Milford Sound Coach Fleet Leads the Way

TRENZ May 2011

Media Release
 

Real Journeys continues to lead the way on the Queenstown to Milford route using innovative technology in its coaches to both enhance passenger comfort and reduce its carbon footprint.

A new coach was introduced last season and this season another coach is being built, both specially designed for the Milford Road.   They provide the ultimate touring experience with their unique angled “bullet” shape, use of tiered seating and expansive glass to maximise passenger viewing. 

The new coach will be wired for wifi where the networks allow.  It will also be the longest coach on the Milford Road.

Real Journeys Coach Services Manager, David Osborne said the new Volvo B12B coach will be 14.5 metres long and has 58 seats.  It means that on a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound, a larger number of people can travel, yet the Euro V emissions rating remains the same as in the smaller 54 seat coach”.

“On a full coach those extra seats represent a significant saving of fuel per person travelling.  And clearly it’s an even greater fuel saving when compared with even half that number of visitors travelling independently in their own vehicles,” said Mr Osborne.

“The coach design was challenging as it had to be able to fit through the narrow Homer Tunnel that leads into Milford Sound as well as maintain all the comforts the Real Journeys coaches are known for,” said Mr Osborne.

The coach provides the normal in-depth driver’s commentary but also has the potential to have two simultaneous commentaries delivered by foreign language guides via headphones.

It’s being built in Palmerston North by boutique coach builders Coachwork Central, and will start operating the spectacular Milford Road route to Milford Sound this October.

Those interested in seeing Real Journeys innovative coach design can view last year’s model, as it will be on site at TRENZ.

For more information or images please contact:

Tsehai Tiffin - Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: +64 3 442 4830
Mobile: 021 523 899
Email: ttiffin@realjourneys.co.nz