Milford Sound Cruise - RealNZ

Posted By : DAT127Ma
A guide in NZ recommended that we should consider going on a tour to Milford Sound rather than drive ourselves, which was good advice.

We chose the RealNZ Milford Sound Cruise from Te Ananu and it didn't disappoint. The online booking process was simple. The check-in location was easy to find in the middle of Te Ananu and the process quick and simple. Brian, our coach driver was fabulous and we stopped off at a couple of places for photo opps on the way to Milford Sound.

The cruise was professional, the commentary really interesting and the views stunning. We opted to take our own lunch which worked well.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-05 22:15:53

Posted By : PastLivesMatter
Our driver "Potato Paulie" made the long journey worse. Other reviewers say their driver knew when to stop talking. Paulie did not. He gave a never ending dull commentary which sounded like it came from a recording. Even when we saw his mouth move and his hands gesture it sounded canned. Jokes were stale. He could recite facts but he did not have people skills. He was short from the beginning and would scold people who were talking while he was talking. It's about the guests, not about you Potato Paulie. After 25 years on the job it's time to do something different.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-03 13:32:35

Posted By : shirleyn78
This was the best excursion my husband and I have ever went on. We absolutely loved the whole excursion - from the coach bus ride to the cruise - the whole experience was unforgettable. Luke, our coach bus driver was amazing! Not only was he a great driver (especially with all the long winding roads and a super long drive to get to Milford Sound from Queenstown), he gave great, interesting and helpful commentary along the drive. He also knew when not to talk to give us some time to rest and snooze. The coach bus also had large windows and windows at the top to allow us to see those beautiful views. The cruise at Milford Sound was spectacular! So many waterfalls and the views were breathtaking. I highly recommend booking a Milford Sound Cruise with RealNZ!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-01 11:20:11

Posted By : 697rebekahb
The bus ride from Queenstown to Milford Sound was long but great because of both the scenery and Peanut the driver’s commentary. Peanut was informative and engaging. The Sound is magnificent.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-30 17:40:06

Posted By : W3753MDkarena
I have wished to sail the Milford Sound for the last 40+ years, and finally I did it. It rained, but, it's the Sound. We sailed on the 'Sovereign'.
Oh... what a DISAPPIONTMENT. Even though I explained when I booked that I had a Disability, it was not made clear that it would mean my Entire trip would be spent sitting down on the entrance deck with NO clear view of the outside. With the rain on the windows, and with the side of the boat coming up to my upper cheek level, viewing was virtually Nil.
I was stranded on the downstairs entry level, as there IS NO accommodations on the boat to cater for the disabled - this also includes access to a toilet. No Lift, No realistic angled ramps. I need a x4 wheeled walker for any mobility, but am unable to climb stairs. If you are in a wheelchair - forget it!
Advice from RealNZ to travelers states, 'Cash Only' on board. You can buy your lunch/coffee etc from the onboard cafeteria. NO! By the time we found a seat, realised 'this is it for us' and my husband battled his way through another - catered for - tour group onboard, to get upstairs (only 10 - 15 minutes later), there was Literally, no lunch to buy. The level of catering, considering there are a known number of passengers per trip, was unbelievably inadequate. Had we known it would be that bad, we would happily have taken a sandwich and a flask. There was coffee on a counter near us, but we were informed, 'that was for the -catered for- tour group, and we could get ours upstairs. Again NO!
There was an upside on the day. We chose to travel by RealNZ Coach, return from Te Anau. We had the most amazing and accommodating Coach Driver 'Peanut'. Knowledgeable, Articulate, Humerous, Peanut made the trip both ways a very pleasurable experience. He is a keeper.
In ALL a very disappointing experience, and until RealNZ or any other tourist providers accept they need to get in to the 21st Century and cater for everyone, I suspect we will not be the only tourists to miss out. As a Kiwi myself, I am embarrassed to think some may have come from overseas and have to face such a disappointment.
Sadly I can't add any photos, I couldn't take any! This was meant be the Highlight of my South Island trip. Turns out, it is my biggest disappointment. From my experience, if you have a PHYSICAL DISABILITY, I would not recommend this trip.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-22 22:02:26

Posted By : Traveler32559900161
Amazing trip! The bus tour was already Great with stops at amazing spots. Cruise was awesome despite or rather because of the rain! Great service and communication from RealNZ and busdriver! Highly recommended.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-20 20:22:49

Posted By : kikit482
The trip was amazing and so was our driver Brian! He was very informative throughout the whole trip and did not stop smiling all day. Thank you!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-20 17:24:34

Posted By : Victoria3617
The weather cooperated. The scenery is breathtaking. It was so much easier to get there by bus. real NZ made the booking simple.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-18 01:04:43

Posted By : 765shawno
Tour guide was great, coach was clean and pleasant, boat ride was great, pilot was very skilled. Buffet was not amazing and they ran out of food very quickly. All in all, great, but maybe skip the buffet and go with the box lunch instead.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-14 16:28:29

Posted By : Maps00654960887
Good advice and precise implementation of the booking. I was able to learn a lot about New Zealand and its history during the trip. And being able to see this wonderful nature was indescribable.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-13 18:48:37