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A new wine tour leads Southern Discoveries’ re-entry to the Queenstown market, as the company expands its product lineup with a range of immersive travel experiences.

The new offerings emphasise slower, more personalised experiences, inviting guests to connect with the unique landscapes and stories of Queenstown, Central Otago and Fiordland.

At TRENZ in Rotorua, Southern Discoveries CEO Kerry Walker said the new products aligned with the company’s ethos of promoting immersive experiences and fostering connection.

“We’re encouraging guests to take their time and appreciate the journey,” Walker says. “We like this approach because it not only enhances the visitor experience but also reminds us all of the importance of kaitiaki – guardianship.”

A highlight of the new product lineup is the Queenstown Wine Tour, an intimate small-group tour of select Central Otago wineries. Guests enjoy private tastings at four cellar doors, including Chard Farm and Brennan Wines. The tour also visits Mora Wines in Arrowtown, a nod to the close family ties between Mora and Southern Discoveries in the Skeggs Group.

“A soft launch of the wine tour over summer went very well. In fact, so well we are now launching a private charter option for the wine tour allowing guests to personalise the experience and enjoy private use of our Mercedes Sprinter van,” Walker says.

Adding to Southern Discoveries’ new offerings is the Discover More Milford Sound Cruise.

“At up to two hours and fifteen minutes, this is our longest and most comprehensive Milford Sound cruise,” Walker says. “Guests enjoy a dedicated nature guide onboard the vessel, and if they are including the coach experience as part of their journey, they are accompanied by a nature guide there as well.”

Southern Discoveries is also launching a new VIP option on its signature Milford Sound Nature Cruise, available to both tour groups and FITs (free independent travellers). The Cascade Room upgrade gives guests exclusive use of a top-deck cabin, private viewing deck, and food and drink for a maximum of 20 guests.

Additionally, the company will expand its operations in Te Anau. “We have been working with the team at Fiordland Jet and The Farm Shed in Te Anau, and we’re thrilled to launch our Te Anau Farm Experience and Milford Sound Nature Cruise experience in October. This is a very authentic and Kiwi-style experience where guests have time to connect with both people and places.”

The Te Anau farm experience includes a farm tour with sheep shearing and working dog demonstrations, a Kiwi-style morning tea, and a Milford Sound Nature Cruise.

The company is also developing new partnerships and new products. “We value the partnerships we have with other like-minded operators, and this is seen through a number of our new combo products. We’ve teamed up with Shotover Jet in Queenstown, Fiordland Jet in Te Anau, and Fiordland Outdoors in both Te Anau and Milford Sound to offer exciting combo options with our Milford Sound experiences.”

“It has certainly been a busy time in terms of product development, but Southern Discoveries has always sought to innovate and create rich, personalised travel experiences in iconic New Zealand destinations.”

Southern Discoveries is a local, family-owned company dedicated to sharing some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery and extraordinary experiences with the world. Operating for more than 70 years, Southern Discoveries is Milford Sound’s original cruise operator. The company supports sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Tawaki Project in partnership with DoC, the Fiordland Conservation Trust and the University of Otago.