History of Real Journeys

Real Journeys began in 1954 when a young local couple, Les and Olive Hutchins, bought the Manapouri-Doubtful Sound Tourist Company. This was a modest operation consisting of a walking track crossing Wilmot Pass, two small and rather aged boats and a dilapidated hut at Doubtful Sound.

Running a tourism venture in one of the wildest and most remote areas of the world was tough. Doubtful Sound was practically unexplored, regular transport services were non-existent, supplies and suppliers were hundreds of miles away and “tourists” were a scarce commodity.

With hard work and perseverance, Les and Olive Hutchins laid the foundations of what is now a very successful tourism company. By 1966 they were ready to expand. They acquired Fiordland Travel Ltd, with its Te Anau Glowworm Caves and Milford Track lake-transport operation, and began operating under that name.

Further expansion followed with the purchase of the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown. Then, in 1970, the company successfully took on the government monopoly on tourism in world-renowned Milford Sound and began running cruises in the fiord.

In recognition of its continued expansion beyond Fiordland, the company rebranded as Real Journeys in 2002.  It has since expanded further with the purchase of Stewart Island Experience in 2004.

From the company’s very beginning, Les and Olive Hutchins both had a strong interest and involvement in Fiordland National Park and conservation issues.  Along with other conservationists, they successfully fought the proposed raising of Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri for power generation. As their company expanded, they began directing some of the profits into conservation activities.  This practice continues into the present (see Conservation).

Despite all the changes over the years – including two changes of name – Real Journeys remains a private and family-owned company that is strongly guided by the vision and conservation ethos of its founders.

KEY DATES IN COMPANY HISTORY

1954 Les and Olive Hutchins purchase the Manapouri-Doubtful Sound Tourist Company and begin taking tourists into remote Doubtful Sound.

1963 The company undergoes major expansion, winning contracts to deliver workers to the new Manapouri Hydro Electric Power Project.

1966 The company takes over Fiordland Travel, which operates the Te Anau Glowworm Cave excursion and Lake Te Anau launch transfers – from this time on, the company becomes known as Fiordland Travel Ltd.

1969 Fiordland Travel Ltd takes over operation of the TSS Earnslaw steamship on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown.

1970 Fiordland Travel begins operating Milford Sound cruises on board the MV Friendship.

1978 Bryan Hutchins is appointed General Manager of Fiordland Travel Ltd.

1984 Queenstown/Milford Sound coach connections begin.

1987 Queenstown/ Milford Sound aircraft connections begin.

1988 Les Hutchins is awarded an OBE for his services to tourism.

1991 Secures the lease of Walter Peak High Country Farm.  Winner of the NZ Tourism Supreme Award.

1992 The Milford Wanderer (built in Southland) is launched on Milford Sound, introducing a new overnight cruise option for visitors.

1993 Fiordland Travel Ltd enters its aircraft fleet into a joint venture with the Mount Cook Group to establish flightseeing operations.

1993 The Commander Peak catamaran begins service on Doubtful Sound, enabling visitors to cruise out to the Tasman Sea.

1994 The Milford Monarch (built in Southland) is launched on Milford Sound (doubling scenic cruise capacity)

1996 Fiordland Travel Ltd enters into a joint-venture partnership with Vance and Carol Boyd, establishing Queenstown Rafting.  The company wins the New Zealand Tourism Supreme Award

1998 Fiordland Travel Ltd enters into a joint-venture partnership with Trips’ n’ Tramps to establish the Milford Track Day Walk.

2000 The Milford Mariner (built in Southland) commences operation on Milford Sound – offering daytime and overnight cruise options.

2001 The Fiordland Navigator (built in Southland) begins service on Doubtful Sound – offering a new overnight cruise option.

2002 Fiordland Travel Ltd rebrands its tourism operations as Real Journeys.  Les Hutchins is made a Distinguished Companion of the NZ Order of Merit (a modern-day knighthood) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of his services to conservation and tourism.

2003 Milford Sound Flightseeing reverts to 100% ownership by Fiordland Travel Ltd, operating under the Real Journeys brand.

2003 The Milford Sovereign begins operations on Milford Sound, extending scenic cruise capacity and offering a new level of customer service.

2004 Stewart Island Experience is established.

2005 The Patea Explorer, built in Australia, is launched in Doubtful Sound, replacing the Commander Peak. 

2006 Upgrade of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and launch of the Luminosa.  Real Journeys wins ITOC Award.  Real Journeys wins Environment Southland's annual Environment Award.

2007 Real Journeys wins the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand’s 2007 “Conservation in Action Award” and the “Qualmark Mark of Quality Award”. Real Journeys purchases 50% of Trips ‘n’ Tramps.

2008 Real Journeys purchases Stewart Island Lodge and 50% ownership of top seakayaking operator Fiordland Wilderness Experiences, and closes the Intouch Visitor Centre.
Real Journeys becomes one of the first tourism companies in New Zealand to be awarded Qualmark's Enviro-Silver accreditation. The company also wins the Tourism Industry Association's "New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Award" and is a finalist for the "Conservation in Action Award", as well as winning the Civil Aviation Authority's top safety award and the ITOC "operator of the year" award.

2009
Real Journeys launches a luxurious new $2.5 million tourism vessel - MV Sinbad - in Milford Sound. The purpose-built cruising vessel is added to the Real Journeys fleet to bolster capacity, bringing the total number of Nature Cruise vessels to three.

Real Journeys purchases the motor sailer Breaksea Girl.

Milford Sound Flights Ltd is formed as a 50/50 joint venture with Totally Tourism Ltd.

2010  
Real Journeys launches Doubtful Sound Small Boat Cruises using the Breaksea Girl. This excursion complements the existing daytime Wilderness Cruises and Overnight Cruises in Doubtful Sound.

MV Pilgrim, one of the first vessels operated by Real Journeys founders Les and Olive Hutchins on Lake Manapouri in the 1950’s, quietly marks her 100th anniversary on Lake Te Anau.

Lisa McIlroy becomes the TSS Earnslaw’s first female skipper marking another milestone in the historic vessel’s 98 year history.

Real Journeys commences its new Walter Peak Independent and Guided Cycling excursions in conjunction with partners Around the Mountain Cycle Tours Ltd. For the first time, cyclists can explore the spectacular tussock clad back-country between Walter Peak High Country Farm and the Mavora Lakes with an experienced guide.

Real Journeys takes over 100% ownership of Fiordland Wilderness Experiences sea kayaking operation and sells its 50% share in Trips ‘n’ Tramps.

Company founders - Les and Olive Hutchins