Milford Sound’s tourism and hospitality companies have banded together to offer local health sector workers a break from
their daily work pressures, and they now challenge the industry to continue their initiative in other regions.
The Big Day Away concept was designed by Milford Sound Tourism Operations Manager Tony Woodham and Piopiotahi area
operators Cheeky Kiwi Travel and Cruise Milford, to show their appreciation for the long standing and difficult working
conditions local health staff have endured on behalf of their communities.
Milford Sound’s large and small tourism companies usually offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences for people from all over
the world, but earlier this year they decided to bring these adventures a little closer to home. They have given the
southern regions’ hospital and medical staff all-expenses-paid trips to Fiordland National Park’s stunningly scenic
jewel, as tokens of their appreciation.
Mr Woodham says: “We wanted to deliver an escape for a day, where we, as one small working community which has
experienced pressures and challenges recently, can do something to benefit the local health delivery sector. It has
experienced many years of pressure, and this is our way of showing our empathy, along with providing something for the
wellness and recognition of current frontline folks doing tough, vital, work in increasingly difficult circumstances.”
“We are so incredibly grateful to our health professionals for all they do to keep our community safe and well. We know
the impact of COVID-19 was a heavy undertaking for hospital staff, and we knew we had to do something to say thank you.”
“This initiative really got off the ground thanks to the input from the smaller tourism companies Cheeky Kiwi and Cruise
Milford, which proved a Big Day Away model would work. They committed time, vehicles and significant investment to make
the Big Day Away happen. We are also grateful to Real NZ and Pure Milford for joining the project to ensure even more
health workers could experience Piopiotahi. Our idea was to use the less frantic winter months here in Milford Sound to
give well deserving health folks a break from the daily dramas of work and pressure.”
“What we would love to see now is other tourism operators throughout New Zealand taking hold of the reins and
replicating the Big Day Away in their regions. I’m proud that our small companies down here in Milford Sound have shown
the generosity of spirit to make a tangible effort to lift our health workers’ spirits.”
“We know we will not be alone in wanting to make this goodwill gesture and are keen to collaborate with other tourism
providers to instigate Big Day Away trips throughout Otago and beyond. We hope that our offering will prick the ears of
some of our colleagues nationwide and it would be a true win if they could extend their own versions of the Big Day Away
up and down the country.”
Originally run as a pilot with Southland Hospital staff in June, the interest and uptake in the Big Day Away was so
high, that it was expanded to cater for Queenstown Lakes’ medical staff as well.
As part of the all-expenses-paid experience, staff were picked up and transported to Milford Sound by bus with several
scenic stops along the way. They were treated to a complimentary packed lunch before heading out into Milford Sound for
a 1.5-hour boat cruise, then returned by bus to their hometown destination in the evening.
Southland Hospital General Manager Simon Donlevy says: “This has been a wonderful opportunity for our staff to take some
time to enjoy life outside of their busy roles. We are just so thankful to the tourism operators involved for thinking
of us and making it happen.”
One of the Big Day Away recipients was Southland Hospital Nurse Manager Lucy Prinsloo, who expressed her gratitude for
an “amazing day out”.
“We felt totally spoiled and appreciated - from the personal service we received from our Cheeky Kiwi tour guide to our
yummy, packed lunch, coffees at the Alpine Café and the picturesque cruise!”
Staff put in an expression of interest to participate in the Big Day Away trips and were chosen via a ballot system. All
attendees required managerial approval and undertook the trips on their rostered day off, or on a leave day.
Te Whatu Ora Southern’s Organisational Development Specialist Libby Wilson was able to experience the Big Day Away’s
benefits first-hand after getting on-board a recent trip.
“This was an incredible opportunity to spend a day getting to know other Te Whatu Ora staff and enjoying the stunning
scenery from Southland to Milford Sound. We were treated to falling snow and inquisitive kea playing at arm’s length
near Homer Tunnel. Other highlights included making it out to the Tasman Sea, experiencing the sheer drops of the
towering cliffs in Milford Sound and spray coming off Stirling Falls as the boat nosed its way in close to the
waterfall. We were all so grateful to Milford Sound Tourism and Real NZ staff.“
To date, there have been seven Big Day Away trips run, with a total of 107 health workers from across the region
participating in the experiences.
Mr Woodham and his tourism partners hope to repeat the offer next winter to cater for the demand that could not be met
this season.