NZ tourism operator chases slice of multi-day cruise market

22 February 2012

Key NZ tourism operator chases slice of burgeoning multi-day cruise market

Leading New Zealand tourism operator Real Journeys is ramping up its multi-day cruise offerings on the back of the burgeoning cruise sector and domestic interest.

The company is significantly increasing the number of its Fiordland and Stewart Island Discovery Cruise sailings and adding three and four day short-cruise variations.

Chief Executive Richard Lauder says Real Journeys are realistic, but also encouraged by the exponential growth being experienced by the Cruise market.

“Our multi-day Discovery Cruises won’t directly compete with the cruise sector, however there is going to be a slice of the market that wants something more experiential and intrepid and that’s where we can really deliver.

“We are particularly focused on the Australian and domestic markets because our customer feedback tells us there are people in these regions that have a desire to not just glimpse, but explore and experience the untouched beauty and rich histories of Fiordland and Stewart Island,” says Lauder.

Discovery Cruises operate with a maximum of 32 passengers on-board the purpose-built Milford Wanderer – which has been designed along the lines of a traditional sailing scow. Specialist nature guides accompany every sailing to advise on the geography, history and wildlife and host guided walks and water activities.

Lauder says the new shorter cruise options are tailored specifically for more time poor people.

“Kiwis and Aussies are often keen to explore their own wilderness regions but lack the time, our new shorter cruise options cater for these markets with all the benefits of our standard Discovery Cruise offerings.”

The Discovery Cruise season runs from April to December. Fiordland options include four and five day itineraries focused on Dusky Sound, or five and seven day options that extend into Preservation Inlet. Stewart Island is offered in a six day itinerary including Port Pegasus, Port Adventure and Paterson Inlet and a new shorter three day option.

Some Fiordland cruises include helicopter transfers. Fiordland cruises depart from Manapouri with transfers available from both Queenstown and Te Anau. Stewart Island cruises depart from Bluff with transfers available from Invercargill.

ENDS

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