Considered the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', Milford Sound is an awe-inspiring fiord with 5,000ft towering peaks such as Mitre Peak and mighty waterfalls that you really have to see to believe. Home to dolphins, fur seals, and an array of bird life, even the occasional Humpback whale, Milford Sound is an unmissable experience on any trip to New Zealand's South Island.
But what is the best way to see it? I hear you ask. Helicopter flight? Coach tour? Boat trip? For us, it has to be a Jucy Cruise. Yes, I have just experienced Milford Sound on a Jucy Cruise so may be a little biased, however hear me out...
1. Jucy Cruise have smaller boats
'Good things come in small packages' or so they say? When it comes to your Milford Sound cruise, the smaller the better! The Jucy Cruise boat is a small, streamlined catamaran known as the 'Maiden of Milford', it's cute, comfortable and completely modern.
It's smaller size is an advantage over other monstrous vessels exploring the area, you don't get the crowds and your Jucy boat is able to explore every nook and cranny of the fiord. Yes that means going right under waterfalls and getting soaked - pack your raincoats! You also pretty much come face to face with sunbathing seals - so have your cameras at the ready.
A smaller size also means a more personalised experience, the guide and staff get to know who's on board, chat to to everyone and answer any additional questions that you might have. The Jucy Cruise staff are super friendly and happy to help. What's more, fewer people = better photo opportunities, you won't have to fight off hoards of selfie sticks battling for the best shot, you'll have heaps of space for the perfect Instagram snap.
When it comes to Milford Sound, size does matter.
2. They are backpacker friendly
With its fun, laid-back approach, Jucy Cruise is not your usual, stuffy boat cruise. Sadly, Milford Sound has fallen victim to monster coaches hoarding and squeezing hundreds of tourists on to giant cruise boats. You're better off going with someone like Jucy. The Jucy Cruise attracts a backpacker crowd, with a variety of different people coming on board. You'll notice lots of travellers from across the globe chatting and getting to know one another.
But what makes it even more backpacker friendly is the fact it's got a bar, yes a 'Jucy Bar', serving a range of thirst-quenching alcoholic drinks that will have you and your new mates yarning together for the full two hours... where there's a bar, there are backpackers.
3. They'll feed you a lip-smackingly good lunch!
On board the Jucy boat is the delicious Pita Pit, a tasty spot to grab lunch while you admire Milford Sound's beauty. You can pre-order your pita and tell them exactly what you'd like in it, so that when you arrive it's ready to go! The pitas are stuffed to the brim with mouth-watering fillings including chicken & falafel, chicken and bacon, chicken caesar plus a ridiculous amount of different salads. Everything is cooked fresh and right in front of your eyes. Oh and it gets better, throughout the trip complimentary teas & coffees are served, so you stay refreshed while watching the picturesque views pass by.
Can you think of a better spot for lunch? No, nor us.
