Great way to travel from Bluff to Stewart Island. Our trip was lovely cursing at 20 knots in a lite sea.
Thanks for a great experience.
Colin and Lyn Olds
Great way to travel from Bluff to Stewart Island. Our trip was lovely cursing at 20 knots in a lite sea.
Thanks for a great experience.
Colin and Lyn Olds
Hi Colin and Lyn, thanks so much for taking the time to post this review. We hope to welcome you aboard again in the not too distant future.
Kind regards, the team at Stewart Island Experience.
We went on the first night of the season (September 1) and couldn't have asked for a better experience. Well, I was secretly hoping we'd encounter a sea lion on the beach but it's probably for the best we didn't. The guides demonstrated impressive knowledge, passion, and respect for animals and the environment. We learned a lot along the way, not just about kiwis. Also saw some of the best stars on our entire New Zealand trip since the area is so remote. Recommended for people who can endure a couple hours of walking and climbing stairs/trails stealthily. Not recommended for children, impatient people, or those who just want to get a selfie with a kiwi.
Kia Ora Jenster,
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear you had a stellar experience and our guides displayed the knowledge, passion and respect we share for the wonderful place we call home.
Kind Regards - The Team at Stewart Island Experience
A great way to get to Stewart Island. Very professional operators and hospitable crew. Bar on board, plus tea and coffee and great scenery but can be a little rough at times.
Kia Ora Roy E, thanks for taking the time to post your 5 star feedback. Yes, it can be a little rough at times, but then as you mention we are professional and have a very hospitable crew.
We look forward to welcoming you back on board for another trip to Stewart Island.
The team at Stewart Island Experience
This is 1.5 hour ferry ride was very smooth. The skipper was so professional. Interior was very neat and clean. My luggage arrived safely. The scenary was nice as well.
minimize940314, thanks for posting your 5 star review. The ferry on average takes about 1 hour one way. Glad you found everything neat, clean and professional.
The team at Stewart Island Experience
Well we were coming from Duniden by road. By the time we reached it was late night. But could locate Real Journey Visitors Centre next to the Lake and fortunatey it was at walking distance from where we stayed at Kingsgate Hotel.
All the cruise to Lake Te Anau and across the lake to Glow Worm Caves starts from right next to the facility. Hence very convenient.
They are perfect in organizing trips to Milford Sounds and Doubtful sound etc.
As part of our honeymoon we spent 4 nights in Te Anau/Milford Sound and booked 3 tours with Real Journeys.
They seem expensive but with the discount for multiple bookings, the overall experience is ok value - considering the spectacular corner of the world they bring you to.
The first was the glow worms tour in Te Anau. This was really cool, well organised and only took a few hours. It was a boat across lake Te Anau, with some beautiful views. Then we were given a brief talk on the glow worms before heading into the caves. Despite it being dark, in a little boat and in a cave, the tour was really well run and we always felt safe. The glow worms are amazing and look like twinkling stars.
The second tour was the day trip to Doubtful Sound. This was great! The tour starts with a boat across lake Manapouri, a bus ride to the start of the sound and then a long boat tour. It rains about 200 days a year in Fjordland so dont expect clear skies, this rain though creates the spectacular waterfalls in the Sound. Although it was cloudy and wet during our tour, we still got amazing photos. This is a long tour so remember to either book lunch with your tour or bring a lunch with you as there is no cafes in Doubtful Sound!
The third tour we did was the overnight in Milford Sound and it was incredible! Not long after the boat set off the wind and rain picked up and we found ourselves in the middle of a storm. It was remarkable, huge waterfalls were flowing off the rocks and then being blown back up by the wind! The room was really comfortable and we got a great night sleep once the storm blew over. The meals onboard were excellent and you can tell the crew take pride in offering you a great experience. In the morning it was raining again but 4 of us still headed out kayaking and it was great. The best thing about doing Milford Sound overnight is that you get to experience it when no other boats are around, it was getting quite busy again when we arrived back at ~10 the next morning.