South Island & Fiords of New Zealand Expedition Cruise

Arrive independently to Queenstown and join your complimentary transfer to the Port of Bluff where the Coral Adventurer will be waiting for you to embark. Settle into your comfortable cabin, familiarise yourself with the ship and join the captain’s welcome drinks as we set sail.

Your first day will be spent at sea, and on the 24/12/24 sailing, this will be Christmas Day! Our course will take us by the Solander Islands, known as Hautere in Māori, a group of three uninhabited volcanic islets situated just beyond the South Island of New Zealand. These deserted islands serve as a habitat for exceptionally rare bird species, and as we navigate through, we'll be anticipating glimpses of fernbirds, snipe, and white-fronted terns. Designated as an Important Bird Area, these islands are significant breeding grounds for common diving petrels and Buller’s albatrosses, boasting around 5000 pairs. With some luck, we might also have the opportunity to spot the impressively large sperm whales that are frequently seen in this area.

The following day will see you begin your exploration of the extraordinary Fiordland National Park. We'll access the park by navigating through the breathtaking Tamatea / Dusky Sound, encompassed by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World by author Rudyard Kipling, this region holds UNESCO World Heritage status and boasts 14 fjords sculpted by glaciers over millennia along a 215km coastline. Our focus today will be on Dusky Sound, the largest and most intricate of the Fiordland Sounds. Through exploration in Zodiac boats, we'll uncover why it's deemed an Important Bird Area, seeking out the breeding grounds of Fiordland penguins and encountering the unique flora and fauna exclusive to the region. A visit to Luncheon Cove will also be on the agenda to witness a sizable colony of fur seals.

This afternoon, we venture into Milford Sound / Piopiotahi to witness the renowned sight of Mitre Peak, soaring to an impressive height of 1,682 meters. This distinctive triangular peak stands opposite to the picturesque Stirling Falls, cascading from a lofty 162-meter cliff between two towering ridges into the dark, mysterious waters below. You might even feel the refreshing spray from the waterfall, believed by Māori legend to have rejuvenating effects, making you feel ten years younger! As we navigate through the awe-inspiring steep cliffs, we reach Harrison Cove, where an ancient glacier entered the fiord, and explore Bowen Falls.

Flanked by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, we now enter into Doubtful Sound / Patea, the deepest and widest fiord in the national park, where the serene ambiance and enchanting silence of the surroundings promise a memorable experience. Sailing past the outer Seal Islands, Nee Islets and through ‘the Gut’, we will then make our way to Blanket Bay and into Te Awa-o-Tū / Thomson Sound where we will eagerly seek sightings of the Fiordland penguins, dolphins and fur seals that are frequently observed in this area.

Over the course of the next two days, we will spend our time exploring Stewart Island (Rakiura), New Zealand’s little known ‘third island’. Seldom explored, Stewart Island is home to a thriving community of around 400 people and we will spend some time chatting to the locals to learn more about life here in this remote location. Over 85% of the island is designated as Rakiura National Park, and it features 280km of walking trails offering hikes and walks ranging from gentle strolls to exertive climbs, all designed to immerse you in the island’s wild beauty and fascinating endemic wildlife. A haven for birdlife, there are more Southern brown kiwis (Tokoeka) here than there are people! Blue penguins and the rare yellow-eyed penguins are also often spotted here waddling among the rocks.

On nearby Ulva Island, which is also part of the National Park, you will find a predator-free bird sanctuary alive with dozens of native, rare and endangered species including South Island Kaka, South Island Saddleback, Yellow- and Red-crowned Parakeet (Kakariki), Stewart Island Weka, Morepork, South Island Tomtit, Rifleman (New Zealand’s smallest bird), New Zealand Bellbird and much, much more.

We now opt for a different pace of life as we head towards vibrant Dunedin, known as the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand, where beautifully built heritage, stunning scenery, unique biodiversity and fascinating cultural history combine to create an unforgettable spot for exploration. Settled in and around an ancient volcanic crater and surrounded by dramatic hills at the foot of a long, picturesque harbour, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover the city’s charming old-world atmosphere and unique Scottish and Māori heritage today on an included city highlights tour.

Alternatively, you could choose to venture further afield to explore the exceptional diversity of the stunning Otago Peninsula on a memorable coach tour which will take you to see the world’s only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross, a colony of the rare, yellow-eyed penguin, and possibly a colony of little blue penguins, the world’s smallest penguins.

Please note: one tour today is included in your package, and you can choose between the Dunedin City Tour or the Otago Peninsula Coach Tour. Alternatively, you can explore the city at your own leisure, and you may wish to visit the famous Speight’s Brewery, art gallery, or New Zealand’s oldest botanic gardens.

The next stop on our adventure will take us into the expansive harbour of Akaroa, the only French settlement in New Zealand, where we will spend some time exploring this scenic village where the charming cottages and French street names will give a feeling of being somewhere else entirely. Formed by the breached volcanic crater that makes up the Banks Peninsula, this is an incredibly picturesque area where the rolling hills and surrounding nature reserves create a beautiful backdrop.

Today you can choose between two included excursions. You could take a memorable harbour cruise to spot the marine wildlife that is in abundance here, or take a tour to visit the world’s largest colony of little blue penguins at Pohatu Bay. Alternatively, you may wish to join the variety of short walks guided by your expedition team into the surrounding nature reserves which will be available.

Renowned for being possibly the best whale watching destination in the world, our next stop brings us to the picturesque town of Kaikoura where, surrounded by the breathtaking snow-dusted Seaward Kaikoura Ranges, we will enjoy a day of unforgettable exploration.

Being one of the only places in the world where it’s possible to observe the enormous sperm whale, we will hop into the tender boats to scour the ocean for sightings of this remarkable species, whilst also being on the lookout for other migratory whales and the fur seals and dusky and Hector’s dolphins that are also often spotted here.

Back on dry land, you can spend some time wandering around this incredibly scenic small town to soak up the atmosphere, visit some of the museums and galleries, or sample some local seafood. You can then join your expedition team on a guided walk over the peninsula to marvel at the spectacular scenery.

Our final adventure will see us enjoy a two-day exploration of the stunning Marlborough Sounds region. This verdant area is a major contributor to New Zealand's seafood and wine production, with 80% of the country's wine originating here, thanks to its fertile soils and favourable climate. Surrounded by forest-clad peaks and vineyards, the sunken channels in this area offer a breathtaking panorama from every angle.

During our time here, we will anchor at historic Ship Cove where the history of the region will be brought to life as informative storyboards tell of Captain Cook’s time here. A full day will be spent exploring the wonderful Queen Charlotte Sound and we will take the tender boats out to search for the dolphins, seals and other marine wildlife that is in abundance here. Guided birdwatching walks will see you venture carefully through the Motuara Island birdlife sanctuary, and there will be plenty of options for hikes and guided walks through the spectacular Queen Charlotte Track.

Your South Island and Fiords of New Zealand cruise will conclude in bustling Wellington where you will disembark and bid a fond farewell to your expedition team and newfound friends. A complimentary transfer to the airport or a downtown location will be provided.