High-speed catamaran tour and nature experience

Premier South Island tourism company, Southern Discoveries, is continuing to invest in its tourism operation, launching a multi-million dollar catamaran and nature experience on Lake Wakatipu. The purpose-built 26m high-speed catamaran will be known as Spirit of Queenstown, and will carry up to 150 passengers from Queenstown across the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu to the normally inaccessible Mt. Nicholas Station for an authentic, nature-based experience.

The activity will include a high-speed boat trip across Lake Wakatipu with land-based activities at the high country station. Mt. Nicholas offers uninterrupted views to Mt. Earnslaw and up the lake to Glenorchy, as well as rolling hills, hidden valleys and lakes and the opportunity to see a working high country station.

Activities on offer include day walks, cycling and muster safari trips into the high country for an authentic high country experience. The main woolshed is located right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and will be transformed into the heart of this family-friendly experience.

Highly sought-after merino wool from Mt. Nicholas station is used exclusively for Icebreaker clothing, and the journey from sheep to clothing is included in the trip, as well as fascinating stories of high country farming, the history of local families, and how they live in this remote location.

The Spirit of Queenstown will also be available for conference, incentive and event groups and private functions for up to 150 guests, offering a new and exciting option not currently available in Queenstown.

The privately owned Mt. Nicholas Station will undergo some developments in order to host the trip… unexplored territory for tourists, until now.

Southern Discoveries is the oldest and most well-established operator in Milford Sound operating five vessels, ranging in capacity from 35 to 400 passengers. It offers the widest range of Milford products including Scenic and Encounter Nature cruises and popular Discover More cruise featuring the Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory, as well as Harrisons Cove Kayaking, the Blue Duck Café & Bar in Milford, four information centres in Te Anau and Queenstown, and Te Anau-based coach service Go Milford. It also operates the Queenstown Princess providing day and charter cruises on Lake Wakatipu.