Artists set sail in Doubtful Sound for unique fundraising challenge

QUEENSTOWN, Today: Three creative artists—a painter, a videographer, and a Lego photographer, boarded a boat in Doubtful Sound to capture nature and support the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation.

Seb Gower, Caroline Foster, and Bryan Mosheim are talented in their own fields. They had just 72 hours to showcase the beauty of Fiordland on a RealNZ 2-night trip.

Caroline’s stunning photo, Journey to the Land Before Time, captures Doubtful Sound’s vastness. Seb, known for his Instagram paintings, delighted passengers by live-painting the hidden colours. Bryan, inspired by the Hobbit, created a unique shot with Lego Gandalf and Bilbo titled “Fly, You Fools,” featuring the Fiordland Navigator.

“The 72-hour challenge with RealNZ was an adventurous and exciting journey that pushed my creative boundaries,” says Bryan.

“I usually shoot my Lego figures on land, so I had to get very creative for this challenge! Nonetheless, I had a terrific time with the RealNZ team, Caroline, and Seb, and couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”

“The 72-hour challenge with RealNZ was an adventurous and exciting journey that pushed my creative boundaries.”

Starting July 1st, these unique artworks will be auctioned on TradeMe to support the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation. This Foundation funds projects like the Cooper Island Restoration Project and Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, and supports RealNZ Nature Guides working with school groups at Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust Hostel in Doubtful Sound.

Paul Norris, Chairperson for the Leslie Hutchins Conservation Foundation, appreciates RealNZ’s unique fundraising approach.

“Les and Olive Hutchins were first associated with Doubtful Sound in 1954 when they started their first steps into tourism, and these artworks inspired by the place their work began are a fantastic way to support the Foundation in Les’ name,” says Paul.

You can view all three artworks and behind-the-scenes videos on RealNZ’s Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube accounts. Vote for your favourite – the most voted-for artist wins a $ 5000 cash prize, and voters enter to win a $ 1000 RealNZ travel voucher.

The artworks and live voting can be found online here, and the auctions will be live on the RealNZ TradeMe account from July 1^st – 8^th. 

About RealNZ
Family-founded and New Zealand owned, RealNZ is a leading experiential tourism and conservation group that includes some of New Zealand’s best experiences in its portfolio; Queenstown Jet, Cardrona Alpine Resort, Te Anau Glow Worm Caves, TSS Earnslaw, Walter Peak Farm, International Antarctic Centre, Treble Cone Ski Area, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound cruises as well as excursions in Southern Fiordland and Rakiura-Stewart Island.

• realnz.com