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Queenstown Small Ship Cruises

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New Zealand
Lupines on the shore of Lake Tekapo
Milford Sound
Lake and mountains in Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
Auckland
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Dunedin
A quiet morning near Dunedin
Invercargill
Cruising Milford Sound, New Zealand
The Snares
Clear Water and Tropical Island
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Experience the enchanting beauty and rich cultural tapestry of Queenstown, New Zealand, with Adventure Life's 6 small ship cruises for the upcoming year. Join us on a cruise journey through New Zealand's East Coast, Encounter birds and marine wildlife, and explore the Maori culture with the backdrop of Fiordland's stunning sounds. Delve into the heart of the Subantarctic islands on an expedition to the Albatross Latitudes, discover Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, and spot incredible wildlife. Explore the unseen Fiordland and Stewart Island on a 6-day adventure, where you can see different bird species and tour the stunning fiords. Sail on the Coastal New Zealand tour from Milford Sound to Auckland, exploring diverse coasts, botanical gardens, and Maori culture. Join us to discover the forgotten islands of the South Pacific, hike through Rata forests, and witness the stunning wildlife reserves. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on these unique adventures in Queenstown, New Zealand, with Adventure Life's small ship cruises. Contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • Queenstown
$3,750
EXPLORE

Unseen Fiordland and Stewart Island: Exploring New Zealand's Remote Backyard

6 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Stewart Island
  • See different bird species
  • Discover Ulva Island.
  • Tour the stunning fiords
Starts / Ends:
Queenstown / Invercargill
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
The Heritage Adventurer is a one-of-a-kind adventure to a remote part of New Zealand's wilderness. Visit Fiordland's lonely ice-carved mountains, beautiful forests, and flowing fiords. In isolation, away from the crowds, cruise the quiet seas of Fiordland and Stewart Island in search of …
Cruise Details
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Queenstown, New Zealand
$5,850
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Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: Subantarctic Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Discover remote New Zealand
  • Hike through windswept Rata forests
  • Visit abandoned WWII huts
  • Explore amazing wildlife reserves
  • Witness flowering megaherbs
Starts / Ends:
Queenstown / Invercargill
Activities:
Adventure Options, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
You won't find them featured in a travel brochure, you won't find them in most guidebooks, you're unlikely to know anybody who has visited, and they don't even appear on some South Pacific maps - these are the 'forgotten islands'. Despite their modest profile, they are some …
Cruise Details
0
Coastal beauty of Dunedin
$24,030
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Coastal New Zealand: Dunedin to Auckland

Northbound - 14 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Explore New Zealand’s diverse coast
  • See botanical gardens
  • Learn about Maori culture
  • Admire Napier's architecture
Starts / Ends:
Queenstown / Auckland
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Board the National Geographic Orion on this unforgettable 14-day expedition. New Zealand’s unparalleled natural beauty beckons with soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and swathes of white-sand beaches. Travel through scenic fjords, bays, and sounds, witness plunging waterfalls and an …
Cruise Details
0
$10,725
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Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: New Zealand and Australia's Subantarctic Islands

Hobart - Queenstown - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Macquarie Island
  • Venture on Zodiac excursions
  • View a vast array of endemic birds
  • Appreciate the rich biodiversity
  • Discover Campbell Island
Starts / Ends:
Hobart / Queenstown
Activities:
Adventure Options, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on this 13-day cruise aboard the Heritage Adventurer and discover breathtaking destinations with a team of highly knowledgeable and passionate experts. This expedition is an exceptional opportunity to explore the Southern Ocean ecosystem, which is both educational and inspiring. The …
Cruise Details
0
Explore the stunning Milford Sound
$23,330
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Coastal New Zealand: Auckland to Milford Sound

14 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Explore New Zealand’s diverse coast
  • See botanical gardens
  • Learn about Maori culture
  • Admire Napier's architecture
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Board the National Geographic Orion on this unforgettable 14-day expedition. New Zealand’s unparalleled natural beauty beckons with soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and swathes of white-sand beaches. Travel through scenic fjords, bays, and sounds, witness plunging waterfalls and an …
Cruise Details
0
$15,250
EXPLORE

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

17 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit the best islands for birding
  • See the Albatross Latitudes
  • Marvel at diverse seabird colonies
  • Learn about nature and history
Starts / Ends:
Queenstown / Invercargill
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Snares, Bounty, Antipodes, Auckland, Campbell, Macquarie, and the Chatham Islands are only a few of the names. They are a delight to 'Birders.' Except for the Chathams, these islands are probably more isolated than they were when they were discovered in the late 1700s and early 1800s and …
Cruise Details
0
1-6 of 6 Results
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 167 reviews on
review score
5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
review score
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
review score
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
review score
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
review score
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
Fiona Lonsdale

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