Application for a concession by Real Journeys Limited
We received a concession application from Real Journeys Limited for the continuation of passenger transfer services and cruise activities on Lake Te Anau. Submissions closed on 4 September 2026.

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:

Submissions

Submissions closed on 4 September 2026.

We received 33 submissions.

What happens next

After submissions close:

  1. DOC will analyse and consider all submissions and comments on the application.
  2. 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.
  3. DOC will analyse and consider information raised at the hearing if a hearing occurred.
  4. DOC will make a recommendation to the Minister of Conservation.
  5. The Minister of Conservation will make a decision on the application.

Hearing details

A hearing for this application will be held in the Wee Co.’s Milford Boardroom, 70 Town Centre (above Fiordland Pharmacy), Te Anau 9600 (map) on Thursday 29 October 2026, between 2 pm and 4 pm.

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