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www.realjourneys.co.nz

Experience

Milford Sound

the way you want to!

Milford SoundVisitor Guide

Daytime & Overnight Cruises, Sea Kayaking,

Coach & Flight Connections

Stunning Stirling Falls

Southern New Zealand is one of the world’s most beautiful, majestic and untouched places. When you arrive at Milford Sound you’ll soon see why it’s a renowned natural wonder.

Real Journeys is a locally owned company that has guided excursions into Fiordland for more than 50 years. Milford Sound is unique and so are we. We aim to inspire and to give visitors a renewed understanding and appreciation for nature.

We offer a range of Milford Sound options so you can choose one that best suits you - three different daytime cruises, two overnight cruises and sea kayaking. To provide you with seamless travel connections we operate our own coaches and aircraft from Queenstown and coaches from Te Anau.

Come with us and discover for yourself what makes this part of the world so inspirational.

Explore Milford Sound with us...

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02 Milford Sound - Getting there06 Map08 Nature Cruises10 Scenic Cruises12 Small Boat Cruises13 Conservation14 Overnight Cruises18 Sea Kayaking20 Discovery Cruises21 General information

Milford Sound - Getting there

By Coach

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.

We can show youSO much more!

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If driving to Milford allow 4hrs 30mins from Queenstown

or 2hrs from Te Anau plus additional time for stops

Milford Road Points of Interest

Te Anau Downs - Departure point for the Milford Track

Mirror Lakes - Famous for their mountain reflections

The Divide - Lowest east-west pass in the Southern Alps

Homer Tunnel - 1219m long with a 1 in 10 gradient

These are just a few of the stops along the Milford Road. Our drivers will choose the best ones for you depending on the season and weather - each day is different.

By Plane

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.

Free shuttle bus between Milford Airport and harbour.

Note: Flights are weather dependent; bookings essential.

See cruise options for departure details.

Milfordlanding strip

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fly both ways or coach & fly - you choose

Helicopter flight options available - please enquire

Milford SoundGetting There

“Flying... allows you to put the grandeur of these vast, awe-inspiring national parks into perspective” NZ i-TAG Guide Book

Milford Sound

Queenstown

Te Anau

Tasman Sea

Mitre Peak1682m

Anita Bay

Bowen Falls

Deepwater Basin

Sinbad GullyFreshwater Basin

Sea kayak departure point

Harrison Cove

Where Overnight Cruises anchor

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MilfordWharf & Terminal

St Anne Point

Stirling Falls

Nature Cruises

Small Boat Cruises

Scenic Cruises

Overnight Cruises

Sea Kayaking

Milford Track

• Routes shown are indicative only and

vary depending on weather

Milford Sound

Manapouri

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. 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

> 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

Nature Cruises

Sterling Falls

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Season Departs - Returns

Nov - Apr 10.30am - 1pm 1.35pm - 3.50pm Mid Sep - Oct 10.30am - 12.30pm May - Oct 12.55pm - 2.55pm

Coach / Cruise / Coach

Nov - Apr 8am - 4.30pm & 10.20am - 5.45pm May - Oct 9.50am - 4.45pm


Nov - Apr 7.15am - 8pm May - Oct 6.55am - 7.45pm

Coach / Cruise / Fly

Nov - Apr 7.15am - 5.10pm May - Oct 6.55am - 4.10pm

Fly / Cruise / Fly

Nov - Apr 12.30pm - 5.10pm May - Oct 12noon - 4.10pm

Check in 20mins prior to departure

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Harrison Cove Penguins LOVE it here

Our longest and most leisurely Milford Sound

cruise... see, learn and experience more

Discover 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)

> Spectacular Queenstown flightseeing options; fly both ways or fly back after coaching into Milford (weather permitting; transfers from most accommodation; bookings essential)

> Return helicopter flight with snow landing (minimum numbers apply - 4 adults, weather dependent; bookings essential)

