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The Best Ways to Explore New Zealand’s Milford Sound

Hanging onto the South Island’s west coast, there’s no right way to experience everything this natural destination packs into its web of waterways and ice-age hewn causeways.

You’ve probably heard of Milford Sound or seen a few snaps in passing – it’s nothing short of magnificent, or so you’ve heard, as friends and family emphasise the rising joy of seeing the vast rock walls and tumbling waterfalls for the first time. Ancient and pristine, this is an any-weather kind of place – blue skies deliver the best photos, but the rain… there’s nothing quite like Milford Sound in the rain.

So, how should you see this spare-nothing spectacle? Coach tours? Boats? Planes? Assess the following combinations and make the right choice for you.

Coach–Cruise–Coach

Sit back and relax in air conditioned comfort, as a coach ferries you through the sights and sounds that illuminate the best New Zealand trips, before beginning the afternoon with Queenstown’s signature must-see. The Milford Sound Nature Cruise is a breath-stealer, transporting you back in time to an era teaming with eye-catching flora and fauna; if you’re not up-to-date on New Zealand history, allow the on-board nature guide to fill in the blanks. You’ll see Mitre Peak up close, feel the roaring spray of waterfalls on your face and spot dolphins, seals, penguins and the albatross, should the large-winged bird be in season. Alight with awe and amazement, your feet will find their way back to the coach for the next stop on your journey.

Fly

You know what you want to see. Everything, from the best vantage point possible. Take to the sky on man-made wings and book a private aviation charter, flying across the resplendent South Island before landing on the peaked terrain near Lake Quill for a sumptuous bite to eat and a spare few minutes in perfect silence. It will be difficult to tear yourself away, but bigger things are waiting – scale Sutherland Falls, zipping up and around every single inch of its 580m height, before savouring the gorgeous vistas of Milford Sound below.

Coach-Cruise-Fly

Do you want all of the above, without sacrificing experience and time, touring in comfort before and after Milford Sound is in your rear-view mirror? The coach-cruise-fly option is for you. A pre-booked coach is an all-access pass to a stress-free holiday, sparing you plenty of energy to do things your way. Discover the inner channels of Milford Sound, play spot the seal and prepare to understand the true meaning of amazement – on the land, by boat or from an eagle-eye, there’s always something else to see, whether you’ve already been or this is your first time.

Overnight Cruise

Step aboard the Milford Mariner, docked at Milford Sound wharf, and say goodbye to the dry for a while. From the late hours of the afternoon to the mid-hours of the next morning, you’ll delve into the deep corners and channels of one of the most beautiful and delicate places on the planet. You won’t be alone either, as an experienced Nature Guide gives you and your fellow adventurers a crash course in local history, geology and biodiversity, punctuated by a backdrop of rainforests, mountains and wildlife. After dropping anchor, you’ll be invited to Sound from a safe and secure kayak, before shaking off the day and digging into a fresh carvery buffet for dinner.

Are you ready for your New Zealand holiday? Book your Milford Sound experience with Relaxing Journeys today!