Real Journeys Invests Over Ten Million Dollars in Doubtful Sound
May 2011
Media Release
Doubtful Sound offers one of New Zealand’s top wilderness excursions and Real Journeys is determined to keep its premium quality delivery by investing over $10 million to upgrade all vessels and coaches.
From November this year, the first part of the Doubtful Sound excursion, the crossing of Lake Manapouri, will be on board the brand new, purpose built, multi-million dollar vessel MV Titiroa.
The wharves at both ends of Lake Manapouri are also being upgraded and extended to cater for what will be the lake’s largest vessel.
Once passengers have crossed Lake Manapouri they’ll board a modern Volvo coach to take them across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. Two new Volvo coaches that meet the Euro V lower emissions rating are being built in Tauranga, New Zealand and will complete the upgrade of the entire Wilmot Pass fleet. The chassis have been specially adapted for the steep gradient of this alpine road by Volvo in Sweden.
On arrival at the fiord passengers embark for their three-hour day cruise on another multi-million dollar purpose-built vessel “Patea Explorer”, which was launched just five years ago.
“Being at the heart of Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage area, the appeal of Doubtful Sound lies not only in its beauty and rare wildlife but in its utter remoteness. That means visitors spend a fair bit of time getting to the fiord itself, so we wanted that part of their experience to be just as memorable, comfortable and top of the line as the Doubtful Sound cruise,” said Real Journeys CEO Dave Hawkey.
Currently being built in Wanganui, New Zealand, the MV Titiroa will have double glazing installed, not only to regulate the temperature efficiently but to make the passage across Lake Manapouri quieter (less engine noise) and help prevent windows fogging up, a problem sometimes caused by the unique Fiordland weather.
“Creating an air gap between the glass will act as a thermal buffer, so even in the worst conditions and with a full complement of 138 passengers, the vessel’s powerful air conditioning should clear the windows within minutes”, said Real Journeys naval architect Drew Bryant.
The multi-million dollar catamaran is 24 metres long and can carry 142 people (including four crew members).
A third new 45-seat coach is being added to the Queenstown fleet to bring travellers to Doubtful Sound. This dedicated service enables passengers to return an hour earlier to enjoy the resort’s many dining and entertainment opportunities. Customer feedback suggested that this would be a significant advantage for those choosing Doubtful Sound.
An upgrade of the Manapouri Visitor Centre and the adjoining car parking area is also planned for next year, the final stage of this major investment.
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
