Their website implies they are a local and environmental focused tour company. This is a huge tour company for the masses, with 100's of customers a day and they only use full size busses. Bus driver was gruff and treated us like children on a school field trip. Yelling/honking and mumbling complaints like your grouchy great uncle taking you someplace. Not pleasant and felt low class. We had two exursions with this vendor and I would advise you to use a smaller tour operator. They are not much more or in many cases less money. read more

Real Journeys - Queenstown Office - Travel Services Near Me

The tours we took with Real NZ in May were fabulous, but the customer service was by far the best part! We drove to the dock ourselves, and what an incredible trip (kind of long from Te Anau), but so much beauty, allow time for roadside photo stops. The cruise itself was superb, photos can't do it justice. We stayed on the top deck the entire time, gaping at one incredible scene after another. Bottlenose dolphins played alongside the boat, and we saw sea otters as well. Magnificent waterfalls and informative commentary. Couldn't have been more pleased! When walking back to the car, I forgot to zip up my backpack all the way and my wallet fell out. The couple who found it in the parking lot contacted me and couldn't have been nicer about trying to get it back to me. Luckily, they spoke to the agents at the tour counter who looked me up and saw that we booked the Gloworms tour the next day, and bussed my wallet to the Te Anau location where it was waiting for me the next morning! So very kind and special, thank you to all! Oh, the Gloworms tour was amazing as well, you can't get that kind of experience anywhere else. Time on the boat to the cave was awesome! Not for the claustrophobic, I'd say, and be sure to wear good footwear and rain gear. Just wish I could have taken some photos inside the cave! read more

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Our tour group joined Real Journey for a Milford Sound trip. We were picked up at 7 am for the day. Our bus driver, Nathan, was fabulous. His knowledge was outstanding and he presented it so well. Our bus driver stopped several times along the way for great photographs. We were on the Milford Heaven for the tour. We had a box lunch waiting for our group. It was raining which allowed the waterfalls to be magnificent. Thoroughly enjoyed our day. Arrived back to Queenstown at 730. read more

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We went with Real Journeys (booked via Viator) to Milford Sound. They were very professional; they had everything down to a tee. The bus, which had huge windows, left Queenstown on time, and they arranged for a car to drive us from our hotel. The bus drove to Te Anau, where we stopped to give people a chance to buy food and use the bathroom. It then continued towards Milford Sound. It made a few other short stops on the way there. I very much appreciated this, because it's a drive through a national park and is quite scenic. We made it to the dock at Milford Sound just in time to board our boat. The cruise went great; it took us as far as the open sea before coming back. Then we got back on the bus and drove back, again stopping at Te Anau. It was a great way of seeing Milford Sound and it saved me the from having to drive the 7-8 hours round trip myself. I really appreciated the stops along way, as I felt I was getting to see more than other people might. With that said, I think the schedule was cut a bit too close. I didn't even have time to take a picture from the boat dock at either end of the cruise. The give you the option to fly back after the cruise, but there was a problem with someone's flight, which caused everyone on the entire bus to wait about half an hour until that was cleared up. Also, given how long you are on the bus, I would have liked them to have a bathroom on the bus. All in all, they still did a good job and I would go with them again. read more

We did a fly-cruise-fly tour of Milford Sound through Real Journeys, and this was one of the highlights of our 3 week trip to Australia and New Zealand! A word of warning...our trip was initially booked in the morning, and when we called to confirm an hour before, the flight was cancelled due to weather. We re-booked on an afternoon flight but were warned that the weather looked doubtful for that time as well. Fortunately, the weather cleared, and we were able to go! Our pilot said that about 35% of flights are cancelled due to weather. So, my advice would be to schedule this as early as possible during your stay in Queenstown so that you can try to re-book if you are not in the lucky 65% that are able to fly! We were soooooo glad we were able to go! This trip ended up being one of the highlights of our 3-week vacation. The views from the plane were breathtaking. All seats are window seats on the 12 passenger plane, so it's not possible to have a seat with a bad view! Our pilot was wonderful! We had a nice smooth flight and he provided great commentary on what we were seeing as we flew over various mountain ranges and rivers. For fellow Lord of the Rings fans; the flight path goes over the range used for the Misty Mountains! The final turn over the Tasman Sea was just gorgeous!! The cruise on the sound was beautiful as well! Waterfalls and rainbows everywhere!! They even bring the boat right over to the base of a few waterfalls in case anyone wants a truly up close and personal (meaning WET!) experience of the waterfalls. Apparently the weather was not only good on the afternoon we cruised, but it was one of the best days they ever have in terms of weather. The box lunch on the boat was even good!! The flight back was equally beautiful and because the day was so clear and the views amazing, our pilot did a few extra passes over some areas so guests on both sides of the plane could get the best views. No, this isn't a cheap trip, but for those from overseas, when are you going to be in New Zealand again?! This is a don't miss experience!! read more

