Award-winning Southern Discoveries hosts its first Queenstown Locals’ Day

Award-winning Southern Discoveries is inviting locals to jump aboard Queenstown’s newest tourism attraction when it holds its first ever locals’ day on Saturday March 29.

The tourism company is opening the doors of its brand new state-of-the-art catamaran Spirit of Queenstown and Mt NIC High Country Station to enable locals to experience Queenstown’s latest attraction.   

Wakatipu residents can enjoy a Scenic Cruise on Spirit of Queenstown for only $20 and the Merino experience at the Mt NIC Woolshed can also be included for an additional $10.  Proceeds from the day will go to Wakatipu High School.

Southern Discoveries general manager John Robson said the company “has had a lot of people asking where the boat goes to when it leaves Queenstown.”

“This is our way of giving the local community an opportunity to explore Lake Wakatipu and visit an authentic working high country station,” he said.

“It’s a chance to see and experience what’s on their back doorstep while also helping out our local community with proceeds going to the Wakatipu High School.”

Located in a peaceful and normally-inaccessible area on the western shore of Lake Wakatipu, Mt NIC is New Zealand’s oldest family-run High Country Station.

“Until now Mt NIC has been inaccessible to most and many Queenstowners won’t have had the chance to get over there. We’ve worked closely with Merino NZ to create a merino and woolshed experience set in stunning surroundings.” said Mr Robson.

“We encourage people to come out with friends and family, enjoy the cruise over on Spirit then soak up the rural atmosphere at the working high country station. It’s a great way to spend a few hours.”

Each cruise lasts 1hr 45mins and those customers choosing the woolshed experience spend two hours at Mt NIC station. Tours depart from St Omer Wharf, 110 Beach Street at 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.45pm and 3.45pm.

There will also be spot prizes, a sausage sizzle and face painting for the kids.  

Guests can also try their hand at stone skimming, horseshoe tossing, gumboot throwing and even compete at virtual shearing, which is exclusive to Mt NIC and Southern Discoveries.

Wakatipu High School Principal Steve Hall thanked Southern Discoveries for choosing to support the school.

“We wish them a fantastic locals’ day. This illustrates just how generous companies within our local community are and we’re extremely appreciative of this support for the school,” he said.

Proof of Wakatipu residence is required and payment is by cash only for the boat and woolshed experience.

Bookings are recommended and can be made by visiting Discover Queenstown information centre at the top of The Mall in Queenstown, at St Omer Wharf, 110 Beach Street or by calling 0800 264 536. 

Southern Discoveries will also launch their Annual Locals’ Pass on the day which gives unlimited cruises on Spirit of Queenstown and fantastic discounted offers for its Mt NIC experiences, Milford Sound experiences and KJet.  The pass costs $125 for adult and $50 for children.