TAD1

I am planning to take the Milford Sound Cruise at the end of October. Does anyone have recommendations regarding which cruise company to use and the best time of day to go? I've read on some reports that the last cruise of the day is good because it is less crowded - any other thoughts on this?
Would it be risky if I didn't book ahead at this time of year?
Thanks,
Terry

AlwaysOnTheRoad

We took the last trip of the day on the RealJourneys Nature Cruise and had a great time. The boat was not crowded. Weather-wise we were lucky but did not think so at first. The day was rainy but this meant that there was waterfalls cascading everywhere. Outstanding. During the middle of our cruise the weather cleared and we were treated to blue skies. Amazing how fast the waterfalls disappear when the rains stop.

TAD1

Thanks AlwaysOnTheRoad. I've heard other good reports about Real Journeys, so I think this is who we'll go with.
I guess we should keep our fingers crossed for rain!

swdke

I went with RealJourneys last year in November. It was a great trip. We also did the underwater observation platform which offered great information and viewing of life underwater. I highly recommend.

wlzmatilida

Hi Tad,

just throwing my $.02 cents in and re-affirming that Real Journeys is an excellent company to work with -- I've been putting my clients on their tours for 15 years.

Hope this is helpful.

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

hikrchick

RealJourneys gets my vote too. I went with them in January 2007 on a Doubtful Sound cruise from Te Anau and then an overnight Milford Sound cruise with kayaking. I didn't book ahead more than a couple days as I didn't know where I was going to be at what point.

I really appreciated the bus drivers. They explained a lot about what we were seeing along the route, and at one point we all got off and took photos in this huge meadow where Gandalf rode in LOTR. The buses were spotlessly clean and they picked up and dropped off exactly where you needed to be.

Both of them were fabulous but I would have to give my vote for the top one to the Doubtful Sound cruise -- so much more remote and with the fog and mist it was just incredible. However, I also loved Milford Sound, so I guess you can't go wrong with either of them.

When I think of the most beautiful place on Earth, it's Doubtful Sound in the mist.

TAD1

hikrchick, you touched on one of my problems- doubtful or milford sound?
We are only in NZ for 8 days, no time to do both. So much to see, so little time! I hate having to choose. But at least all the feedback has helped me to decide on which company to go with. Thanks everyone for your input.

AlwaysOnTheRoad

I have done overnights with RealJourney on both Doubtful Sound and Milford. I would opt for Doubtful Sound simply because it was more relaxed. Milford can be quite busy with boats, planes, and helicopters.

Having said that - if you can fit in an overnight on Doubtful and then do a day trip on Milford you could have the best of both. Milford is certainly spectacular.

You will not go wrong with RealJourney. Tons of food on the overnight trips - good commentaries, etc.

someotherguy

TAD1: Whether you choose Milford or Doubtful Sounds, I second the suggestion of others that you consider an overnight cruise: these are not only more interesting then daylight tours, but they make very good use of your time.

I've been on both Milford (overnight) and Doubtful (daytime) cruises with RealJourneys and found them very good. In my opinion, Doubtful has more of a wilderness feel, but Milford has the better scenery--though the weather may be the biggest, and least controllable factor.

Melnq8

For what it's worth, I've been on all three tour operators' boats in Milford Sound (Real Journeys, Red Boat and Mitre Peak). They're all good.

Melnq8

Forgot to mention that we took the last cruise of the day on our last visit to Milford and it was our best Milford experience ever - we practically had the sound to ourselves.

We've never once booked a Milford Sound cruise in advance, we just walk on a boat. You definitely need to book the overnight though, and in advance.