MV Titiroa Launch


Southland District Mayor, Frana Cardno, today congratulated Real Journeys for having the courage to continue its investment into the region’s future despite difficult times.

The mayor was guest of honour at the official launch of the ‘MV Titiroa’ in Manapouri, this afternoon, attended by over a 120 guests.

Built in New Zealand, the catamaran can carry up to 138 passengers across Lake Manapouri, the first stage of the excursion through Fiordland National Park to Doubtful Sound. The ‘MV Titiroa’ cuts down on the number of crossings required by the older and smaller vessels it replaces and offers a better experience for travellers.

Real Journeys Chairman, Bill Baylis said that approximately 48 thousand passengers travelled to Doubtful Sound a year and that Real Journeys always aimed to provide “the very best experience we can.” The new vessel was tangible evidence of that.

Olive, Lady Hutchins, co-founder of Real Journeys/Fiordland Travel attended the ceremony but it was her grand-daughter, Madeleine Peacock, who christened the ‘MV Titiroa’, named after a mountain near Te Anau. Guests then went for a cruise on Lake Manapouri’s newest and largest vessel.

The wharves at both ends of the lake have also been upgraded and extended.

Doubtful Sound passengers travelling on the new ‘MV Titiroa’ cross Lake Manapouri then board one of two new Volvo coaches to take them across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. They then embark for their three-hour day cruise on another multi-million dollar purpose-built vessel ‘Patea Explorer’, which was launched just six years ago.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MV TITIROA
• Took 5 years of planning and research and 15 months to build.
• Almost 24 metres in length,7.5 metres wide, weighs around 55 tonnes.
• Service speed is 24 knots (about 46 kilometres an hour.)
• Carries up to 138 passengers.
• Double glazing regulates temperature, makes it quieter and helps prevent windows fogging up because of Fiordland’s weather.
• Hull of aluminium boat painted with Intersleek to help streamline it in the water to save emissions.
• LED lighting throughout to save energy.
• Recycling facilities provided on board.
• Energy efficient “hand sweepers” installed and crockery to save paper (towels/cups)

Photo 1: MV Titiroa takes launch guests on Lake Manapouri cruise.

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