Ulva's Guided Walks - Ulva exhibits at the British Birdfair 5th year in a row!

Ulva exhibits at the British Birdfair for 5th year in a row!

The British Birdfair has grown enormously over its 23-year history; for all exhibitors, agents and visitors it has been firmly established as the international wildlife event of the year.  It is always held on the third weekend of August at Rutland Water (the smallest county in the UK), a very Jane Eyre piece of country just north of London.  Nearly 350 companies, individual businesses and organisations from all over the world (from Andalusa to Zambia) exhibit their wildlife/birding/natural history activities to the usual average of over 22,000 people. 

Ulva’s Guided Walks has exhibited at the British Birdfair for the last four years, forming great relationships with return and future visitors to Stewart Island.  There have been more wholesale and inbound travel company representatives visiting our stand over the past years; all wanting an opportunity to send their clients to the southern-most bird sanctuary in the world.  It’s always a very busy, if not frantic, three days, but tremendously satisfying and always enjoyable.  The very best item of all is the Coffee Kart that goes past the booth at regular intervals…

For more info on Ulva’s Guided Walks, visit: www.ulva.co.nz

Ulva’s Guided Walks
Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary
Stewart Island

Family Adventures: New USB photo sticks for customers!

Family Adventures Rafting
Queenstown

New USB photo sticks for customers!

Family Adventures is an expedition style raft trip which combines rafting on the famous Shotover River, with a drive on the equally famous Skippers Gold Trail road.  Our guides will tell you tales of the old gold mining days while you witness truly awesome scenery float by.

This season when you buy a photo pack, available  immediately after your trip, we can put it onto a very handy (and stylish) 4GB USB stick which travellers should find very useful.  The photo pack price remains unchanged this season at $39."

For more info, visit http://www.familyadventures.co.nz/

Browns Ski Shop: Taking the hassle out with the best gear and the best service!

Browns Ski Shop
Queenstown

Taking the hassle out with the best gear and the best service!

We know that renting gear is not necessarily your favourite part of a winter holiday. But for us this is where the FUN begins. We try & make the rental process as easy as possible. Everything we do is driven by our love of skiing & riding & we want to help you get the same BUZZ, whether it’s your first time on snow or whether you’re a Masters Racer. We want to help you have the BEST winter holiday EVER.

Free Stuff:

·         Free helmets for small kids when renting your ski gear

·         Every snow board comes with a pair of wrist guards, whether you want them or not!

·         Free pick up and drop off from your accommodation in Qtown – no hassle!

·         Free tune ups if your gear needs a tickle up. Just drop off at the end of the day and it will be sparkling in the morning!

Why rent from Browns?

Apart from all of the above, here are a few more reasons for those of you sitting on the fence:

1) IT'S A PIECE OF CAKE!

•Sweetest rental system , minimising shop-time, maximising slope-time
•We seriously have the best staff in the business!

2) QUALITY GEAR & QUALITY MAINTENANCE

•Brand new Executive skis & boards every season
•All bindings are calibrated using the only electronic calibration unit in the South Island to maximise safety
•We have a Montana Snow Cruiser Robot producing the sweetest tune to help YOU make the sweetest turns

3) TAKING DAYS OFF – NO PROBLEM & NO COST!

•Just let us know in advance, drop off or have us collect the gear, and we don’t charge you rental for those days
•We’ll drop your gear back to you when you’re ready to go again

4) CLOTHING

•Quality gear, washed & re-proofed after every rental - nice

5) SKIS versus SNOWBOARD

•Do both with no hassle!
•Swap between a board or skis @ no extra cost – we like to be flexible!

For more info, go to: http://www.brownsnz.com/

New: Alpacas at Ti Kouka House, Punaikaki

Ti Kouka House
Punakaiki, West Coast

Alpacas at Ti Kouka House

Ti Kouka House has 4 new boys in the family....Alpacas... white and beige...very gorgeous handsome nosey little boys...(not that I love them to bits or anything!!)...also 2 white doves, just floating around looking very elegant.

