The Best of New Zealand

Arrive in Queenstown 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.

The morning is free to explore Queenstown before returning to the hotel for lunch. Depart for the Port of Bluff to embark your ship. You will have time to settle into your cabin 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 the ship sets a course to Fiordland and the adventure begins.

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 in 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. 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 out for them.The time in Fiordland includes Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron Passage, Astronomer's Point, and Pickersgill Harbour. 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.

Enjoy a morning exploring Ulva Island, which is rich in history and wildlife, being a predator-free island from 1997; the bird song and wildlife is some of the best. 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. Many more species may also be seen, and the 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. In the afternoon, visit Stewart Island. 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. In Paterson Inlet you will have time to explore the quirky town center of Oban in Halfmoon Bay, where local shops, the brand new Rakiura Museum, and beautiful walks in the surrounding forests await exploration, while a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the iconic South Sea Hotel.

Sail into beautiful Otago Harbour, watching closely for northern Royal albatross at the Tairoa Head Albatross Colony. From our berth, explore the famed, fashion-forward city of Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the south and 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.

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. This afternoon, visit the Barry's Bay Cheese Factory and French Farm Vineyard at the head of the harbor as well as enjoy the opportunity to explore Akaroa or take one of the local nature walks.

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.

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. 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.

Sailing up the scenic North Island coastline, enjoy a day at sea attending lectures, relaxing on board, or catching up on your photos and journaling as we head toward Tauranga.

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 accompanied by expert local guides. Renowned for its rich Maori culture, world-class spa and wellness experiences, otherworldly geothermal landscapes, incredible lush forests, and sparkling lakes there is much to see and experience here.

The Heritage Adventurer arrives in Auckland, the City of Sails, where she will berth in the central city waterfront. Following breakfast, disembark and head to the airport or continue your exploration of New Zealand. In case of unexpected delays we ask you not to book any onward travel until after midday today.