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Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland

Supper Cove Roundtrip - Example 5 Day Cruise aboard Heritage Explorer
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Join Heritage Explorer on a 5-day cruise to discover the stunning Fiordland in New Zealand from Supper Cove and back. The adventure begins with a scenic helicopter flight between Te Anau and Supper Cove. Then cruise through Acheron Passage, Breaksea, and Dusky Sounds. One of the largest fiords in Fiordland, Dusky Sound has more than 350 islands and is only accessible by sea, making it one of the most isolated areas on New Zealand's mainland. On this cruise, you'll get a chance to encounter Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins, and New Zealand Fur Seals in their natural habitat. With breathtaking scenery, untamed wilderness, and unique wildlife, Fiordland is a bucket-list destination that should not be missed.
Highlights
  • View awe-inspiring scenery during a helicopter transfer to Supper Cove
  • Discover Cooper, Long, and Indian Islands as you set sail alongside them
  • Explore the rich history and wilderness of Fiordland's Dusky Sound
  • Spot wildlife like Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins, & more
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Te Anau | Supper Cove | Embark

Meet with fellow expeditioners in Te Anau then take in the grand views and awe-inspiring scenery as you enjoy a spectacular helicopter transfer to Supper Cove at the very head of Dusky Sound (times and meeting point are confirmed with your voyage documents). Your captain and expedition leader is waiting to welcome you aboard Heritage Explorer and show you to your cabin. Settle into life on board before the ship set sail alongside Cooper, Long, and Indian Islands before finding a suitable anchorage to enjoy your first evening aboard.

Day 2-3: Dusky Sound

After a quiet night aboard surrounded by the nature and wilderness of Fiordland, continue the explorations among some of the most majestic scenery in New Zealand. You have two days to explore, discover and experience the rich history, wilderness, wildlife, and grand-scale scenery of Fiordland’s iconic Dusky Sound. The voyage sees you visiting and exploring some of the most significant historical and conservation sites in New Zealand as well as marveling at the grand scale scenery as you sail deep into the heart of Fiordland. During your time here, plan to walk in the footsteps of Captain Cook and astronomer William Wales at Astronomer’s Point, the site of a temporary observatory in Pickersgill Harbour, where New Zealand became the most accurately located place on the globe when the Resolution was moored here in 1773. The explorations also expect to visit predator-free Anchor Island, home to half of the world’s population of Kakapo and Little Spotted Kiwi, and location of historic Luncheon Cove and a number of New Zealand firsts including New Zealand’s first sealing gang, the building of New Zealand’s first European homestead and first European designed ship, the 16-metre Providence built here and launched in 1795. On nearby Pigeon Island, you learn about the history of Richard Henry and his pioneering live transfer of birds to island refuges – an international first in wildlife conservation. While his attempts were unsuccessful due to stoats swimming over to the island, it is heartening to learn the island is now pest-free and a sanctuary for native birdlife, with Henry’s vision fulfilled.

Day 4: Breaksea Sound | Acheron Passage

Navigation through Acheron Passage today, which separates Resolution Island from the mainland, is sure to be one of the highlights of your time in Fiordland. This iconic scenic waterway is an area where the resident Bottlenose Dolphins are often spotted. The explorations here may include venturing into Wet Jacket Arm where the crew of Cook’s Resolution ended up with wet jackets during their survey work. It is also the sight where moose were released, and last seen, in New Zealand. The extensive sheltered waters of scenic Breaksea Sound, initially scouted for sheep farming suitability by early settlers in the 1850s is also the location of Breaksea Island, an iconic site in New Zealand conservation history as one of the first large islands declared rat-free in 1988 and now home to many endangered species. This afternoon you might like to join the chefs fishing for tonight’s dinner or take the kayaks for a shoreline exploration.

Day 5: Supper Cove | Te Anau | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning Heritage Explorer returns to Supper Cove where you enjoy a last opportunity to bask in the majesty of the fiords during breakfast before boarding your scenic helicopter transfer back to Te Anau. In case of unexpected delays, you are asked not to book any onward travel from Te Anau until after 1 pm.

Ship/Hotel

Heritage Explorer

Heritage Explorer
Heritage Explorer
Heritage Explorer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Holiday Deals 26320
Book by 6 December 2024 and save up to 50% on select departures. This offer is subject to availability for new bookings, cannot be combined with other discounts, and does not apply to landing fees and optional extras. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
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Per person starting at
$3,150 2-3 travelers
Included landing fees are not eligible for promotions or agency commission.
Heritage Explorer Buller's cabin
Buller's
Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller's cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole.
Heritage Explorer Salvin's cabin
Salvin's
Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole.
Heritage Explorer Wandering cabin
Wandering
Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole.
Heritage Explorer Royal cabin
Royal
Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck.

Notes

- Included landing fees are not eligible for promotions or agency commission.
- Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.

TECHNICAL SPECS
Vessel Type; Expedition Yacht
Expedition Staff & Crew: 5
Guests: 18
Cabins: 10
Length: 30m
Breadth: 7.8m
Draft: 1.93m
Gross Tonnage: 76.1gt
Engine: 653 horsepower
Cruising Speed: 10 knots
Tenders: 2
Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Landing fees
  • All expedition shore excursions
  • Programme of lectures by noted naturalists
  • Pre and post-cruise helicopter transfer
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Required Visas if applicable
  • Laundry 
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance

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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.
Gale Cantor

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