pauln14 said... We stayed in Te Annau, to just have a 2 hour drive to Milford. Southern discovery's cat wasn't full with plenty of room on all decks. We'd booked the buffet lunch on the 11:15 departure, but on check in we're offered the VIP upgrade for $30 each. What a great deal, Molly, our hostess, boarded us 10 mins before general boarding, and immediately served us Coffee (or beer/wine) before offering us our choice of starters, then choice of 3 main courses. We chose braised beef and fish. Our private room and flying bridge accommodated c.20, we were the only 2 vips that trip and had Molly's personal commentary and attention the whole trip.
The cruise was spectacular made special by Molly.
Top tips - go early to beat the crowds, when we disembarked there were 19 coaches and many mini-buses. None when we arrived.
Early arrivals find free parking easily, the woodland walk is very pleasant.
If vip, eat early to have more time on deck.
Go early to have relaxing return drive.
Go VIP, fabulous! We called it right this trip.