11 June 2015
Real Journeys will charter two helicopters to bring out the group on a school camp at Deep Cove to get them home to their families for the weekend, as originally scheduled.
Snow last night had to be cleared before work could restart on the Wilmot Pass Road which has been affected by several washouts. Snow is also forecast today and for the next two days.
“This morning we were advised that we will probably only be able to get light vehicle access through to Deep Cove by the end of tomorrow (Friday) and we wanted to remove the uncertainty for families and get these kids home in daylight and on time. The plan has been made in consultation with the school and we are paying for the helicopter transfers”, says Paul Norris, Real Journeys Director of Operations.
Just after 10am tomorrow morning Southern Lakes Helicopters will fly groups of six from Deep Cove to West Arm, a short 10–minute flight. The journey will continue at 11.30am on the Real Journeys catamaran to the township of Manapouri and the school camp should finish at its scheduled time.
“Operating in the very heart of Fiordland National Park on a high alpine road that is accessible only by boat, we knew we would be at the mercy of the weather. Unfortunately the snow is creating some problems of its own. However the good news is that the damage to the road is not as bad as it looks and we hope to restart our Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruises this weekend”, says Paul.
Anyone booked on a Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise in the next few days is asked to call the Real Journeys Contact Centre (0800 65 65 01) to confirm its status.
For further information contact:
Tsehai Tiffin - Real Journeys Corporate Communications Manager
Mobile: +64 21 523 899
Email: [email protected]