Ti Kouka has had a great summer with many overseas guests enjoying the friendly hospitality and spectacular location nestled between the mountains and the sea. The nearby famous Pancake Rocks (Punaikaki) draws the visitors to the area.

For more info, visit http://www.tikoukahouse.co.nz/

Vertigo Bikes: NEW at TRENZ 2012: Vertigo Bikes’ new operation at the Skyline, the ultimate downhill biking experience!

Vertigo Bikes
Queenstown

NEW at TRENZ 2012: Vertigo Bikes’ new operation at the Skyline, the ultimate downhill biking experience!

VERTIGO BIKES OPERATES THE ONLY SHOP IN THE QUEENSTOWN BIKE PARK, LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE SKYLINE GONDOLA –

“THE VERTIGO BIKE BOX”, WHAT COULD BE EASIER?

The Southern Hemisphere’s only gondola-assisted mountain bike park!  Gondola access is provided by Skyline Queenstown! Cheers guys!

Rent a bike from us and you have back-up IN the park should anything go wrong or you want to change the set-up of your bike – it makes too much sense!

·         No need to travel back to town to get something fixed, or if you get a puncture!

·         Free storage of your belongings for all our rental customers.

·         Bike set up how you like it!

·         Advice on hand about the different trails.

Bike Park Guided Intro

WHO BETTER TO SHOW YOU THE TRAILS THAN THE PEOPLE THAT BUILT THE FIRST MTB TRACK ON THE HILL OVER 10 YEARS AGO AND THE ONLY COMPANY TO HAVE BEEN GUIDING ON THE HILL SINCE 2000?

If you are new to Downhill Mountain Biking or you want someone to show you around, this is a great way to get your bearings around the Queenstown Bike Park, with one of Vertigo’s expert guides.  We know this area better than anyone else (we built the first mountain bike track up there!).  We are the ONLY company to have been guiding people in the Bike Park for over 10 years, so you know you are in good hands.

The Bike Park Intro includes your 2012 Giant Glory 1 DH bike, Half Day Lift Ticket, Full Face Helmet, Body Armour and a Vertigo guide for 2 runs in the park.  Our guide will help you with bike set-up, track orientation and basic skills to help you get down the park safely and increase your enjoyment!

PRICE $159

For more info, visit: www.vertigobikes.co.nz

Trail Journeys' new product: NEW: “Central Train Link” between Dunedin and Queenstown

Trail Journeys
Central Otago

NEW: “Central Train Link” between Dunedin and Queenstown

The Central Train Link is a new service linking Dunedin with Queenstown. The service is run by Trail Journeys, the main Tour Operator on the Otago Central Railtrail, in conjunction with the Taieri Gorge Excursion Train. The service will operate during the train’s summer timetable, linking the train with Trail Journeys’ fleet of buses to take you from Dunedin to Queenstown, or Queenstown to Dunedin, daily.

Since the Otago Central Railtrail has been operating, Central Otago has seen a resurgence in popularity with both cyclists and tourists alike. The Central Train Link will travel through a “World of Difference”, crossing the Maniototo Plains, following the Otago Central Railtrail. The route traveled along the Otago Central Railtrail will link with the spectacular Cromwell and Kawarau Gorges between Clyde and Queenstown. A commentary from our experienced drivers will add an interesting historic story to the passing landscape on the way to either Queenstown or Dunedin.

Schedule:

•              Dunedin to Queenstown.

Pick-up will be from accommodation in Dunedin from 9.00am, linking with the 9.30am departure ofthe Taieri Gorge Train. Shuttle transport will meet the train at Pukerangi, transferring passengers to Middlemarch. At Middlemarch a well timed 30 minute lunch break will offer the opportunity to get food and drinks at one of the two cafés in town, Kissing Gate or Quench. The cost of lunch is not included in price. Shuttle transfer to Queenstown will leave Middlemarch at 12.30pm, arriving in Queenstown between 3.30pm and 4.00pm.

