
ultimate way to experience southern new Zealand’s
dramatic alpine scenery.
enjoy expansive views of golden tussock high country
and the upper reaches of Lake Wakatipu before flying
over the snow-capped Southern Alps. A hidden landscape
unfolds below revealing glacial lakes, waterfalls, densely
forested valleys and cloud piercing summits.
Our aircraft have high wing configuration, enhancing
viewing opportunities and are specially selected for flying
over the mountainous terrain of Mount Aspiring and
fiordland national parks.
During your flight our meticulously trained pilots
point out the incredible scenery and provide a
detailed commentary.
On landing at the Milford Airport you are transferred
to your selected real Journeys cruise.
You can choose to fly both ways with real Journeys or
fly back to Queenstown after travelling the spectacular
road to Milford Sound on one of our luxury coaches.
A fly over option is also available.
Our flights depart daily (weather permitting) from
our Queenstown Visitor Terminal, Lucas place,
Queenstown Airport and we provide transfers from
most accommodation.
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What to bringShoes / boots (non-slip)Waterproof jacketWarm sweater / fleece jacketSunscreen / sunglassesinsect repellentCamera
timetable
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no matter how many photos you’ve seen of
Milford Sound, nothing can prepare you for the
incredible feeling of actually being there. it is an
inspiring and exceptional place.
Join an extended cruise on board a traditional-
style vessel or our small modern motor launch.
nature Cruises have a relaxed and flexible
itinerary that allows plenty of time to enjoy the
magnificent scenery.
Cruise so close to waterfalls that water soaks
the foredeck, or drift gently while watching out
for dolphins, seals and penguins. Throughout the
cruise, our specialist nature guide will be on hand
to tell you about Milford Sound and to answer
any questions.
• nature guides provide english-only commentary
• picnic, indian lunch box and obento lunches
available (if pre-ordered), plus café-style food
• underwater observatory option
(self-drive only)
• Queenstown and Te Anau glass-roofed
coach connections (transfers from most
accommodation; english-only commentary)
• Queenstown flightseeing options; fly both
ways or fly back after coaching into Milford
(weather permitting; transfers from most
accommodation)
• Suitable for all ages
milford sound nature Cruises MIlFORD MARINER, MIlFORD WANDERER, MV SINBAD Depart MilfordOct - Apr 10.30am & 1.35pm dailynov - Apr 12.30pm daily Dec - mid Apr 10.40am & 1.25pm dailyDec - Mar 4.00pm dailyDuration 2hrs 15 / 30minsMay - Sep 12.55pm daily Duration 2hrs
CoaCh / Cruise / CoaCh Depart QueenstownOct - Apr 7.30am dailyMay - Sep 6.55am dailyDuration 12hrs 30 / 45mins
Depart te anau Oct - Apr 8.00am dailyDuration 8hrs 30mins Oct - Apr 10.20am daily Duration 7hrs 30minsMay - Sep 9.50am dailyDuration 7hrs approx
fly / Cruise / fly & fly out options availaBle(see page 5 for details)
real Journeys contributes approximately $10,000 per
year to help protect Whio (blue ducks) in the rivers
around Milford Sound. in addition, real Journeys staff
assist with stoat trapping at Anita Bay and Harrison
Cove to decrease predation of penguins.
looking at multiple excursions? Save $$$ when you buy two or more different excursions at the same time
NATuRE CRuISES Milford Sound
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SCENIC CRuISES Milford Sound
milford sound sCeniC Cruises MIlFORD SOVEREIgN, MIlFORD MONARCH, MIlFORD HAVEN Depart MilfordAll year 11.00am & 1.00pm dailyOct - Apr 9.00am dailynov - Apr 12.00noon, 2.00pm & 3.00pm daily Duration 1hr 40mins
CoaCh / Cruise / CoaChDepart QueenstownAll year 6.55am dailynov - Apr 7.30am dailyDuration 12hrs 30 / 45mins
Depart te anau All year 9.50am dailyDuration 6hrs 40minsOct - Apr 8.00am dailyDuration 8hrs 30mins
fly / Cruise / fly (weather permitting)Depart QueenstownAll year 10.00am dailyOct - mid Apr 8.00am dailynov - mid Apr 2.00pm dailyMid Apr - Sep 12.00noon dailyDuration 3hrs 40mins
fly out option (weather permitting)Milford - QueenstownAll year following Scenic CruisesDuration 35mins (flight only)
Check in 20mins prior to departure
What to bringShoes / boots (non-slip)Waterproof jacketWarm sweater / fleece jacketSunscreen / sunglassesinsect repellentCamera
“even torrential rain adds to the atmosphere
of this magical place, as an ethereal mist
descends, periodically lifting to reveal the
waterfalls at their thunderous best.”
- rough Guide to New Zealand
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explore moody, dramatic Milford Sound in style.
Luxuriant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls washed
with waterfalls. in the foreground stands Mitre peak,
a majestic presence dominating the skyline.
