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New Zealand Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the wonders of New Zealand on Adventure Life's array of 32 small ship cruises for 2025. Join us on a cruise journey through New Zealand's East Coast, the Subantarctic & Chatham Islands, and beyond to witness Maori culture, Fiordland's sounds, and a plethora of wildlife encounters. Sail aboard small ships like the Coral Geographer and Heritage Adventurer to explore remote regions, from Stewart Island to the stunning fiords, while engaging in village visits, wildlife viewing, and more. Delve into the heart of New Zealand's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty, from the bustling city of Auckland to the serene landscapes of the South Island. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand's coastlines, with activities like rainforest exploration, wine tasting, and wildlife viewing. Don't miss this chance to embark on an unforgettable expedition cruise through the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand. Contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • New Zealand
Auckland, the City of Sails
$6,960
EXPLORE

The best of New Zealand

Auckland - Lyttelton - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Le Jacques Cartier
  • Explore Auckland
  • Experience Tauranga
  • Explore Gisborne
  • Discover Waiheke Island
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Port of Lyttelton
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Explore New Zealand on a 10-day cruise from the North Island to the South Island aboard Le Jacques-Cartier. Discover wild landscapes, charming cities, and ancient civilizations. Enjoy included excursions in each port, such as whale watching in Akaroa, Maori traditions in Napier, and volcanic …
Cruise Details
0
Explore the stunning Milford Sound
$26,490
EXPLORE

New Zealand Delights

Dunedin - Auckland - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Explore Kaikoura
  • Experience Akaroa
  • Discover Dusky Sound
  • Explore Milford Sound
Starts / Ends:
Dunedin / Auckland
Activities:
Helicopter Tours, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 12-day cruise from Dunedin to Auckland aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Experience the wonders of New Zealand, from World Heritage-listed sites to award-winning wineries, exceptional cuisine, and charming towns. Travel from the South to the North Island, immersing yourself in this …
Cruise Details
0
Amazing aerial view of Fiordland National Park on scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, NZ
$27,390
EXPLORE

Pure New Zealand: North & South Islands

Auckland - Queenstown - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Explore Wellington
  • Experience Gisborne
  • Discover Tauranga
  • Explore Auckland
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities:
Helicopter Tours, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 13-day cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Discover New Zealand's World Heritage-listed natural wonders, award-winning wineries, exceptional cuisine, and charming towns. Travel from the North to the South Island, immersing yourself in the diverse beauty of the Land of the Long …
Cruise Details
0
Amazing aerial view of Fiordland National Park on scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, NZ
$24,990
EXPLORE

Pure New Zealand: North & South Islands

Auckland - Queenstown - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Explore Wellington
  • Experience Gisborne
  • Discover Tauranga
  • Explore Auckland
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 13-day cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Discover New Zealand's World Heritage-listed natural wonders, award-winning wineries, exceptional cuisine, and charming towns. Travel from the North to the South Island, immersing yourself in the diverse beauty of the Land of the Long …
Cruise Details
0
Great Barrier Island
$19,615
EXPLORE

Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Maori History, and Abundant Wildlife

Auckland - Dunedin - 14 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Explore fjords, bays, and sounds
  • Explore diverse marine life
  • Visit New Zealand
  • See world’s smallest penguin
  • Observe the royal albatross
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Dunedin
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Variable
On this 14-day Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Maori History, and Abundant Wildlife cruise from Auckland to Dunedin aboard National Geographic Orion, explore New Zealand’s natural beauty beckons with its soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and expanses of white-sand beaches. Travel …
Cruise Details
0
Coastal beauty of Dunedin
$19,419
EXPLORE

Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Maori History, and Abundant Wildlife - Northbound

Roundtrip Auckland - 14 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Visit Doubtful Sound
  • Discover Māori's culture
  • Visit Abel Tasman National Park
  • Trek Stewart and Ulva Islands
  • Explore New Zealand's food and wine
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Auckland
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Variable
14-day Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Maori History, and Abundant Wildlife cruise roundtrip Auckland aboard National Geographic Orion, explore New Zealand’s natural beauty beckons with its soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and expanses of white-sand beaches. Travel through scenic …
Cruise Details
0
Cascading waterfall in the Milford Sound
$8,700
EXPLORE