•              Queenstown to Dunedin.

Pick-up will be from accommodation in Queenstown between 11.30am and 12.00pm. The shuttle transport from Queenstown, will link with the Taieri Gorge Train departing Pukerangi Railway Station at 4.45pm. The train will arrive in Dunedin two hours after departure. A shuttle transfer from the Dunedin Railway Station to Dunedin accommodation is included. There will be no stop for lunch in this package, and it is suggested that passengers eat prior to leaving Queenstown.

Note: All pickups and set downs are included in the cost of both packages.

Pricing:

•              One-way Adult fare (aged over 12 years): NZD$135.00p/p
•              One-way Child fare (aged 3-11 years): NZD$87.75p/p Infant (aged 0-2 years): FOC

Luggage Handling:
All luggage will be handled on and off vehicles by the drivers when picking up and delivering passengers.
We would expect the luggage to be in hotel foyers at pickup time.

Cruise Ships:
Due to the cruise ships arriving into Dunedin on selected dates, and booking the morning train for their passengers, the Central Train Link service will operate on the afternoon train schedule from Dunedin, leaving at 2.30pm. These dates (only 11 days in total) are listed on the Taieri Gorge timetable in green. The standard service departing from Queenstown will not be affected by the cruise ship bookings.

Bookings:

The Central Train Link service is jointly operated by Trail Journeys and Taieri Gorge Excursion Train. Both entities will accept bookings for this service.

Contact Details: Trail Journeys Ltd, 16 Springvale Road, RD1, Alexandra.
Phone (03) 449 2150
Website: www.trailjourneys.co.nz
Email: info@trailjourneys.co.nz

The Lodge at Tikana- Focus on THE CATLINS - a guest favourite

The Lodge at Tikana
Browns, Winton, Southland

Focus on THE CATLINS - a guest favourite

This amazing coastal section of the SSR (southern scenic route) remains a firm favourite with travelers to the deep south and guests at Tikana.

Not surprising as there is so much to see - the wide variety encompasses podocarp forests, rugged coastlines, hidden lakes, stunning waterfalls, a Petrified Forest plus some extraordinary wildlife.

Most important is that travelers allow adequate time – it is a full day excursion.

It is a great option for self-drive guests pre or post their stay with us although some make it a daytrip during their stay.

For those who prefer to be guided and have the benefit of local knowledge and experience then Charles Fraser of www.rdtours.co.nz provides a great experience.

For m0re info on the Lodge at Tikana and its great day trip package, visit www.tikana.co.nz

Southern Lakes Helicopters: “The Works” flight proven popular

Southern Lakes Helicopters
Te Anau, Fiordland

“The Works” flight proven popular

Southern Lakes Helicopters has experienced a very busy tourist season, with an increase in the number of passengers taking our longer flights to Dusky & Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound.  We have also had a significant increase in the number of people wanting to experience our premium flight ‘The Works’.

Our premier heli-flight experience. This flight takes you on a spectacular journey from sea level to mountain tops, taking in Fiordland's top three destinations. From Dusky Sound, which is New Zealand's largest fiord, to Doubtful Sound and iconic Milford Sound. Flying by helicopter allows you to see so much more, including hidden valleys and spectacular coastlines. We make three landings on this trip. The Ultimate Fiordland Experience!

Even though the summer season is at an end, it is worth noting that winter often offers the most spectacular scenic flying conditions with fresh snow on the mountains.

For more info, visit http://www.southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz/

Rosco’s Milford Kayaks celebrates 21st anniversary!

Rosco’s Milford Kayaks
Milford Sound, Fiordland

Rosco’s Milford Kayaks celebrates 21^st anniversary!

Since the turn of the century, Rosco Gaudin is an adventurous kiwi bloke, passionate about the area, often outspoken and loves nothing more than showing visitors to Milford Sound the raw beauty of the place he calls home:

“I feel extremely privileged to be living my life in an area I love. It’s not just the paddling it is the lifestyle, the people, the vibe and the buzz of showing everyone our playground in paradise!”

