With its stunning coastal landscapes, small seaside townships and an abundance of marine life, New Zealand is uniquely suited to be explored on a small ship expedition. Board the Coral Discoverer as we cruise to the less accessible and remote locations the South Island has to offer. Visit the magnificent Marlborough Sound, the glassy waters of Fiordland, and the little-known Stewart Island. Get up close to wildlife with our Expedition Team, take guided bush walks, and explore by kayak. Wake up to new vistas each day and relax in the comfort of life on board.
Highlights
Experience the grandeur and remote beauty of Fiordland National Park
Kayak and bush-walk in National Parks, including Abel Tasman National Park
Visit Stewart Island and encounter some of New Zealand’s iconic wildlife
Explore some of the beautiful and historic east coast cities like Dunedin
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Transfer from Queenstown to Milford Sound via the morning coach to board Coral Discoverer at 2:00 pm for departure at 3. Sail through the iconic Milford Sound with its spectacular mirror images of the towering Mitre Peak. Take in the sites while enjoying the Captain’s Welcome Drinks and meeting the crew and your fellow passengers.
Wake up to the magnificent scenery of Doubtful Sound. This morning, explore the most spectacular and deepest waterway in Fiordland. Join guest lecturers aboard the Xplorer and cruise through a maze of hidden channels home to a myriad of wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins. The ship sails from Doubtful Sound into Thompson Sound to discover more isolated scenes of breathtaking wilderness in these ancient glacial fiords.
Depart Fiordland National Park via the dramatic Dusky Sound, stopping at Pigeon Island. You will be in awe of the sheer rugged beauty of Fiordland. The ship cruises among towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, pass some of the 365 small islands and explore the depths of the inlets in the zodiacs.
Stewart Island (Rakiura) is New Zealand’s little-known third island. There is a very small settlement of people on the island, but most "mainland" New Zealanders have never ventured to the curious wild land. Ulva Island is also found within the Rakiura National Park, offering a predator-free environment for rare and endangered birds including South Island Saddleback, Yellowhead, Rifleman, Stewart Island Robin, and the iconic Kiwi; the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi birds are known to venture out in daylight. On Ulva Island, take a guided walk to encounter this vast array of bird life and hopefully spot a few fur seals lazing on the shore during the tour.
An optional tour can be taken ashore Stewart Island at additional cost.
Before docking in Dunedin, you are welcomed to Otago Peninsula with sights of the world’s only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross. You may also see a colony of the world’s rarest penguin, the yellow-eyed penguin and various other unique species. Dunedin City is regarded as New Zealand’s architectural heritage capital. There is a time to explore all that the city has to offer including the Victorian and Edwardian structures, art galleries and botanical gardens.
Today, the ship sails into the Banks Peninsula, named for "first fleet" botanist Joseph Banks, and discover the history of Akaroa. This scenic village, built on the edge of a sunken volcanic crater, was once a bustling French colonized whaling community. A leisurely walk through the village to discover its obscure French history, friendly cafes and great craft stores. Optional shore excursions are offered at Akaroa, such as swimming with the smallest and rarest dolphin – the Hectors Dolphin.
The picturesque town of Kaikoura is located between rugged mountain ranges and the Pacific Ocean. 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 Giant Sperm Whale. Aboard a small specialized boat, explore the ocean in search of the Giant Sperm Whale.
Today, explore the spectacular waterways of Marlborough Sounds including the fjord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Retrace the path of Captain Cook’s three exploratory voyages, including a stop at Ships Cove.
Disembark onto Golden Bay with its inviting golden sand beach between the crystalline blue waters and native Manuka and fern forests. Venture out with expedition leaders to kayak around the coastline and joining an informative bush walk in Abel Tasman National Park.
Enjoy a multitude of interpreted explorations on the Xplorer and zodiac vessels today, all guided by the expedition team and guest lecturers. Visit Moturoa Island with its abundant native bird life and visit remote coastal towns and location often only accessible by boat.
Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Drinks while reflecting on a refreshing journey exploring New Zealand’s remote coast.
Day 11: Wellington | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Bid your farewell and disembark at 8:00 am in New Zealand’s capital city Wellington.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit New Zealand Cruises.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Main Deck B
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Three cabins located on the Main Deck, equipped with twin portholes, desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Main Deck A
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Six cabins located on the Main Deck, equipped with twin porthole windows, desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Promenade Deck B
Averaging 160 sq. ft. Four cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
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Promenade Deck A
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Eighteen cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Bridge Deck
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Five cabins located on the Bridge Deck, equipped with picture windows, sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Notes
Solo Travelers:
Solo cabin occupancy is limited and based on availability in Promenade Deck B cabins only. Single supplement is an additional 50%.
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian or New Zealand Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
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