New Zealand's Southern Fiords Discovery

New Zealand's Southern Fiords Discovery 7 Days - Small Ship Max 18 Pax

Prices From £2,928pp
February to March, July to September | 6 nights

Up To 20% Discount!

Single Cabins Available

New Zealand's Southern Fiords Discovery 7 Days - Small Ship Max 18 Pax

Aboard: Heritage Explorer

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the pristine wilderness of Fiordland's Preservation and Chalky Inlets, and Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, where nature's wonders await. Your small expedition yacht, accommodating a maximum of 18 passengers, ensures an intimate experience as we navigate these remote ice-carved mountains, lush forests, and meandering fiords.

Prepare to be captivated by the abundance of wildlife and rich history that define this remarkable region. With guided shore visits and Zodiac excursions led by a seasoned team, you'll have the opportunity to witness Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins, and New Zealand Fur Seals in their natural habitat. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, delve into the area's significant human and wildlife conservation efforts, gaining insight into its conservation history.

Join us for an adventure that promises epic landscapes, untamed wilderness, and unforgettable encounters with some of New Zealand's most iconic wildlife.

Various departures available. Some sailings may operate in reverse. Extended 10 day itinerary also available. Please enquire for full details.

Highlights

  • Explore the remote shores, coves, inlets and waterways of this treasured natural wonderland
  • Encounter unique wildlife like bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals
  • Learn about Maori legends and the fascinating human history of the fiords
  • Travel in the company of an exceptionally experienced crew and a team of naturalist guides
  • Sail aboard a small expedition vessel carrying a maximum of 18 passengers as you enjoy an intimate and in-depth experience
  • Enjoy adventurous hikes and thrilling Zodiac cruises

What's Included

  • Full Board accommodation onboard including all meals and house drinks
  • Pre-cruise helicopter transfer and post-cruise coach transfer
  • All shore excursions and activities as described in the itinerary
  • Expert on board naturalist guides
  • Landing fees and GST

Up To 20% Discount!

Book select 2027 departures by 30th October and receive up to 20% discount!Rates shown include discount.

Offer applicable when booked before 31st October 2026

Full terms & conditions apply. New bookings only, subject to availability. Discount applies to voyage cost only and does not apply to landing fees that are included in the trip cost. / Available on selected dates/vessels.

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Te Anau - Helicopter Flight to Ship
1Day

Te Anau - Helicopter Flight to Ship

Your New Zealand Fiordland cruise will begin in the South Island town of Te Anau where you will make your way to the designated meeting point and board your included helicopter transfer to Preservation Inlet where the Heritage Explorer will be awaiting your arrival. This thrilling transfer by air will be the perfect introduction to this remarkable part of the world, with incredible views of the scenic wonders below. Embark the ship and settle into your cosy cabin as we set sail along Long Sound into Southern Fiordland.

Preservation Inlet
2Day

Preservation Inlet

Your first day of adventure will see you explore around the historically-rich Preservation Inlet to learn about its past life as a bustling gold mining and forestry industry. In the mining towns of Cromarty and Te Oneroa we will discover how these areas have now been reclaimed by nature and will hope to visit the failed Tarawera Mine and Smelter, where the ruins of the smelter’s three-storey chimney were restored in 2015. We will also learn how the area was home to New Zealand’s first whaling station at Cuttle Cove and sail past Puysegur Point to see one of the country’s most remote lighthouses. Onshore, a great coastal walk will take us along a former telegraph track built to connect the lighthouse, and on towards the old landing shed at Otago Retreat.

Chalky Inlet
3Day

Chalky Inlet

We now sail into Chalky Inlet past the impressive limestone cliffs of Chalky Island, a predator-free area that is home to some of New Zealand’s most critically endangered bird species including the Little Spotted Kiwi and Kakapo, and endemic Te Kakahu Skink, discovered in 2002. We hope to explore around the protected harbours of North and South Port to discover the area’s fascinating human history and see the rusting hulk of the purposely grounded GSS Stella before sailing to the head of the fjord surrounded by imposing mountains that will envelope us in their majesty and offer spectacular photo opportunities.