Expedition to the heart of New Zealand

Auckland - Dunedin - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore Auckland
  • Discover Tauranga
  • Discover Marlborough Sounds
  • Experience Gisborne
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Dunedin
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 12-day expedition cruise aboard Le Soléal and unveil the treasures of New Zealand, a land of diverse landscapes and natural wonders. Explore Rotorua's volcanic marvels, discover Gisborne's Maori culture and local history, and indulge in the beauty of Napier's Art Deco …
Cruise Details
0
$3,750
EXPLORE

Unseen Fiordland and Stewart Island: Exploring New Zealand's Remote Backyard

6 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Stewart Island
  • See different bird species
  • Discover Ulva Island.
  • Tour the stunning fiords
Starts / Ends:
Queenstown / Invercargill
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
The Heritage Adventurer is a one-of-a-kind adventure to a remote part of New Zealand's wilderness. Visit Fiordland's lonely ice-carved mountains, beautiful forests, and flowing fiords. In isolation, away from the crowds, cruise the quiet seas of Fiordland and Stewart Island in search of …
Cruise Details
0
Explore the stunning Milford Sound
$10,800
EXPLORE

New Zealand Mosaic

Dunedin - Auckland - 16 Day Itinerary aboard Le Soleal
  • Explore Dunedin
  • Discover Dusky Sound
  • Experience Doubtful Sound
  • Discover Oban
  • Explore Milford Sound
Starts / Ends:
Dunedin / Auckland
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 16-day cruise aboard Le Soléal to explore the stunning beauty of New Zealand, from the majestic mountains of the South Island to the lush forests and volcanoes of the North Island. Immerse yourself in the rich Maori culture and enjoy guided excursions such as whale watching in …
Cruise Details
0
New Zealand's remotest island.
$9,500
Savings
EXPLORE

Beyond Fiordland - New Zealand's Wildest Islands

12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Campbell Island
  • Visit Carnley Harbor
  • Zodiac cruise along Adams Island
  • Admire Stewart Island's beauty
Starts / Ends:
Invercargill / Invercargill
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Visit Fiordland's lonely ice-carved mountains, beautiful forests, and flowing fiords; this incredible place inspires your desire to travel responsibly. Travel alone, away from the crowds, through the tranquil waters of Fiordland and Stewart Island, on the search for marine life, elusive birds, …
Cruise Details
0
$15,250
EXPLORE

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

17 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit the best islands for birding
  • See the Albatross Latitudes
  • Marvel at diverse seabird colonies
  • Learn about nature and history
Starts / Ends:
Queenstown / Queenstown
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Snares, Bounty, Antipodes, Auckland, Campbell, Macquarie, and the Chatham Islands are only a few of the names. They are a delight to 'Birders.' Except for the Chathams, these islands are probably more isolated than they were when they were discovered in the late 1700s and early 1800s and …
Cruise Details
0
A quiet morning near Dunedin
$5,985
EXPLORE

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

Queenstown to Auckland - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Queenstown
  • Discover Fiordland
  • Experience Ulva Island
  • Watch Northern Royal Albatross
  • Visit Akaroa
  • Explore Wellington
Starts / Ends:
Queenstown / Auckland
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Small Ship Sailing, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 14-day expedition aboard the Heritage Adventurer. Begin with an overnight stay at a designated hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner, and meet fellow adventurers. Heading towards Fiordland, enjoy two days exploring its rich history and abundant wildlife. From Doubtful Sound to Acheron Passage, …
Cruise Details
0
Snares Penguin on The Snares Island
$15,295
Savings
EXPLORE