How it all began…

Rosco was on some days off with friends back in 1988 paddling down the Hollyford River into Lake McKerrow and out to Martins Bay with the plan of paddling along the coast on the Tasman Sea and into Milford Sound. After waiting for 2 days at Martins Bay for the 4 meter swell to ease it was an easy paddle down the coast and into Milford. The final 16km paddling all the way into the sound saw Rosco and his friends escorted by a pod of 30 bottlenose dolphins. It was a very “memorable” trip and one that planted the seed for setting up Milford’s first commercial sea kayaking operation.

The rest is history…

Today over two decades later Rosco has the longest serving owner operated sea kayaking business in New Zealand. With this wealth of experience and a small team of top class guides working alongside him Rosco continues to offer visitors to Milford new and exciting sea kayaking adventures.

Rosco’s Milford Kayaks have celebrated their 21^st anniversary with some great parties!

For more info, visit http://www.roscosmilfordkayaks.com/

Introducing a fantastic new product: “Queenstown Wine Trail Twilight Package”

Queenstown Wine Trail
Queenstown

Introducing a fantastic new product: “Queenstown Wine Trail Twilight Package”

This late departure wine tour is carefully designed for guests to indulge in Central Otago’s award winning wines. After consultation with their guide, guests are able to choose their preferred wineries for tastings in the Gibbston wine region. Relax, indulge, explore… whilst taking in spectacular alpine scenery!

Tour concludes with a sumptuous dinner at the award-winning Amisfield Bistro along with a complimentary glass of wine. 

The Private Twilight Food and Wine Tour operates all year round by prior arrangement. Enjoyed  on cosy winters evenings or dine outside on a warm summers evening. Departs 3:15pm.  Allow 5 hours.

For more information, visit www.queenstownwinetrail.co.nz

NEW: Mountain Range Lodge Eloping Package – The no pressure, high altitude wedding solution!

Mountain Range Lodge
Wanaka

NEW: Mountain Range Lodge Eloping Package – The no pressure, high altitude wedding solution!

Wanaka has been voted one of the Top 10 most romantic places in the world. With this in mind we have been offering our guests an Eloping package titled - 'The no pressure, high altitude wedding solution'.

The happy couple get picked up outside their room and are whisked up to the top of a Mountain, a Glacier or the West coast to tie the knot. It is proving very popular!

For more info, visit: http://www.mountainrange.co.nz/

NEW Cruise & overnight accommodation on Pacific Jemm Luxury Cruises

Pacific Jemm Luxury Charter
Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown

NEW Cruise & overnight accommodation on Pacific Jemm Luxury Cruises

There has been an increase in interest for this package where up to 8 guests (or 4 couples) charter the Pacific Jemm for an overnight trip. We depart Queenstown Bay at 5.30 and return Queenstown 9.30am. Guests get a one-hour scenic cruise to an anchorage point.

Accommodation is provided in four cabins which all have their own ensuites bathrooms. Guests can bring their own food or we can arrange a dinner presented by our chef.

PRICE $3000.00

For more info, visit: http://www.pacificjemm.com/

Norwest Adventures: Chief guide gets married and new Adventure Base Building ready for summer!

Norwest Adventures
Charleston, West Coast

Chief guide gets married and new Adventure Base Building ready for summer!

We have had a good season with an increase on numbers and turnover on all our trips. (See: http://www.caverafting.com/ for more info)

Our chief Guide Lynne was married on "Little Beach" Charleston in February. (See Pic)

Our new Adventure Centre Base building is coming along well and we hope to have a roof and have the building closed in the next few weeks. At this stage we still aim to have the building operational for our next summer season. (See laying the last Block on the chimney).

For more info, visit: http://www.caverafting.com/

Murrell's Grand View House in its 123rd year of operation!

