Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland’s iconic Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on an unforgettable 6-day exploration with Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising. Established in 1952, New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is now over 1.2 million hectares in size and rightly famous for its epic, grand scale scenery, untamed wilderness and unique wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals. However, Fiordland is also rich in natural history, geology and the location of some historical firsts and important restoration and conservation projects.
It was our early exploration of these rarely visited and remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords rich in wildlife, conservation and history which inspired our dream for responsible travel. For this special expedition we have paired two of the most remote, hard to reach and spectacular of Fiordland’s destinations on the one voyage. Retrace the steps of Captain Cook along the shorelines of World Heritage Area Dusky Sound, one of Fiordland’s largest fiords some 40-kilometres long and studded with more than 350 islands. Equally impressive, New Zealand’s deepest fiord Doubtful Sound boasts lush rainforests, towering waterfalls and resident populations of New Zealand Fur Seals and rare Fiordland Crested Penguins.
Only accessible by sea, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds are among the most isolated areas on New Zealand’s mainland ensuring their pristine, epic beauty remains unspoiled and their historic sites undisturbed. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. Discover the calm waters of Fiordland in solitude and explore some of its most unique and wild parts on this bucket list voyage.
- Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland's iconic Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on an unforgettable 6-day exploration with Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Meet with your fellow expeditioners in Te Anau before enjoying the grand views and awe-inspiring scenery on a spectacular helicopter transfer to Supper Cove (times and meeting point will be confirmed with your voyage documents). The Captain and Expedition Leader will be waiting to welcome you aboard Heritage Explorer and show you to your cabin. Settle into life aboard and bask in the majesty of the fiords as we set sail along towards the extensive protected waters of Dusky Sound before finding a suitable anchorage to enjoy your first evening aboard.
We have two days to explore Dusky Sound, here we have the opportunity to visit Luncheon Cove on Anchor Island, where the first European boat was built in New Zealand. Take a short walk or explore along the coastline and be amazed by the birdlife with South Island Saddleback, Robins, Yellowhead and Parakeets in abundance on the island thanks to its predator free status. It was on nearby Pigeon Island pioneering conservationist Richard Henry was based during his time in Dusky Sound. At Astronomers Point there may be the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Captain Cook and his astronomer William Wales, it was here the HMS Resolution was moored during their time in Dusky Sound. Our expedition cruise through this enchanting sound visits some of New Zealand’s most significant historic and conservation sites, as well as offering an exploration of some of the country’s most majestic scenery as we sail deep into the heart of Fiordland. Be sure to be on the look out for some of the abundant marine life that occurs here including New Zealand Fur Seals and Bottlenose Dolphins.
At the northern side of Dusky Sound we enter Acheron Passage. Separated from the mainland by this scenic waterway we find Resolution Island – one of the world’s first conservation sanctuaries and largest island in Fiordland. Our time here may include venturing into Wet Jacket Arm where the crew of Cook’s Resolution ended up with wet jackets during their survey work. It is also the site where Moose were released, and last seen, in New Zealand. During the afternoon we explore the waters of Breaksea Sound where you might like to join the chefs fishing for tonight’s dinner, or take the kayaks for a shoreline exploration.
After a quiet night aboard surrounded by the nature and wilderness of Breaksea Sound join your naturalists on deck to spot seabirds including the majestic Wandering and Buller’s Albatross as we pass Breaksea Island, which guards the entrance to Breaksea Sound. It was on Breaksea Island that the first successful island rat eradication program was completed, today it is a protected nature reserve of great significance to the many endangered species which call the island home. From here we sail onwards towards some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Fiordland – Doubtful Sound, or the sound of silence as it’s also known. Spanning some staggering 40-kilometres and holding the title as New Zealand’s deepest fiord, Doubtful Sound with its cloud-scraping wilderness cloaked mountains, sheer cliffs, waterfalls, inlets, quiet coves and wildlife presents nature on a scale so grand it’s off the chart. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner.
Enjoy a farewell breakfast on board Heritage Explorer among the grandeur of Fiordland before travelling across Lake Manapouri and over the Wilmot Pass to back to Te Anau. In case of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any onward travel from Te Anau until after 1pm this afternoon.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Heritage Explorer
| Length | 30 metres |
|---|---|
| Passengers | 18 |
New Zealand-built expedition yacht Heritage Explorer joins Heritage Expedition's small ship fleet creating new opportunities of discovery around the shores of New Zealand. Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience with a maximum of just 18 guests on board.
Heritage Explorer is a 30-metre, 4-deck New Zealand flagged vessel built in 2004 by the renowned wooden boat building family Carey's Boatyard in Picton. It features a contemporary wood-finished interior, 10 well-appointed cabins across three decks, dining room boasting spectacular 180-degree panoramas and theatre capabilities; lounge and bar featuring a flight of inclusive regional New Zealand wines, beers and spirits; and a well-stocked local library.
Outside, guests can enjoy plenty of covered space on the Bridge Deck, or ajourn to the Sun Deck perfect for wildlife spotting, sunrises and sunsets, or simply enjoying watch your voyage unfold. Kayaks and fishing equipment are available for use during the voyage, while two tenders allow for deeper exploration and the unforgettable wildlife encounters synonymous with all Heritage Expeditions adventures.
As with as with our other vessels, Heritage Explorer will have an open bridge policy and a full commercial kitchen helmed by a talented chef focused on highlighting local produce and any guest catches of the day, as well as an enthusiastic and passionate expedition team, and will be shipped by a New Zealand captain and crew.
The expedition yacht features state-of-the-art technology to provide a comfortable expedition with high performance dual Scania 653 horsepower engines, bow thrusters, fin stabilisers, full air-conditioning, sound attenuated twin generators and a hydraulic aft ramp, while a comprehensive navigation package ensures the ultimate Kiwi adventure awaits all guests.
Accommodation Details
Royal: Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck.
Salvin's: Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin's cabins have the option of either a double bed or two lower berths. Both feature ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole.
Wandering: Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole.
Buller's: Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller's cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole.
