We have just had a two days away in Te Anau trying to help out local tourism. We had a lovely room overlooking the lake at a reasonable price, we then took the boat trip across the lake to the glow worm caves - excellent tour, great price with very few people on board. With the cost of running the boat and paying staff, not much profit for them.
The next day we booked a trip on Milford Sound, also another well-priced cruise, only 14 people on board so with three staff and running costs very little profit.
But this was soured by the disgusting charges that Southland council are charging to park there - $25 for a minimum of 5 hours; we only needed 3.
They are the ones that want us to support the local tourism industry, When I complained to the tour operator about it and that we were pensioners and the cost of fuel for the 240km round trip he was very helpful and gave us a discount on the already cheap price. So come on Southland council, help these guys out and stop ripping us locals off.
- Alan
