I am sometimes asked by customers and readers who are thinking of a holiday in New Zealand to give them a bit of local info. This diary entry is dedicated to you folks and in particular those of you who like remote, wild and natural places.

A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate to join Ruth and Lance Dalley on their 65’ motorsailer ‘Breaksea Girl’ in one of the most remote and pristine areas of New Zealand. Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park.

This is on the Southwestern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. There are no hotels or civilization of any sort in this area and it is still wild country. Ruth and Lance have been operating out of Doubtful Sound for the last 14 years, and prior to that Lance was a commercial fisherman.

They are both avid conservationist’s …but, not over the top like some of them which makes them very interesting people! They also run charters down to the Sub Antarctica islands so, if you really want to see big wild seas and get a taste of real offshore conditions, then join them on one those charters. They are one of the few operators licensed to take people to this region. The vessel is designed for this purpose and is one of the most seaworthy vessels of this size I have ever seen.

If however, you want to experience tranquility then stick to a 3 day ‘excursion’ on Doubtful Sound where the silence is ‘deafening’. It is so quiet! You may go for a day and not see any other sign of human life, certainly not onshore and rarely in the form of another boat. You can also go for a walk on shore in the rain forest. And, I do mean rain! The annual rainfall is measured in meters…not inches or feet. And…it can be cold.

Most tourists when they go to this part of New Zealand normally go to Milford Sound…but, these days it is overrun by tourists. So, if you want to experience the real Fiordland, go that little bit further. This area is unique and like no other place in the world.

If you are interested you can always ask me for more details. Or, you can check out their website by clicking here.

So, I hope that you did not mind my ‘plug’ for New Zealand. I have no financial interest in Ruth’s and Lance’s operation. I just think that it is a good experience and worth spreading the word about.