New multimillion dollar harbour facilities in Milford Sound

10 May 2013

New multimillion dollar harbour facilities in Milford Sound

New multimillion dollar harbour facilities in Milford Sound were officially opened by Real Journeys founder Olive Lady Hutchins and Southern Discoveries owner Sir Cliff Skeggs with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Fresh Water Basin today.

The Milford Sound Development Authority (MDA) has invested $6 Million in the upgrade which includes a new breakwater and additional wharves.

MDA Chairman Jeff Grant says the project has been six years in development and represents a substantial investment in Milford and the Milford visitor experience.

“Visitors have very high expectations when they come to Milford Sound, it’s has been our aim to provide a cost effective, quality infrastructure that is very much in keeping with the environment,” says Grant.

Conservation Minister Nick Smith says the MDA plays an important role in providing infrastructure that enables both local and international visitors to have an experience they will remember for a life time.

“The Department of Conservation is pleased to work with and support tourism business to enable visitors to have a high quality experience whilst ensuring the very environment they have come to see protected,” says Minister Smith.

Grant says the harbour redevelopment complements the recent visitor terminal upgrade and also allows improved boat manoeuvrability and safety.

“We want Milford to maintain its reputation as New Zealand’s leading tourism destination.”

The Milford Sound Development Authority is owned by tourism operators Real Journeys and Southern Discoveries along with the Southland District Council.

ENDS

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