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Real Journeys Visitor Centre, Queenstown

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Real Journeys - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Donna Thomas CTC, 118 South Bellevue Avenue, Langhorne Borough Pa 19047

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16 Years as Travel and Leisure Magazine Top Travel Expert for New Zealand and Australia

Travel and Leisure says: " Donna Thomas has explored many corners of North and South Islands in search of hidden gems. She can help birdwatchers see the endangered yellow-eyed penguin or send avid trekkers on guided hikes to secret waterfalls in Paparoa National Park. "

Real Journeys - Queenstown

Experience Fiordland National Park, a designated World Heritage area, and Queenstown with Real Journeys. They are a locally owned and operated company that has been sharing this incredibly beautiful part of New Zealand with travellers for 50 years.

Fiordland National Park located in South West New Zealand is the largest national park in New Zealand covering nearly 1.2 million hectares. As one of the world’s greatest wilderness areas Fiordland National Park is characterised by steep, jumbled topography, rugged coastline, dense rainforest and a challenging climate.

The exceptional beauty of this landscape has long been recognised with Fiordland National Parks creation in 1952 and being declared a World Heritage Area in 1986. (World Heritage is a global concept where natural and cultural sites of world significance - places so special that protecting them is of concern to all people are identified.)

In 1990, Fiordland was linked with three other national parks, Mount Aspiring, Westland/Tai Poutini, and Aoraki/Mt Cook, to form an expanded World Heritage Area of South West New Zealand. It acquired the Maori name of Te Wahipounamu (the place of greenstone).

Much of Fiordland National Park is inaccessible by road, however, the Milford Road, considered to be one of the finest alpine drives in the world, provides access to Milford Sound - the most famous of the fiords. Milford Sound is at the mountainous northern end of the national park and is renowned for Mitre Peak. The image of mile high Mitre Peak soaring above its sheltered waters has been a symbol of New Zealand’s wild and scenic character for the best part of a century.

Doubtful Sound is the second most accessible and visited fiord in Fiordland National Park. The route to Doubtful Sound includes a cruise across Lake Manapouri and a coach trip over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove at the head of Doubtful Sound. This fiord is the second largest of Fiordland National Park’s fourteen fiords and it is three times larger than Milford Sound. Doubtful Sound is known not only for its breathtaking scenery, but also for its abundant wildlife - bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins.

The best way to experience the vast and remote Fiordland National Park is by taking a cruise on Milford or Doubtful Sounds.

Other highlights in Fiordland National Park include a variety of well established walking tracks, including a one day guided walk on the world famous Milford Track, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, and other outdoor activities such as fishing, golf etc.

Te Anau, located on the shores of Lake Te Anau (the largest lake in the South Island of New Zealand), is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. This attractive township has a full range of accommodation options, a variety of restaurants, retail outlets and other services. It is located approximately 2.5 hours drive south of Queenstown.

Queenstown, in the Central Otago region of New Zealand, nestles beside the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu and at the foot of the imposing Remarkables Range. The resort is readily accessible by road and air. It has an international airport with flights directly to and from Australia and other key destinations in New Zealand - Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington and Christchurch.

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most popular resorts offering visitors a vast array of attractions and activities all year round. These include action packed thrills, sporting activities, wine trails, galleries, museums, shopping, a variety of restaurants and bars and so on. Queenstown is known for the regular sailing of the beautifully restored vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm . The TSS Earnslaw has long been a feature of Queenstown with a history dating back to 1912.

Across Foveaux Strait from Bluff at the bottom of the South Island lies Stewart Island, one of New Zealand's largely undiscovered eco-adventure destinations. Readily accessible by ferry or aircraft, Stewart Island attracts nature lovers from around the world for either a one-day excursion or a more leisurely stay.

With its network of stunning bays, inlets, golden sand beaches and bush clad mountains; Stewart Island combines a spectacular mix of inspiring landscapes.

Stewart Island Experience runs regular ferry services with daily departures between Bluff and Oban, on board our comfortable catamarans. The crossing takes one hour. There are coach and flight connections from Invercargill, Queenstown and Te Anau. Car storage is available at our Bluff Visitor Terminal.

