SOUTHERN DISCOVERIES EXPANDS IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCE OF MILFORD SOUND
Following the successful launch of Southern Discoveries Milford Sound Coach & Cruise day trips last year, the company is set to introduce even more in-depth and personalised experiences in this iconic New Zealand landscape.
After investing in a fleet of state-of-the-art coaches in 2017, Southern Discoveries went on to make twice daily trips to Milford Sound from Queenstown, connecting with their Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Scenic Cruise.
Now Southern Discoveries is further expanding its premium fleet, with the purchase of a new, smaller-than-industry-standard 37-seat coach, which sports the same first-rate features as the larger coaches (excluding the onboard toilet).
The purpose-built, low-emissions coaches feature an extra-wide glass roof that makes the most of the majestic alpine scenery on this world-renowned journey. Passenger comfort is also taken care of with reclining seats, extra leg room, USB charging ports, air conditioning and multi-lingual head set commentary.
Southern Discoveries CEO Tim Hunter says the smaller coach will allow the company to offer even more in-depth experiences of what many consider to be the trip of a lifetime.
“At Southern Discoveries, our team of local experts have always ensured each and every guest gets to enjoy a unique, authentic experience in this piece of paradise we call home,” he says.
“This new, smaller coach service will cater to customers who want an even more personalised and in-depth experience between Queenstown and Milford Sound, much like our current Go Milford Day Trip which departs daily from Te Anau.”
The new coach will mean the introduction of a 8.15am daily summer departure from Queenstown, connecting to Southern Discoveries signature Milford Sound Discover More cruise package, which includes a Nature Cruise, visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory and Picnic Lunch. The coach will connect to the company’s new smaller boat, Lady Stirling, which also launched last year.
Southern Discoveries will also be offering Milford Sound Coach, Cruise & Kayak experiences from Queenstown in summer, departing at 7.00am. Kayaking in Milford Sound has become one of the company’s most popular trips in recent years and this is the first time they will be able to offer a trip from Queenstown by road rather than flight.
The 2018/19 season will also see Southern Discoveries offering their Milford Sound Discover More package off Scenic Cruises, in addition to Nature and Encounter Nature Cruises, and with an option to upgrade the Picnic Lunch to a hot Buffet Lunch.
The move will cater to the growing Chinese and other Asian FIT markets seeking more authentic and personal experiences.
The launch of these new coach and cruise products continues the significant investment Southern Discoveries has made into its Milford Sound and Queenstown operations in order to meet growing tourism demands.
Other new experiences introduced by the company over recent years include scenic cruises on Lake Wakatipu and half-day cycling and high-country farm experiences in Queenstown.