> Suitable for all ages

Scenic Cruises

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All year 11am - 12.40pm & 1pm - 2.40pm Oct - Apr 9am - 10.40pm Nov - Mar 12noon - 1.40pm & 3pm - 4.40pm Nov - Apr 2pm - 3.40pm


All year 9.50am - 4.30pm Nov - Apr 8am - 4.30pm


All year 6.55am - 7.30pm/7.45pm Nov - Apr 7.15am - 8pm

Coach / Cruise / Fly

All year 6.55am - 3.40pm Nov - Apr 7.15am - 5.10pm

Fly / Cruise / Fly

All year 10am - 1.40pm Oct - mid Apr 8am - 11.40am Nov - Mar 2pm - 5.40pm Mid Apr - Sep 12noon - 3.40pm

Heli / Cruise / Heli

All year 10am - 2pm


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Fantasticviewing decks

Rated 5 stars by Trip Advisor 2012

Small Boat Cruises

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Explore Milford Sound on board the MV Sinbad with a few like-minded others.

The MV Sinbad’s small size gives passengers a close-up experience of the fiord’s rainforest, soaring rock walls and wildlife.Throughout the cruise our crew share stories about Milford Sound and point out highlights.

> Picnic lunches available (must be pre-ordered), plus sandwiches and snacks

> Underwater Observatory option, (self drive only)

> Spectacular Queenstown flightseeing option; fly to and from Milford (transfers from most accommodation; bookings essential)

> Return helicopter flight with snow landing (minimum numbers apply - 4 adults; weather dependant; bookings essential)

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Nov - Mar 9am, 11am & 1pm (duration 1hr 40mins) Late Dec - Mar 4pm - 5.40pm

Fly / Cruise / Fly (weather permitting)

Nov - Mar 8am - 11.40am & 10am - 1.40pm

Heli / Cruise / Heli (weather permitting)

Nov - Mar 10am - 2pm


Real Journeys has been nationally recognised for our conservation efforts - winning the New Zealand Tourism Industry “Conservation in Action Award.”

We work closely with the Department of Conservation on environmental projects. Current sponsorship efforts include protecting Whio (blue ducks) in the rivers near Milford Sound. Our staff are also actively involved in pest trapping in Harrison Cove, Milford Sound to reduce predation of native birds.

Real Journeys is committed to operating in an environmentally sustainable way and we are actively working to reduce emissions and minimise our carbon footprint. For example at Milford Sound we use bio-degradable cardboard picnic lunch boxes; a waterblaster rather than chemicals to clean our vessels; and glass is crushed into aggregate for spreading on driveways and footpaths. Efforts to improve are ongoing - if you have any suggestions we welcome your feedback.

Conservation

Whio (Blue Duck)

Suitable for all ages

Overnight Cruises

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An overnight cruise on board the Milford Mariner or Milford Wanderer offers a unique experience in magnificent surroundings.

Cruise the full length of the fiord to the open sea with our nature guide and friendly crew, keeping a look-out for wildlife. When we drop anchor explore in the vessel’s kayaks and tender craft, relax on deck or choose to go swimming.

As the shadows deepen, return under sail (weather permitting) to Harrison Cove. On arrival, enjoy the company of fellow passengers and a delicious evening buffet meal prepared by our on board chef.

> Dinner, cooked breakfast, activities, accommodation and hot drinks included

> Underwater observatory option (self-drive only)

> Queenstown and Te Anau coach connections with transfers from most accommodation

> Return flight from Queenstown to Milford or fly-out option available (weather permitting)

> Suitable for all ages (except infants in quad-share)

Milford Mariner - Private ensuite cabinsMilford Wanderer - Small private cabins with shared bathrooms and limited quad-share bunk-style compartments

Season Departs - Returns (day 2)

