Good tour operators for Milford cruise?
 

Can anyone recommed a good operator for Milford sound. We would like to do at least a two hour cruise preferabbly early in the am beofre the tour buses arrive (9-10 am). Thanks!!!

Jen

We took both the Milford and Doubtful with Real Journeys and were satisfied withthe service (really bad weather though). Anyway it appears everyone go about the same place and we did take the 10:00 am tour.

By the way we had booked ahead of time but when we picked up our rental car we noticed that they had a 10% discount coupon and the people at RJ were nice enough to give us a credit on our CC.

Hi Jen,

I've been using Real Journeys for 10 years (well, actually, they used to be "Fjordland Travel" until recently) and have always had satisfied clients!

Hope this is helpful!

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

We took the 10:30 "nature cruise" with Real last week and were very satisfied. It was on the sailing vessel "Wanderer" and they seemed to go out further than the other boats. However, if the weather had been bad, another boat might have been better since the "Wanderer" didn't seem to have the best inside viewing areas. Also, the commentary from the "naturalist" was pretty lame. The Captain did a much better job of pointing out the scenic highlights.

Ditto. We did an overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner when Real was known as Fiordland Travel and it was the highlight of our trip. The crew were very hospitable, young and friendly, and it was a lovely boat (being new when we did the cruise 3 years ago). The accommodation was roomy with a head (bathroom) to every room. The dinner and breaky was quite nice and the whole thing very well organised and very informative. If the cruise you do (and I highly recommend staying on the Milford Mariner overnight - those stars!!!) includes a tour to the underwater observatory do take up the option it's amazing.

Danielle,

I agree! I did the overnight cruise on the Mariner when it had just started; the stars were awesome, and for some reason I remember being particularly impressed with the rolls served at dinner! I tried to get more, but alas, all gone; so be forewarned, if you do go, ask for an extra roll at the start of the meal -- trust me, you'll be glad you did! :)

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist