Application for a concession by Real Journeys Limited
Have your say on a concession application by Real Journeys Limited for the continuation of passenger transfer services and cruise activities on Lake Te Anau. Submissions close 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:

How to make a submission

Any person or organisation may make a submission in writing to the Director-General on the proposal.

Submissions close 4 September 2026.

Make an online submission

Make a submission by email or post

1. Prepare your submission

Record what you think in the submission form:

Any person or organisation wishing to be heard at a possible hearing in support of their submission must request an opportunity to appear before the Director-General. This request must be included in your submission.

2. Send your submission

Send your submission by email or post. You will get a confirmation email or letter when a submission has been received.

Email: DNSubmissions@doc.govt.nz

Subject line: 126048-WAT: Real Journeys Ltd

Post:

Director-General
Department of Conservation
PO Box 5244
Ōtepoti / Dunedin 9054

Attention: Lisa Wheeler, Senior Permissions Advisor

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:

  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

If a hearing is required, it is likely to occur on the week starting 21 September 2026.

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