What should I choose, Milford Sound or the TranzScenic Alpine Train?

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travel_stories

Personally I would do Milford Sound if you can manage it. There is a beautiful boat trip where your mother could sit down, and this really is one of the most highly rated of New Zealand's many beautiful landmarks!

I have done the Tranz Alpine Rail trip and while it is lovely it isn't up there with Milford Sound.Although in April depending on the weather there could be snow through Arthurs Pass which would make the Tranz Alpine very special. For the best views from the train you need to go to the open car which was very full and standing room only.That is not to say you don't get good views from a carriage.You do.

Milford Sound is quite a distance from Queenstown. It would be preferable to do an overnight tour, ( fromQueenstown) or trip if you are driving yourselves.So it may be pushing it a bit to fit it in comfortably.

Totem

Milford Sound unless there's a huge snowfall in the interim. The TranzAlpine is best experienced in winter.

Driver T

In thinking of your mother's comfort, I would suggest the Tranz Alpine - it's very comfortable. The trip to Milford is a long trip in a coach. Don't attempt to drive a car in. It will be too uncomfortable.
(My advice actually would be to forget Milford if you insist on seeing a Sound, and go to Doubtful Sound - just over the hill from Te Anau. It's far more spectacular and it's not overrun with tourists like Milford is.)

Do the Tranz Alpine and enjoy it.

Anyway, you'll be able to see Milford (or Doubtful) next time you're in NZ. I hope of course, you will come back.

Added later.
Do you realise that from Christchurch, the Tranz Alpine is a one day return journey, whereas Milford Sound would be a 2 but more likely a 3 day return journey.

LV-Gnome

I personally prefer Queenstown/Te Anau. Milford Sound is breathtaking and there are other boat tours you can take as well down there - such as Doubtful Sound. There are several bus companies that run tours in those areas, and a place in Te Anau where you can store a rental car and be picked up directly from the premises, so walking would be minimal (once you reach most of the sites, the only walking would be from the bus to the boat and they are all wheelchair accessible).

The only thing I would consider an issue is time. Queenstown is a few hours drive from Christchurch.

Isabelle-Rae

I live in New Zealand and I have never been on the Train trip from Christchurch to Greymouth however I have heard it is wonderful. There is also another train trip, and that is the Trans Coastal which goes from Christchurch to Picton, at the top of the South Island. Either trip would equally be wonderful!

I have been to Queenstown and it is lovely down there. When i went my grandmother and grandfather were with me and they both enjoyed the gondola ride and beautiful views. I believe there are many walking tracks around the Milford sounds and Te Anau area.

Because both options are absolutely wonderful it is hard to choose which to do. I would ssuggestthat because your mother doesn't have a good knee, you choose the train options. Visit http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/ to view options about both Tranz Alpine and Tranz coastal!

Have a wonderful trip in New Zealand!

I.

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