Our purpose-built vessels offer exceptional viewing
opportunities with large windows, spacious decks and
comfortable lounges. During your cruise keep a look-out
for seals and other wildlife, as sightings are common.
informative commentaries are provided in several
languages and we have a wide range of dining options
on board. Treat yourself to a mouth-watering lunch
while drifting past the scenery.
• friendly staff provide informative commentaries
in several languages (specified departures)
• Lunch options include international buffet,
obento, indian lunch box and picnic lunches
(if pre-ordered), plus café-style food
• Queenstown and Te Anau luxury glass-roofed coach
connections (transfers from most accommodation)
• Queenstown flightseeing options; fly both ways or fly
back after coaching into Milford (weather permitting;
transfers from most accommodation)
• Suitable for all ages
during NZ School Holidays children travel free on selected departures, plus receive a free activity pack!
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MIlFORD MARINER Overnight Cruises
milford mariner overniGht Cruises Depart Milford Sep - mid May 4.30pm daily return 9.15am / 10.15am (day 2)
CoaCh / Cruise / CoaCh Depart Queenstown Sep* - mid May* 8.30am daily return 3.30pm (day 2)
Depart te anau Sep* - mid May* 12.45pm daily return 12.30pm (day 2)
Check in 20mins prior to departure
*September and May coach connections depart Monday, Wednesday and friday only
note: Very occasionally a smaller non-glass roof coach may be substituted
What to bringShoes / boots (non-slip)Waterproof jacketChange of clothesextra trousers (water-based activities)Warm sweater / fleece jacketSunscreen / sunglassesinsect repellentSwimwear (optional)CameraOvernight bag only
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Sleeps 60
private cabins with ensuite bathrooms (two
single beds or, if requested, double bed)
Spacious viewing decks, dining saloon, licensed
bar and observation lounge
30 kayaks and two tender craft
Three course evening buffet and breakfast
MilFORD MaRiNeR
Overnighting on board the Milford Mariner
provides a very special experience in magnificent
surroundings.
Cruise to the open sea with our nature guide
and friendly crew before anchoring for the night
in sheltered Harrison Cove. View wildlife and go
exploring in the vessel’s kayaks and tender craft.
Then enjoy the company of fellow passengers and
a delicious evening buffet meal prepared by our
on board chef.
• Dinner, cooked breakfast, activities and
accommodation included
• underwater observatory option (self-drive only)
• Queenstown and Te Anau coach connections
with transfers from most accommodation
• fly out option Milford to Queenstown
(weather permitting)
• Suitable for all ages (except infants in
quad-share)
experiencing the long southern twilight
and the dawning of the new day in
Milford Sound is an incredible sensation.
Travelling during spring or autumn? Ask about our fantastic off-peak rates
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milford Wanderer overniGht Cruises Depart Milford nov - Apr 4.30pm daily return 9.30am (day 2)
CoaCh / Cruise / CoaCh Depart Queenstown nov - Apr 8.30am daily return 3.30pm (day 2)
Depart te anau nov - Apr 12.45pm daily return 12.30pm (day 2)
Check in 20mins prior to departure
note: Very occasionally a smaller non-glass roof coach may be substituted
What to bringShoes / boots (non-slip)Waterproof jacketChange of clothesextra trousers (water-based activities)Warm sweater / fleece jacketSunscreen / sunglassesinsect repellentSwimwear (optional)CameraOvernight bag only
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MIlFORD WANDERER Overnight Cruises
Sleeps 36
Small private cabins (2 single beds, or if requested, double
bed) and two quad-share bunk-style cabins (occasionally
unisex) with shared bathroom facilities
Spacious viewing decks, cosy saloon and licensed bar
20 kayaks and one tender craft
Three course evening dinner and breakfast
MilFORD WaNDeReR
An overnight cruise on board the Milford Wanderer offers
a unique adventure. With our nature guide, cruise the full-
length of the fiord, keeping a look-out for wildlife. When we
drop anchor explore by kayaks and tender craft, or choose to
go swimming.
As the shadows deepen, the Milford Wanderer returns
under sail (weather permitting) to Harrison Cove. On arrival,
enjoy a delicious meal and socialise with other passengers in
the cosy saloon.
• Dinner, cooked breakfast, activities
and accommodation included
• underwater observatory option (self-drive only)
• Queenstown and Te Anau coach connections
(transfers from most accommodation)
• fly out option Milford to Queenstown
(weather permitting)
• Suitable for all ages (except infants)
To find out more Freephone 0800 65 65 01 or visit www.realjourneys.co.nz
“First sight of Milford Sound is stunning: still dark
waters out of which rise sheer rocky cliffs and
forests clinging to the slopes… The spectacular,
photogenic 1692m high Mitre peak rises dead
ahead. it’s a vista to make you go ‘ooo’.”
