Excursions/Destinations
Real Journeys Company Profile
Company History
Real Journeys Ltd has been operating in southern New Zealand for more than half a century. Over the years it has become well known and respected for its innovation in developing new tourism excursions. The company has a well-earned reputation for providing high-quality excursions enjoyed by visitors from around the globe.
Real Journeys had its inception in the 1950s when Les and Olive Hutchins purchased the very small Manapouri-Doubtful Sound Tourist Company. In the early days their operation included a Lake Manapouri cruise, a walk over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove Hostel, and a cruise on Doubtful Sound.
Les and Olive Hutchins laid the foundations of what is now a very successful tourism company. Though the early years were fraught with challenges, their fledging company soon began to spread its wings. In 1966 they acquired Fiordland Travel Ltd, with its Te Anau Glowworm Caves and Milford Track lake-transport operation.
Further expansion followed with the establishment of cruises on world-famous Milford Sound and the purchase of the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown.
Now operating as Real Journeys Ltd, the company remains private and family-owned, and the influence of its founders remains strong. Les Hutchins had a lifetime interest and involvement in Fiordland National Park and conservation issues. His contribution to this special part of New Zealand continues through the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation (established in 1994).
Real Journeys has operational bases in Milford, Te Anau, Manapouri, and Queenstown. The company offers a range of quality tourism excursions focussed on providing authentic experiences amidst some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand. Trips include the Te Anau Glowworm Caves; the Milford Track Day Walk; daytime and overnight cruises in Milford and Doubtful Sounds (with daily coach connections from Te Anau and coach/flight connections from Queenstown).
In Queenstown, options include cruises on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for farm tours, barbecue lunches, horse treks, heritage excursions and evening dining at the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak.
A wholly owned subsidiary company, Stewart Island Experience, operates the ferry service between Bluff and Stewart Island and provides coach transfers, cruises of Paterson Inlet and Ulva Island, Village and Bays Tours, Underwater Explorer Cruises and vehicle rentals.
These core excursions are complemented by joint ventures that include Queenstown Rafting, the Sightseeing Shop and the In Touch Visitor Centre in Queenstown.
Today, Real Journeys carries visitors from around the world in comfort and style, taking them places that 50 years ago were inaccessible to all but the hardiest of travellers.
KEY DATES IN COMPANY HISTORY
1954 - Les and Olive Hutchins purchase the Manapouri-Doubtful Sound Tourist Company and begin taking visitors 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 Ltd 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 Sightseeing Shop joint venture is established with Shotover Jet
1988 - Les Hutchins awarded an OBE for services to tourism
1992 - The Milford Wanderer (built in Southland) is launched on Milford Sound, introducing a new overnight cruise option
1993 - Fiordland Travel Ltd enters its aircraft fleet into a joint venture with the Mount Cook Group to establish flightseeing operations.
The Commander Peak catamaran begins service on Doubtful Sound, enabling cruises out to the Tasman Sea.
1994 - The Milford Monarch (built in Southland) is launched on Milford Sound, doubling cruise capacity
1996 - Fiordland Travel Ltd enters into a joint venture with Carol and Vance Boyd to establish Queenstown Rafting
1998 - Fiordland Travel Ltd enters into a joint-venture partnership with Trips’ n’ Tramps to establish the Milford Track Day Walk
2000 - Milford Mariner launched on Milford Sound
2002 - Fiordland Travel Ltd rebrands as Real Journeys. Dave Hawkey is appointed CEO
2003 - Les Hutchins dies, aged 79.
Milford Sound Flightseeing reverts to 100% ownership by Fiordland Travel Ltd, operating under the Real Journeys brand.
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.
The Intouch Visitor Centre – a joint venture with Kawarau Jet – opens in Queenstown
2005 - The Patea Explorer, built in Australia, is launched in Doubtful Sound, replacing the Commander Peak
2006 - The final stage of rebranding is completed – Fiordland Travel Ltd officially becomes Real Journeys Ltd
The Milford Track Day Walk reverts to 100% ownership by Real Journeys
An extensive upgrade of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves excursion is completed and the Luminosa, built in Australia, is launched at Lake Te Anau
Media Enquiries
Diana McCurdy
Marketing Communications Manager
Real Journeys
Tel: 03 442 4830
Mobile: 021 437 338
Email: dmccurdy@realjourneys.co.nz
