Unseen Fiordland6 Days
Ship: HERITAGE ADVENTURER
DEPARTURES: DEC
From: USD$ 3,875
STYLE: LUXURY
Days: 6
Country: NEW ZEALAND AND SUB ANTARCTIC ISLANDS
Heritage Adventurer is an authentic small ship for expedition cruising offering an unforgettable exploration of New Zealand’s remote southern backyard on this special voyage. Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife rich Stewart and Ulva Islands before exploring the primordial majesty of Fiordland where clouds scud ragged peaks of glacier-cleaved mountains only accessible by expedition ship, and the rare opportunity to combine these iconic destinations on one voyage.
Cruising up the lower west side of New Zealand’s South Island, we prepare for the grand scale scenery of Fiordland. Exploring these remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords, expect to encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, Dusky Dolphins, elusive birds and enjoy endless stunning vistas.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
DAY 1 QUEENSTOWN
Guests should make their way to the designated hotel where we will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening there will be an informal get-together at the hotel for dinner; an excellent opportunity to meet fellow adventurers on your voyage and some of our expedition team.
DAY 2 PORT BLUFF AND STEWART ISLAND
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant, embarking Heritage Adventurer departing for the Port of Bluff and Stewart Island. New Zealand’s third island is well off the usual beaten tourist track. It’s a tranquil place and 85 per cent of the island designated national park.
Stewart Island has 700-kilometres of coastline so there is much to explore and experience here. Enjoy the impressive bird song as we explore Ulva Island, rich in history and wildlife (predator-free since 1997). Some of the wildlife you may get to see while walking its tracks and exploring Boulder and West End Beaches, Post Office Bay and Sydney Cove include Stewart Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, South Island Kaka, Kereru (wood pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird and Tui our 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. In Paterson Inlet visit the historic Norwegian whaling station in Prices Inlet and Kaipipi Bay, where from 1923 and 1933 the Ross Sea Whaling Company of Sandefjord, Norway ran a repair base where chaser boats were serviced in preparation for the Antarctic summer. Discover quirky town centre Oban in Halfmoon Bay where a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the historic and iconic South Sea Hotel.
DAYS 3 – 5 FIORDLAND
We have three days to explore the incredible wilderness of fiords in the south-west corner of the South Island. 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. Historically this region is very important and 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 fiords 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 Penguins are all residents of the fiords; during our time here we will look out for them. Areas we plan to visit during our time in Fiordland include Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron Passage, Astronomer’s Point and Pickersgill Harbour. Our final plan will be determined by the weather. The isolation of Fiordland has been beneficial because its beauty remains unspoiled and its historic sites undisturbed.
DAY 6 INVERCARGILL/QUEENSTOWN
Arrive early in the Port of Bluff after breakfast farewell your fellow voyagers and take a complimentary coach transfer to either Invercargill or Queenstown Airports.
