Queenstown cruise ship to change ownership

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The Spirit of Queenstown cruise ship will continue to ply Lake Wakatipu, but under new ownership.
Photo: Supplied/ Southern Discoveries

Tourism operator Southern Discoveries says it is selling its Queenstown cruise boat to invest more into its Milford Sound operations.

Southern Discoveries said it had reached a conditional agreement to sell the Spirit of Queenstown vessel to RealNZ, which owns the TSS Earnslaw.

The Spirit of Queenstown was “purpose-built” for Queenstown, and was initially used as part of Mt Nicholas farm experience, but during the Covid-19 pandemic it was used for lake cruises.

RealMe tourism group acting chief executive Paul Norris said the ship would be used, alongside the TSS Earnslaw, to increase tourism access to the Walter Peak homestead, which sits across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown.

RealMe had announced a number of changes to its companies, including listing Queenstown Jet Boats as a going concern and looking for a buyer for its International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, the Stewart Island Lodge and Queenstown water taxis ferry.

“We are committed to operating the Queenstown Ferry as usual until we are successful in finding a new owner for the business,” Norris said.

Southern Discoveries to focus on Milford operations

Southern Discoveries said it had used the government’s strategic tourism asset funding (STAPP) and owner support to revive its Milford South and Queenstown operations from the downturn in tourism caused by Covid-19.

Incoming chief executive Kerry Walker said the focus had shifted from surviving the pandemic to the future.

It now offers cruises, day trips, kayaking, scenic flights and an underwater observatory at Milford Sound.

“We’re excited about the tourism journey ahead, developing and building our Milford Sound and coaching experiences,” Walker said.

“It’s a clear signal that tourism is on the positive rebound.”

Southern Discoveries is owned and operated by the Skeggs Group.