If you're staying in Queenstown, make sure you don't miss out on checking out Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
''So what's a sound?'', I hear you ask.
Well the Milford and Doubtful Sounds is an amazing part of southern New Zealand in Fjordland National Park where deep ocean meets towering peaks and sheltered coves in a dramatic landscape.Probably the best way of getting there is by jumping on a one-day tour bus from Queenstown, and then you can just sit back, relax and take in the stunning alpine scenery. And there's plenty of time for photo stops, so you won't miss a thing along the way.
Once you get into Fjordland National Park, you'll swap the bus for a boat where you will begin your cruise across the fjord. There's heaps of amazing natural wonders to marvel at, with rainforest clinging to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls. Check out Mitre Peak, which dominates the skyline, and watch out for dolphins and penguins and seals basking on the rocks as you glide effortlessly by. Aaah, bliss. Or you could even see it all from the sky by doing a flightseeing trip over the fjord. It doesn't get much more impressive than that! There's also an underwater observatory you can check out as well.
Doubtful Sound is an awe-inspiring place. After cruising the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri, you travel to Wilmot Pass where you jump on a boat at Deep Cove for a three-hour cruise, taking in the most stunning scenery of the Doubtful Sound.
We were lucky enough to see bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside the boat which was amazing - a definite photo moment.
On the return journey, the bus also stops at Manapouri Underground Power Station, where you can travel by coach 2km down a spiral tunnel to the immense machine hall and find out how the energy of rushing water is used to generate electricity.
• Real Journeys has been taking visitors to Fjordland National Park since 1954. Now, they also offer a Stewart Island experience and a joint trip with Queenstown Rafting.
• Trips start at $225 for the coach from Queenstown and scenic cruise to Milford Sound and depart at 6.45am from Real Journeys Visitor Centre, located on Steamer Wharf, Beach Street. Trips return around 7.30pm.
• Doubtful Sound trips start at $328 for the coach trip from Queenstown and three hour wilderness cruise.
• What to bring: Non-slip shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece jacket, sunscreen/ sunglasses, insect repellent and camera.
• For more information call 03 442 7500 or Freephone 0800 65 65 03, email info@realjourneys.co.nz, or visit www.realjourneys.co.nz
Rachel stayed at Base Backpackers Discovery Lodge at 49 Shotover Street, Queenstown, which is a great central location. Reception and internet is open 24 hours, and there’s an Altitude bar open daily from 4pm until late. There’s also a travel desk open from 8am until 8pm daily. For more details call 03 441 1185 or email: queenstown@stayatbase.com