Murrell’s Grand View House
Manapouri
Fiordland

Murrell's Grand View House in its 123rd year of operation

Did you know that Murrell’s Grand View House is the oldest accommodation in New Zealand that is still run by the same family, the Murrell’s?

This hospitable family has hosted thousands of guests over the years. Staying at Murrell’s is a step back in history. With its spectacular location overlooking Lake Manapouri and the many old photos and stories, it is a truly unique ‘kiwi’ experience. But there are some new treats in the pipeline…

"Going into the 123rd year of operation we are proud to say that we have planted a small orchard which will hopefully provide fruit for our preserves and breakfasts over the next few years.  We are also offering a great antipasto platter for guests to enjoy as an alternative to going out for dinner.  We have a special rate for people staying more than one night as we feel that our guests enjoy the experience so much more when they can stay longer.", says Philippa Murrell.

For more info, visit: www.murrells.co.nz

Mt Nicholas Lodge: New Romantic lakeside cottage to be completed by 1 October 2012

Mount Nicholas Lodge
Queenstown

Romantic lakeside cottage to be completed by 1 October 2012

We are in the process of completely renovating the cottage now & expect to have it ready by 1st October this year, the lodge as we know it today will revert back to a family home in early September.

The finish in the cottage will be to a very high standard & will be suitable for either a couple of 2 singles & has spectacular views across & up to the head of the lake.

The cottage will have a living area, bedroom & bathroom & guests will have their meals with Adrienne & I in the house which is about 80 metres from the cottage.

We are currently in the process of developing a new website which will include the Lakeside Cottage & all of the other Mt Nicholas experiences, such as fishing, hiking, hunting etc will remain unchanged.

We have been encouraged by comments from some of our returning guests, that they don’t see the change from the existing lodge as being an issue as it is the Total Mt Nicholas Experience that brings them back.

While we do have a large high fenced hunting area that can cater for the market wanting large trophies, because of the size of our property, we can also offer very good free range hunting for the client who is looking for the “Total Hunting Experience”.

I hope this information is helpful at this time but please let me know if you require any further details & it would be great if you are down this way to be able to get you across here to see first hand what we have to offer.

For more info, visit www.mtnicholaslodge.co.nz

NEW: Mount Cook Ski Plane / Helicopter combo with landing on the Tasman Glacier

Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters
Mt Cook Village

NEW: Ski Plane / Helicopter combo with landing on the Tasman Glacier

We have had groups really enjoying doing a "combo flight". Half the group flies in the Ski Plane and the other half in the Helicopter with a swap on the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere!

The best of both worlds- the uniqueness of the ski plane and the thrill of the helicopter all on one flight!

The flight is our popular Glacier Highlights flight at $405 per person with a minimum of 10 pax required.

For more info, visit http://www.mtcookskiplanes.com/

Need a transfer? Limousine line will take you there...

Limousine Line
Queenstown

Need a transfer? Limousine line will take you there...

Indulge in luxury and be met at the airport by one of Limousine Lines exclusive limousines. Surprise someone with the ultimate style, elegance and presence of a gleaming chauffeur driven limousine to transport them to their destination.

Limousine Line, Queenstown can arrange your entire airport transfers to or from Queenstown, to the Queenstown area (including Wanaka, Arrowtown, and Blanket Bay/Glenorchy), Dunedin, Invercargill and Christchurch. All other destinations on request.

International VIP's & Dignitaries

Limousine Line Queenstown have a reputation of constantly delivering a professional and discreet service, and are experienced at organizing transport for overseas celebrities and dignitaries to various activities and events.

Restaurant Transfers

Arrive at your destination in comfort and style in one of Limousine Lines exclusive vehicles. We will transfer you to and from restaurants in the Queenstown area, Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley or other locations on request.

Golf Transfers

The Queenstown area has an abundance of internationally rated golf courses, and Limousine Line Queenstown can transfer you to and from your hotel/apartment/motel to any of the area's club or resort courses in comfort and safety.

