New Zealand: Milford Sound to Wellington

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.

Bid your farewell and disembark at 8:00 am in New Zealand’s capital city Wellington.