Functions & Events

Making your event a success!

Real Journeys makes it simple to arrange a quality conference or function in beautiful southern New Zealand.

Whether you’re seeking stunning alpine scenery, friendly hospitality with the charm and character of Queenstown’s heritage, or the peace of an island sanctuary, all of our excursions can be customized to suit your event.
 
Our team can assist every aspect of your planning and budgeting – from the concept stage through to support for the event itself.  Simply let us know your dates and likely numbers and we’ll provide you with sample packages and itineraries.

When you book with us you can be assured of a memorable experience.

TSS Earnslaw from Queenstown

Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel on board Queenstown’s vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. 

Launched in 1912, and lovingly maintained ever since, the TSS Earnslaw is the only coal-fired passenger-carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. 

Cruising on this heritage vessel is truly unique. There is simply no better way to experience Queenstown’s stunning alpine scenery.

The TSS Earnslaw makes several trips daily across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm and groups are welcome on board our scheduled daytime and evening excursions. The ship’s private saloon and fo’c’sle gallery are both available for hire and provide excellent venues for a distinctive private function. Alternatively, choose an exclusive charter of the TSS Earnslaw (capacity 350) and we will tailor an itinerary to suit your requirements.

Full catering and bar facilities are available on board. Cruise options include a breakfast, cream tea, light lunch or black-tie cocktail cruise catering for 30 to 350.

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Walter Peak High Country Farm from Queenstown

Nestled amongst expansive lakeside gardens, the historic Colonel’s Homestead has the charm and style of a bygone era. Situated on the western shores of Lake Wakatipu, this
delightful venue is easily accessed from Queenstown on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw - either on a scheduled cruise or a special charter. 

If you’re seeking added flexibility for your event, we also have a smaller charter vessel available.  In addition, we can organize scenic flights from Queenstown that provide breathtaking aerial views of the surrounding alpine landscape.

The timeless ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead provides the perfect setting for a wide range of occasions including carvery buffet dining, country-style breakfasts, barbecues on the terrace, cocktail parties, blacktie dinners, weddings and themed evenings catering from 25 to 275 people. 

Our team will gladly assist you to theme your function – arranging guest speakers, musicians, farming demonstrations and other quality entertainment as requested. Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax to the sound of our talented pianist.

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Milford Sound from Queenstown and Te Anau
 

World-renowned for its awe-inspiring landscape, the majesty of Milford Sound is unsurpassed.

If your function is based in Queenstown or Te Anau, we can easily arrange a half or full-day excursion to Milford Sound. Our luxury glass-roofed coaches travel the magnificent overland route to the fiord. Alternatively, you can fly direct from Queenstown on our fleet of twin-engine planes. It all depends on your time constraints and budget, but either way the views are superb. 
Whether your group would prefer to cruise on a motorised sailing vessel with a specialist nature guide, or enjoy a range of dining options on a spacious modern cruise vessel, our team will customise a Milford Sound excursion that suits your group.

Depending on your event, you can travel on our scheduled cruises, book a private area for your function, or charter an entire vessel.

Alternatively, for a truly unique dinner, bed and breakfast experience, consider an overnight cruise in Milford Sound and witness the incredible beauty of the fiord at dawn. It’s the ultimate way to indulge your delegates or incentive group.

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Doubtful Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau
 

Doubtful Sound is an immense and isolated fiord known for its tranquility, wilderness and wildlife. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently seen alongside our vessels, fur seals bask on rocky outcrops and, at times, rare penguins can be viewed.

Real Journeys provides connections to Doubtful Sound from Queenstown and Te Anau by luxury coach and vessel. On reaching the fiord, your group will then board one of our
two purpose-built vessels. 

Join one of our scheduled daytime cruises, or charter our motorized sailing vessel for an exclusive customised cruise. Our experienced crew will take you to the most magnificent parts of Doubtful Sound, stopping to view wildlife along the way.
 
Alternatively, join an overnight cruise and experience the tranquility of the fiord by night. During the evening, your group will have the opportunity to get out and explore by kayak or small boat while the on board chef prepares a three-course dinner. Then awake the next morning to the aroma of fresh coffee and a cooked breakfast.

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Te Anau Glowworm Caves from Te Anau
 

The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a magical underground world of sculpted rock and waterfalls, lit by the shimmer of thousands of glowworms. Located on the western shores of Lake Te Anau, and accessible only by boat, a caves visit is a perfect two-hour excursion for guests staying in Te Anau. 

An excursion into the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a scenic lake cruise on board the catamaran Luminosa. Upon reaching the caves, our nature guides take small groups underground by path and small boat, culminating with a visit to the magical glowworm grotto.

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Lake Te Anau Cruise from Te Anau
 

The deep clear waters of Lake Te Anau make up the largest lake in the South Island and the second largest lake in New Zealand. 

A Lake Te Anau cruise is the perfect way for your conference delegates, partners or incentive group to relax and unwind. They will enjoy a leisurely cruise of the lake’s picturesque southern arm on our luxury catamaran Luminosa. This is a private-charter option only and is ideal for a daytime or evening excursion.

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Stewart Island from Invercargill
 

Stewart Island is New Zealand’s ultimate eco-tourism destination. Its densely forested hills and untouched coastline make it a haven for native marine and bird life. 

This island sanctuary is ideal for inclusion in Invercargill-based programmes for delegates and partners, or as an optional activity for delegates who wish to spend more time in the region. 

Whether you’re considering a day trip, or a more extended visit, we can take you to Stewart Island on our one-hour modern ferry and provide you with a complete island itinerary. Our activities include a semi-submersible vessel for underwater viewing, a Paterson Inlet cruise with a visit to Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary, and minibus tours of Stewart Island itself.

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Planning an event? Who to contact:
 

TSS Earnslaw, Walter Peak High Country, Farm, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Te Anau events:

Email:      functions@realjourneys.co.nz
Address:  Real Journeys, PO Box 94, Queenstown
Freephone: 0800 65 65 03 (within New Zealand)
Telephone:  +64 3 442 7500
Fax:  +64 3 442 7504

Stewart Island events:

Email:      info@sie.co.nz
Address:  Stewart Island Experience, PO Box 57, Bluff
Telephone:  +64 3 212 7660
Fax:  +64 3 212 8377