Major southern tourism operator Southern Discoveries (SD) is selling it's Queenstown catamaran flagship, Spirit of Queenstown.

The conditional sale, to rival tourism operator RealNZ, comes as SD refocuses on it's Milford Sound and associated coaching operations following growing tourist numbers after the COVID pandemic.

The Spirit of Queenstown is a 150-passenger vessel, purpose-built in 2013 for Lake Wakatipu and intended to service SD's Mt Nicholas Farm Experience.

However during the COVID-19 pandemic the vessel was repurposed to become a lake cruise and dining experience. 

SD, owned by the Skeggs Group, used the government's Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme (STAPP) and additional owner funds to retain its core team and revive its operations in Milford Sound and Queenstown.

Incoming SD CEO Kerry Walker welcomed the focus of the organisation on Milford Sound.

“Our focus has shifted from surviving COVID to looking towards the future,” she said. 

“We’re excited about the tourism journey ahead, developing and building our Milford Sound and coaching experiences.

“It’s a clear signal that tourism is on the positive rebound, and that Southern Discoveries is heading towards a sustainable future.” 

RealNZ is also looking to realign itself after the COVID pandemic and has put some of its assets up for sale including Queenstown Jet Boats, Queenstown Ferry, the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch and the Stewart Island Lodge.