Balance in Business: The wonder of Milford

CHILL: A cruise on a spacious boat enjoying a stunning part of New Zealand can be as social or peaceful as you like.

Remember that old advertising campaign slogan `don't leave home until you've seen the country'?

With cut-price international airfares readily available, it's easy to look past local destinations, but with some advance planning to book cheaper airfares consider heading to Milford Sound for a unique slice of Kiwiana.

I know how challenging it is to find time away from your own business and I admit my journey to Milford was largely business-related, but it's important to take whatever time you can to relax and enjoy not being available on mobile whenever and wherever, there's no cell phone reception in Milford Sound!

The objective was to take an overnight cruise on Milford Sound on Real Journey's Milford Mariner _ frequently the only boat out on the sound overnight, which sounded just perfect to me. We were travelling in September and the Mariner's season of overnight voyages had just started.

Having flown into Queenstown, we picked up a car and headed off around Lake Wakatipu on SH6 towards Lumsden, then over to Te Anau for a break and on to Milford Sound in plenty of time for the Mariner's 4pm sailing.

Distance-wise the drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is only 285km, but it's a fairly rugged South Island road with plenty of places worthy of a photo or two. I'd recommend allowing yourself a good five hours for the drive, which gives you time to stop in Te Anau or wherever and also factors in the number of coach tours on the road.

It's extremely pretty driving north along Lake Te Anau's eastern shore. The dappled light of the beech forest makes way for spectacular valleys surrounded by towering mountains and avalanche warning signs, then the awe-inspiring Homer Tunnel and a quick drop down into Milford Sound itself.

The Milford Mariner carries up to 60 passengers overnight in private cabins with en suites. With three decks, fantastic staff, even more fantastic food and the scenery of Milford Sound in all its glory on a still, sunlit evening, you couldn't ask for a more relaxing way to spend the night.

Leaving the marina at 4pm we head out into the sound, the only boat cruising on a glorious evening.

An interesting commentary keeps us informed as we cruise up the sound; the passengers enjoying afternoon tea as they stroll around the decks taking photos.

About an hour later, the Mariner anchors and passengers hop into a kayak or a tender boat to spend some time close to the deep still water of Milford Sound for an hour or so before returning to enjoy an excellent and extensive evening meal. An informative slide show after dinner covered the history, flora and fauna of Milford Sound.

After a great night's sleep, the growl of the Mariner's engines alerts you to breakfast being served as we cruise right out to the Tasman Sea. Weather-wise it's a big contrast to the previous day. Now it's drizzly and grey, but still spectacular and you can see the bright eyes of happy passengers revelling in Milford's wondrous beauty.

A cruise on a spacious boat with 60 passengers all enjoying a stunning part of New Zealand can be as social or peaceful as you want, but I liked being a Kiwi on holiday in my own country, you're a magnet for the international visitors who love talking with you.

Depending on the time of year, the Mariner overnight voyage costs about $310 per person for twin share accommodation, all meals, use of smaller boats, etc.