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New Years Eve Overnight Cruise! You can drive there in a car but I have heard that it is a lot easier to go on a tour bus which is what we did. We slept overnight on the Milford Mariner boat in Milford Sound. We were going to fly back in a helicopter to Queenstown but the weather got too rainy/windy. Heard that the helicopter has some sick views. We did the Milford Mariner cruise ship because the cabins had their own private bathrooms. The Milford Wanderer has shared bathrooms/bunks I think. The previous year for New Years eve we did the an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. We liked this Milford Sound cruise even more than Halong Bay because there were only 2 boats in the whole sound even on New Years eve! For Halong Bay there were at least 50+ ships. Milford felt a lot more serene and relaxing. Even the drive in on the bus was wonderful because they stopped at some cool hiking points. We opted for the kayak option during the overnight cruise which I would highly recommend since you do hiking on the way to Milford Sound. Can't recommend this enough! read more

Incredibly impressed by our whole experience with Real Journeys that began this morning at 9:45 when I called to see of we were in the wrong location for our 9:40 pick up. No, we were not; I had booked us for July 25th rather than June 25th. Doh! In typical kiwi fashion, I got a no worries, we will get you on the Milford Sound tour today. We will hold the bus for you. Wow. The bus ride to Milford from Te Anau is a little under 3 hours and every moment is more stunning than the next. It's difficult to do the sites justice, but imagine mossy trees, waterfalls too numerous to count, jagged granite peaks and driving through clouds. Guides stop at 2 points along the way to show off Mirror Lake and The Chasm in Fiorjdlands National Park. The cruise itself is a little under 2 hours and has stunning views of Milford Sound. The Sovereign was the boat we were on and it was great with both indoor and less abundant outdoor viewing options. You'll be driven close to a waterfall the size of the Empire State Building and see seals sunning if you're lucky. You'll also (for an additional charge) enjoy lunch. We had the buffet and it was well stocked with mostly Asian inspired cuisine. Very good. Tea and coffee are also complimentary. One tip I'd share is to take Dramamine if you get seasick or think you might. The waves get choppy when the sound meets the Tasman Sea. Though this will occupy the better part of your day (9:30-4:30 from Te Anau and add 2 and a half hours from Queenstown), it's well worth it! read more

Real Journeys - Milford Sound - Travel Services Near Me

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We went on the Milford Sound Nature Cruise day tour with Real Journeys, and the company did an excellent job. The trip is full of beautiful scenery in general (as usual in New Zealand...yawn... ;-) ), from the water as expected but especially during the drive through the "Southern Alps." The tour bus was comfortable and clearly designed for sightseeing, with oversize side windows, windows on the roof of the bus (in place of the overhead area for bags), and slightly angled seats to improve visibility for those not sitting beside a window. The boat tour is comfortable (although we apparently had a surprisingly calm day on the water), with several areas for sitting or standing inside and outside. It was a long day, but a thoroughly enjoyable one. The Real Journeys staff we engaged with throughout the day -- in the Real Journeys office, on the bus, and on the boat -- were friendly, efficient, and informative. read more

