Doc Holiday: Is Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound a better one-day cruise?

If you’re heading to New Zealand’s South Island but only have time for one cruise, which one should you choose? 

Escape's Doc Holiday, Dilvin Yasa, answers your travel-related questions.

Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound? We’re heading to New Zealand’s South Island and only have time for one cruise. Which do you recommend?

What a fabulous decision to have to make. I’m sure you’ve already been told that both options are spectacular so you can hardly go wrong. 

I’m not sure how much time you have, but getting to Doubtful Sound – preferred by those who like their adventures a little more rugged and less crowded – isn’t straightforward. 

I enjoyed a Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise with RealNZ some time ago and while the scenery was stunning, the day trip involved a 50-minute ferry ride across Lake Manapouri, and a further 50-minute bus ride over Wilmot Pass to begin the three-hour scenic cruise (the picnic boxes, to be ordered by 8pm the day before, are highly recommended). The experience takes around seven to eight hours and a reasonable amount of mobility is required with the various transfers and the floating wharf access.

I also enjoyed a Milford Sound Premium Cruise and this was my favourite by far. 

While I was in New Zealand, I also enjoyed a Milford Sound Premium Cruise (again with RealNZ) and this was my favourite by far. Sure, you’ll have to drive four hours from Queenstown to get there (unless of course you’re flying), but the drive is a visual feast and almost as enjoyable as the cruise itself.

Some prefer Milford because it offers a wider range of activities such as snorkelling, hiking and kayaking, but I was all about the two-hour cruise, a small-group experience that featured an enticing menu of gourmet bites such as oyster mushroom arancini, lamb koftas and a cheese platter (I’m food motivated), and had an excellent nature guide, Sean, who spoke with the enthusiasm of a game-show host. The fact we were followed by a pod of dolphins and quite a few seals made it even better. I would opt for Milford over Doubtful every time but this really is all about personal preference.

It was an afternoon Fear of Flying course – held inside a flight simulator at Darling Harbour – that changed everything for me.

We’re taking our children (14 and 12) on their first big overseas trip but they’re both extremely nervous flyers. Any advice?

I can certainly relate; I developed an irrational fear of flying some 15 years ago after I had my first child. A not-at-all-recommended mix of red wine and anti-anxiety medication got me through for a number of years, but it was an afternoon Fear of Flying course – held inside a flight simulator – that changed everything for me. It turns out all I really needed was someone to explain to me exactly what an aircraft is capable of, what kind of back-ups are in place, and how much turbulence a plane can withstand.

My two-hour session was at Sydney’s Darling Harbour, but there are others available or videos you can watch online (check out the ones from Soar). Then you’ll be in a position to speak with the kids about the safety protocols and mechanisms in place and what is considered normal (the sounds they’ll hear, the drops they’ll feel etc) up in the air.

Keeping the kids distracted throughout the flight is key, so I’m glad you’ve booked with Emirates, which has around 6500 channels of movies, TV shows, games and music along with on-board wi-fi. Just be sure to keep speaking with them, talking them through any changes they may notice in the cabin and what they mean.

Keeping the kids distracted throughout the flight is key.

I know my own children never listen to what I have to say, but if I pay someone else to say the exact same thing, it somehow sinks in. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have a quiet word with your flight attendants so they can back up the very things you’ve been saying all along.

I was pondering the best way of getting your kids on the plane without them having a meltdown, then my 16-year-old daughter piped up with, “If that were me, you’d have the best shot if you promised me something I’ve been desperate for – like a new Longchamp bag – at the other end.” Sure, I know it’s bribery, but it’s worth a shot.

Those passing through a UK airport on their way elsewhere (outside the United Kingdom) do not need to apply for an ETA provided they stay airside before getting on a connecting flight.

Do we need to apply for a UK ETA if we’re only transiting at Heathrow?

There’s a lot of misinformation about this, so I’m pleased you asked. In short, no, those passing through a UK airport on their way elsewhere (outside the United Kingdom) do not need to apply for an ETA provided they stay airside before getting on a connecting flight. As such, it’s always a good idea to keep evidence of your onward journey on you at all times. Further information can be found at gov.uk.

Need help?

Doc Holiday is on duty to answer your travel questions. Email [e-mail] or keep up with Doc at escape.com.au/doc-holiday. Personal replies are unfortunately not possible.

Originally published as Doc Holiday: Is Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound a better one-day cruise?