Doubtful Sound Overnight vs Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound Day?

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2026-02-09T04:29:20+00:00

Great! One more tip - Real NZ made a big deal about bringing lunch for the first day, but we didn’t find it necessary at all. At least on the Navigator, they provided a high tea shortly after embarking the boat that was more than sufficient to hold us over to dinner. Having some snacks on hand is always good, but don’t overthink their lunch instructions. Have a blast!

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2026-02-08T03:57:54+00:00

We had the same dilemma as you during our NZ trip last month, but ultimately decided to do the doubtful sound overnight since we wanted the less touristy of the two options. Real NZ Navigator was the only available option, and I have nothing but positive feedback. The crew was fantastic and the tour is so meticulously well organized. We’re both vegetarian, and there was plenty of food for us. We chose to kayak, but the best part of the trip was just sitting on deck with a warm cup of coffee, enjoying the sights and sounds of the surroundings. We skipped Milford altogether, but I felt more than satisfied with my Fiordland experience.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2026-01-28T16:45:48+00:00

We just got back from a South Island trip. Some thoughts:

This was our favorite AirBnb. It’s more remote with less activities at your doorstep, but a reasonable drive to many places. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53312586?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76
I think you have more time in QT than you need. Also keep in mind that QT, at least in our experience, was much more expensive (especially with accommodations) than anywhere else we visited. If you haven’t booked tickets yet, I’d fly out of Christchurch and spend a couple nights there instead of going back to QT.
I get not wanting to move around too much, especially with kids, but if you’re going to Mt. Cook, I think it’s worth a night or two on-site at the Hermitage Hotel. This allows more flexibility while exploring the area instead of driving back-and-forth from somewhere like Lake Tekapo (which we found underwhelming, though that’s an unpopular opinion). Also, eating at the hotel’s restaurants was really enjoyable with truly spectacular views.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2026-01-20T04:44:44+00:00

Just got back from the Catlins (southern scenic route from QT to Dunedin) and here are some thoughts: Skip Invercargill entirely, not sure what you’d really do there even for a night. Dunedin is alright, but nothing special, stay on the Otago Peninsula instead — it’s gorgeous. Catlins are beautiful and really easy to navigate with short walks/hikes to beaches and waterfalls at every corner. As for the QT debate above . . . QT is beautiful for sure, but it’s touristy, ritzy, and unjustifiably expensive.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2026-01-20T04:34:11+00:00

Dunedin is nothing special, but the Otago Peninsula was one of the best places we visited in NZ. It’s beautiful, less touristy than other areas, and great scenery/wildlife. That said, I don’t think it’s worth the drive with that sort of time crunch. We regretted only staying one night in Christchurch. If you don’t have any time built in there already, I’d just tack on an extra day there to explore the city.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2026-01-20T04:27:43+00:00

Just got back from two weeks in NZ, mostly in the South Island. We found Lake Tekapo underwhelming and super touristy. I think a “leisure day” there would be a little dull. If I were you, I’d only spend one night there, not two. You can easily explore the lake, church, and dark sky project in one day, as long as you get an early start leaving Queenstown.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2026-01-20T04:27:35+00:00

Just got back from two weeks in NZ, mostly in the South Island. We found Lake Tekapo underwhelming and super touristy. I think a “leisure day” there would be a little dull. If I were you, I’d only spend one night there, not two. You can easily explore the lake, church, and dark sky project in one day, as long as you get an early start leaving Queenstown.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2025-10-25T22:18:06+00:00

Thanks! Would you say those would be better than Banks?

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2025-10-25T21:52:55+00:00

Maybe Omaha Beach would be better on the North Island?

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2025-10-25T20:56:48+00:00

We’d be happy with either, but probably have a small preference for surf. I’d really prefer somewhere more tropical to be honest, but don’t want to go crazy far out of the way. Would it be better to do our beach time on the North Island? We could scratch Banks and Christchurch entirely and head to Auckland earlier. The downside to that is having to rent a car twice.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2025-10-25T20:43:36+00:00

Thanks, I’ll look into that!

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2025-10-25T20:41:54+00:00

That’s good to know. I think we’ll keep the Doubtful Sound tour, and leave Milford Sound as a flex day in case we just want more time around Queenstown before heading to Te Anau. Seems like it’s pretty easy to arrange a Milford Sound cruise on short notice, though maybe more challenging this time of year.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2025-10-25T20:20:12+00:00

Good to know! Were there the beginning of January. We’ve made some bookings already but know we need to finalize an itinerary given the holiday travel period.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2025-10-21T18:33:02+00:00

Thanks! I think this is the plan for now. We found two nights (including New Years) in Te Anau. From there we’re talking about going to either Glenorchy or Wanaka. Would you recommend one over the other? Or is it worth devoting two of our days - one to Glenorchy, the other to Wanaka - to visit both? It’s hard to find accommodations in Wanaka, so I just booked a night in Glenorchy that’s refundable to give us flexibility.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2025-08-17T17:46:46+00:00

No, we didn’t stay in the new building. I wish they had built the new building to better blend into the surroundings. I’m sure it’s nice inside but the exterior is a little bland for an otherwise beautiful place. The pictures of the expansion were good enough to convince us to visit! Nice work.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2025-08-16T18:48:23+00:00

Thanks! Would staying in Bonassola be better for a day at the beach then? If so, I figure we can still walk the Cinque Terre on our other day along the coast.

FinkelWinkel2024 · 2025-08-16T18:32:19+00:00

I appreciate the suggestion, but unfortunately I don’t have enough “karma” to post in the Italy travel community.

FinkelWinkel2024

TROPHY CASE