New Stewart Island Marine Nature Cruise

TRENZ May 2011

Media Release

Real Journeys is launching Marine Nature Cruises this summer in response to the many visitors who wanted to see and learn more about Stewart Island’s rich and diverse marine life.

The area’s an important breeding ground for many sea birds, fur seals and other marine mammals and fish including the great white shark.

The new two and a half hour cruise off the coastline near Halfmoon Bay and the Titi Islands will include a 45-minute exploration below the water line in a semi submersible vessel.

“The waters around Stewart Island are extraordinary, especially when you can get in amongst it in the semi-submersible.  You can see fish, but I’m just as fascinated by the forests of kelp down there that can grow half a metre in a day.  And above water to watch albatross gliding behind the boat is something else,” said Real Journeys CEO Dave Hawkey.

There are over twenty sea bird species that nest around Stewart Island, including the mollymawk (an albatross), three different species of penguin and the famous titi or sooty shearwater.  A specialist nature guide is on board to point these out and share Stewart Island’s marine history from early Maori to sealers and whalers and modern day fishing.

The Marine Nature Cruises will commence in November with daily departures.  They complement the existing Paterson Inlet Cruises that look at the flora and fauna of this area with a guided walk on Ulva Island, a renowned birdlife sanctuary.

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