This application is notified under section 17SC of the Conservation Act 1987. The Minister of Conservation has received an application:
Application details
Applicant: Real Journeys Limited
Concession applied for: Lease and licence
Location of proposed activity: Lake Te Anau, Fiordland National Park
Summary of proposal: 30-year term concession (lease and licence) for the continuation of scheduled vessel passenger services to support the Applicant’s Te Ana-au Glowworm Caves Operation. Vessels will run between Te Anau Lakefront twin jetties, or Te Anau Downs jetty and Te Anau Caves and maintenance of Lakefront and Te Ana-au Caves jetties. The Application includes scenic or chartered cruises and filming activities within the frontcountry and backcountry parts of Lake Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, for a period of 30-years.
Application documents:
How to make a submission
Submissions closed on 4 September 2026.
Once submitted, submitters’ information is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 and may be released under that Act. If you wish to keep any part of your submission confidential, state this in writing when making your submission.
What happens next
After submissions close:
- DOC will analyse and consider all submissions and comments on the application.
- A hearing will be held if there have been requests to be heard by the Director-General. If you have expressed an interest in presenting your submission at a hearing, you will be contacted by DOC regarding this.
- DOC will analyse and consider information raised at the hearing if a hearing occurred.
- DOC will make a recommendation to the Minister of Conservation.
- The Minister of Conservation will make a decision on the application.
Hearing details
A hearing has been requested; a date has not yet been confirmed. Once confirmed, this page will be updated and copies of all submissions received will be uploaded to this webpage ahead of the hearing being held.
Decision
No details at this point. Details, such as submissions and the decision outcome, will be added when they are available.
DOC comment regarding publicly notified applications
The Minister of Conservation has made no determination regarding the suitability of this proposed concession on public conservation land. This public notification should not be interpreted as an intention on the part of the Minister of Conservation to grant the proposed concession.
Contact
If you have any questions about the application or the submission process you can contact Lisa Wheeler, Senior Permissions Advisor.
Email: DNSubmissions@doc.govt.nz