New Zealand by Sea

On your day at sea, cruise past Solander Island. The Solander Islands, with the Māori name Hautere translating to ‘flying wind,’ are a trio of uninhabited volcanic islets that lie just beyond New Zealand’s South Island. Aboard the Endeavour, Captain James Cook spotted the islands in early 1770, and was named after a Swedish scientific crew member on board, Daniel Solander. The islands have only been known to be inhabited briefly due to marooning or shipwreck.

With one third of the wildlife on the islands being incredibly rare, the bulk of the species include ferns and orchids. Birds known to call the islands home include fernbirds, snipe and white-fronted terns with the islands being declared an Important Bird Area as it is a breeding site for common diving petrels and Buller’s albatrosses amassing some 5000 pairs. The area is well-known for whale migration with sightings of extraordinarily large sperm whales.

Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage site once described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, is characterized by 14 fiords carving through just about 135 miles of coastline. These fiords were carved by glaciers over thousands of years and feature waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs, rainforest cloaking steep ridges and granite peaks reflected in deep shimmering waters.

These mostly inaccessible and awe-inspiring landscapes were the mysterious source of powerful pounamu (New Zealand jade), gathered by Maori from the riverbeds and boulders of the South Island—the only place it occurs.  While some European settlers took shelter here, the deep isolation and rugged terrain thwarted all except the toughest from staying. Many of the flora and fauna species have developed in relative isolation, so many of the diverse plants and animals are unique to the area.

Enter Fiordland National Park at dramatic Tamatea/Dusky Sound and cruise among towering cliffs and sheer granite walls of Facile Harbor. Pass some of the 365 small islands and explore the depths of the inlets in Zodiacs.  Inaccessible by road, Tamatea/Dusky Sound is the largest and most complex of the Fiordland Sounds. It is also a designated Important Bird Area for the fiordland penguins that breed here. Encounter the fur seals again at Luncheon Cove.

This afternoon, enter Milford Sound/Piopiotahi to a world-famous view of Mitre Peak, rising some 1,600 feet. Its triangular silhouette rises opposite beautiful Stirling Falls, falling from the top of a 532-foot-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 Maori legend, it will make you ten years younger! The steep overhanging cliffs are awe-inspiring while cruising to Harrison Cove, where an ancient glacier entered the fiord, and visiting Bowen Falls.

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. Possibly spot fur seals lounging on the rocks, pods of dolphins and the Fiordland penguin.

Known in Maori 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 2 days interacting with local communities, exploring national parks, and spotting some of the endemic and endangered local wildlife.

Dunedin, settled in and around an ancient volcanic crater, is known for its Scottish and Maori heritage. Named after the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh, the city’s heritage buildings, cathedrals share a charming old-world atmosphere. Dunedin City is regarded as New Zealand’s architectural heritage capital.

The Otago Peninsula is an area of exceptional diversity. Be welcomed with sights of the world’s only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross and a colony of the rare yellow-eyed penguin. There will be a choice of included excursions with local operators—choose between a coach tour of the Otago Peninsula or Dunedin City Highlights. Alternatively, take time to explore the city at your leisure; perhaps visit the famous Speight’s Brewery, art gallery, or New Zealand’s oldest botanic gardens.

This morning, sail into the long harbor 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 one of two included excursions—a harbor cruise with a local operator to spot marine wildlife or a visit to a traditional hill country farm operated by 7^th generation descendants of the earliest French Settlers on Banks Peninsula. Also enjoy free time to explore the scenic village and visit cafes inspired by French cuisine. A variety of short walks are available into the surrounding nature reserves, such as a walk to Newton’s Waterfall, guided by the expedition team.

Surronded 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 a small specialized vessel, 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 there may be the opportunity to taste the seafood available here. Also have the opportunity to walk through this small town and visit the museums, galleries and cafes before joining the expedition team on a guided walk over the peninsula to marvel at the spectacular scenery.

The ancient river valleys that form the Marlborough Sounds make up 20% of New Zealand’s coastline. The webs of sunken channels are surrounded by forest-cloaked peaks and vineyards, all of which present a breathtaking view from any perspective. This lush region produces much of New Zealand’s seafood, and 80% of its wine. The fertile soil in this region supported the country’s first known Polynesian settlement in the late 1200s AD at Wairau Bar.

Anchor at historic Ship Cove on your first morning here, before spending the day exploring Queen Charlotte Sound. Over the next 2 days discover the dolphins and seals of the sounds with marine spotting from the Xplorer tender vessel and enjoy wonderful birdwatching on walks through Motuara Island birdlife sanctuary. Be guided by your expedition team and lecturers; there will be options to hike a section of the spectacular Queen Charlotte Track, or shorter walks available. The history of the region is also brought to life with your visit to Ship Cove, where informative storyboards tell of Captain Cook’s time here.

This morning, arrive in Wellington to disembark at 8:00am. Take an included transfer to Wellington’s central business district or the airport.