SEA – SOLANDER ISLAND (CHRISTMAS DAY), NEW ZEALAND
During your day at sea, you'll cruise past Solander Island, an uninhabited trio of volcanic islets near New Zealand's South Island. Discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770 and named after Daniel Solander, a Swedish scientist aboard his ship, the islands have been briefly inhabited due to marooning or shipwrecks. Home to rare wildlife including ferns, orchids, Red-crowned Parakeet (Kakariki), Weka, Buller’s albatross, Fiordland crested penguins, and tomtits, Solander Islands are designated as an Important Bird Area. They host about 5000 pairs of common diving petrels and Buller’s albatrosses for breeding. The area is renowned for whale migration, with sightings of large sperm whales.
FIORDLAND: DUSKY SOUND, NEW ZEALAND
Fiordland National Park, once hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling, features 14 fiords carved by glaciers along a 215km coastline. Experience cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests, and granite peaks mirrored in deep waters. These landscapes were the ancient source of prized pounamu (New Zealand Jade) for the Māori. Despite attempts by European settlers, the rugged terrain remained largely untouched. Enter through Tamatea/Dusky Sound, a dramatic gateway, cruise past sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and small islands, and explore inlets in zodiacs. This inaccessible area is a haven for diverse flora and fauna, including Fiordland Penguins and fur seals at Luncheon Cove.
FIORDLAND: MILFORD SOUND, NEW ZEALAND
This afternoon, enter Milford Sound / Piopiotahi to a world-famous view of Mitre Peak, rising some 1,682 meters. Its triangular silhouette rises opposite beautiful Stirling Falls, falling from the top of a 162m high cliff between two towering ridges into the inky dark water. You may have a chance to feel the spray from the waterfall – according to Māori legend, it will make you ten years younger! The steep overhanging cliffs are awe-inspiring as you cruise to Harrison Cove, where an ancient glacier entered the fiord, and visit Bowen Falls.
FIORDLAND: DOUBTFUL SOUND, NEW ZEALAND
Doubtful Sound / Patea is the deepest and widest fiord, flanked by towering cliffs and adorned by cascading waterfalls. The stillness and silence of this Fiord is compelling and unforgettable. Cruise into Doubtful Sound / Patea, and past the outer Seal Islands, Nee Islets and through ‘the Gut’, before cruising by Blanket Bay and into Te Awa-o-Tū / Thomson Sound. You may spot fur seals lounging on the rocks, pods of dolphins, and the Fiordland penguin.
STEWART ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Known in Māori mythology as Te Punga o Te Waka – The Anchor Stone of Maui’s Canoe’ – Stewart Island (Rakiura) is New Zealand’s little known ‘third island’. Apart from the communities on the island, many people never venture to remote Stewart Island. Nearby Ulva Island is also found within the Rakiura National Park, offering a predator-free environment for rare and endangered birds including South Island Saddleback, Stewart Island Weka, New Zealand Pigeon/Kereru, South Island Kaka, Yellow- and Red-crowned Parakeet (Kakariki), Morepork, Rifleman (New Zealand’s smallest bird), New Zealand Fantail, South Island Tomtit, Stewart Island Robin, Yellowhead (Mohoua), Brown Creeper, Grey Warbler, New Zealand Bellbird and Tui.
Spend two days interacting with local communities, exploring national parks, and spotting some of the endemic and endangered local wildlife.
DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND
Dunedin, nestled around an ancient volcanic crater, boasts Scottish and Māori heritage. Its heritage buildings and cathedrals evoke an old-world charm, earning it the title of New Zealand’s architectural heritage capital. Explore the Otago Peninsula, home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross and a rare colony of yellow-eyed penguins. Choose between a coach tour of the peninsula or Dunedin city highlights, or opt to explore the city at your own pace, visiting attractions like Speight’s Brewery, art galleries, or New Zealand’s oldest botanic gardens.
AKAROA (NEW YEAR), NEW ZEALAND
This morning, sail into the long harbour of Akaroa, formed by the breached volcanic crater that makes up the Banks Peninsula. The village of Akaroa has the unique identity of being the only French settlement in New Zealand, and its charming cottages and French street names still carry that identity today.
Ringed by the pastoral rolling hills of the Peninsula, the scenic village was once a bustling whaling outpost. Here, choose between two included excursions: a harbour cruise to spot marine wildlife, or a tour to visit the world’s largest colony of little penguins at Pohatu Bay, with the chance to learn more about the conservation efforts that are protecting them. A variety of short walks are available into the surrounding nature reserves, guided by the expedition team.
KAIKOURA, NEW ZEALAND
Surrounded by the breathtaking snow-dusted Seaward Kaikoura Ranges, the picturesque town of Kaikoura is renowned as possibly the best whale watching destination in the world. Kaikoura is one of the very few places it is possible to observe the Sperm Whale. Aboard the Xplorer tender vessels, explore the ocean in search of these amazing mammals, as well as fur seals, dusky and Hector’s dolphins and other migratory whales.
Kaikoura means ‘to eat crayfish’, and you may have the opportunity to taste the seafood available here. You will also have the opportunity to walk through this small town to visit the museums, galleries, and cafes, before joining the expedition team on a guided walk over the peninsula to marvel at the spectacular scenery.
SHIPS COVE & MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS, NEW ZEALAND
The Marlborough Sounds, comprising ancient river valleys, make up 20% of New Zealand’s coastline, offering stunning views of forest-cloaked peaks, vineyards, and sunken channels. This fertile region, home to New Zealand’s first known Polynesian settlement, produces 80% of the country’s wine and much of its seafood.
Anchor at historic Ship Cove on your first morning, then explore Queen Charlotte Sound. Over the next two days, spot dolphins and seals with the Xplorer, birdwatch on Motuara Island, and hike sections of the Queen Charlotte Track guided by the team. Learn about the region's history through informative storyboards at Ship Cove, highlighting Captain Cook’s time there.
