All of The Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience itinerary:
show reverse itinerary
Day 1: Te Anau/Preservation Inlet
Make your way to the designated meeting point in Te
Anau then take in the grand views and awe-inspiring
scenery as you enjoy a spectacular helicopter transfer
to join Heritage Explorer in Preservation Inlet (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 before we
set sail along Long Sound and enjoy your first impressions
of Southern Fiordland’s unrestrained landscape.
Day 2: Preservation Inlet
Today is dedicated to exploring Preservation Inlet, rich
in history we will delve into the gold mining and forestry
attempts that once made this now quiet waterway a
bustling hub of activity. The area’s natural bounty saw
more than 2,500 gold miners and saw millers flock to the
region in the late 1890s, this early settler history at mining
towns Cromarty and Te Oneroa, now reclaimed by
nature, can still be observed, none more spectacularly
than at the failed Tarawera Mine and Smelter, where the
ruins of the smelter’s historic three-storey chimney were
restored in 2015. Among the activity Preservation Inlet
can also lay claim to having New Zealand’s first whaling
station at Cuttle Cove and the location of one of the
country’s most remote lighthouses at Puysegur Point,
which began operation in 1879 perched some 40-feet
above the South Island’s south-western most point. Here
a great coastal walk, formerly a telegraph track built to
connect the lighthouse, leads to the old landing shed at
Otago Retreat.
Day 3: Chalky Inlet
The entrance to Chalky Inlet is guarded by the
impressive limestone cliffs of Chalky Island, the
inspiration behind Captain Cook’s naming of the
fiord. One of several important predator free islands
in the inlet including Great Island and Passage
Islands, Chalky Island is home to some of New
Zealand’s most critically endangered bird species
including the Little Spotted Kiwi and Kakapo, and
endemic Te Kakahua Skink, discovered in 2002.
The protected harbours at North and South Port offer
much to explore as the centres of the human history
in the inlet with North Port the final resting place of
the rusting hulk of purposely grounded GSS Stella
while South Port reveals an industrial past with the
remnants of once prolific sawmilling activity. Sailing
to the head of the fiord the surrounding mountains
envelope us with their majesty.
Day 4: Dusky Sound
Our expedition cruise through Dusky Sound
visiting the some of the most significant historical
and conservation sites in New Zealand as well
as marvelling at the majestic scenery as we sail
deep into the heart of Fiordland. Predator-free
Anchor Island homes half of the world’s population
of Kakapo and Little Spotted Kiwi and is also the
location of historic Luncheon Cove and a number
of New Zealand firsts including New Zealand’s first
sealing gang, the building of New Zealand’s first
European homestead and first European designed
ship, the 16-metre Providence built here and
launched in 1795. On nearby on Pigeon Island learn the history of Richard Henry and his pioneering live
transfer of birds to island refuges – an international
first in wildlife conservation. While his attempts were
unsuccessful due to stoats swimming over to the
island, it is heartening to learn the island is now pest
free and a sanctuary for native birdlife, with Henry’s
vision fulfilled.
Day 5: Acheron Passage & Breaksea Sound
A navigation through Acheron Passage, which
separates Resolution Island from the mainland, is sure
to be one of the highlights or our time in Fiordland. This
iconic scenic waterway is an area where Bottlenose
Dolphins are often spotted. Our explorations 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 sight where
Moose were released, and last seen, in New Zealand.
The extensive sheltered waters of scenic Breaksea
Sound, initially scouted for sheep farming suitability
by early setters in the 1850s is also the location of
Breaksea Island, an iconic site in New Zealand
conservation history as one of the first large islands
declared rat free in 1988.
Day 6: Doubtful Sound
Experience 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 stone cliffs, waterfalls, inlets, quiet coves and wildlife presents
nature on a scale so grand it’s off the chart.
Photographic opportunities abound and our time
spent here could include ship cruising Blanket Bay,
the Shelter Islands, Pandora River, Deas Cove and
Open Bay.
