My wife and I first visited New Zealand in 2005 as part of a UK club tour.

Whilst in Arrowtown museum on a wet afternoon I spotted a "flyer" about "Breaksea Girl" and its trips into Fiordland. It is probably the only trip we have made that didn't start from an internet search. Everything else was arranged via their web site and email. Even the date of our trip was arranged by Ruth to suit our journey dates as I always make plans well in advance. As a true wilderness experience a few days on Breaksea Girl with Lance takes some beating. Don't expect fancy private cabins with lots of space. Do expect to be quite cozy with your fellow travellers and lots of excellent food! We had a five night trip which included sailing south for 4 hours out in the ocean to Dusky Sound strapped into our bunks! Quite an experience. The sightings of Fiordland Crested Penguins and all the other wildlife and fauna plus the spectacular fiordland scenery was complemented by Lance's passionate concern for the region and his willingness to share his vast knowledge. I cannot recommend a trip such as this to see the real Fiordland more highly. Forget the quick trips "to do" Milford Sound and make the time to visit Fiordland on a small boat and experience the isolation and quiet a world away from civilisation. This is a trip that will linger in the memory for a lifetime. (Nov 2006)

Reviewed almost 16 years ago