What's New

2009

What's New in Milford Sound?

A new Real Journeys cruise vessel – due to begin service in late 2009 – will provide a premium cruise experience in Milford Sound.

The purpose-built monohull vessel MV Sinbad, which will be used for Nature Cruises, features a luxurious interior, expansive glass windows and both internal and exterior observation decks. Carrying a maximum of 85 passengers, the vessel's smaller size will ensure visitors enjoy a personalised experience. Throughout the excursion, onboard nature guides will point out the spectacular scenery, wildlife and other points of interest.

Rare Birds take Scenic Flight to Milford Sound

Twenty rare pateke/brown teal flew human-style to Milford Sound with Real Journeys as part of a sponsorship agreement with the Department of Conservation in March 2009.

The birds were raised in captivity, before being flown to Milford Sound with Real Journeys and then released into their new home in the Arthur Valley - close to the Milford Track. DOC Biodiversity Ranger Andrew Smart of Te Anau said it was the first major release of the endangered pateke in the South Island.

Real Journeys Milford Flightseeing chief pilot Dave Cross said he was more than happy to help out with the transfer. “It’s great to be able to give something back to Fiordland.”

Defibrillators purchased for Real Journeys’ remote vessels

In February 2009. Real Journeys purchased four automated external defibrillators for company vessels operating in remote parts of Fiordland.

The portable defibrillators are now kept on board the Doubtful Sound vessels Patea Explorer and Fiordland Navigator, and on the Milford Sound overnight cruise vessels Milford Mariner and Milford Wanderer. Overnight vessel crew and company first aiders have been trained in their use.

New Luxury Coach – Milford Sound

A new purpose-designed Real Journeys coach has brought an enhanced level of luxury to the Milford Road.
The new Volvo B12B 460-horsepower coach is substantially lower in the front than at the back, with tiered, angled seating that ensures all passengers get excellent “theatre-style” views. It also has an expansive glass ceiling, which enables passengers to see the soaring peaks above as they drive the Milford Road.
The new coach complies with Euro IV emissions standards.

2008

Enviro-Green rating for Real Journeys

Real Journeys is among the first tourism operators in New Zealand to be assessed under the new “Qualmark Green” environmental criteria, achieving an “Enviro-Silver” rating in October 2008.

The Enviro-Silver award means Real Journeys is operating at one of the top levels of environmental performance as assessed in Qualmark’s new Responsible Tourism Operations criteria.

Steamship lit up in pink

Queenstown’s vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw was lit up in pink for a week in October 2008 to raise awareness of breast cancer.

For seven days, the Lady of the Lake joined an illustrious list of landmarks that have participated in the Global Illumination Campaign over the years, including the Empire State Building in USA, Kensington Palace in London, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, Table Mountain in Cape Town and Auckland’s Sky Tower.

“As far as we’re aware, the TSS Earnslaw was the first coal-fired steamship in the world to have taken part,” Real Journeys Queenstown Operations Manager Tracey Maclaren said.

Real Journeys wins ITOC award - again

Inbound tour operators honoured South Island tourism operator Real Journeys with their highest award in August 2008 - for the second time in three years.

The Inbound Tour Operators Council of New Zealand (ITOC) recently named Real Journeys “Operator of the Year”. This prestigious award recognises the quality of the company’s excursions, service and staff as well as its overall management and presentation.

Real Journeys International Sales Manager Tony McQuilkin said the award was a credit to everyone in the company. “It reflects the hard work put in by all our staff – from those who sell and market, to those who deliver the great experiences, to those who support the operations in a large variety of ways.”

Top Export Award for Real Journeys

Real Journeys was recognised as one of the New Zealand tourism industry’s top companies in August 2008, winning the 2008 NZ Trade & Enterprise Export Award at the annual Tourism Industry Awards.

Real Journeys CEO Dave Hawkey travelled to Christchurch to accept the award.

Flightseeing wins safety award

Real Journeys’ flightseeing maintenance base in Queenstown was awarded New Zealand’s top aviation safety award at the Civil Aviation Authority’s annual Director’s Awards in July 2008.

The Director of Civil Aviation Awards are presented each year to an individual and an organisation with an overwhelming safety ethos. The Director’s Award recognises organisations whose actions have directly resulted in safety standards being raised, and which have encouraged others in the aviation industry to do the same.Purchase of Stewart Island Lodge

Little Spotted Kiwi return to Fiordland

Little Spotted Kiwi returned to their homeland in Fiordland in July 2008 thanks to a new Real Journeys sponsorship agreement with the Department of Conservation (DOC).
This species once roamed freely in Fiordland, but their numbers were decimated by introduced species such as ferrets, stoats and weasels. It is believed that Little Spotted Kiwi have been extinct in Fiordland for 100 years.
Last July, 14 Little Spotted Kiwi were moved from Kapiti Island, off the west coast of the North Island to predator-free Chalky Island (Te Kakahu-o-Tamatea) in Chalky Inlet. All going well, up to 40 kiwi will be transferred by the end of 2009.

Purchase of Stewart Island Lodge

In May 2008, Real Journeys purchased retreat-style accommodation on Stewart Island - Stewart Island Lodge.

Real Journeys CEO Dave Hawkey said the purchase was an important step for the company (which operates on the island as Stewart Island Experience), marking its debut in the land-based accommodation sector. In addition to the lodge, the company has also purchased adjoining land for future accommodation development.