Dusky Sound
4 - 5Days

Dusky Sound

Over the next two days we will enjoy a leisurely discovery of the incredible scenery and rich history of beautiful Dusky Sound as we sail deep into the heart of Fiordland. One of the most recognisable and photographed sounds, the area is home to predator-free Anchor Island which is inhabited by half of the world’s population of Kakapo and Little Spotted Kiwi! It is also home to historic Luncheon Cove which we will hope to visit. We will also hope to visit nearby Pigeon Island to learn about the conservation feats of Richard Henry who developed a pioneering live transfer of birds to island refuges programme here. While his attempts were unsuccessful due to stoats swimming over to the island, it is heartening to learn the island is now pest-free and a sanctuary for native birdlife, with Henry’s vision fulfilled.

One of the highlights of our time in Fiordland will occur while we are here as we sail into Acheron Passage, a spectacular waterway that separates Resolution Island from the mainland. These crystal clear waters often bring sightings of the Bottlenose Dolphins that frequent this area so we will spend some time on deck with cameras in hand.

Breaksea & Doubtful Sounds
6Day

Breaksea & Doubtful Sounds

Our final full day onboard will see you awake surrounded by the nature and wilderness of Breaksea Sound where you can join your naturalists on deck to spot seabirds including the majestic Wandering and Buller’s Albatross as we pass Breaksea Island, which guards the entrance to Breaksea Sound. It was on Breaksea Island that the first successful island rat eradication program was completed, today it is a protected nature reserve of great significance to the many endangered species which call the island home. From here, prepare to witness some of the most incredible scenery in all of Fiordland as we enter the magnificent Doubtful Sound surrounded by cloud-scraping wilderness cloaked mountains, sheer stone cliffs, waterfalls, inlets and picturesque coves. New Zealand’s deepest fiord, this majestic area really is a sight to behold, and photographic opportunities will abound as we explore around. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner.

Doubtful Sound - Te Anau
7Day

Doubtful Sound - Te Anau

As your New Zealand Fiordland cruise nears its conclusion, there’s time for one more adventure as we continue our exploration of Doubtful Sound by navigating to the very head of the Sound to reach Deep Cove to discover its multiple waterfalls including Helena and Lady Alice Falls. After a final breakfast onboard, you will disembark and transfer back to Te Anau via the picturesque Wilmot Pass, the road constructed as part of the Manapouri hydro scheme.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Heritage Explorer
Adventure vessel

Heritage Explorer

This compact expedition yacht sets a new benchmark for discovery travel in New Zealand, blending comfortable accommodation with a personalised experience in an intimate environment catering to a maximum of 18 passengers. Built in 2004, the Heritage Explorer showcases a modern wood-finished interior, 10 well-appointed cabins in a variety of configurations spread across three decks, a dining room boasting spectacular 180-degree panoramas where delicious meals created by a talented chef can be savoured, and a welcoming lounge and bar featuring a fantastic selection of inclusive regional New Zealand wines and beers.

Outside spaces include a covered Bridge Deck and a Sun Deck for enjoying wildlife spotting, sunrises and sunsets. Kayaking and fishing equipment is carried on board for passengers’ use, and the yacht is also equipped with two tender boats for in-depth shore explorations. Equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure a comfortable expedition, with high performance dual Scania 653 horsepower engines, bow thrusters, fin stabilisers, full air-conditioning, sound attenuated twin generators and a hydraulic aft ramp, guests can experience a thoroughly enjoyable adventure into the wonders of New Zealand.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect New Zealand adventure for you.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Sally Nevitt Sales Team Leader

Sally pairs a real love of adventure travel with a natural gift for looking after people. She knows exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, and with her warmth and endless patience she'll guide you from your first enquiry right through to the moment you're safely home again.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry and continues to be inspired by the people, places and wildlife he discovers. His in-depth personal knowledge of a diverse range of destinations ensures your adventure itinerary will be a holiday like no other.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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