New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast

Guests will check in at the designated hotel for the first night of your adventure. In the evening, join an informal dinner gathering—an ideal chance to connect with fellow travelers and meet expedition team members.

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel restaurant, then enjoy a free morning to explore Queenstown at your leisure. Return to the hotel for lunch before departing for the Port of Bluff to embark on Heritage Adventurer. Once on board, settle into your accommodation and get acquainted with the ship. As you set course for Fiordland, join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge or on the Observation Deck to celebrate the start of your adventure.

You have two days to explore the incredible wilderness of Fiordland in the southwest corner of the South Island. This area is rich in history, majestic scenery, and abundant wildlife. Fiordland was well known to local Maori, with the demi-god Tu-teraki-whanoa said to have used his adze, Te Hamo, to carve out the region’s fiords. Captain Cook and his crew landed here on HMS Resolution in 1773 and were the first Europeans to visit Fiordland, spending five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook’s discovery records and maps attracted sealers and whalers worldwide. Fiordland’s coast is only accessible by sea, making it the most remote region of New Zealand’s mainland. Waterfalls, streams, rivers, and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. A rugged terrain and thickly forested floors are covered with ferns, lichens, and mosses. Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins, and Little Blue Penguins are all residents of the fiords. Look for them during your time here. Your schedule gives you the flexibility to visit as much as possible. You plan to explore Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron Passage, Astronomer’s Point, and Pickersgill Harbour. During your time in Dusky Sound, there will be the optional opportunity to experience an unforgettable helicopter flight through the Sound, swooping down alongside Cooper Island and Cook Channel with a landing on Mount Pender, enjoying spectacular vistas across constellations of islands stretching into the horizon and dotting the winding fiords. The weather will determine your final plan. The Captain and Expedition Leader will work hard to make the best use of your time in this incredible New Zealand region, including areas few New Zealanders have visited.

New Zealand’s third island, Stewart Island, is well off the usual beaten tourist track. It is a wonderfully tranquil place, and the scenery of untouched bushland is stunning. Enjoy the morning exploring nearby Ulva Island, rich in history and wildlife. It has been a predator-free island since 1997, and the bird song and wildlife are some of the best. Some of the wildlife you may observe while walking the tracks on Ulva Island include Stewart Island Robin, Southern Brown Kiwi, Stewart Island Weka, South Island Kaka, Kereru (Wood Pigeon), Mohua (Yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird and Tui. Many more species may also be seen, and your knowledgeable expedition guides will be listening for bird calls and keeping a close watch on overhead canopies and the surrounding shrubs to identify further species. Visit Stewart Island in the afternoon. During your time in Paterson Inlet, there will be the opportunity to explore the quirky town center Oban in Halfmoon Bay, where local shops, the brand new Rakiura Museum, and beautiful walks in the surrounding forests await exploration, while a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the iconic South Sea Hotel.

This morning, sail into the beautiful Otago Harbor and watch closely for the Northern Royal Albatross at the Taiaroa Head Albatross Colony. From your berth, explore the famed fashion-forward city of Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the south, and its rich history as the gateway to Otago. Explore the scenic Otago Peninsula, where New Zealand Sea Lions rest and Yellow-eyed Penguins can be observed in one of their last mainland strongholds, and where the beautiful, farmed hills roll down towards white sand beaches.

Heritage Adventurer will sail through the Akaroa heads and anchor in the sheltered waters of Canterbury’s largest harbor. Here, beneath the eroded volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula, the French attempted to settle in 1840. The French connection remains, with a certain je ne sais quoi at the heart of the township of Akaroa. This afternoon, visit the Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory and French Farm Vineyard at the head of the harbor and enjoy the opportunity to explore Akaroa or take one of the local nature walks.

Wellington is New Zealand’s ‘coolest little capital’ and an exceptional natural harbor, where Heritage Adventurer will be docked in the center of the action. From here, you can easily explore this vibrant city on foot. Visit the iconic cable car, explore the world-renowned Zealandia nature reserve, and discover the Botanic Gardens and New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa.

This morning, Heritage Adventurer sails into the sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds, a beautiful labyrinth of waterways intersecting the northern shores of the South Island. Take the opportunity to explore a coastal trail through the lush regenerating forest and watch for native birds, including Saddleback, Parakeets, and Robins, on one of the region’s nature reserves.

Sailing up the scenic North Island coastline, enjoy a day at sea, attend lectures, relax on board, or catch up on your photos and journal as you head towards Tauranga.

From your berth in Tauranga, you drive inland, passing the rich horticultural region of the Bay of Plenty as you travel to the geothermal heartland of Rotorua. Marvel at the abundance of steam vents, geysers, and bubbling mud pools as you explore one of the most geologically active regions on the planet, accompanied by expert local guides. Renowned for its rich Maori culture, world-class spa and wellness experiences, otherworldly geothermal landscapes, incredible lush forests, and sparkling lakes, there is much to see and experience here.

This morning, Heritage Adventurer arrives in Auckland, the City of Sails, where she will berth in the central city waterfront. Following breakfast, she will disembark and head to the airport or continue your exploration of New Zealand. In case of unexpected delays, it is not recommended to book any onward travel until after midday today. During your voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.