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!