After some research on line we decide to do a day trip to Milford Sound. We booked Real Journeys on line with the option of Coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound, Cruise on Milford Sound and Fly back from Milford Sound to Queenstown. This was the more expensive option, but the thought of flying back through the incredible scenery was too much to resist. Setting off early from Queenstown, our first bus must have travelled all of a mile before dropping us off to where the main bus picked us up. This is in no way a problem and works out of necessity given the steep and narrow side streets in Queenstown for the large bus that picked us up. Our driver and guide was Keith who gave us a wonderfully informative commentary with just the right amount of dry wit to make it entertaining. The coach drive itself was nearly 400km to Milford sound, but with the stops and the commentary, it did not feel too long at all. Once in Milford Sound, we embarked on the Monarch for a two hour cruise of Milford sound. At this point I should make a comment about the weather. Against all the odds, it was a beautiful day, with the rain and low cloud of the previous day gone and replaced by bright sunshine. The Monarch departed from the pier at Milford Sound and set course along the sound itself. Lunch was pre booked by us, and our Indian vegetarian dish was served up piping hot with some great dishes. We really did not expect the food to be this good, but it was. Views were breathtaking from the upper deck, although given the strong breezes many stayed below the exposed deck. Waterfalls ran down near vertical sloped dropping into just spray before it hit the water itself. Enchanting was not too strong a word. After about two hours, we returned, picked up our boarding passes for the 8 seater aircraft to take us back to Queenstown. Our pre-flight briefing was indeed brief, but effective. It included the advice to " Use the sick bag if needed" and "wear the ear defenders for the noise, and noise is good" Good as the rest of the day had been, the forty minute flight was spectacular down the sound itself before turning and climbing back over some mountains and through the passes between others. Trust me when I say this is not to be missed, not just because you save three to four hours travelling time instead of returning by bus, but the views and experience really was once in a lifetime. Way to soon we dropped in and landed at Queenstown and climbed out of the little aircraft. Without exception we all wore grins from ear to ear. Cannot say enough good things about the organisation and execution from Real Journeys- It really was a first class experience. read more

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We went to New Zealand a couple years ago on an overnight cruise on the Wanderer which ended up being one of the most memorable experiences we had on the entire trip. The crew was very courteous and knowledgeable. You could tell this crew either had worked together for a while or had a great synergy. The cruise was by no means luxurious, but it was comfortable and the experience we had was breathtaking. They were able to navigate us incredibly close to one of the waterfalls. The view was amazing. And by chance we were able to see penguins during our tour. We were served lamb shank and pavlova for dinner. The food was simply impeccable. If we ever go back, we would definitely use them again. read more

Real Journeys - Pavlova - Travel Services Near Me

We had an amazing day today with Dean. He is very informative and funny. He got us to our destinations safely on time. I would highly recommend. read more

The BEST tour I've ever done. This is the only company that is allowed to have tours through Milford and Doubtful Sound. Because it was winter time, we decided to just do a day trip to Doubtful Sound. Our entire journey beginning from where they picked us up all the way to the sound was nothing short of amazing. Other than the breath-taking views, the staff was so pleasant. You can tell they put so much effort in making sure everyone gets nothing but the best experience out of this tour. read more

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In Queenstown, we took a Real Journeys overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner to Milford Sound which included a bus ride with hotel pickup. The drive to Milford is absolutely amazing and special - with so many scenic views and things to see. Along the way, we saw Mirror Lakes and the Chasm.Our driver was great with lots of informative commentary along the way. We think the drive to Milford is more scenic than the destination. We also don't recommend the overnight cruise. I don't think we saw anything different or special by spending the night on the boat. The boat departed at 4:30 and after a 30 min ride, anchored in Harrison Cove. We stayed there for the night, although there wasn't much to see there. You could kayak or ride in a tender craft. After the small excursion, dinner was served and it was delicious. It began with a choice of soup served at the table and then each table served themselves at the buffet. A choice of desserts were served buffet style also. After dinner there wasn't much to do so I just went to bed. In the morning, breakfast was served between 6:45 and 7:30 and then the boat headed out of the sound into the Tasman Sea. Turning around and coming back into the sound treated us to some beautiful views that are worth seeing, but I don't think we needed to spend the night to see them. There are 2 hour cruises that tour the sound and allow you to return to Queenstown the same day. read more

We went on two tours this week through real journeys and both were enjoyable! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff... we had a great time!