From Milford

Mid Sep - mid May** 4.30pm - 9.15am

From Te Anau (Coach / Cruise / Coach)*

Mid Sep - mid May 12.45pm - 12.30pm

From Queenstown (Coach / Cruise / Coach)*

Mid Sep - mid May 8.30am - 3.15pm / 3.30pm


**During May Milford Mariner returns at 10.15am; September vessel departs at 4pm

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Milford Mariner

> 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 Wanderer

> 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

Season Departs - Returns (day 2)

From Milford

Late Dec - mid Apr 4.30pm - 9.15am

From Te Anau (Coach / Cruise / Coach)

Late Dec - mid Apr 12.45pm - 12.30pm

From Queenstown (Coach / Cruise / Coach)

Late Dec - mid Apr 8.30am - 3.15pm / 3.30pm


Overnight Cruises

*May and September Milford Mariner coach connections depart Te Anau

and Queenstown Monday, Wednesday and Friday only

Note: Very occasionally a smaller non-glass roof coach may be substituted

Note: During September - late December and mid April

- mid May limited quad-share accommodation is available

on the Milford Mariner; December - mid April on board the

Milford Wanderer

Waking up in Harrison Covebelow Mt Pembroke isan experience of a lifetime

Paddle 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)

Sea Kayaking

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What to bring

Swimsuit or underwear (for wearing beneath wetsuit, vest / long johns), plastic bag for wet gear, shorts, soft shoes or sandals (will get wet), warm socks, towel, sunblock / sun hat / sunglasses, insect repellent, camera (disposable or waterproof), water bottle, change of clothes / socks / footwear, rain jacket for wearing after kayaking, lunch food


Nov - Mar 8.30am - 3pmOct & Apr 9am - 3pmSep 9.30am - 3pm

Nov - Mar 6.30am - 6pmOct & Apr 7am - 6pm Sep 7.30am - 6pm

Departures are weather dependent

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To find out more including booking, conditions and risk disclosures Freephone 0800 200 434 or visit www.seakayakfiordland.co.nz

GeneralInformationDiscovery Cruises

Fiordland & Stewart Island

The wild south beckons! From Autumn to Spring the Milford Wanderer explores the stunning wilderness coastlines of Fiordland and Stewart Island.

These five to seven day adventures, departing from Manapouri and Bluff, are available on a scheduled or charter cruise basis.

For details contact: Manapouri Visitor Centre Freephone 0800 65 65 02 www.realjourneys.co.nz

Save $$$20% Multi-purchase reward 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.

Kids Go Free during NZ School Holidays on selected departures with full fare paying adults.

For more details about these and other special offers please visit www.realjourneys.co.nz or ask at the time of booking. Conditions apply.

Lunch options Picnic Lunches - Available on all cruises; must be pre-ordered for Nature and Small Boat Cruises & Sea Kayaking. Vegetarian option available.

Buffet - Available on 11am, 12noon and 1pm Scenic Cruises only.

Obento - Available on Scenic Cruises and 1.15pm Nature Cruises only. Must be pre-ordered no later than previous evening.

Indian Lunch Box - Available on Scenic Cruises and 1.15pm Nature Cruises only. Must be pre-ordered no later than previous evening.

Underwater Observatory Milford Discovery Centre (Underwater Observatory) available with selected cruises all year. As passengers return by water taxi 30mins later than scheduled cruises, option is not available with coach / fly connections.

What to bring Daytime Cruises - Non-slip shoes / boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater / fleece jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and a camera

Overnight Cruises - Non-slip shoes / boots, waterproof jacket, change of clothes, extra trousers (water based activities), warm sweater / fleece jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, swimwear (optional), camera, overnight bag only

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.

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For all enquiries and reservations contact a Real Journeys Visitor Centre

Queenstown: Steamer Wharf, 03 442 7500 FREE 0800 65 65 03

Te Anau: Lakefront Drive, 03 249 7416 FREE 0800 65 65 01

[email protected] www.realjourneys.co.nz

Printed in New Zealand using environmentally friendly inks and paper

Share your experience with othersRJM

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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!

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