Media Release from Southern Discoveries
February 14 2013

Southern Discoveries to open visitor information centre in premium CBD location

Established tourism company Southern Discoveries is continuing to expand and invest in its business with the opening of a flagship Queenstown visitor centre in late 2013.

In October the company will relocate its current Shotover Street information and booking centre to the top of The Mall, one of Queenstown’s most iconic business locations.

The new premise is located opposite Starbucks and will be the information base for the Southern Discoveries portfolio of products, KJet (in which Southern Discoveries owns a 50% share) and national bus carrier InterCity.

The store, currently home to a Real Journeys and Shotover Jet booking office, will have a complete facelift and a fresh new look to further raise the profile of the well-established company.

Southern Discoveries General Manager John Robson said the move was exciting news.

“This is one of the most high profile and high foot traffic sites in the CBD and it is ideally positioned at the gateway to the town centre in full view of all new visitors into Queenstown,” he said.

”As we continue to invest in new products and experiences in Milford, Te Anau and Queenstown, we need to increase our street presence and the prestigious Mall location is perfect to capture visitors as they drive in or stroll around Queenstown.”

Over the last four years Southern Discoveries has invested significantly in its operations and product offerings, cementing their position as the oldest and most established operator in Milford Sound. Recently the company announced the launch of a high-speed, multi-million dollar catamaran, to be known as the Spirit of Queenstown, which will offer a Lake Wakatipu boat experience and a safari style farm tour at Mt Nicholas Station.

Southern Discoveries recently became the third shareholder in their lakefront offices at the St Omer Wharf and a berth at the O’ Regan Wharf, having formerly leased the premise from Ngai Tahu.

The office was renovated to include a retail information centre and ticket office and ensures the company has a lakefront base for their new Spirit of Queenstown catamaran tour and a powerful street presence at both ends of town.

Southern Discoveries operates five vessels at Milford Sound, ranging in capacity from 35 to 400 passengers, and offers the widest range of trips and experiences in the Sound.

The company operates Scenic Cruises, the Encounter Nature Cruise and Discover More Cruise, which incorporates a visit to the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory, New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory.

It owns and operates Harrisons Cove Kayaking, the Blue Duck Café & Bar in Te Anau, five information centres in Te Anau and Queenstown, and Te Anau-based coach service Go Milford.

It also operates the Queenstown Princess which provides day and charter cruises on Lake Wakatipu for up to 35 people and owns 50% of KJet, Queenstown's original Jet boat operator

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