Activities and attractions include cruising to Paterson Inlet, taking a trip to Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary to view the many birds and flora, or simply exploring Oban and gaining an insight into the community, history and environment.

As 85% of the island comprises the Rakiura National Park, it is the ideal place to see kiwi in their natural habitat. There are many eco-friendly activities available on and around Stewart Island - from viewing the wildlife, to walking, boating, fishing, diving, kayaking, or simply relaxing.

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A Word from our customers

Donna set up a three week trip for us in November of 2010 to New Zealand and Sydney. She set up exactly the experience we were looking for and provided all of the information we needed. She really listens well and designed a trip that gave us exactly what we were after. Donna and her team are real pros and we would recommend her to anyone. In fact, we heartily agree with another commenter that anyone considering a trip to NZ should not even think about taking a trip there without using Donna and her team.

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New Zealand Travel Donna Thomas CTC 118 South Bellevue Avenue Langhorne, PA 19047

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Photos provided by Chris McLennan, Chris Sisarich, Rob Suisted, Tourism New Zealand, unless otherwise noted.

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Take a Voyage of Discovery | Discovery Expeditions | RealNZ

Discovery Expeditions - RealNZ

Embark on a multi-day voyage of discovery through some of the most isolated and beautiful regions - cruise expeditions of the fiords of Fiordland or Stewart Island, New Zealand with RealNZ.

Pricing and Conditions

Coach transfers available from Te Anau and Queenstown for Fiordland trips and Invercargill for Stewart Island options (extra cost).

Prices are valid until September 2024 and are per adult and based on a twin-share cabin departing Manapouri/Te Anau & Bluff. If you are over 70 years, please consult your doctor to check your physical fitness. Cancellation fees are not negotiable (refer to our website for our policies) - we strongly recommend travel insurance for all passengers.

Cancellation fees are not negotiable (refer to our website for our policies) - we strongly recommend travel insurance for all passengers.

Embark on a multi-day voyage of discovery through some of the most isolated and beautiful regions in New Zealand. Choose between our Stewart Island, Dusky Sound and Preservation Inlet Discovery Expeditions and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime. Discovery Expeditions take you on an exploration into stunning landscapes, offering insights into the world as it once was on-board the purpose-built Milford Wanderer. Disembark and explore relics of settlements and delve into the rich natural and human history. All Discovery Expeditions have on-board specialist nature guides for the guided walks and activities - they provide informative commentary and spot wildlife. See our website for departure dates and itineraries.

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REAL JOURNEYS - Milford Sound

Locally owned company offering outstanding range of tours in Milford Sound. Both day and overnight cruises that explore this magnificent fiord. Luxury coach transfers from Queenstown and Te Anau and flight connections to/from Milford Sound/Queenstown.

Please recommend us.

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REAL JOURNEYS (Queenstown) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Save $500pp on a Discovery Expedition Cruise

Dusky Sound Discovery Expeditions

Follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook and explore an untouched world on a 5 day expedition

• Save $500pp on your Dusky Sound Discovery Expedition.
• Use promotion code Discovery500 at checkout.
• Offer valid on all departures in 2024, if you book before April 30. T&Cs apply .

Cruise and discover the remote south-west fiords of Breaksea and Dusky Sounds at a pace that lets you connect with their rich and spectacular landscapes. With more than 350 islands, these incredibly beautiful fiords offer many idyllic spots for mooring and trips ashore.

Our 5 day Dusky Sound Discovery Expedition will also take you to Doubtful Sound, well known for its wildlife, including fur seals and a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins.

From aboard the purpose built Milford Wanderer you will cruise in the wake of Captain Cook on his historic 1773 voyage to seek out the hypothetical   Terra Australis . With an on-board nature guide, great facilities and outstanding food prepared by our chef, you can be sure all your needs are well catered for.  