- New Zealand lonely planet
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MIlFORD SOuND Sea Kayaking
To find out more Freephone 0800 200 434 or visit www.seakayakfiordland.co.nz
timetablemilford sound sea KayaKinG(weather dependent)Depart MilfordOct - Mar 8.30am dailyApr 9.00am dailyLate Aug* - Sep 9.30am dailyDuration 6hrs
Depart te anauOct - Mar 6.30am dailyApr 7.00am dailyLate Aug* - Sep 7.30am dailyDuration 12hrs
*August departure Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only
explore this stunning fiord in a small group with an experienced guide. Looking
up at Mitre peak, pembroke glacier and thundering waterfalls from water level
is amazing.
possible wildlife sightings include seals, dolphins and occasionally penguins.
four to five hours of kayaking is involved and weather permitting we’ll stop for
lunch on a secluded beach. if the afternoon breeze comes up we’ll raft our kayaks
together and sail back.
Travelling with us along the Milford road is definitely part of the fun. We’ll
provide good kiwi music and tell stories, have afternoon tea and stop at our
favourite places. Alternatively, you can join us in Milford (pick up at Milford Lodge).
• Small groups (maximum 8 per guide)
• Top quality equipment (double kayaks) and clothing
• experienced kayak guides (carry group safety equipment and provide
paddling advice)
• Competence in water and moderate fitness required, minimum age 16 years
(no experience needed)
• Hot drinks and kayaking snacks provided
• picnic lunches are available if pre-ordered (extra cost)
• Te Anau coach connections (extra cost; pick-ups from most accommodation or
specified car parks)
“These are the guys to see about
paddling on doubtful Sound and
Milford Sound...” - rough Guide
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What to bringSwimsuit or underwear (for wearing beneath wetsuit, vest / long johns)plastic bag for wet gearShortsSoft shoes or sandals (will get wet)Warm socksTowelSunblock / sun hat / sun glassesinsect repellentCamera (disposable or waterproof)Water bottleChange of clothes / socks / footwearrain jacket for wearing after kayaking Lunch food
Contact us for bookings, conditions and risk disclosures
kids Go Free!During new Zealand school holidays children (school aged up to 18 years) travel free with full fare-paying adults on selected departures.
• TSSEarnslaw/WalterPeak•MilfordSound•DoubtfulSound• TeAnauGlowwormCaves•ManapouriUndergroundPowerStation• Stewart island ferries
Contact us for more information Valid 1/10/11 - 30/9/12. Conditions apply
Buy 2 or more different excursions at the same time and save 20% off all lower priced. Choose from our exciting Queenstown, Fiordland and Stewart island options.Real JOuRNeyS• Milford Sound (daytime and overnight cruises; coach and flight connections)
• Doubtful Sound (daytime and overnight cruises; coach connections)
• TeAnauGlowwormCaves•ManapouriUndergroundPowerStation
• Milford Track (guided day walk, lake transfers and coach connections)
• TSS earnslaw / Walter peak (Cruises, farm Tours (incl bbQ Lunch), Heritage excursions, Horse Trekking,
guided Cycling and evening Dining) •DiscoveryCruises
SteWaRt iSlaND expeRieNCe• Stewart island ferry (coach connections)•PatersonInletCruises•VillageandBaysTours
• GuidedWalks•MarineNatureCruises
FiORDlaND WilDeRNeSS expeRieNCeS• Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound kayaking (coach connections)
bOOking COnDiTiOnS: excursions must be different, booked per person and at the same time. Adult and child rates eligible. flights, coach connections and transfers are not considered separate excursions. return Stewart island ferry does not count as two excursions. Lunches, helicopter flights, Milford Deep, Queenstown rafting, black Cat Cruises and Stewart island flights, rental Services and Lodge are not eligible. booking refund requires notification 24hrs prior to first excursion departure. Cannot be used with any other specials or discounts. Valid 1/10/11 - 30/9/12.
Stewart island Combo - Save $25!Stewart island is perfect for a day excursion or an extended stay. When you buy a return ferry trip, plus a paterson inlet Cruise (or Marine nature Cruise) together enjoy great savings.
purchase any of the following at the same time and save more $$$• VillageandBaysTour•GuidedWalk
Contact us for more information Valid 1/10/11 - 30/4/12. Conditions apply
PROMOTIONS & PACKAgES
Travelling in Spring, Winter or Autumn? Ask about our fantastic off-peak rates
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Whatever the fiord’s mood; teeming with rain, shrouded with mist or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you.
QueeNStOWN: SteaMeR WhaRFfreephone 0800 65 65 03phone 03 442 7500
te aNau: laKeFRONt DRiVefreephone 0800 65 65 01phone 03 249 7416
MaNapOuRi: peaRl haRbOuRfreephone 0800 65 65 02phone 03 249 6602
www.realjourneys.co.nz
bOOKiNG CONDitiONS: bookings are recommended and pre-payment is required to confirm a booking. if cancelling, or amending a retail booking, a refund will only be granted when real Journeys receives notification 24 hours prior to departure. real Journeys reserves the right to amend timetables, cancel departures, substitute plant or equipment and alter ticket prices at any time.
FOR All ENquIRIES AND RESERVATIONS CONTACT A REAl JOuRNEyS VISITOR CENTRE
printed in New Zealand using environmentally friendly inks and paper
RJM
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see page 17 for detailsreward