I'd like to do the Milford Sound fly/cruise/fly trip and it looks as if there are options to leave from Wanaka and from Queenstown - priced about the same or cheaper in Wanaka. Should I book ahead for this trip (we will be in the area in a few weeks) ? What is preferable Wanaka or Queenstown ? <BR><BR>Thanks !

My hubby &amp; I were going to fly/cruise/fly from Queenstown. We booked from the States ahead of time &amp; through a reputable companies web site..had to pay up front (which I thought unusual). BIG MISTAKE! <BR><BR>Due to the weather...we could not take off &amp; with our short time in Queenstown could not rebook. Turns out this company charged my CC twice for a trip we didn't take. I had to have my Visa dispute it.<BR><BR>Moral...You can book ahead..just make sure you don't pay up front!!

Nancy:<BR>We booked from Queenstown to Milford Sound by coach with return by air. We did the booking while on holiday in Queenstown. Had absolutely no problem booking. There are travel centers all over the place. If you're going to be in the area for a few weeks, you should have no problem booking after your arrival.<BR>By the way, not much in Wanaka compared with Queenstown. Though it is beautiful.<BR>John<BR>

We were on our honeymoon and too wanted to do the fly/criuse/fly. We waited until we were at Queenstown to book and were so glad we did. The flights in and out were cancelled for the entire week we were there - so no Milford Sound for us. We were then able to do other things in the area around Queenstown. I recommend the Dart River Safaris - you get to see the beauty of the area at Glenorchy and Paradise and have the fun of a jet boat ride too!

I am in the beginning stage of my planning a trip to NZ in August. At this point I am just reading and gathering info. Please tell me about this fly/cruise/fly of Milford Sound and where I can find some info on it. Thank you.

Hi Nancy~ My husband and I have been to Milford Sound twice and Doubtful Sound three times. They are both stunning, with or without good weather! If you are a nature person, I highly recommend that you stage out of Te Anau and not Queenstown. The tour buses leave Q in mass at 6 am and return something like 9 pm. Yuck. Also, I highly recommend a float plane out of Te Anua over the Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, an unbelievable experience. Queenstown is awesome by itself so save 2-3 days for that town. Tons of wineries, outdoor thrills, hiking paths, excellent restaurants and bed and breakfasts. Wanaka is not a good staging point for many reasons. Christchurch is a yawner, but there is a tiny village from there called Akoroa. Let me know if I can help further! We love it there and try to visit every year but it is a long flight from Dallas! Kelly