Milford SoundVisitor Guide

Nature Cruises

Scenic Cruises

Overnight Cruises

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 (twin-share cabins) and Milford Wanderer (quad-share bunk style compartments) with activities and delicious meals.

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COACH CONNECTIONS Milford Sound

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COaCh 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 daily Duration 12hrs 30 / 45mins

CoaCh / overniGht Cruise / CoaChSep* - 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 40minsMay - Sep 9.50am daily Duration 6hrs 55mins approx

CoaCh / sCeniC Cruise / CoaChAll year 9.50am dailyDuration 6hrs 40 / 55minsOct - Apr 8.00am daily Duration 8hrs 30mins

CoaCh / overniGht Cruise / CoaChSep* - 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

fiVe riVerS

Te AnAu DOWnS

FlIgHT CONNECTIONS Milford SoundFliGht 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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real Journeys flightseeing maintenance base

won New Zealand’s top aviation safety award

at the Civil aviation authority’s 2008 awards.

ask about our Milford Sound Flightseeing special offers!

timetableflY / nature Cruise / flYDepart QueenstownOct - Apr 9.30am & 12.30pm dailyMay - Sep 12.00noon daily Duration 4hrs 10 / 20mins

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

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NATuRE CRuISES Milford Sound

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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 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, 12.30pm & 1.35pm dailynov - Apr 10.40am & 1.25pm daily nov - mid Apr 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 40minsMay - Sep 9.50am dailyDuration 6hrs 55mins 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.

use our Fiordland Twin pack to save $$ when booking this cruise plus the Te anau glowworm Caves

SCENIC CRuISES Milford Soundexplore 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

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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 dailyDuration 12hrs 30 / 45mins

Depart te anau All year 9.50am dailyDuration 6hrs 40 / 55minsOct - Apr 8.00am dailyDuration 8hrs 30mins

flY / Cruise / flY (weather permitting)Depart QueenstownAll year 10.00am dailyOct - mid Apr 8.00 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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ask about our Children go Free promotion during New Zealand School Holidays

MIlFORD MARINER Overnight Cruises

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milford mariner overniGht Cruises Depart Milford Sep - May 4.30pm daily return 9.15am / 10.15am (day 2)

CoaCh / Cruise / CoaCh Depart Queenstown Sep* - May* 8.30am daily return 3.30pm (day 2)

Depart te anau Sep* - 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

During 1 - late September and May both twin and quad-share accommodation is available on board the Milford Mariner

What to bringShoes / boots (non-slip)Waterproof jacketchange of clothesextra trousers (water-based activities)Warm sweater / fleece jacketSunscreen / sunglassesinsect repellentSwimwear (optional)cameraOvernight bag only

timetable

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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

MIlFORD WANDERER Overnight Cruises

Sleeps 61

Quad-share bunk style compartments (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

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milford Wanderer overniGht Cruises Depart Milford Late Sep - Apr 4.30pm daily return 9.30am / 10.15am (day 2)

CoaCh / Cruise / CoaCh Depart Queenstown Late Sep - Apr 8.30am daily return 3.30pm (day 2)

Depart te anau Late Sep - Apr 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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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

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.

In recognition of our conservation efforts and quality delivery, we have won prestigious New Zealand Tourism Awards including NZ Tourism Industry Conservation in Action Award, Export Award and Qualmark Mark of Quality Award.

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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Whatever the fiord’s mood; teeming with rain, shrouded with mist or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you.

Ask About our greAt vAlue multi-pAcks And speciAl deAls to sAve $$$