Disabled Transfers

Our stretch limousines have plenty of space and we can organise wheelchair rental should it be required.

For more info, visit: http://www.limousineline.co.nz/

Heliworks launches new scenic flight!

Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters
Queenstown

Heliworks launches new scenic flight!

Heliworks are pleased to be launching a new scenic flight which will showcase some of the spectacular and famous scenery around the Wakatipu area. Our ‘Queenstown Scenic Flight’ takes in the iconic Remarkables range as well as the renowned Shotover River, with its dramatic canyons and rich historical significance.

Departing from our Queenstown base subject to demand, this flight is the perfect way to see Queenstown from the air and an ideal option for families and groups wishing to go slightly further afield than the township itself.

Below is the description of the flight.

Queenstown Scenic flight.

Depart Heliworks Hangar for your flight to some of the Queenstown areas most spectacular sights! Lift off across the historic Kawarau River before flying up the face of the iconic Remarkables Mountains and enjoy a landing with spectacular views of Queenstown and the Wakatipu. Continue your flight past Coronet Peak, with views of the skifield and into the famous Skippers Canyon.

This area is steeped in the rich history of mining; see the renowned Shotover River winding beneath you through the steep canyon walls as your pilot points out some of the sites and settlements remaining from the gold rush. We will then fly South to Moonlight Creek before returning to Heliworks Hangar past Ben Lomond and with views of the Queenstown township.

Duration: 40minutes, includes 1 landing

Cost $360.00 per person (minimum 2pax required to confirm booking)

For more info, visit http://www.heliworks.co.nz/

NEW transport for Guided Nature Walks and Guided Snowshoe Walks... and the new YOU vs Wild trip a success!

Guided Nature Walks & Guided Snowshoe Walks
Queenstown

NEW vehicles for Guided Nature Walks and Guided Snowshoe Walks... and the new YOU vs Wild trip a success!

What news do you have for our readers?

Pete: This month we bought a new 11 seat Ford Transit. We decided to fit it out with carpets this makes it a lot more comfortable & we're having an intercom system fitted. Our next new purchase was of course another vehicle, this time we bought a new Mitsubishi Delica D5, which will take six passengers in the luxury they have come to expect from Guided Nature Walks. The Delica D5 is for our Private clientele, this way our agents are assured of a high end product from begin to end.

Anything else that our readers may be interested in?

Pete: As most people are aware, our new product YOU vs WILD has given people a whole new & different way of taking a walk, and it's this product that we will be showcasing at TRENZ. The media are booking places on the Famil as they are very interested in this as it has a similarity to the Bear Grylls survival show, Man vs Wild. This is a very exciting time for us at the moment.

It sounds like you have been busy over the last season?

Pete: Yep. Oh! another new thing for us is that we're loading a new page on our YOU vs WILD website, this is going to be our WILD SHOP, where visitors to our website can buy survival equipment, we only have one item on at the moment, which is our Magnesium Fire Starter. By the way everyone joining our famils during TRENZ will receive a free Magnesium Fire Starter that they will get to use in our Interactive Survival Experience, YOU vs WILD. And then take home with them to practice.

What feedback are you receiving from your clients? 

Pete: I think that the easiest way for people to get a true idea of what our clients think about the trips, is to visit Trip Advisor, from our website. But below is a comment from a local, & we all know how hard it is to impress a local, as they have done everything that Queenstown has to offer.

Reviewed January 21, 2012

“Truly excellent and unique experience....”

"If you've ever watched Bear Grylls or Ray Mears in action and wanted to have a go at that yourself then i totally recommend this trip. I have lived in Queenstown for 5 years now and i will shamefully admit that i know very little about the flora and fauna of the area. In 1 afternoon i was totally educated in the subjects of plants you can and can't eat (I've got some wild oregano cooking on my pizza as i write this) bush craft, navigation using everything but a compass, making and setting traps. All this was accompanied by some very amusing stories and anecdotes from our top notch guide.

