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Explore New Zealand's Subantarctic Auckland, Snares and Campbell Islands along with the untamed wilderness of Fiordland's ice-carved mountains, forests and fiords. Encounter threatened native species flourishing on Stewart Island's Ulva Island on this iconic, 12-day expedition cruise of remote New Zealand.
Heritage Expeditions pioneered expedition cruising in 1984 by cruising the rugged and unique southern coastline of New Zealand's South Island, including Fiordland and Stewart Island. From those first days exploring the wilderness from their tiny yacht base with just 5 travellers aboard, the Russ family realised their dream that responsible tourism, enacted in a genuine and responsible way in conjunction with local government, had the ability to assist in the protection of vulnerable areas. From there, Heritage Expeditions continued to grow escorting conservation-minded passengers to the world's most special regions, from Antarctica to the Arctic, but our passion for New Zealand's wilderness never diminished.
Reinstated in 2018, this expedition returns, in full circle, to where Heritage Expeditions' legacy began. Exploring the remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords of Fiordland, it is easy to see why this incredible region inspired our dream for responsible travel. In the calm waters of Fiordland, and away from the crowds, there are great opportunities to lookout for marine life, elusive birds and stunning vistas.
This expedition also includes New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, which has been a popular and essential part of Heritage Expeditions' programme for many years, and Stewart Island's Ulva Island that is home to a range of birdlife and free of introduced pests. Tick this once in a lifetime experience off your travel bucket list; explore remote parts of New Zealand's Southern region, an area known for its range of birdlife and jaw dropping scenery on a grand scale.
The Subantarctic Islands are the wildlife and history rich regions of Southern New Zealand, they are impossible to visit without an expedition like this. They are not mentioned in a travel brochure on your high street; and rarely will you find them listed in guidebooks, few people have been to them and they don't even appear on some maps of the South Pacific. Despite their low profile, they are among the most remarkable wildlife reserves in the New Zealand, designated UNESCO World Heritage sites and afforded the highest protection of any nature reserves in New Zealand. Remote, uninhabited and on no regular shipping route, access is further restricted by a strict Management Plan which limits the number of people allowed ashore each year.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Queenstown
Hotel check-in, meet fellow travellers and expedition team over dinner. (D)
Day 2
Port of Bluff
Breakfast at hotel, free morning, hotel lunch, transfer to Bluff, board ship, safety briefing, begin voyage past Ruapuke and Stewart Islands. (B, L, D)
Day 3
At Sea
Sail towards Campbell Island with lectures and seabird watching. (B, L, D)
Day 4
Campbell Island
Explore island’s history, plants, and rare birds including Southern Royal Albatross. Walking options available. (B, L, D)
Day 5
Auckland Islands – Carnley Harbour
Enter harbour through dramatic cliffs. Options include climb to Shy Mollymawk colony, Zodiac cruise, WWII sites, or historic shipwreck. (B, L, D)
Day 6
Auckland Islands – Enderby Island
Land at Sandy Bay to see rare NZ Sea Lions. Walks for bird and wildlife viewing. (B, L, D)
Day 7
The Snares – North East Island
Zodiac cruise to see Snares Crested Penguins, albatross, and shearwaters. No landings. (B, L, D)
Day 8
Stewart Island – Ulva Island
Explore predator-free Ulva Island’s birdlife and history, visit Paterson Inlet and possibly Oban township. (B, L, D)
Day 9
Fiordland
Explore remote fiords such as Doubtful and Dusky Sounds. Look for dolphins, penguins, waterfalls, and historic sites. Farewell dinner final night. (B, L, D)
Day 10
Fiordland
Explore remote fiords such as Doubtful and Dusky Sounds. Look for dolphins, penguins, waterfalls, and historic sites. Farewell dinner final night. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Fiordland
Explore remote fiords such as Doubtful and Dusky Sounds. Look for dolphins, penguins, waterfalls, and historic sites. Farewell dinner final night. (B, L, D)
Day 12
Invercargill/Queenstown
Arrive Bluff, breakfast on board, transfer to Invercargill or Queenstown airports. (B)
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• Pre/Post cruise transfers
• Experienced expedition leader and team
• All meals while on board
• House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• All expedition shore excursions
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• Pre/post cruise transfers
• One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)
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