When we travel, Hubby does a lot of research and gives me many choices to make as to where we go and what we do. He is very efficient and I think he would be a very good personal travel planner :)
On our SILDI (screw it, let's do it) trip to the south island, we were reminded why Hubby's plans are always way better than being a part of a tour.
For the Doubtful Sound trip, we took an hour trip across Lake Manapouri by boat then through a road pass by bus to the jetty at the Sound. Personally, I wasn't impressed with the trip as both boats were extremely loud and gave me a headache. The bus driver in between was the highlight as he was quite informative and funny.
As far as I'm concerned, the captain took us out too far into choppy water. I was not happy with the boat rocking quite hard back and forth just to see the seal colony at the mouth of the sounds--not my idea of a 'cruise'. I would have been happier if he had stayed within the Sound. At least, they had free coffee and tea aboard.
The Milford Sound trip was much easier to get to as we just drove to the Milford Sound Visitor's Center to board the boat. The visitor center was quite busy as there were several cruise check-in counters and many tour buses but it was fun to watch the people scurrying about.
The cruise boat actually had a Pita Pit store and a coffee shop aboard so I'm glad we brought our own lunch. This captain turned around as soon as he hit some bad water, so I was impressed with that.
I have to mention that an Asian lady insisted that I take one of her family's umbrellas as we waited in the rain to board the boat. I was quite touched by her concern.
All in all, the tours were nice, the scenery was awesome (even in the rain) and the people were mostly well-behaved but I think I'll stick with Hubby's tours. They are made specifically for me and him!!
The cruise boat actually had a Pita Pit store and a coffee shop aboard so I'm glad we brought our own lunch. This captain turned around as soon as he hit some bad water, so I was impressed with that.
I have to mention that an Asian lady insisted that I take one of her family's umbrellas as we waited in the rain to board the boat. I was quite touched by her concern.
All in all, the tours were nice, the scenery was awesome (even in the rain) and the people were mostly well-behaved but I think I'll stick with Hubby's tours. They are made specifically for me and him!!
12 comments:
We usually avoid tours too - but did a whale watching tour last June (hard to do that by yourself when you don't own a boat). It was great fun and I got the most amazing photo of a whale leaping - but the pilot kept the speed at about 50 knots - even in the choppy water and it about pounded to boat to pieces - I half expected everything to fly apart any minute. I truly enjoyed the times when he slowed for us to watch the pods of whales. Next time we'll go on a slower boat. Just two weeks later one of their boats sunk and 13 people were drowned - never again on a fast whale watching tour.
Your header is amazing - those layers are fabulous - can you tell us more about them.
When I went to Ireland last year I couldn't hire a car because of my age (TOO OLD! Bah) so, for the first time ever I took a tour. I really enjoyed sitting back and letting someone else do the planning. But I'm still a self drive person at heart, and enjoy the planning nearly as much as the doing. Glad you enjoyed the Sth Is.
Great he is such a planner, looking at things before you go. Love the acronym of your group!
I'm a spur of the moment road trip sort of person, having never been to milford sound I've heard it's just stunning, can't wait to see it one day.
My husband is like yours : he uses to plan everything for us and it's quite fine. I read your trips with a lot of attention, to give him advice to organize our next trip in NZ next October! I am very excited !!!
Count me in as also a person that would rather plan my own road trip.
I am with you on tours. My other half simply refuses to go on them but sometimes you have to if you really want to see something. We flew to Milford Sound from Queenstown in a light plane a few years ago and then joined a boat. The flight was fantastic.
When going on holidays, usually I am the one who do the research of the place and plan the trip. I haven't been on a cruise and I do not know whether I can handle the choppy waves or not.
I am following you now on GFC. Have a great weekend!
We always plan our own trip and went on the boat in Milford Sound twice. It is a beautiful place. We have seen dolphins jumping and I loved the waterfall. We bought the tickets straight at the boat. The second time we took a smaller boat. Not too many people so you can see better. In December my brother comes and then we are off to your part of the world
Good morning, dear friend, and thank you for your lovely comment on my blog !
Enjoy your day, today
Daniela
I have zoomed around your two blogs. . . golly, I enjoy reading how your sweetheart - is also a friend -
Your photos are amazing - New Zealand looks beautiful through your lens - what terrific views, different than travel brochures share . . .
I'm happy to meet you for the very first time.
Happy Week to You!
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