NEW ZEALAND CRUISE

8 Nights Milford Sound & Queenstown to Wellington

Day 1: Queenstown and Milford Sound
This morning join our chartered coach in Queenstown for the scenic drive along the shores of beautiful Lake Te Anau before entering World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Enjoy breathtaking alpine scenery and pass through the remarkable 1,200 metre Homer Tunnel before emerging to unforgettable views of Milford Sound’s instantly recognisable Mitre Peak. After boarding Coral Discoverer we depart at 2:00pm and enjoy our first experience of the spectacular, deep Fiordland waterways. This evening enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks whilst absorbing Milford Sound’s natural beauty before the first of many delicious dinners.

Day 2: Doubtful Sound
Awaken this morning to the magnificent scenery of Doubtful Sound. The deepest of the sounds, Doubtful was named by Captain Cook in 1770 and is often described as Fiordland’s most spectacular waterway. Aboard Xplorer and the zodiacs we join our informative Guest Lecturers on guided excursions through the maze of cliffs and waterways. Keep an eye out for penguins, seals and myriad marine and bird life as we explore what is considered to be the most strikingly beautiful of the fiords in the national park.

Day 3: Dusky Sound and Astronomer’s Point
Join the Expedition Staff on an exploratory cruise through rarely visited Dusky Sound, amongst an array of islands, marine and bird life. We land at historic Astronomer’s Point, where Captain Cook anchored his ship Resolution using a tree as a gangway, a tree which still exists today. Rejoin Coral Discoverer to cruise the spectacular passages through the fiord before a further expedition around the coastline of Pidgeon Island and Facile Harbour, where we are sure to encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, penguins, dolphins and other wildlife.

Day 4: Stewart Island
Discover the natural delights and scenic beauty of Stewart Island, a large island that is almost totally wilderness and home to a vast number of seals, birds and other wildlife. Landing ashore at Paterson Inlet, join a guided walk to encounter native birds such as the Weka, Tui, Bellbird, Kaka and New Zealand’s iconic national bird, the kiwi. Unlike other species of kiwi, the Stewart Island Kiwi is active both during the day and night and is often seen foraging on the beach for sandhoppers and other insects.

Day 5: Discover Dunedin
The Otago Harbour welcomes us as we cruise past the world’s largest albatross colony at Tairoa Heads, also home to the world’s rarest penguin, the Yellow Eyed Penguin. Of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a great diversity of experiences from abundant wildlife to the historic Edwardian and Victorian architecture, the Otakou Maori Marae, the famous Speights Brewery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Settlers Museum and New Zealand’s oldest botanical gardens. We spend a full day in port providing you with the option to explore areas of interest at your leisure.

Day 6: Gallic Akaroa
This morning we cruise into secluded Akaroa Harbour, a very scenic village nestled in the heart of an active volcano. Stroll through the village, discovering its French history, cosy cafes and excellent craft stores. Enjoy optional shore excursions, perhaps swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s or New Zealand Dolphin (additional expense).

Day 7: Kaikoura Whalewatching
The scenic coastal town of Kaikoura is renowned as possibly the world’s best destination for whalewatching and one of the few places in the world where it is possible to view the giant Sperm Whale in its natural environment. We join a special cruise to discover these majestic mammals along with Fur Seals, dolphins and other migratory whales, an experience never to be forgotten. Enjoy time for a stroll around the pretty coastal village before reboarding Coral Discoverer.

Day 8: Marlborough Sounds
Our arrival to the dark green hills and blue-green waters of the Marlborough Sounds is highlighted with a cruise through the scenic Tory Channel. We spend the day exploring an array of spectacular waterways including the fiord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Retracing the history of Captain Cook we visit Ships Cove, a regular stop for Captain Cook on his voyage of discovery and the place where he careened HMS Endeavour. The day offers a multitude of explorations aboard Xplorer and inflatable zodiacs under the guidance of our Expedition Leader and with interpretation from our experienced Guest Lecturers. Travel ashore to Moturoa Island where its possible to view a variety of New Zealand’s iconic native birdlife on a guided bushwalk.

Day 9: Wellington
This morning we enjoy breakfast whilst admiring spectacular views of Wellington as we approach our mooring. At 8:00am, after farewelling the Captain, his staff and new-found friends, it is time to disembark at the end of our memorable expedition.

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