- From Queenstown to Te Anau
We pick you up from your accommodation in Queenstown from 7:10am, as we drive out of Queenstown we will travel south along the side of the amazing ‘Remarkables’ mountain range and New Zealand’s longest lake, ‘Lake Wakatipu’.
The early history of the area, which was dominated by Gold mining will be explained to you as well. We then start driving toward Te Anau where you will see some of the most intensive sheep farming areas in NZ. Deer faming will be explained as we travel through the small township of Mossburn ‘The Deer Capitol’.
- From Te Anau to Fiordland National Park
We stop in Te Anau for approximately 30 minutes to give you time to wake up properly, have the breakfast that may have eluded you earlier or a coffee or take a brief walk by the lake. From Te Anau the scenery really begins as we drive north along the lake. Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island. If you are joining us in Te Anau we will see you at the ‘Pop Inn’ Café at 10:00am.
The Department of Conservation centre in Te Anau is where efforts are currently being made to save one of the worlds rarest birds the Takahe. The Takahe was thought to be extinct but was rediscovered in the mountains above Lake Te Anau back in 1948.We’ll also discuss New Zealand’s unique natural wildlife and an even rarer bird the Kakapo.
We will introduce you to some of the early adventurers, such as Quinton Mackinnon who established the world famous Milford Track and Donald Sutherland who established the ‘City of Milford’.
On entering the Fiordland National Park, which is the largest National Park in NZ we travel up along side the Eglinton river to three mountain lakes at the head of the Eglinton valley. During this part of the journey we will make the fist of our many sightseeing stops that also allow for some great photo opportunities.
We have a couple of different locations for lunch and we’ll endeavour to select the best spot on the day. These locations, it could be the serene ‘Cascade Creek’ or the spectacular ‘Gertrude Valley’ provide the opportunity for an alpine bush walk while the driver/guide dons the apron and cooks the BBQ lunch. There are some fantastic walks in the area and this is a great opportunity to experience the beautiful alpine beech forest up close.
The lunch stop and walk is a good chance to get to know the other people on the bus.
If the weather is really inclement, we have shelter available at ‘Knobs Flat’. While lunch is being prepared you can take a look at some interesting information in the base building, such as the photos and articles about the Homer Tunnel, Milford Road and the Avalanche control programme.
After lunch we head towards the Homer Tunnel, taking in some incredible mountain views while driving along side the crystal clear waters of the Hollyford river. We make some great scenic stops along this stretch of the road, at his time of day there are few other buses on the road. Once through the Homer Tunnel, we wind our way down the Cleddau Valley. At this time we will reveal why you are in an area called ‘Fiordland’ but are visiting a ‘Sound’, the difference will be explained.
We arrive at Milford Sound to link up with the 2:00 pm Scenic Cruise operated by ‘Real Journeys’. This is an ‘off peak’ period of the day therefore the boat is much less crowded. Being a large boat allows for plenty of space to move about and enjoy the spectacular landscape and wilderness of Milford Sound. Having had lunch on the way in to Milford Sound means no queuing for lunch on the boat, instead enjoy the views!The duration is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. There is complimentary tea and coffee on the boat or experience the fresh mountain water available. Keep a look out for seals and dolphins!
There is an opportunity for a stunning fight back from Milford Sound to Queenstown at the conclusion of the cruise by fixed wing aircraft the flight takes approx 40 minutes. This experience truly is awe inspiring and gives you a chance to experience this magnificent area by land, sea and sky. Check out the information on the bus and talk to your driver/guide, bookings can be made on the day of travel, or contact our reservations team for pre book options.
The journey back is a time to reflect. We can recommend a few restaurants and bars you might like to sample on our return. We can drop you off at your accommodation or downtown. A big day ….. but a ‘Day to Remember’.
Milford Sound BBQ Bus Prices |
