If Milford Sound isn't the most peaceful place on earth, direct me to where you think is. I bought a ticket via Jucy Cruise. I purchased my package in Queenstown where my journey began.
The options getting there are:
By bus: A 12-hour tour that includes a bus ride to and from Milford Sound and a 2-hour cruise.
By flight: A small plane flies to and from Milford Sound followed by a cruise.
By helicopter: The tour stops on top of a glacier mountain to show off some serious scenery. You can select the stop to or from Milford Sound. This tour also has a cruise option.
I selected the bus tour since it was the cheapest. For 125 NZD or USD 83, you are picked up from your hotel and taken on a drive. The tours have great commentary so you won't be bored. After stopping at what felt like 100 hotels, we were on our way.
We stopped in Te Anau for food which is complimentary with your purchase. It's a snack box with a wrap, a fruit and bottled water. You are given 30 mins for food and buy souvenirs before heading back to the bus.
We stopped a few more times, one being in Fiordland National Park. Natural springs run through the area with a clean supply of drinking water. So, if you ever go hiking in Milford Sound, the water is safe to drink.
When the tour got to Milford Sound, we departed the bus and boarded a boat. The bought went out as far as the Tasman sea and gave the history of John Grono. He was the man who discovered Milford Sound by following the maps of Captain Cook.
The fjords along the banks are home to some impressive waterfalls. The only thing that stands out or is even close to the falls are the sea lions that occupy the shore beneath them.
Once the cruise is over, it is back to the bus and back to Queenstown. It takes a shorter time since the only stop is to drop off passengers in Te Anau. (An the traffic jam on the way) I was given a snack on the boat, also included in the price. That tided me over until I got back to the hotel.
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