New Zealand's South Island is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful places. On this epic journey you’ll discover winding cobalt waterways, lush native forests, unique wildlife, golden beaches, and rugged coastlines. We’ll visit some of the most scenic areas in the region, exploring on foot, by sea, and even by air during an exhilarating flightseeing tour. Highlights include peaceful Stewart Island, predator-free Ulva Island, and the legendary landscapes of Fiordland National Park in the south. Then head north for an eight-day cruise through the supremely scenic Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds. This expedition also includes an exploration of Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest national park, where we hope to find New Zealand fur seals and little blue penguins.
Three moments you’ll never forget
Feel the spray from towering waterfalls while cruising in Milford Sound, as water plummets in a tremendous roar.
Find yourself soaring by seaplane over the glacier-carved fjords, immense waterfalls, and snowcapped peaks of Fiordland National Park.
Walk along sections of the spectacular Queen Charlotte Track as it twists around coves and inlets offering breathtaking views of Queen Charlotte Sound.
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Day 1
Invercargill, New Zealand
Arrive in Invercargill via Auckland. Transfer to the Kelvin Hotel with the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore New Zealand’s southernmost city. Gather at the hotel this evening for a briefing from our expedition team, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Invercargill / Stewart Island
At the Southland Museum, see the tuatara, an ancient reptile endemic to New Zealand. Stroll through the native forest around Stirling Point to search for local birds and other wildlife. Continue to the ferry terminal at Bluff for a scenic trip to peaceful Stewart Island, our home base for three nights.
Day 3
Stewart Island
Choose a leisurely exploration along the coast or join a more energetic hike from the waterfront to Acker’s Point Lighthouse. After lunch at a local restaurant, tour the charming town of Oban including the small, but fascinating museum. An evening walk takes us through native forest in search of wild Southern brown kiwis, New Zealand’s iconic national bird.
Day 4
Ulva Island & Paterson Inlet
Water taxi to Ulva Island, a predator-free bird sanctuary with a variety of forest trails to view the South Island robin, South Island saddle-back, yellowhead, and weka. Then, board a catamaran to explore Paterson Inlet where we learn about local history, and perhaps visit a nearby salmon farm. Continue by catamaran to some small islands in search of fur seals, albatrosses, and, with luck, yellow-eyed penguins.
Day 5
Stewart Island / Te Anau
Rise early to catch the ferry to Bluff, then embark overland for Te Anau, making stops for photography and wildlife along the way. Check in to the Lakefront Lodge, our base of explorations for the next four nights. After a chance to freshen up, board a seaplane for an exhilarating flightseeing tour over the supremely scenic landscapes of Fiordland National Park.
Day 6
Doubtful Sound
With no direct road access, the only way to reach Doubtful Sound is by cruising across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a drive over Wilmot Pass, New Zealand's most majestic road. Stop along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. Board the Patea Explorer for a cruise through the many twisting fjords flanked by rugged peaks, verdant rainforest, and hidden inlets.
Day 7
Milford Sound
Depart early for a cruise along Milford Sound. This classic deep-water fjord is surrounded by steep mountains and is famous for its dramatic scenery, especially Mitre Peak, which rises to 5,560 feet. Feel the cool spray of waterfalls as we cruise along the sheer rock faces, keeping an eye out for dolphins and seals.
Day 8
Te Anau / Queenstown / Blenheim
After breakfast, depart overland for the airport in Queenstown. Board our flight for Blenheim and transfer to our hotel for check in. This evening, savor local vintages and regional cuisine at a nearby winery.
Day 9
Blenheim / Embark Heritage Explorer
Transfer to the port in Picton and embark the Heritage Explorer. Join the captain on the bridge as we set sail for Queen Charlotte Sound. As the sun sets, enjoy your first meal in the dining room accompanied by spectacular 180-views of the scenery that surrounds you.
