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New Zealand Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the wonders of New Zealand on Adventure Life's array of 23 small ship cruises for 2027. Join us on a cruise journey through New Zealand's East Coast, the Subantarctic & Chatham Islands, and beyond to witness Māori culture, Fiordland's sounds, and a plethora of wildlife encounters. Sail aboard small ships like the Coral Geographer and Heritage Adventurer to explore remote regions, from Stewart Island to the stunning fiords, while engaging in village visits, wildlife viewing, and more. Delve into the heart of New Zealand's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty, from the bustling city of Auckland to the serene landscapes of the South Island. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of New Zealand's coastlines, with activities like rainforest exploration, wine tasting, and wildlife viewing. Don't miss this chance to embark on an unforgettable expedition cruise through the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand. Contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • New Zealand
Beautiful view of Akaroa
from $12,650
EXPLORE

New Zealand in Depth

Dunedin to Auckland - 14 Day Itinerary aboard SH Minerva
  • Explore historic Dunedin streets
  • Spot yellow-eyed penguins
  • Explore Ulva Island sanctuary
  • Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Starts / Ends
Dunedin / Auckland
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Village Visits, Kayaking, Archaeological Site Visits, Whale Watching, Wine Tasting, Scuba Diving, Rainforest Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Explore New Zealand from Dunedin to Auckland on a 14-day cruise aboard SH Minerva, visiting Fiordland, Stewart Island, Akaroa, Kaikoura, Picton, Wellington, Tauranga, and the Bay of Islands. Spot penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, and native birds while visiting conservation areas, cruising scenic waterways, and exploring local attractions.
Cruise Details
0
from $3,940
EXPLORE

Unseen Fiordland and Stewart Island

Invercargill to Port Bluff - 6 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Stewart Island
  • See different bird species
  • Discover Ulva Island.
  • Tour the stunning fiords
Starts / Ends
Queenstown / Invercargill
Activity Level
Variable
Explore New Zealand's southernmost regions on a six-day journey aboard the Heritage Adventurer. Indulge in a rare opportunity to visit both the wildlife-rich Stewart and Ulva Islands and the glacier-cut summits only accessible by expedition ship on one voyage. This is an experience you won't want to miss out on.
Cruise Details
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New Zealand landscape
from $6,535
EXPLORE

New Zealand Sounds and Stewart Island

Bluff Roundtrip - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Adventurer
  • Visit Ulva Island forests
  • See Dusky Sound waterfalls
  • Experience Deas Cove hike
  • Rare seabird sightings
Starts / Ends
Port of Bluff / Port of Bluff
Activities
Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Explore New Zealand’s southern coast on a 9-day voyage aboard Coral Adventurer. Journey through Stewart Island, Dusky, Doubtful, and Milford Sounds. Hike forest tracks, kayak quiet inlets, spot rare wildlife, and enjoy expert-led shore excursions across remote Fiordland landscapes.
Cruise Details
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Beautiful view of Akaroa
from $6,285
EXPLORE

New Zealand Coastal Odyssey

Auckland to Queenstown - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • See Rotorua geothermal and culture
  • Sail through Fiorland's waterfalls
  • Dunedin wildlife viewing
  • Visit the historic town of Akaroa
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Queenstown
Activity Level
Variable
Cruise New Zealand on a 13-day voyage aboard Heritage Adventurer. Visit Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Abel Tasman, Akaroa, Dunedin, Stewart Island, and Fiordland. Explore nature reserves, observe rare wildlife, and and cultural experiences before disembarking in Bluff with transfers to Invercargill or Queenstown.
Cruise Details
0
Queenstown, New Zealand
from $7,900
EXPLORE

New Zealand Coastal Odyssey

Auckland to Port of Bluff - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • See Rotorua geothermal wonders
  • Cruise Marlborough Sounds waterways
  • Explore Akaroa French heritage
  • Spot Fiordland's wildlife
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities
Helicopter Tours
Activity Level
Variable
Sail New Zealand on a 12-day cruise aboard Heritage Adventurer. Explore Rotorua geothermal sites, Wellington culture, Marlborough Sounds, Akaroa, Dunedin wildlife, Stewart Island nature, and Fiordland fjords with guided excursions, scenic cruising, and onboard lectures.
Cruise Details
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New Zealand's remotest island.
from $9,975
EXPLORE