• 5 day expedition options
• Includes one-way or return heli-transfers
• On-board specialist nature guides who provide informative commentary and evening talks
• Guided walks through rainforest and along beautiful deserted shorelines

Visit historic sites and abandoned settlements

• Tender craft and kayaks for exploration of the coastline
• Coach connections from Te Anau and Queenstown at extra cost

Cruise Breaksea, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds

One-way or return heli-transfers included

Participate in guided walks, kayaking and tender craft activities.

Departures & Availability

Cruises are very popular and do book out. When the departure shows "limited spaces",  please call us on 0800 656501 for the latest number of cabins available for booking. Private Single Occupancy rooms also available, please contact us for pricing.

More Information

Departure location.

Dusky Sound Discovery Expeditions depart from the RealNZ Visitor Centre in Manapouri,  64 Waiau Street.

Getting to Manapouri

Manapouri is about 3 hours from Queenstown and 30 minutes from Te Anau by road. You can self-drive or if you prefer, let us do the driving you there by coach. 

Milford Wanderer - your home in the fiords

The Milford Wanderer​

Just because you’re escaping civilisation doesn’t mean you have to go without its comforts. Our vessel, the  Milford Wanderer , is a modern motorised vessel that has been purpose-built for navigating southern New Zealand.

Designed along the lines of a traditional sailing scow, it has old world charm combined with modern facilities and the latest in safety equipment. The Milford Wanderer offers "twin-share" compartments and shared bathroom facilities.

• 32 passengers per departure
• Warm, comfortable accommodation (two passengers per sleeping compartment)  
• Duvets, sheets and towels provided
• Modern shared bathroom facilities with hot showers 
• Delicious meals prepared by onboard chef  
• Open bridge policy - chat with the skipper during the voyage
• Kayaks and small motorised craft available for passenger use

Sample Itinerary

True adventure doesn’t follow an itinerary.

Our crew are experts in the area with years of experience and ensure you are getting the very best bespoke experience.  Every night they will advise of the plan for the following day to give you plenty of time to take it in.  Weather, tides and sea conditions all play a role in the planning, as does the ability of the group.

Therefore, the sample journey is a general guide only, all trips are subject to change based on weather conditions and crew judgment and that’s what makes this expedition unique.

Where time allows, additional walks, tender craft exploration and kayaking activities are offered.

Dusky Sound - 4 days with Heli In and Out

Sample Journey

Day 1 - Cruise from RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre to West Arm of Manapouri. Helicopter to Sunday Cove in Breaksea Sound. Cruise down through the Acheron Passage to Dusky Sound where Captain Cook spent four weeks on his second voyage in 1773. Dusky Sound is 40 kilometres in length and eight kilometres wide at its widest point. Over three hundred islands lie in this Sound. As you cruise past Cooper Island , the third largest island in Dusky Sound, our guides will talk about the work that Real Journeys and Department of Conservation have done to work together in supporting a predator free New Zealand.  Enjoy on a kayak or a shore landing before heading to your anchorage for the night.

Day 2 - Begin your day with a morning kayak or for a shore landing at Supper Cove in some of the lushest rainforest in Fiordland as you embrace the remote setting of this Sound. After lunch, embark on a five-hour return hike on Cooper Island that is rewarded with magnificent views of nearly the full length of the fiord out to the coast. For a gentler experience, the tender craft will take you to explore remote parts of the island instead.

Day 3 - Continue to explore Dusky Sound as you start another day with a visit to early conservationist Richard Henry’s house site on Pigeon Island. Richard Henry was the caretaker of New Zealand’s first island wildlife sanctuary in the 19th century. Cruise down past Parrot and Pigeon Island toward Facile Harbour. This is where in 1795, the first shipwreck was recorded in New Zealand’s history. Cruise through Earshell Cove and the narrow channels of Resolution Island to The Basin for a walk or some kayaking. Travel the waterway of Dusky Sound visit Astronomers Point.  Astronomer’s Point is the site of a temporary observatory set up by William Wales to fix the position of New Zealand and calibrate the marine chronometers (clocks) that Captain Cook used for navigation.

