At Real Journeys, we believe conservation is the cornerstone of New Zealand’s tourism industry. We are keenly aware of the importance of protecting the natural environment and, to help achieve this, we work closely with both the Department of Conservation and the local community.

Conservation has always been an important part of our company philosophy. During his lifetime, Real Journeys founder Les Hutchins received an OBE and was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to tourism and conservation. In 2000, he also received a New Zealand Government Biodiversity Accolade.

Today, we strive to continue to fulfill Les Hutchins’ vision.

Individual conservation projects

• Harlequin Gecko – Stewart Island
  Real Journeys is contributing $4,000 over two years to assist DOC in studying this rare Stewart Island gecko.  The harlequin gecko only became known to science in 1981. This follows a previous $40,000 donation.

• Whio (Blue Duck) - Fiordland
  Real Journeys is currently contributing $10,000 towards assisting transfer of whio fledglings to new habitat near Milford Sound. Previously over $50,000 has been contributed to the whio recovery programme.
   
• SIRCET (Stewart Island Rakiura Environmental Trust)
  $5 from the ticket price of every Stewart Island Experience Guided Nature Walk is contributed to SIRCET to help fund their local efforts to protect wildlife around Halfmoon Bay.

Ongoing contribution – Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation

• Every year, passengers contribute more than $50,000 to conservation via a $1 passenger levy on our Doubtful Sound operations. 
   
• Projects include protection programmes for endangered birds, tracks and interpretation signage, outdoor education camps and wilding pine eradication.

^{Native Whio (Blue Duck) ducklings raised through Operation Nest Egg}  

Helping passengers and staff to get involved

• By maintaining best practice and having highly qualified nature guides, we aim to provide an important educational role in increasing visitor awareness of environmental issues.

• During winter we run 5-7 day Discovery Cruises.  We facilitate an on-board auction, raising money for a relevant conservation project. To date, $10,000 has been raised. In 2008, we sponsored the transfer of 40 Little Spotted Kiwi from a North Island sanctuary to Fiordland, re-establishing them in the area for the first time in 100 years.

Other forms of contribution

• In Milford Sound and Stewart Island, employees check and maintain lines of stoat and rat traps and monitor endangered bird populations. The success of this operation has seen bird life return to both areas in pleasing numbers.

• We assist the Department of Conservation with bird transfers to off-shore island sanctuaries. In 2008, we sponsored the transfer of 40 Little Spotted Kiwi from a North Island sanctuary to Fiordland, re-establishing them in the area for the first time in 100 years.

• Skippers monitor and report wildlife sightings to Department of Conservation. For example, sightings of marine mammals.

• We provide logistical support for environmental researchers (transport etc) and subsidised travel for children on education trips on all our excursions and to the school hostel at Deep Cove.

• We assist the Department of Conservation’s summer nature programmes and support New Zealand Conservation Week by providing cruises and guiding support.

• Wakatipu Trails Trust - Queenstown
  Real Journeys is contributing $15 000 over three years to assist in the development of new walking and cycling trails around Queenstown to encourage both locals and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.
   
• Christchurch Earthquake Fundraiser
  Immediately following the earthquake, Real Journeys and Stewart Island Experience raised over $45,000 for those badly affected by running special locals fundraiser excursions.

Minimising impact 

• Real Journeys regularly undertakes internal environmental audits and benchmarking reviews to identify ays we can improve. We have introduced a data-logging system to monitor our progress in reducing carbon emissions from our vessels, coaches and aeroplanes.
   
• Where possible, we minimise all forms of waste and recycle. For example, we use biodegradable plastic picnic boxes at Milford Sound; we use water-blasters rather than chemicals to clean our vessels; and we use recycled waste oil from Milford Sound to heat our Te Anau Workshop.

• The technical innovations on our purpose-designed vessels and coaches minimise emissions, wake and noise pollution, while boosting fuel efficiency and passenger enjoyment.

Community Involvement

• We provide support both financial and in kind (i.e. numerous trips for prizes etc) to assist a wide range of community groups and initiatives within our areas of operations.  
   

 
^{The rare Fiordland Crested Penguin benefits from a Real Journeys stoat-trapping programme in Milford Sound}