Beyond Fiordland - New Zealand's Wildest Islands

Port of Bluff Roundtrip - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Campbell Island
  • Visit Carnley Harbor
  • Zodiac cruise along Adams Island
  • Admire Stewart Island's beauty
Starts / Ends
Invercargill / Invercargill
Activity Level
Variable
On this 12-day cruise aboard Heritage Adventurer starting and ending in the beautiful city of Invercargill, admire some of New Zealand's best pelagic birding including Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Campbell Island Albatross and Little Shearwater.
Cruise Details
0
from $15,995
EXPLORE

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

Port of Bluff Roundtrip - 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 / Queenstown
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on the Heritage Adventurer for a 17-day New Zealand birding cruise. Visit remote islands that are home to some of the world's most diverse and distinctive bird species. To get a closer look at these islands and their fauna, take Zodiac excursions and hike the islands in search of exotic wildlife. 
Cruise Details
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Queen Charlotte Sound
from $2,725
EXPLORE

Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound

Picton roundtrip - 5 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Learn the history of Tory Channel
  • Experience Queen Charlotte Walkway
  • Discover Motuara and Blumine Island
  • Trek to Arapawa Island's lookout
Starts / Ends
Blenheim / Blenheim
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 5-day adventure exploring Queen Charlotte Sound and its islands aboard Heritage Explorer. Discover Tory Channel's whaling past, Ship Cove's history, and Arapawa Island's scenic lookout. Traverse the renowned Queen Charlotte Walkway, then explore Motuara and Blumine Islands' wildlife and WWII relics.
Cruise Details
0
Tunnel beach in South Island of New Zealand, Dunedin
from $13,750
EXPLORE

Australia & New Zealand Featuring Tasmania

Auckland to Sydney - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Moon
  • Explore Auckland’s harbor
  • Discover Tauranga and Rotorua
  • Cruise Milford Sound
  • Encounter Stewart Island wildlife
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Sydney
Activities
Urban Exploration, Fishing, Biking, Local Market Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Board Silver Moon for a 15-day cruise from Auckland to Sydney. Explore New Zealand's geothermal wonders in Tauranga, Art Deco Napier, and the majestic fjords of Doubtful and Milford Sound. You then cross to Australia to visit Hobart's markets and Eden's rugged coast before concluding your trip at the iconic Sydney Harbor.
Cruise Details
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Marlborough Sounds
from $3,835
EXPLORE

Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds

7 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Explore Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Visit Tory Channel
  • Sail through d’Urville
  • Discover Pelorus Sound
Starts / Ends
Blenheim / Blenheim
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the calm waterways, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds on a memorable seven-day Kiwi tour that includes visits to Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass, and d'Urville Island.
Cruise Details
0
Stewart Island
from $4,930
EXPLORE

Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure

8 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • Discover Halfmoon Bay
  • Enjoy the historic views
  • Visit Norwegian whaling station
  • Explore Port Pegasus
Starts / Ends
Invercargill / Invercargill
Activity Level
Variable
Board the luxurious 18-guest Heritage Explorer on an 8-day expedition cruise. Discover the unseen rawness of New Zealand's wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara. The magnificent Aurora Australis is awe-inspiring as it spectacularly adorns the southern skies.
Cruise Details
0
from $3,460
EXPLORE

Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland

Supper Cove Roundtrip - 5 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
  • View scenic helicopter transfers
  • See Cooper, Long, & Indian Islands
  • Explore Fiordland's Dusky Sound
  • Spot wildlife and more
Starts / Ends
Te Anau / Te Anau
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 5-day exploration cruise of the Undiscovered Dusky Sound from Supper Cove and back aboard Heritage Explorer. Start and conclude your trip with a scenic helicopter flight between Te Anau and Supper Cove. Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland on an unforgettable voyage cruising Acheron Passage, Breaksea, and Dusky Sounds.
Cruise Details
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