kayak vs boat on Milford Sound, NZ
 

I will be in NZ in January. My husband and I have kayaked a few times--amongst the mangroves in Florida, up to a glacier in Alaska. I see that one can go on a guided kayak trip as well as the boat trips on the Sound. Has anyone on here done this? How does it compare to a day trip by boat?

Of course, I know it would be a different experience than the overnight trip that I've seen. We will consider that as well, but the kayak sounds intriguing.

We did a full day kayaking in October a few years ago - experienced hail storms, wind storms, torrential rain and sunshine. January shd be a little more benign. Fantastic way to see the Sound. Penguins swim by & if you are lucky you will see sea mammals. We spent the night before in the backpackers which meant we were on the Sound before all the Tourist boats took off. It is very beautiful & awe inspiring.
It was a big day & when we returned the wind & tide was against us - we aren't the fittest but we managed.
Haven't done the boat trip.

We took the Doubtful Sound overnight, and in the afternoon did a short kayak trip from the boat. ((R))

We signed up for a full day guided kayak trip in Te Anau and it was one of the highlights of our trip. We kayaked up to the second waterfall on the sound, turned around and, with the wind at our backs, put up sails and sped through the waves to our lunch spot. On the way back to Te Anau we had tea by the side of the road.

You must kayak Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, great views and very relaxing.
Cheers, Glenn
www.newzealandatoz.com