Subantarctic Discovery

Roundtrip Dunedin - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Douglas Mawson
  • Cross the Drake Passage
  • Explore Antarctic wildlife
  • Explore Antarctic Peninsula
  • Attend lectures
Starts / Ends:
Dunedin / Dunedin
Activities:
Adventure Options, Photography Seminars, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 15-day Subantarctic Discovery Expedition Cruise roundtrip Dunedin, New Zealand aboard Douglas Mawson to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian and New Zealand Subantarctic Islands. Discover the rugged beauty and rich wildlife of Stewart and Ulva Islands. Observe endemic …
Cruise Details
0
Queen Charlotte Sound
$2,595
Savings
EXPLORE

Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound

Picton roundtrip - 5 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Learn the history of Tory Channel
  • Experience Queen Charlotte Walkway
  • Discover Motuara and Blumine Island
  • Trek to Arapawa Island's lookout
Starts / Ends:
Blenheim / Blenheim
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 5-day expedition through Queen Charlotte Sound and its islands, starting with a warm welcome aboard the Heritage Explorer in Blenheim. Sail along the scenic waterways, exploring Tory Channel's whaling history and Ship Cove's rich heritage. Trek through native bush to Ship Cove …
Cruise Details
0
Explore the stunning Milford Sound
$5,295
EXPLORE

All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience

10 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Discover New Zealand
  • Sail through Fiordland's waters
  • Explore North and South Port harbor
  • Visit the majestic fiord
Starts / Ends:
Te Anau / Te Anau
Activities:
Rainforest Exploration, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Set sail for a 10-day exploration cruise of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, now over 1.2 million hectares in size and rightly famous for its epic, grand-scale scenery, untamed wilderness, and unique wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins, and New Zealand fur …
Cruise Details
0
Coastal beauty of Dunedin
$30,250
EXPLORE

Southern Odyssey

Auckland to Dunedin - 20 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • See New Zealand’s cultural riches
  • Explore Fiordlands National Park
  • Watch vibrant wildlife
  • Spot unique species
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Dunedin
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Navigate New Zealand’s verdant coastlines to encounter pristine beaches, quiet coves, and waters filled with whales, dolphins, and seals. The soaring peaks and countless waterfalls of the country’s dazzling fjords are at their jaw-dropping best in Fiordlands National Park, where …
Cruise Details
0
New Zealand landscape
$33,290
EXPLORE

New Zealand In Depth

Queenstown - Auckland - 18 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Explore Akaroa
  • Experience Oban
  • Discover Milford Sound
  • Explore Queenstown
Starts / Ends:
Queenstown / Auckland
Activities:
Helicopter Tours, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on an 18-day cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Sail around the South Island, visit isolated Stewart Island, and explore delightful cities like Dunedin, Christchurch, Nelson, Napier, and Wellington. Discover the history of Norfolk Island, cruise through the Bay of Islands, and disembark in …
Cruise Details
0
Marlborough Sounds
$3,650
Savings
EXPLORE

Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds

7 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Explore Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Visit Tory Channel
  • Sail through d’Urville
  • Discover Pelorus Sound
Starts / Ends:
Blenheim / Blenheim
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Spend a week exploring the 1,500-kilometer-long Marlborough Sounds, which were carved out by submerged valleys 10,000 years ago. These destinations are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, which includes beautiful cobalt streams, classic vistas, thick indigenous forests, wildlife, and …
Cruise Details
0
1-18 of 32 Results
TrustScore 4.8 | 380 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 380 reviews on
review score
3 months ago
Professional and courteous
Iziah Carthens
review score
4 months ago
We received an immediate response from Kassandra who reserved our cruise as soon as she got a confirmation from us. Maria and Jess also were in touch right away.
Lynda Wallach
review score
8 months ago
The travel specialists we've worked with for 2 vacations have made the trip planning process easy! They ask good questions to ensure they understand our goals and likes and have done an excellent job matching adventures with our preferences - even suggesting things we would not have thought about on our own!
Amy
review score
8 months ago
Attention to details. Flexible and always responsive. Great relationships and local partners.
Mark Esposito

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