jinz

Hello,
It feels good to be back planning trips. Hoping to get advice from New Zealand, South Island experts. We are planning our trip to see Milford and Doubtful Sound. Our overnight trip on Doubtful is all booked and sorted. We need some help working out the Milford day trip. We really want to a 10.45am cruise but are trying to work out if there is any way of getting there without driving ourselves. All the buses/coaches leave Te Anau too late.
We are able to go on Sunday or Tuesday (20 or 22 November). Are either of these days better or does it make no difference - thinking more about the transport to and from the Sounds, especially if there is no alternative to driving ourselves.

We are Kiwis who have driven extensively on both islands. However, was hoping to be able to focus on the views.

Many thanks

Melnq8

I don't understand why you won't drive yourselves? It's not a difficult drive, especially for locals and especially that time of year. We've done it many times, at many different times of year and we come from a right side driving country.

The biggest hazard outside of the winter months IMO is drivers from other countries who stop in the middle of the road to stare at the scenery or who shouldn't be driving in the first place for various reasons. I'd think it would be a piece of cake for locals.

If you're concerned about not seeing the views, perhaps one person could drive in and one drive back out? A 10:45 am cruise isn't particularly early - you'd leave Te Anau at what, 8:45 am?

jinz

Hello Melnq8,

Thank you for your reply. You have previously helped me with many of our trips. We are locals but this is the first time we will be visiting the Sounds. Unfortunately, due to a medical condition my days of driving are over. We recently did an extensive road trip on the West Coast including driving through Haast Pass in quite severe weather. We managed fine. However, it does mean my husband doesn't really get the full extent of the scenery and I am hoping to make this a relaxing trip for him (especially after a tough 2 years for him as an essential COVID worker).

On our last trip to Europe we drove a lot ourselves but we hired a driver to take us on one part of the trip and he enjoyed being able to chat to the driver and relax.

Anyway, if it comes to it we will drive but hoping to find another solution.

Take care
Jinz

jinz

I'm happy to say I found someone who has been so helpful and the cost is far less than we thought. His name is Mark and he owns Cheeky Kiwi. Couldn't have been more helpful or understanding and everything is coming together for a wonderful day.

Melnq8

Glad you got it sorted. Enjoy your trip.

Bokhara2

Fantastic! Cheeky Kiwi might be a good solution for others needing a point-to-point and return driver.