New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast

Head to the assigned hotel to begin the expedition. Join an informal dinner gathering in the evening—an ideal time to meet fellow travelers and connect with members of the expedition team.

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then use your free time to explore Auckland. After lunch, board the Heritage Adventurer. Settle into your cabin and get to know the ship. Join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge or on deck as the ship departs for Tauranga.

From your berth in Tauranga, drive inland, passing the rich horticultural region of the Bay of Plenty as you travel to the geothermal heartland of Rotorua. Marvel at the abundance of steam vents, geysers, and bubbling mud pools as you explore one of the most geologically active regions on the planet and experience Maori arts, crafts, and culture.

Sailing down the scenic North Island, enjoy a day at sea attending lectures, relaxing on board, or looking for whales and dolphins from the Observation Deck, Lounge, and Bridge as the ship sails to Wellington.

New Zealand’s ‘coolest little capital’, Wellington is an exceptional natural harbor, where Heritage Adventurer will be docked in the center of the action. From here you can easily explore this vibrant city. Visit the cable car, explore the world renowned Zealandia nature reserve, discover the Botanic Gardens and visit Te Papa New Zealand’s national museum.

The spiritual home of Heritage Expeditions and one of the best, yet seldom-visited ports of New Zealand, join your naturalists to discover the incredibly beautiful coastal scenery of Abel Tasman National Park exploring the tranquil bays and observing incredible wildlife. Walk a section of the iconic Abel Tasman Track, stopping off at serene beaches and immersing yourself in luscious coastal native bush surrounded by wildlife.

This morning, Heritage Adventurer sails into the sheltered waters of Marlborough Sounds, a beautiful labyrinth of waterways intersecting the northern shores of the South Island. Famed for the breathtaking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife, and remote coastlines, these regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country’s most important conservation efforts. Take the opportunity to explore a coastal trail through the lush regenerating forest and watch for native birds, including Saddleback, Parakeets, and Robins, on one of the island’s nature reserves.

Heritage Adventurer will make her way through the Akaroa heads and anchor in the sheltered waters off Canterbury’s largest harbor. It was here, beneath the eroded volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula, that the French attempted to settle in 1840. The French connection remains to this day with a certain je ne sais quoi imbibing the township of Akaroa. Explore Akaroa, greater Banks Peninsula or one of the local nature walks.

This morning sail into the beautiful Otago Harbor, watch closely for Northern Royal Albatross at the Tairoa Head Albatross Colony. Explore the famed fashion-forward city of Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the south, and its rich history as the gateway to Otago. Explore the scenic Otago Peninsula where New Zealand Sea Lions rest and former Bird of the Year Yellow-eyed Penguins/Hoiho can be spotted in one of their last mainland strongholds, and where the beautiful farmed hills roll down towards white sand beaches.

New Zealand’s third island is well off the usual beaten tourist track. It is a wonderfully tranquil place; the scenery of untouched bushland is stunning. You will enjoy a morning exploring Ulva Island, which is rich in history and wildlife. being a predator-free island since 1997, the bird song and wildlife are some of the best. In Paterson Inlet, you will have time to explore the sandy beaches of Boulder Bay and West End Beach, or just enjoy some time around Post Office Bay and Sydney Cove. Some of the wildlife you may get to see while walking the tracks on Ulva Island include Stewart Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, South Island Kaka, Kereru (Wood Pigeon), Mohua (Yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird, and Tui. Many more species may also be seen; the knowledgeable expedition guides will be listening for bird calls and keeping a close watch in overhead canopies and the surrounding shrubs to identify further species. During your time in Paterson Inlet, there will also be the opportunity to explore the quirky town center of Oban in Halfmoon Bay, where a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the iconic South Sea Hotel. There are also some beautiful walks in the surrounding forests.

You have two days to explore the incredible wilderness of Fiordland in the south-west corner of the South Island. This is an area rich in history, majestic scenery, and abundant wildlife. Fiordland was well known to local Māori, with the demi-god Tu-teraki-whanoa being said to have used his adze, Te Hamo, to carve
out the region’s fiords. Captain Cook and his crew landed here on HMS Resolution in 1773; they were the first Europeans to visit Fiordland, subsequently spending five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook’s records of his discovery and maps attracted sealers and whalers. Historically, this region is very important and has shaped the future of the country. Fiordland’s coast is only accessible by sea, making it the most remote region of New Zealand’s mainland. Waterfalls, streams, rivers, and fjords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. A rugged terrain, the thickly forested floors are covered with ferns, lichens, and mosses. Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins, and Little Blue Penguins are all residents of the fiords; during your time here, watch closely for sightings.

The schedule gives you the flexibility to visit as much as possible areas you plan to explore include Doubtful, Dusky, and Milford Sound, Acheron Passage, Astronomer’s Point and Pickersgill Harbor. Enjoy a stunning sunset cruise in one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, Milford Sound. During your time in Dusky Sound there will be the optional opportunity to experience an unforgettable helicopter flight through the Sound swooping down alongside Cooper Island and Cook Channel with a landing on Mt Pender where spectacular vistas across constellations of islands stretching into the horizon and dotting the winding fiords can be enjoyed. The final plan will be determined by the weather. The Captain and Expedition Leader will work hard to make the best use of your time in this incredible region of New Zealand, including areas that a few New Zealanders have visited.

Early this morning you will arrive in the Port of Bluff. After a final breakfast, you bid farewell to your fellow voyagers and take a complimentary coach transfer to either Invercargill or Queenstown Airports. In case of unexpected delays due to weather and/or port operations, it is advised not to book any onward travel until after midday from Invercargill and after 3pm from Queenstown.

Note: During the voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. This tour offers a variety of activities and excursions. Your personal interests will determine which of these you wish to join. Please note that some activities and excursions will run at similar times, and it will not be possible to participate in both. Accordingly, refunds for excursions and missed landings are not available. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.