Embark on a 5-day expedition through Queen Charlotte Sound and its islands, starting with a warm welcome aboard the Heritage Explorer in Blenheim. Sail along the scenic waterways, exploring Tory Channel's whaling history and Ship Cove's rich heritage. Trek through native bush to Ship Cove Waterfall and hike to the lookout on Arapawa Island for stunning views. Delve into New Zealand's famed Queen Charlotte Walkway, experiencing coastal vistas and historic bays. Conservation meets exploration as you visit Motuara and Blumine Islands, home to rare bird species and fascinating WWII ruins. Conclude your journey with farewells in Blenheim after a final breakfast onboard.
Highlights
Learn about Tory Channel's whaling history and Ship Cove's legacy
Experience Queen Charlotte Walkway's coastal vistas and historic bays
Discover Motuara and Blumine Islands' wildlife and WWII relics
Trek to Arapawa Island's lookout for panoramic views
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.
Head to the specified meeting point in Blenheim for your transfer to the Heritage Explorer in Picton. Exact meeting times and locations are provided in your voyage documents. Upon arrival, the Captain and Expedition Team eagerly await your arrival to extend a warm welcome and assist you in settling into your cabin. Take the chance to acquaint yourself with the vessel before joining your fellow travelers and the Expedition Team for the voyage along Queen Charlotte Sound this afternoon.
Over the next three days, immerse yourselves in the stunning landscapes of Queen Charlotte Sound. Discovered in 1642 by Abel Janszoon Tasman during a storm, this area was later named by Captain James Cook during his explorations in the late 18th century. Today, delve into Tory Channel, where remnants of the Perano Whaling Station harken back to the region's whaling past. You may also hike to the lookout on Arapawa Island for breathtaking views. Additionally, you'll visit Ship Cove to delve into its rich history, paying homage to Captain Cook's legacy at his memorial and perhaps trekking through native bush to Ship Cove Waterfall.
A true expedition day, today you look to explore sections of New Zealand’s famed Queen Charlotte Walkway, once a network of pioneer day bridle paths. One of the country’s most diverse coastal tracks, you'll make several stops to experience its peerless coastal views, native bush, historic bays, endless skyline ridges, and unsurpassed views of the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Set your own pace with opportunities for drop-offs and pick-ups at various bays. Enjoy shorter walks and lunch on board or collect a packed lunch and spend the day immersed in nature.
Conservation and exploration go hand in hand today as you explore the rarely-visited island sanctuaries of Motuara and Blumine Islands. Fascinating history abounds on Blumine Island where WWII military ruins await exploration, native species flourish and stunning views combine along the Oruawairua Track of this former Pilot and Signal Station Reserve, sheep farm, and now scenic reserve. Several rare bird species including the once widespread Orange-fronted Parakeet, now New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, were translocated to the island between 2011 and 2012 which is also home to South Island Saddleback, brought back from the brink of extinction last century from just 36 birds rescued in 1964. Descendants of these birds were translocated to Blumine Island in 2009. On Motuara Island journey along the scenic loop track flanked by native bush and accompanied by the soundtrack of flourishing birdlife to the island’s summit for spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding islands, Cook Strait, and the North Island (on a clear day). Predator-free since the early 1990s, the island is now a haven for Saddleback, South Island Robin, Yellow-crowned parakeet, and Maud Island frogs which have all been relocated here. Motuara also serves as a crèche for Rowi Kiwi.
Day 5: Blenheim | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Sailing into Picton this morning you enjoy a final breakfast and farewells before you are transferred to a central Blenheim drop-off point or the airport. In case of unexpected delays, please do not book any onward travel from Blenheim until after midday.
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.
$2,5952-3 travelers
Included landing fees are not eligible for promotions or agency commission.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 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
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 251 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 251 reviews on
4 days ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
5 days ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.
Mary Warren
6 days ago
Jess was very easy going and answered all our questions. It’s not easy dealing with 6 people at once but she did an outstanding job!
Diane Foster
1 week ago
Kassandra and the Adventure Life team have been incredible! Kassandra was very knowledgeable and attentive to our asks while making sure we kept within our budget. This was our first experience with a travel agent and we were blown away by the booking/initial exploration service. We will use Adventure Life again.