Day 7: Charles & Caswell Sound
One of the southern-most of the northern fiords,
Charles Sound, branches into Emelius and Gold
Arms at its head with Gold Arm being home to
one of the most extensive marine reserves in the
inner fiords (Kahukura Marine Reserve) while other
sections are included in the Taumoana Marine
Reserve. Your captain and expedition Leader will
find a suitably sheltered anchorage for Heritage
Explorer where activities could include kayaking
or joining your expedition guides in a coastal
exploration by Zodiac.
Another rarely explored fiord, Caswell Sound is
home to the last physical remains of the 1949 New
Zealand–American Fiordland scientific expedition, a
primitive hut standing on the banks of the Stillwater
River used while studying the Wapiti/elk herd
introduced earlier in the century. Tiny Styles Island
guards the fiord’s entrance to the Tasman Sea while
walks include a nature-filled stroll along Stillwater
River towards Lake Marchant. Fishing here is good
for those interested in joining the chefs in securing
tonight’s dinner.
Day 8: George Sound
Today we plan to navigate to the largest of the
Northern Fiords, George Sound. Stretching 26-scenickilometres, George Sound is the longest of the
Northern Fiords and with several arms branching
from the fiord we have multiple options but the
spectacular sight of Alice Falls flanked by dense
forest and tumbling over boulders as it thunders out
of Lake Alice at the head of fiord is always a strong
draw. It was at the head of George Sound that Wapiti/elk were introduced to New Zealand in 1905,
part of the herd being gifted by American president
Theodore Roosevelt.
Day 9: Milford Sound
We enter the magnificent Milford Sound this afternoon
and enjoy a leisurely final cruise of this unforgettable
location. Enjoy your final night aboard in the
protected waters beneath the towering peaks of
Milford Sound and revel in the sensational scenery as
you celebrate this unforgettable adventure with a
farewell dinner.
Day 10: Milford Sound/Te Anau
After a final breakfast and farewells, head ashore
where a transfer to Te Anau, via the historic Homer
Tunnel and the lowland beech forests and golden
tussocks of scenic Eglinton Valley, awaits. In case
of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any
onward travel from Te Anau until after 3pm
this afternoon
Please Note:
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.
Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final
regulatory approval.
All of The Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience reverse itinerary:
show main itinerary
Please Note: *
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.
Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final
regulatory approval.
Day 10: Milford Sound/Te Anau *
After a final breakfast and farewells, head ashore
where a transfer to Te Anau, via the historic Homer
Tunnel and the lowland beech forests and golden
tussocks of scenic Eglinton Valley, awaits. In case
of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any
onward travel from Te Anau until after 3pm
this afternoon
Day 9: Milford Sound *
We enter the magnificent Milford Sound this afternoon
and enjoy a leisurely final cruise of this unforgettable
location. Enjoy your final night aboard in the
protected waters beneath the towering peaks of
Milford Sound and revel in the sensational scenery as
you celebrate this unforgettable adventure with a
farewell dinner.
Day 8: George Sound *
Today we plan to navigate to the largest of the
Northern Fiords, George Sound. Stretching 26-scenickilometres, George Sound is the longest of the
Northern Fiords and with several arms branching
from the fiord we have multiple options but the
spectacular sight of Alice Falls flanked by dense
forest and tumbling over boulders as it thunders out
of Lake Alice at the head of fiord is always a strong
draw. It was at the head of George Sound that Wapiti/elk were introduced to New Zealand in 1905,
part of the herd being gifted by American president
Theodore Roosevelt.
Day 7: Charles & Caswell Sound *
One of the southern-most of the northern fiords,
Charles Sound, branches into Emelius and Gold
Arms at its head with Gold Arm being home to
one of the most extensive marine reserves in the
inner fiords (Kahukura Marine Reserve) while other
sections are included in the Taumoana Marine
Reserve. Your captain and expedition Leader will
find a suitably sheltered anchorage for Heritage
Explorer where activities could include kayaking
or joining your expedition guides in a coastal
exploration by Zodiac.
Another rarely explored fiord, Caswell Sound is
home to the last physical remains of the 1949 New
Zealand–American Fiordland scientific expedition, a
primitive hut standing on the banks of the Stillwater
River used while studying the Wapiti/elk herd
introduced earlier in the century. Tiny Styles Island
guards the fiord’s entrance to the Tasman Sea while
walks include a nature-filled stroll along Stillwater
River towards Lake Marchant. Fishing here is good
for those interested in joining the chefs in securing
tonight’s dinner.
