Milford Sound Real Journeys

There are many options when it comes to entering the Fiorldland region. The transportation options are a coach with Real Journeys, hiring your own car and driving in, or being flown in by a plane. The method of transport reviewed below will be the coach with Real Journeys into Milford sound, followed by the scenic cruise that this company offers as something to do when in the region.

Kea, New Zealand Parrot

The journey begins in two locations either Queenstown or Te Anau. The drive is around 5-6 hours from Queenstown and around 3 hours from Te Anau. The luxury coaches are fitted with glass roofs and specially designed seats to ensure none of the fantastic scenery is missed on the exciting journey into the unique environment of Milford Sound. Some of the advantages of taking the coach in rather than driving yourself are, firstly the opportunities to be able to take photos and admire the scenery are greatly increased because someone else is driving, another being the commentary that the coach driver provides on the way which is very informative as wells as very interesting and lastly that the coach driver knows the roads and the places to stop for photos due to their highly admirable experience that they have gained over the years.

One of the boats from the fleet.

Milford Sound itself is one of the wettest places in New Zealand with a high mean annual rainfall of 7 meters so when entering the region be wary of this and dress accordingly. Once arriving in Milford Sound the option of a scenic cruise is available. The cruise duration is an hour and 40 minutes and encompasses some outstanding scenery and wildlife; Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier are examples of two outstanding geographical landforms to be seen on the cruise, if weather permits that is. For more about the Milford Sound click here!

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New Zealand Fur Seals

Shotover Canyon Swing

Thrill, excitement and fulfilment are just some of the feelings experienced after the Shotover Canyon Swing. The 60 meter free fall, 200 meter swing provides a huge sense of enjoyment, a lifetime experience never to be missed.

Canyon Swing Jump Site!

Located in the heart of Queenstown, the Canyon Swing office provides a room full of adventure. The team at canyon swing will record the weight limit for each individual using a unique image instead of a blatant number to add some creativeness to the trip as well as removing insecurities ­that people have about their weight. After everyone has signed their life away (a waver form) they will be loaded into the van for a short drive to the jump site. A TV screen in the van shows previous thrill seekers jumping the gap and feeling the liveliness that it provides people with.

Once arriving at the car park a scene is created with the type of business that canyon swing is, with the comedy surrounding specific things like the toilets shown in the picture below. This ‘fun’ environment is continued along the short walk to the jump site office where the first glimpse of the canyon is revealed, this office also an adventure rich setting that looks out onto the jump site. After a quick but thorough safety briefing by the jump master the group will be escorted down to the platform where it all happens!

With over 70 jump styles and the option of going solo or tandem the options on how to jump are endless, the jump masters are very upbeat and enthusiastic about what they do and if need be will offer each individual a different personalised jump style. The cost of the canyon swing is $199 for the first jump and then $39 for any extra jumps. For more click here!

Franz Josef Glacier Country Kayaks

Feel the fresh air from the surrounding mountains, experience the phenomenal scenery, and paddle to your hearts content. Lake Mapourika acts as a perfect place for the outdoor activity of kayaking.

Lake Mapourika is located approximately five minutes drive north of the Franz Josef township. Many years ago during the last ice age period this lake was a glacier, carved out by an enormous mass of ice. Today it is the largest of the West Coast lakes and drains into the Okarito Lagoon. It is a fresh water lake so the water may be consumed. 

Glacier Country Tours & Kayaks provide an outstanding service to experience the dynamic alpine environment and West Coast rainforest that surrounds the lake.

The trip starts on the eastern side of the lake where the guides will brief the group on safety, and ensure everyone is equipped with the correct gear for the journey ahead. Each individual will be questioned about their previous experience kayaking, this helps the guides to establish what level everyone is at. No prior knowledge of how to kayak is required. 

The adventure really begins when everyone is on the water and are astonished by the reflection of the unruffled lake, the harmony of the birds chirping and the fresh aroma in the air. The duration of the trip is 3 hours which includes paddling over to the western side of the lake and up a creek to a kiwi sanctuary. The guides are very knowledgeable about the local town they live in and also the surrounding environment so it would be worthwhile asking questions. 

The cost of the trip is $105 per person which is a reasonable price considering the length of it. They also have a great family deal of $235 which includes 2 adults and 2 children. 

Remember to dress for the occasion and enjoy a trip that many others have appreciated!

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