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Decisions, decisions, decisions!!

Well, after four itinerary changes, I think we're finally set for our trip to New Zealand.

We leave the end of February, bound for Queenstown, spending the first 3 days at the Stoneridge Estate.

From there, we plan to visit a few wineries of the Central Otago region, as well as take a tour of Milford Sound (that seems to be on everyone's list of sights to see), and take a jet boat ride (or maybe kayak) up the Dart River (it goes by some Lord of the Ring sites).

Beyond that.we have nothing specific planned until we get to Auckland, where I have 4 nights booked at the Westin Auckland, Lighter Quay. (I've used my Starwood points, so I can change those dates if needed without a penalty.) Total time on the ground in New Zealand - 17 days.

Touring the wineries is easy, we have a car, but how to best experience Milford Sound and the Dart River is proving a lot more daunting than I had expected.

There are just too many different tours to choose from, with prices ranging widely, especially for Milford Sound, which involves a helicopter ride (not my favorite form of transportation, but.....).

Anywaze, so I've decide to resort to asking for advice and suggestions (I'm hoping all the NZ links I've put in this post will get to someones attention), from those in the know, who either live in New Zealand, or have visited there, and can offer some recommendations.

Our hosts at the Stoneridge Estate, have recommended the Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters company, and Dart River Safaris as the best tour operators, but there is at least one other helicopter company that offers tours.

Price isn't a major obstacle, as I've always regretted being cheap, and then missing out on something, but at the same time, I want to be sure I'm getting good value for my dollar (even with the favorable exchange rate).
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