The Real Story: Honouring 100 Years of Olive, Lady Hutchins
Date: 2 June 2025From a daring leap into Doubtful Sound with two rundown boats, to being a part of one of New Zealand’s most pivotal conservation movements, the RealNZ story is that of vision, grit, and deep respect for the land. And behind it? Two incredibly passionate and dedicated people—Olive and Les Hutchins.
This year, as Olive turns 100, we pause to reflect on the roots she helped plant—roots that have grown into a whānau, a company, and a legacy still thriving today. Olive wasn’t just a co-founder; she was the quiet force and fierce protector behind it all. She believed in nature’s power to transform people—especially young people—and stood shoulder to shoulder with Les through every wild idea, bold move, and moment that mattered.
This timeline honours her century, her dedication, and the essential role she played in shaping who we are—and where we’re headed.
A Journey Through Time: Key Highlights
1954 – Into the Unknown
Les and Olive Hutchins purchase the Manapouri-Doubtful Sound Tourist Company, setting off into one of the most remote corners of New Zealand.
“It was Olive who agreed to leave their secure life & steady income in Invercargill to ask the bank for an overdraft to buy two boats to take tourists into remote, inaccessible Doubtful Sound”, Cardrona Heart of Gold Magazine.
Fiordland Travel Ticket Office
1963 – Protecting What Matters
The government announces plans to raise Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau for hydroelectric development. Outraged, Olive and Les become central voices in the iconic Save Manapouri campaign.
Olive was so incensed by this breach of basic human rights that on a national television programme made about the lake at this time, she said, “I would be quite willing to sacrifice my life if I knew it would save the lake”, Les Hutchins in Making Waves, p. 114.
1969 – Saving a Steamship, Preserving a Legacy
Fiordland Travel (now RealNZ) acquires the historic TSS Earnslaw, saving it from the bottom of the lake, and preserving an icon of Lake Whakatipu.
Olive loved the TSS Earnslaw, and couldn’t imagine a world without it. It is thought that Les bought it for her as a romantic gesture.
Les and Olive save the TSS Earnslaw
1970 – Take on Milford Sound
Fiordland Travel launches cruises in the majestic Milford Sound aboard the MV Friendship.
‘It was a real family affair. I was a skipper, my wife Olive was in charge of catering, and our two younger children, Jocelyn and Graeme, were general hands’, Les Hutchins in Making Waves, p.6.
1974 – Whitewater Begins
Queenstown Rafting is born—what begins as scenic floats soon evolves into adrenaline-fuelled grade 4-5 rapids on the iconic Shotover River.
1991 – A High Country Welcome
We secure the lease of Walter Peak High Country Farm, opening up an authentic slice of rural New Zealand to visitors from around the globe.
Walter Peak High Country Farm Wool Shed
2004 – South to Stewart Island
Stewart Island Experience is launched. With the acquisition of the iconic red shed and ferry, we make New Zealand’s southernmost community more accessible than ever.
2013 – Mountain Highs
Cardrona Alpine Resort joins the whānau—adding skiing, snowboarding, and alpine adventure to our growing range of experiences.
2021 – Real Journeys Becomes RealNZ
A bold rebrand signals a renewed purpose: to be a conservation business enabled by tourism. Same deep roots, but with a new direction.
2024 – Leading with Purpose
RealNZ is named Supreme Overall Winner at the New Zealand Tourism Awards. We're still proudly family-owned, the Hutchins family now looks like five children, twelve grandchildren, and twenty-eight great-grandchildren, with Olive sitting on the board since day one.
“The company has helped to keep us close, a common and huge commitment, you treat it like a member of your own family", the Hutchins children in Cardrona Heart of Gold.
“I could not have made it without Olive. She was always there to offer support, share the problems, and listen to the next hair-brained scheme” Les Hutchins in Making Waves, p.59.
Some of the Hutchins family at the TSS Earnslaw's 110th birthday
All of the Chapters
To discover more of the moments that shaped our journey - from bold beginnings to conservation milestones - head over to our Key Milestones page and explore the full story behind RealNZ.
