NZ Travel Log Day 8: Milford Sound Scenic Cruise Adventure

Day 8️⃣: Despite the persistent rain ☔️, which dashed our skydiving plans, we decided to rise early and hit the road 🚗 for a scenic drive to Milford Sound [sneaky smile R]. The journey from Queenstown to the sound spans about 300 kilometers, with a one-way trip, including a refueling stop, taking around 3.

5 hours.‼️ The route presents some challenges, particularly before reaching Kingston after leaving Queenstown and after passing the Homer Tunnel (P5). These sections feature numerous sharp turns on mountain roads, so it’s crucial to keep your speed in check; otherwise, the drive is quite manageable.

Upon arrival, we found an array of boats ready to take visitors on a tour of the sound. We opted for Pure Milford, based on the next available departure time. At approximately 700 RMB per person 💰, this relatively new boat offers three levels, each with outdoor access for photo opportunities. During the nearly 3-hour cruise, we were constantly dashing up and down, capturing the breathtaking views from every angle—a truly exhilarating experience!

Fortunately, the heavy rain subsided as we reached the sound, leaving us with just overcast skies and a light drizzle. Although we missed out on the spectacular waterfalls [blushing R], the largest of which is likely P10, getting close enough to feel the spray was still a thrilling moment [sneaky smile R].

While Milford Sound didn’t completely blow us away, the effort of the long drive made it a worthwhile tick off the list, earning a solid passing grade. On our return, we were treated to a stunning field of lupines (P16), which more than made up for not seeing them in Tekapo.

We arrived back in Queenstown around 8:30 PM, famished from a day of travel. We chose Captains Steak and Seafood Restaurant, a place highly recommended on both Google Maps and Dianping 🍽️. P17 showcases their signature seafood platter, starting at around 400 New Zealand dollars and increasing based on the weight of the crayfish 🦞.

Our waiter added another 200 New Zealand dollars [facepalm H]. I found the crayfish, oysters, mussels, and garlic bread to be absolutely delicious; the seasonal fish and salmon were decent; but the calamari was a bit of a letdown [doge].

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll along the river (P18). Queenstown boasts a vibrant nightlife [sneaky smile R], making it the perfect spot to unwind with a drink and reflect on the day’s adventures 🍻.