12 Day New Zealand Coastal Odyssey

Guests should head 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. Please note: the 11 November 2026 and 11 November 2027 voyages operate in reverse, departing from Auckland.

Today we enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant and have the morning free to explore Queenstown before returning to the hotel for lunch and departing for the Port of Bluff to embark Heritage Adventurer. You will have time to settle into your accommodation and familiarise yourself with the ship. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as we set our course to Fiordland and our adventure begins.

We have two days to explore the incredible wilderness of Fiordland in the southwest corner of the South Island. This area is rich in history, majestic scenery and abundant in wildlife. Fiordland was well known to local Māori, with the demi-god Tu-teraki-whanoa 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 and 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 from around the world. 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 and 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, and we will look for them during our time here. Our schedule gives us the flexibility to visit as much as possible. The areas we plan to explore include Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron Passage, Astronomer’s Point and Pickersgill Harbour. During our 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 Mount Pender enjoying spectacular vistas across constellations of islands stretching into the horizon and dotting the winding fiords. Our final plan will be determined by the weather. The Captain and Expedition Leader will work hard to make the best use of our time in this incredible region of New Zealand, including areas that few New Zealanders have visited.

New Zealand’s third island, Stewart Island, is well off the usual beaten tourist track. It is a wonderfully tranquil place, and the scenery of untouched bushland is stunning. We will enjoy the morning exploring nearby 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. Some of the wildlife you may observe while walking the tracks on Ulva Island include Stewart Island Robin, Southern Brown Kiwi, 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, and 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. We will visit Stewart Island in the afternoon. During our time in Paterson Inlet, there will be the opportunity to explore the quirky town centre Oban in Halfmoon Bay, where local shops, brand new Rakiura Museum and beautiful walks in the surrounding forests await exploration, while a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the iconic South Sea Hotel.

This morning, sail into the beautiful Otago Harbour and watch closely for Northern Royal Albatross at the Taiaroa Head Albatross Colony. From our berth 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 Yellow-eyed Penguins can be observed in one of their last mainland strongholds, and where the beautiful, farmed hills roll down towards white sand beaches.

Heritage Adventurer will sail through the Akaroa heads and anchor in the sheltered waters of Canterbury’s largest harbour. It was here, beneath the eroded volcanic hills of Banks Peninsula, that the French attempted to settle in 1840. The French connection remains, with a certain je ne sais quoi at the heart of the township of Akaroa. This afternoon, visit the Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory and French Farm Vineyard at the head of the harbour and enjoy the opportunity to explore Akaroa or take one of the local nature walks.

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

This morning, Heritage Adventurer sails into the sheltered waters of the Marlborough Sounds, a beautiful labyrinth of waterways intersecting the northern shores of the South Island. 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 region’s nature reserves.

Sailing up the scenic North Island coastline, enjoy a day at sea attending lectures, relaxing on board or catching up on your photos and journaling as we head towards Tauranga.

From our berth in Tauranga, we drive inland, passing the rich horticultural region of the Bay of Plenty as we travel to the geothermal heartland of Rotorua. Marvel at the abundance of steam vents, geysers and bubbling mud pools as we explore one of the most geologically active regions on the planet accompanied by expert local guides. Renowned for its rich Māori culture, world-class spa and wellness experiences, otherworldly geothermal landscapes, incredible lush forests and sparkling lakes there is much to see and experience here.

This morning Heritage Adventurer arrives in Auckland, the City of Sails, where she will berth in the central city waterfront, following breakfast disembark and head to the airport or continue your exploration of New Zealand. In case of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any onward travel until after midday today. During our 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.