Day 6: Doubtful Sound *
Experience 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 stone cliffs, waterfalls, inlets, quiet coves and wildlife presents
nature on a scale so grand it’s off the chart.
Photographic opportunities abound and our time
spent here could include ship cruising Blanket Bay,
the Shelter Islands, Pandora River, Deas Cove and
Open Bay.
Day 5: Acheron Passage & Breaksea Sound *
A navigation through Acheron Passage, which
separates Resolution Island from the mainland, is sure
to be one of the highlights or our time in Fiordland. This
iconic scenic waterway is an area where Bottlenose
Dolphins are often spotted. Our explorations 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 sight where
Moose were released, and last seen, in New Zealand.
The extensive sheltered waters of scenic Breaksea
Sound, initially scouted for sheep farming suitability
by early setters in the 1850s is also the location of
Breaksea Island, an iconic site in New Zealand
conservation history as one of the first large islands
declared rat free in 1988.
Day 4: Dusky Sound *
Our expedition cruise through Dusky Sound
visiting the some of the most significant historical
and conservation sites in New Zealand as well
as marvelling at the majestic scenery as we sail
deep into the heart of Fiordland. Predator-free
Anchor Island homes half of the world’s population
of Kakapo and Little Spotted Kiwi and is also the
location of historic Luncheon Cove and a number
of New Zealand firsts including New Zealand’s first
sealing gang, the building of New Zealand’s first
European homestead and first European designed
ship, the 16-metre Providence built here and
launched in 1795. On nearby on Pigeon Island learn the history of Richard Henry and his pioneering live
transfer of birds to island refuges – an international
first in wildlife conservation. While his attempts were
unsuccessful due to stoats swimming over to the
island, it is heartening to learn the island is now pest
free and a sanctuary for native birdlife, with Henry’s
vision fulfilled.
Day 3: Chalky Inlet *
The entrance to Chalky Inlet is guarded by the
impressive limestone cliffs of Chalky Island, the
inspiration behind Captain Cook’s naming of the
fiord. One of several important predator free islands
in the inlet including Great Island and Passage
Islands, Chalky Island is home to some of New
Zealand’s most critically endangered bird species
including the Little Spotted Kiwi and Kakapo, and
endemic Te Kakahua Skink, discovered in 2002.
The protected harbours at North and South Port offer
much to explore as the centres of the human history
in the inlet with North Port the final resting place of
the rusting hulk of purposely grounded GSS Stella
while South Port reveals an industrial past with the
remnants of once prolific sawmilling activity. Sailing
to the head of the fiord the surrounding mountains
envelope us with their majesty.
Day 2: Preservation Inlet *
Today is dedicated to exploring Preservation Inlet, rich
in history we will delve into the gold mining and forestry
attempts that once made this now quiet waterway a
bustling hub of activity. The area’s natural bounty saw
more than 2,500 gold miners and saw millers flock to the
region in the late 1890s, this early settler history at mining
towns Cromarty and Te Oneroa, now reclaimed by
nature, can still be observed, none more spectacularly
than at the failed Tarawera Mine and Smelter, where the
ruins of the smelter’s historic three-storey chimney were
restored in 2015. Among the activity Preservation Inlet
can also lay claim to having New Zealand’s first whaling
station at Cuttle Cove and the location of one of the
country’s most remote lighthouses at Puysegur Point,
which began operation in 1879 perched some 40-feet
above the South Island’s south-western most point. Here
a great coastal walk, formerly a telegraph track built to
connect the lighthouse, leads to the old landing shed at
Otago Retreat.
Day 1: Te Anau/Preservation Inlet *
Make your way to the designated meeting point in Te
Anau then take in the grand views and awe-inspiring
scenery as you enjoy a spectacular helicopter transfer
to join Heritage Explorer in Preservation Inlet (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 before we
set sail along Long Sound and enjoy your first impressions
of Southern Fiordland’s unrestrained landscape.
* = Indicative