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
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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
- 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
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
1 day ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
3 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
5 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
6 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
