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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 20 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
from $3,750
Up to 20%
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
Activity Level
Variable
Explore New Zealand's southernmost regions on a six-day journey aboard the Heritage Adventurer. Indulge in a rare opportunity to visit both the wildlife-rich Stewart and Ulva Islands and the glacier-cut summits only accessible by expedition ship on one voyage. This is an experience you won't want to miss out on.
Cruise Details
0
Explore the stunning Milford Sound
from $28,790
2-for-1
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
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Immerse yourself in New Zealand's stunning scenery and explore its captivating cities. Enjoy exceptional local cuisine and connect with the welcoming locals, making these experiences the highlights of your voyage.
Cruise Details
0
Amazing aerial view of Fiordland National Park on scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, NZ
from $81,390
2-for-1
EXPLORE

Pure New Zealand: North & South Islands

Auckland - Queenstown - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Explore Tauranga’s coastal beauty
  • Discover Gisborne’s sunrise charm
  • Admire Napier’s Art Deco
  • Spot Kaikoura’s marine life
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Queenstown
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the best of New Zealand on this 13-day cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse II, visiting 13 iconic destinations. From Auckland's vibrant cityscape to the serene beauty of Milford Sound, this journey promises unforgettable moments.
Cruise Details
0
Amazing aerial view of Fiordland National Park on scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, NZ
from $24,990
2-for-1
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
Wine Tasting
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the best of New Zealand on this 13-day cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse II, visiting 13 iconic destinations. From Auckland's vibrant cityscape to the serene beauty of Milford Sound, this journey promises unforgettable moments.
Cruise Details
0
New Zealand's remotest island.
from $9,500
Up to 20%
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
Activity Level
Variable
On this 12-day cruise aboard Heritage Adventurer starting and ending in the beautiful city of Invercargill, admire some of New Zealand's best pelagic birding including Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Campbell Island Albatross and Little Shearwater.
Cruise Details
0
from $15,250
Up to 20%
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
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on the Heritage Adventurer for a 17-day New Zealand birding cruise. Visit remote islands that are home to some of the world's most diverse and distinctive bird species. To get a closer look at these islands and their fauna, take Zodiac excursions and hike the islands in search of exotic wildlife. 
Cruise Details
0
A quiet morning near Dunedin
from $5,985
Up to 20%
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 Sailing
Activity Level
Variable
Join the 14-day cruise aboard the Heritage Adventurer to uncover the hidden treasures of New Zealand. From the breathtaking beauty of the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island to the wonders of Fiordland, Rotorua's geothermal attractions, and picturesque towns.
Cruise Details
0
Snares Penguin on The Snares Island
from $15,295
25% OFF
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, Whale Watching, Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 15-day Subantarctic Discovery Expedition Cruise roundtrip from Dunedin, New Zealand aboard the Douglas Mawson. Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Subantarctic Islands, Stewart and Ulva Islands, Fiordland, Campbell Island and Auckland Islands. Discover rugged beauty and wildlife, including brown kiwi and flightless weka.
Cruise Details
0
Queen Charlotte Sound
from $2,595
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
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 5-day adventure exploring Queen Charlotte Sound and its islands aboard Heritage Explorer. Discover Tory Channel's whaling past, Ship Cove's history, and Arapawa Island's scenic lookout. Traverse the renowned Queen Charlotte Walkway, then explore Motuara and Blumine Islands' wildlife and WWII relics.
Cruise Details
0
Explore the stunning Milford Sound
from $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
Activity Level
Variable
Join this ultimate 10-day exploration of New Zealand's remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests, and winding fiords of Fiordland. This treasured natural wonderland, its wildlife, conservation, and history inspired expedition. Visit Preservation Inlet and Chalky inlet, Doubtful and Dusky Sound, and more!
Cruise Details
0
Marlborough Sounds
from $3,650
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
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the calm waterways, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds on a memorable seven-day Kiwi tour that includes visits to Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass, and d'Urville Island.
Cruise Details
0
Stewart Island
from $4,475
EXPLORE

Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure

8 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Discover Halfmoon Bay
  • Enjoy the historic views
  • Visit Norwegian whaling station
  • Explore Port Pegasus
Starts / Ends
Invercargill / Invercargill
Activities
Village Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Board the luxurious 18-guest Heritage Explorer on an 8-day expedition cruise. Discover the unseen rawness of New Zealand's wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara. The magnificent Aurora Australis is awe-inspiring as it spectacularly adorns the southern skies.
Cruise Details
0
from $3,150
EXPLORE

Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland

Supper Cove Roundtrip - 5 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • View scenic helicopter transfers
  • See Cooper, Long, & Indian Islands
  • Explore Fiordland's Dusky Sound
  • Spot wildlife and more
Starts / Ends
Te Anau / Te Anau
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 5-day exploration cruise of the Undiscovered Dusky Sound from Supper Cove and back aboard Heritage Explorer. Start and conclude your trip with a scenic helicopter flight between Te Anau and Supper Cove. Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland on an unforgettable voyage cruising Acheron Passage, Breaksea, and Dusky Sounds.
Cruise Details
0
Epic clouds over Te Anau
from $4,145
EXPLORE

Northern Fiords Explorer: Expedition Cruising Fiordland's Northern Fiords

7 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Experience the primordial majesty
  • Enjoy the Eglington Valley drive
  • Explore Fiordland's history
  • Sail the calm waters of Fiordland
Starts / Ends
Milford Sound / Milford Sound
Activities
Fishing
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland's Northern Fiords, where clouds cover the ragged peaks of glacier-cleaved mountains streaked with waterfalls on this 7-day Northern Fiords exploration cruise. Visit Milford Sound and the more remote Bligh, George, Caswell, Nancy, Thompson, and Doubtful Sounds.
Cruise Details
0
New Zealand Landscape
from $4,150
EXPLORE

Southern Fiords Discovery: A Deep Exploration of Fiordland's Southern Fiords

7 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Experience the grand scale scenery
  • Tour unique parts of New Zealand
  • Explore Preservation Inlet
  • Navigate through Acheron Passage
Starts / Ends
Doubtful Sound / Te Anau
Activity Level
Variable
Discover Southern Fiordland, one of New Zealand's most remote regions, onboard Heritage Explorer. Misty veils surround waterfalls, streams, rivers, and fiords, revealing towering mountain peaks and sheltering valleys. The rough landscape is home to bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins, and New Zealand fur seals.
Cruise Details
0
Great Barrier Island
from $25,590
2-for-1
EXPLORE

Treasures of the Pacific: The Yasawas to New Zealand

Lautoka - Auckland - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Explore Lautoka
  • Discover Tanna Island
  • Experience Lifou
  • Marvel at Isle of Pines
Starts / Ends
Lautoka / Auckland
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Helicopter Tours
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day cruise from Lautoka to Auckland aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Journey from Fiji's picturesque Yasawa Islands to New Zealand's awe-inspiring landscapes, surrounded by enchanting islands and spectacular natural beauty.
Cruise Details
0
A Weddell seal watches the ship cruise by
from $57,790
2-for-1
EXPLORE

Antarctica's Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife

Dunedin - Dunedin - 24 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Experience Antarctica's Ross Sea
  • Discover Macquarie Island
  • Experience Balleny Islands
  • Explore Sturge Island
Starts / Ends
Dunedin / Dunedin
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 24-day cruise to and from Dunedin aboard the Scenic Eclipse II to explore East Antarctica's Ross Sea. Encounter magnificent wildlife, from whales and orcas to penguins and seals, amidst the awe-inspiring icebergs and glaciers that have captivated explorers like Shackleton and Scott for generations.
Cruise Details
0
from $4,695
EXPLORE

The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds

9 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Explore New Zealand's South Island
  • Visit Tory Channel
  • Discover Pelorus Sound
  • Sail through d’Urville
Starts / Ends
Nelson / Nelson
Activity Level
Variable
Spend nine days exploring New Zealand's South Island's secret coves, beaches, peaceful waters, wildlife, and rich history. Enjoy stops in the fascinating ports of Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorus Sound, d'Urville Island, and Abel Tasman National Park on your way from Blenheim.
Cruise Details
0
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