Day 4 - Helicopter from Sunday Cove helipad to West Arm of Manapouri. Cruise across Lake Manapouri to complete your journey at the RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre late afternoon.

Dusky Sound - 5 days with heli-out

Please note this is a general guide only, all itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions and crew judgement. In addition to below, there is also lots of cruising, and extra kayaking or walking where time allows!

Day 1 - Manapouri to Breaksea Sound Cruise across Lake Manapouri and coach over stunning Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound. Board the Milford Wanderer and cruise out of Doubtful Sound with a 3 hour sea passage to Breaksea Sound to conclude the day.

Day 2 - Breaksea Sound to Dusky Sound Cruise through Acheron passage to Dusky Sound and visit the Shag Islands and Sportsman Cove. In the afternoon visit Luncheon Cove, the site of New Zealand’s first European and sealers settlement. Optional guided walk (2.5km) over predator free Anchor Island.

Day 3 - Explore Dusky Sound Start the day with a visit to early conservationist Richard Henry’s house site on Pigeon Island. Cruise Facile harbour, site of NZ’s first known European shipwreck.  Cruise through Earshell Cove and the narrow channels of Resolution Island to The Basin for a walk or some kayaking.

Day 4 - Explore Dusky Sound Visit Pickersgill Harbour and Astronomers Pt- named and used by Cook during his five week stay in 1773. Kayaking and cruising time.

Day 5 - Dusky Sound to Manapouri Helicopter from Supper Cove helipad to West Arm of Manapouri. Cruise across Lake Manapouri to complete your journey at the RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre.

Dusky Sound – 5 days with heli-in

Please note this is a general guide only, all itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions and crew judgement.In addition to below there is also lots of cruising, and extra kayaking or walking where time allows!

Day 1 - Manapouri to Dusky Sound Cruise from RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre to West Arm of Manapouri. Helicopter to Supper Cove helipad to board the Milford Wanderer. Cruise through Acheron passage to Dusky Sound and visit the Shag Islands and Sportsman Cove.

Day 2 - Explore Dusky Sound Visit Luncheon Cove, the site of New Zealand’s first European and sealers settlement. Optional guided walk (2.5km) over predator free Anchor Island. Visit Pickersgill Harbour and Astronomers Pt- named and used by Cook during his five week stay in 1773. Kayaking and cruising time.

Day 3 - Explore Dusky Sound Start the day with a visit to early conservationist Richard Henry’s house site on Pigeon Island. Cruise Facile harbour, site of NZ’s first known European ship wreck.  Cruise through Earshell Cove and the narrow channels of Resolution Island to The Basin for a walk or some kayaking.

Day 4 - Dusky Sound to Doubtful Sound Cruise through Acheron passage to Breaksea Sound and then a 3 hour sea passage to Doubtful sound.

Day 5 - Doubtful Sound to Manapouri Cruise Doubtful Sound and Hall Arm. Leave the Milford Wanderer in Deep Cove and cross by coach over stunning Wilmot Pass.  Cruise across Lake Manapouri to complete your journey at the RealNZ Manapouri Visitor Centre.

How can we make a booking?

Click on “Choose Date” and search for your preferred departure date, then follow the prompts to complete your booking via this website. Alternatively contact us on 0800 65 65 01 (Freephone within New Zealand), phone +64 3 249 6000 or email us at [email protected] and our Reservations team will assist you. Please note that for website bookings the full payment will be required to confirm your booking, whereas phone & email bookings can be secured with a non-refundable deposit, with the remaining balance due 120 days before departure.

Are the rooms ensuite?

The Milford Wanderer has shared bathroom facilities on board.

Where can I park my car / campervan in Manapouri?

We suggest you park your vehicle in the View Street car park, in Manapouri. This is free parking for unlimited time.

Do you provide pick ups and drop offs from Queenstown, Te Anau to Manapouri?

We offer courtesy transfers from Te Anau to Manapouri. For transfers from Queenstown, coach connections are available for an extra cost. Please contact us for further details.

How fit do I need to be to take part in the activities?