Pete is extremely knowledgeable about this subject and i found the whole experience to be a thoroughly enjoyable one.

The trip is a fantastic spin on your bog standard guided walks. I found it to be excellent value for money and i honestly couldn't recommended it higher.

Thanks heaps Pete."

Visited January 2012 Jody.

For more info, visit http://www.nzwalks.com/ and http://www.snowshoeing.co.nz/

NEW Package: Punakaiki Paradise Package, with Pampering at Birds Ferry Lodge

Birds Ferry Lodge
Westport/Punakaiki
West Coast

NEW Package:
Punakaiki Paradise Package, with Pampering at Birds Ferry Lodge

Your clients will enjoy two nights at Birds Ferry Lodge in one our newly refurbished and extended luxurious ensuite rooms, with Lodge dinner including wine, full breakfast plus two Holistic Massage appointments at Birds Ferry Lodge on arrival afternoon.

A half day tour on the middle day of their stay, with Andre in our licensed passenger service vehicle is the highlight, as well as a picnic lunch in a secret location with a spectacular view!

We can be very flexible around the tour depending on what the guests are interested in and the weather of course, but typically we aim to include a selection of the following:

·         Truman Track taking in the mature native rain forest, with interpretation, as well as reaching the beach and a large rock overhang with waterfall.

·         A walk at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks at high tide if possible. 

·         A spectacular Mini Sea Canyon (dry) which is close to Punakaiki but not marked on any maps and few tourist find it!

·         Fox River Sea Caves and Beach

·         Constance and Joyce Bays at Charleston – Cliff top walks and huge West Coast waves!

If guests are interested we also include a tour on our property which takes in mature rainforest, our extensive vegetable gardens and aviary with New Zealand Parakeet plus our home reared pheasants. Also wild native birds (Bellbirds, Tui, Pukekoe, Wekas,Waxeyes,Fantails,New Zealand Falcon and the rare Fern Bird.) Maps are provided so guests are free to explore this alone if they wish.

Totara Valley Room $1145nett, 2 pax for 2 nights

Grand View Room $ 1301nett, 2 pax for 2 nights

For more info, visit: www.birdsferrylodge.co.nz

Air Milford is announces NEW FLIGHT: Encounter Nature Milford Sound Cruise.

Air Milford
Queenstown

Air Milford is announces NEW FLIGHT: Encounter Nature Milford Sound Cruise.

 (return Scenic Flight to Milford Sound with Air Milford, Nature cruise on Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries)

This is an intimate experience with numbers capped at 75, and on-board Nature Guides offering personal attention. This smaller boat explores nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail for 2hr 15min.

This ‘ecotour’ is perfect for close-up shots of seals, birds and other wildlife, including dolphins ‘riding’ the bow wave and the rarest penguin in the world, the Fiordland crested penguin.

The smaller boat helps you appreciate the sheer size and grandeur of the fiord’s cliff faces rising hundreds of meters out of the water, scarred here and there by tree falls.  You’ll get within touching distance of impressive geological features and close enough to catch and drink pure glacial water, or feel the full force from the powerful 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls (we’ve got jackets to keep you dry!).

Join the skipper on the bridge for a birds-eye view and see first-hand how the boat operates. Help yourself to free tea and coffee – delicious lunch options available on board.

Why the Encounter Nature Cruise?

·         Within touching distance of flora, fauna and wildlife

·         Small passenger numbers, friendly Nature Guides

·         Drink pure glacial water from a waterfall

·         Free tea and coffee

·         Spot seals basking on the rocks and sometimes dolphins and rare Fiordland crested penguins.

Price: NZ$475 per adult
NZ$285 per child
Departs: Queenstown airport 12pm
Duration: Allow 4 1/2 hours

Tour Includes: Courtesy pick up and drop off from your accommodation
Milford Sound Scenic Flight, return to Queenstown
Kiwi snack pack
Contact us for more information or bookings. http://www.airmilford.co.nz/