First time in NZ, we wanted to see Milford Sound. Decided to take a low stress, albeit long bus ride rather than drive ourselves. Started off early...good weather, blue skies. One beautiful scene after another. A few camera stops, each awesome. Mirror lakes, beautiful. Snowcapped rugged peaks, amazing. Dark downhill tunnel, scary but exhilarating! Tropical flora and fauna? Yep. At this point, the driver mentioned plane or helicopter options to get back to Queenstown - DONE. Break out into view of the sound...OMG! Get on a large boat for a cruise in the sound, pass by a huge waterfall spilling over a craggy cliff into the sound...unreal. It's all too much, words cannot describe the depth and majesty. Huge glacially carved cliffs plunging into the sound, more waterfalls feathering into the sound from both sides, sheesh. Wind was ripping as we made our way, but not too cold, and could take shelter inside the cabin if wanted. Boat shimmied up to a waterfall, cannot describe how amazing. Pull into the dock thinking nothing can top all this, then.... We climb into a helicopter to fly back. We get the front seats in a small heli with 3 other travelers and climb into the sky next to a steep cliff, holy $#@%$!!! We climb higher, still next to the cliffs around 3,000 feet high staring down at the majesty of the sound, no words to describe. We move higher, the pilot heads towards some craggy peaks covered in glaciers and then just barely flies over a ridge and WHOAAAAAHHHH....my god about 2,000 ft sheer drop below us and we go weightless for a second, double holy $%$#@%$#!!!! We regain our composure and the pilot pulls this move off again a few times, simply too amazing and jaw dropping. Are we done? Nope. He starts to fly the copter towards some big peaks with a big glacier...and we LAND ON THE GLACIER. This is all too much, we get outside the copter, standing on an incredible glacier in between two amazing mountain peaks, dancing on the ice in sheer disbelief and joy. We spend about 15 minutes up there, taking pic after pic and touching the ice, making a few snowballs and shouting out loud how awesome it all was. Everyone was a bit giddy, and for a few moments all seemed OK in the world. Climbed back into the heli, lifted off the glacier and made our way over a few more ridges and then back towards Queensland. All in all, +1 million stars. Maybe a few issues with the bus or drop off points or something, can't even remember...too overwhelmed by this incredible day. My first Yelp review, future reviews will probably be shorter! read more

We spent a lot of money to take our family on this 1.5 day trip to Milford Sound but unfortunately the RUDENESS of the staff, Adrian (bus driver) in particular, left a sour taste in our mouths. We took our baggage with us because a) we had to catch a flight to Auckland straight from the Queenstown airport when we landed by plane charter and b) we are traveling from the US and planned a long trip. When we approached the bus driver (Adrian) with all our luggage we asked if it was ok to take since we will be taking the plane back - he said it would be ok. The next day when it came to taking our flight back they informed us we wouldn't be able to take it on the plane. We ended up having to check our bags back on the bus and therefore, missed our flight to Auckland. Adrian was so rude to us during this entire process! He would not make eye contact and just kept snapping at us instead of trying to understand our side. We brought our baggage in the first place because no one from Real Journeys ever told us we wouldn't be able to! in fact, he acted differently towards us since the beginning of the bus trip! He would be chatting and laughing with other passengers but when it came to us it seemed like he didn't want to bother talking to us. Maybe it was because we were the only passengers of Indian descent on the trip? Not sure what his problem was but we do not tolerate racism and will not be booking with Real Journeys ever again. We will also discourage our friends and travel agencies from booking RJ. So far in New Zealand everyone has been SO NICE! We have done the Jeep 4x4 tour, river fishing, Station2Station bike trail, and have had no problems with any of the staff or tourguides! It wasn't just Adrian, when we were boarding the Milford Mariner, NO ONE offered to help with our bags. We clearly brought the wrong type of baggage (no one warned or told us when we started)- but all the staff standing around the boarding area could have offered to help us!! Never again, Real Journeys. We missed our flight because of you, and felt discriminated against during our "adventure" with you. read more