The Best of New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland and make your way to the designated hotel where you will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening there will be an informal get-together at the hotel for dinner; an excellent opportunity to meet fellow adventurers on your voyage and some of the expedition team.

Enjoy free time to explore Auckland before lunch and embarking on the Heritage Adventurer. You will have time to settle into your accommodation and familiarize yourself with the ship. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as we set our course to Tauranga and the adventure begins.

From our berth in Tauranga, we drive inland, passing the rich horticultural region of the Bay of Plenty as we travel to the geothermal heartland of Rotorua. Marvel at the abundance of steam vents, geysers, and bubbling mud pools as we explore one of the most geologically active regions on the planet experience Maori arts, crafts, and culture.

Sailing down the scenic North Island, enjoy a day at sea attending lectures, relaxing on board, or looking for whales and dolphins from the Observation Deck, Lounge and Bridge as you sail to Wellington.

New Zealand's "coolest little capital," Wellington, is an exceptional natural harbor. The ship will dock in the center of the action from where you can easily explore the vibrant city on foot. Visit the cable car, explore the world renowned Zealandia nature reserve, discover the Botanic Gardens, and visit Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum.

Join your naturalists to discover the incredibly beautiful coastal scenery of Abel Tasman National Park, one of the best, yet seldom-visited ports of New Zealand. Explore the tranquil bays, observe incredible wildlife, and walk a section of the iconic Abel Tasman Track, stopping off at serene beaches and immersing yourself in luscious coastal native bush surrounded by wildlife.

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. Famed for the breathtaking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife, and remote coastlines, these regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country's most important conservation efforts. Take the opportunity to explore a coastal trail through the lush regenerating forest and watch for native birds, including saddleback, parakeets, and robins at one of the region’s nature reserves.

The ship makes her way through the Akaroa heads and anchors in the sheltered waters off Canterbury's largest harbor. It was here, beneath the eroded volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula, that the French attempted to settle in 1840. The French connection remains to this day with a certain je ne sais quoi at the heart of the township of Akaroa. Explore Akaroa, greater Banks Peninsula, or one of the local nature walks.

Sail into beautiful Otago Harbour, watching closely for northern Royal albatross at the Tairoa Head Albatross Colony. 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 sea lions rest and yellow-eyed penguins can be spotted in one of their last strongholds, and where the beautiful farmed hills roll down towards white-sand beaches.

New Zealand's third island is well off the usual beaten tourist track. It is a wonderfully tranquil place; the scenery of untouched bushland is stunning. Enjoy a morning exploring Ulva Island, which is rich in history and wildlife, being a predator-free island since 1997. The bird song and wildlife is some of the best. In Paterson Inlet you will have time to explore the sandy beaches of Boulder Bay and West End Beach or just enjoy some time around Post Office Bay and Sydney Cove. Some of the wildlife you may get to see while walking the tracks on Ulva Island include Stewart Island robin, Stewart Island weka, South Island kaka, kereru (wood pigeon), mohua (yellowhead), red-crowned parakeet, fantail, bellbird, and tui. There are many more species that may also be seen. Your knowledgeable expedition guides will be listening for bird calls and keeping a close watch in overhead canopies and the surrounding shrubs to identify further species. During your time in Paterson Inlet there will also be the opportunity to explore the quirky town center Oban in Halfmoon Bay where a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the iconic South Sea Hotel. There are also some beautiful walks in the surrounding forests.

Two days to explore the incredible wilderness of fiords in the southwest corner of the South Island. This is an area rich in history, majestic scenery, and abundant wildlife. Fiordland was well known to local Maori, with the demi-god Tuteraki-whanoa being 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; they were the first Europeans to visit Fiordland, subsequently spending five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook's records of his discovery and maps attracted sealers and whalers. Historically this region is very important and shaped the future of the country. 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, the 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; during your time here you will look for them.

The time in Fiordland includes Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron Passage, Astronomer's Point, and Pickersgill Harbour. Enjoy a stunning sunset cruise in one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, Milford Sound. In Dusky Sound there will be the opportunity to experience an unforgettable helicopter flight through the Sound, swooping down alongside Cooper Island and Cook Channel with a landing on Mt. Pender, where spectacular vistas across constellations of islands stretching into the horizon and dotting the winding fiords can be enjoyed.

Early arrival in the Port of Bluff. Bid farewell to your fellow voyagers and take a complimentary coach transfer to either Invercargill or Queenstown airports. In case of unexpected delays due to weather and/or port operations, we ask you not to book any onward travel until after midday from Invercargill and after 3:00pm from Queenstown.

Day 1 Auckland
Day 2 Auckland
Day 3 Tauranga/Rotorua
Day 4 At Sea
Day 5 Wellington
Day 6 Marlborough Sounds
Day 7 Akaroa
Day 8 Dunedin
Day 9 Stewart Island
Day 10-11 Fiordland
Day 12 Invercargill/Queenstown

Please contact our office for a detailed itinerary