All walks are optional. The Nature Guides provide a briefing prior to heading ashore so you can decide if you wish to join in. The walks are generally leisurely and not too strenuous, allowing you time to take in the area’s flora and fauna. Please note that the tracks are often muddy.

What footwear do we need to take on-board and for when we go for walks in the bush?

We recommend that you bring both gumboots and sandshoes/hiking/tramping boots. As we often do beach/shore landings where at the tide sweeps in/out and short walks, gumboots (preferably ones just below the knee) are ideal to stomp around in if the tracks are wet and boggy underfoot. The crew will advise you of what they recommend you wear on each adventure.

What is essential for the helicopter transfer?

We ask all guests to keep any of their medication with them during the transfers as you may be separated from your main bags for some time (possibly hours). We also request hand luggage is limited to a day pack/handbag, camera, raincoat and your medication.

Do I need to reconfirm before departure?

We recommend all our guests reconfirm 48 hours prior to departure and provide details of where you will be staying the night prior to departure, confirm your pickup point and departure time.

Do we need to pay for our meals or drinks while on-board?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all included in the price of your trip. Complimentary tea and coffee is available throughout the cruise. We have an licensed bar on board the Milford Wanderer and these drinks are available for purchase.

How can I pay for things onboard?

We set up an account for you for the duration of your cruise and we accept NZD cash or credit card payments.

Do you offer discounts for a group?

We offer a discount for groups of 10 or more people. Please enquire about availability and bookings.

I have been on a Discovery Expedition before – do you offer a repeat discount?

Yes, we offer returning Discovery Expeditions customers a 10% discount. Please enquire directly with us about making your booking to receive the discount.

How much luggage can I bring?

We strongly prefer our guests to limit their luggage to 1 soft sided suitcase or backpack and 1 day pack (ie small backpack or handbag). Luggage is especially restricted for helicopter transfers.

What should I pack/bring?

Nearer the departure date, we will provide a detailed list of “what to bring”.  However, we recommend our guests to bring gumboots / waterproof boots for onshore activities as it is often muddy on land and guest have to step into sea surge when going ashore. 

Do you offer kayaking on all your Discovery Expeditions?

The kayaks are available on all our Discovery Expedition departures – please ensure you talk to the crew onboard if you wish to go kayaking. Please note that all kayaking is weather and time dependent.

Do you allow fishing?

Due to RealNZ's commitment to the preservation of diminishing fish stocks, it is our company policy not to fish within the Fiordland waterways (in accordance with the Guardians of the Fiordland Fisheries). We therefore ask that you do not bring any fishing gear on board. However, if weather and timing permit, there may be an option to fish outside these areas (hand line and barbless hooks are provided, must adhere to quota). 

What power is available onboard?

Power points are 240 volts and available 24 hours a day.

What types of dietary intolerances/allergies can you cater for on-board?

We can cater for most food requests, ranging from celiac, gluten free, vegetarian and lactose intolerant. Unfortunately we cannot cater for Kosher. Please contact us to discuss any of your dietary requirements.

Are there hairdryers onboard?

There are hairdryers available on-board in the communal bathrooms.

Are we allowed to bring alcohol on-board the boat?

We have an licensed bar on board the Milford Wanderer and these drinks are available for purchase on-board. The Milford Wanderer is not licensed for BYO so please leave any alcohol at home.

Are we able to scuba dive if we have our certificates?

Unfortunately we cannot cater to guests who wish to scuba dive on our vessel.

Are we allowed to smoke on-board the vessel?

Smoking is only permitted in the designated outdoor areas on-board the Milford Wanderer. You cannot buy cigarettes on board the Milford Wanderer.

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Real Journeys Travel Team > Experiences > Real Journeys

At real journeys we offer a variety of experiences in some of the most beautiful places on earth – from stunning milford sound to spectacular queenstown through to the unspoiled magic of stewart island. come join us and discover for yourself what makes new zealand so inspirational..

Your Travel Team agent can add any of the Real Journey excursions to any of our packages – 1-800-788-0829

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