We took advantage of a deal to celebrate Valentines Day/Night cruising Doubtful Sound overnight... read more
We took advantage of a deal to celebrate Valentines Day/Night cruising Doubtful Sound overnight... read more
We went on an overnight cruise with real journeys. The staff are awesome, friendly and... read more
A 7 day 6 night Discovery Cruise starting from Lake Manapouri.
This was perhaps the most awesome journey my wife and I have ever been on! From the helicopter flight in to the ride over Wilmott Pass back to Lake Manapouri.
The main event was the Southern Fiords. Forest covered slopes rising 1000 metres almost vertically, waterfalls at every turn, bird life greeting us every morning, caring, knowledgeable crew and so it went on.
Words don't do this place justice. Hopefully the photos give you some idea. It was a privilege to be involved.
This was an amazing experience. our guide had a vast amount of knowledge about the area, especially the flora. He went at an easy pace and pointed out anything of interest. Lunch was provided also at Glade House
Kia Ora Jennifer and thanks for the review. We are delighted to read your comments about the experience. It's a beautiful day walk in a most beautiful corner of the world.
Regards, the team at Real Journeys.
As non walkers this tour was great. Very easy and slow paced and given lots of information by RealJorneys guide. Day takes 8 hours of which 30 mins bus to Te Anau Downs to catch the boat and then a 1 hr boat ride. Do 45 min walk then lunch. For serious hikers not a good option .. for us.. perfect.
Thanks for the review Robert, we're pleased to hear you much you enjoyed the walk and how well our guide looked after you throughout. I trust the rest of your holiday will be just as pleasant.
Regards, the Real Journeys team.
We did Milford Track Guided Day Walk with Will, tiny group of 6 with Will. From Te Anau we took a small bus, Will was also the driver, that took us to Te Anau Downs, from where we cruised across the Lake Te Anau about an hour to the start of the Milford Track, did some walk, lunch, walk and cruised again (with the most lovely captain of the catamaran, who allowed us to steer the boat, or at least made us thinking so ;)) and drove back to Te Anau.
The track started from the cleaning our shoes in the algae detergent. Please folks, while hiking, even the easy walks in the forests and mountains, in the country where 200 days is raining, take your hiking, waterproof shoes.
We walked to the Glade House, climbing off the track up the hill to admire some scenic views on the lake, drink super clean water from the river, eat some mushrooms and berries, talk to the adorable robins, who are coming very close to you or maybe to listen to Will's interesting and knowledgable talks about nature. We saw NZ green bear and snake ;) - wood covered with moss similar to those forms.
The lunch was in the Glade House - a potatoes and leek soup with the ham and cheese croissants, some cake, coffee or tea. Further, through the swing bridge, along the Clinton River to the wetlands and back (this part of the track is not demanding at all, just keep the pace). Coming back the same route was not my favourite part, I would definitely preferred other route if existed.
We stopped a lot and took our time what allowed for taking photos (be aware that in the forest is quite dark), the pace while walking, however, was quite rhythmic and not allowing for relaxed admiration of the nature.
It was a very pleasant day, allowing to peek in on Lake Te Anau, the start of the Milford track, nature and forest, however you cannot call it a 'day walk' - actually there is not too much walking if you are interested in hiking only. 'Day trip' maybe.
But it is good for those who loves nature, want to discover some NZ amazing vegetation (we even seen the blooming orchid - tiny, white one, sorry, Will knows the name), take some pictures and just enjoy your day.
WiolaKK,Thank you for taking the time to post a review. The section of the walk along the Clinton River is delightful but unfortunately there is no alternative loop track, so you do have to return using the same route. Other customers have found that they often see something they didn’t the first time – another one of Will’s sculptures maybe?
Whilst we try to please everyone on this small group trip, it is a taster of the famous Milford Track, and people do have different interests and walking abilities, so the pace will vary. Just how far you end up walking does depend on the group dynamics on the day. This is a full day trip, but thanks to your feedback we will make it clearer that the walk is just one of many elements that make up the trip.
We will forward your valuable feedback to our Marketing team and to Will, your guide, who will be delighted that you had such a pleasant day.
Thanks again for taking the time to provide your feedback.
The Real Journeys Team
We were short on time so instead of a four day trek along the entire Milford Track we di a one day trip with Real Journeys. Will was our guide and took us to our boat for an hour ride across the lake then we embarked on a bush hike for an hour and a half. We then had a very good lunch at Glade house. After lunch we hiked about 8-9 Kim's of the track then on back to the boat and the trip home. Will made the day fun and informative, I would definitely recommend Real Journeys for a great day out.
Our group of 8 was driven by our guide Erin from Te Anau to Te Anau Downs, a 25 minute drive. Once there we took a boat across Lake Milford to the start of the Milford Track. We then took a 20 minute hike as Erin told us some interesting facts about the wildlife and plants. We then had a great lunch of soup and sandwiches at Glade House. It was a very leisurely lunch talking almost an hour. Next we continued along the trail for a very slow paced walk. At the end we had to double back to the boat for a return ride to Te Anau Downs. We were lead to believe that you could not hike the Milford track without a permit or a guide, but found this to be untrue. Would have much preferred to explore more of the track at a more rigorous pace. The boat ride offered spectacular views and we enjoyed the guide and short walk we received t but thought it was going to be a little “more adventurous”.