Day 10 & 11
Queen Charlotte Sound
Spend two full days exploring the waterways and islands of scenic Queen Charlotte Sound and walk along sections of the Queen Charlotte Walkway in search of birdlife on the predator-free islands. A visit to Tory Channel brings the whaling history of the Perano Whalers to life. Learn about explorer history with a stop at Ship Cove, and to pay a visit to Captain Cook’s memorial.
Day 12 & 13
Pelorus Sound
Boasting 236 miles of shoreline, the numerous bays and sheltered coves of Pelorus Sound are perfect for exploration. In Ngawhakawhiti Bay, we’ll get a glimpse of what this area looked like before the native forest was cleared. Explore Nydia Bay and enjoy an energetic walk along a portion of Nydia Track.
Day 14 & 15
d’Urville Island
This outermost island in the Marlborough Sounds, d’Urville Island is named after French Explorer Dumont d’Urville and features imposing sea cliffs along its west coast, a high mountainous backbone, and the fastest moving tidal flows in New Zealand, tempered by some of the country’s finest scenery. Dolphins and New Zealand fur seals are frequently seen in the waters surrounding the island and it was here that Pelorus Jack, the endearing Risso’s dolphin famously stole the nation’s heart, by guiding ships between 1888 and 1912.
Day 16
Abel Tasman National Park
New Zealand’s smallest national park, Abel Tasman National Park is a wilderness reserve with hills cloaked in regenerating native forest flanked by impressive granite formations, sandy beaches, and crystalline streams that cascade through mossy valleys. We hope to kayak inside secluded inlets and shores, embark on forested nature walks, and explore the many beautiful beaches with, perhaps, a dip in the water.
Day 17
Nelson / Disembark / Homeward
Disembark in the Port of Nelson and transfer the airport for your independent homeward flight via Auckland.
This trip will be led in the true spirit of adventure and exploration. Our plans are subject to change, depending on current weather and tide conditions to maximize our sightings and experiences on each day of the program.
Departure
The trip starts in Invercargill, New Zealand and ends in Nelson, New Zealand
“The sky just seems bigger in New Zealand. Grand vistas and wide-open spaces, both on land and at sea, will be our constant companions as we focus on two main regions of the South Island.”
— RICH PAGEN
“The wildlife of New Zealand is unlike anywhere else in the world. From an evening outing in search of the remarkable brown kiwi, to a visit to renowned Ulva Island with its intact songbird community, plus Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound to admire the meandering waterways, thick rainforest, and towering peaks from every angle, it’s hard to count the numerous highlights of this journey! And that’s just the beginning! We’ll then embark the beautiful Heritage Explorer, which we be our home base for remote seaside walks along the extensive shorelines of Queen Charlotte Sound and Pelorus Sound. An area rich in history, it is also home to numerous small islands with abundant birds and marine life. I’m thrilled to be joining old friends and new on this exciting adventure! Join us on this epic expeditionary itinerary!”
— KRISTIN WORNSON
HERITAGE EXPLORER
The Heritage Explorer expedition yacht features 9 guest cabins and offers comfortable spaces in an intimate setting. Built in 2004, the yacht features a contemporary wood-finished interior, well-appointed cabins across three decks, a dining room with a spectacular 180-degree views, lounge area, and bar featuring regional New Zealand wines, beers, and spirits. Guests can also enjoy the yacht’s well-stocked library while relaxing onboard. Outside, enjoy plenty of covered space on the Bridge Deck, or adjourn to the Sun Deck perfect for wildlife spotting, sunrises, and sunsets. Kayaks and fishing equipment are available for use during the voyage, while two tenders allow access to remote shores.
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PRICING
Double / Twin Per Person
$14,990
Suite Per Person
$17,990
Single Per Person
$18,990
Group Size
16 travelers
What’s Included
8 nights hotel accommodations
8 nights on board the Heritage Explorer
All meals
Non-alcoholic beverages with lunch and dinner, plus beer and house wine with meals while onboard Heritage Explorer
All excursions, transportation, and local guides
Park fees, taxes, and permits
Gratuities
Arrival and departure transfers
Internal air between Queenstown and Blenheim
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
