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Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound: A Walking Cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound

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Dates & Prices
Itinerary
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Ship Information
Highlights

Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds on an unforgettable, intimate 5-day Kiwi walking adventure exploring Queen Charlotte Sound aboard our luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer. Specially designed for more active travellers looking to explore these remote waterways, coves and coastlines only accessible by sea, this voyage gives walking and hiking enthusiasts the opportunity to trek sections of the iconic Queen Charlotte Walkway, discover the rich whaling history of Perano, and experience thrilling island explorations of renowned conservation success stories Motuara and Blumine Islands, the latter also featuring WWII military ruins. In addition to excellent opportunities to explore one of New Zealand’s wildest, most remote and beautiful destinations by foot, your adventure includes daily Zodiac cruises, opportunities to explore by kayak and, for avid fishers, the chance to try your luck fishing.  Formed by a system of submerged valleys carved out following the last ice age around 10,000 years ago, the scenic playground of Marlborough Sounds encompasses some 1,500-kilometres of forested coastline, sheltered inlets and bays awaiting exploration, many only accessible by sea. The union of three main bodies of water - Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds - Marlborough Sounds has more than 50 Department of Conservation managed reserves including several predator-free wildlife sanctuaries. Join us as we discover the breath-taking beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound’s winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country’s most important conservation efforts.

14 December, 2026 to 18 December, 2026

Buller's $3,196 AUD pp

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.
view cabin photo

Salvin's Twin $3,580 AUD pp

Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole.
view cabin photo

Salvin's Double $3,580 AUD pp

Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole.
view cabin photo

Wandering $3,776 AUD pp

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.
view cabin photo

Royal $4,448 AUD pp

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.
view cabin photo

29 May, 2027 to 02 June, 2027

Buller's $3,356 AUD pp

Salvin's Twin $3,760 AUD pp

Salvin's Double $3,760 AUD pp

Wandering $3,964 AUD pp

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.
view cabin photo

Royal $4,672 AUD pp

10 December, 2027 to 14 December, 2027

Buller's $3,356 AUD pp

Salvin's Double $3,760 AUD pp

Salvin's Twin $3,760 AUD pp

Wandering $3,964 AUD pp

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.
view cabin photo

Royal $4,672 AUD pp

14 December, 2027 to 18 December, 2027

Buller's $3,356 AUD pp

Salvin's Twin $3,760 AUD pp

Salvin's Double $3,760 AUD pp

Wandering $3,964 AUD pp

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.
view cabin photo

Royal $4,672 AUD pp

Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound: A Walking Cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound itinerary:

show reverse itinerary

Day 1: Blenheim

Make your way to the designated meeting point in Blenheim for your transfer to Heritage Explorer in Picton (times and meeting point will be confirmed with your voyage documents). The Captain and Expedition Team will be waiting to welcome you aboard Heritage Explorer and show you to your cabin. You will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself on board then join fellow travellers and your Expedition Team as we set sail along Queen Charlotte Sound this afternoon.

Day 2: Ship Cove & Tory Channel

We have three full days to explore the waterways, islands, walkways and tracks of scenic Queen Charlotte Sound. First sighted in 1642 by Abel Janszoon Tasman while seeking shelter for his ships Heemskerck and Zeehaen from a storm near d’Urville Island, it was Captain James Cook who would first set foot here aboard the Endeavour during his five visits to Ship Cove, his New Zealand base between 1770 and 1777, in what he would call Queen Charlotte Sound. Today we plan to explore Tory Channel where the skeletal remains of the Perano Whaling Station provides a reminder of the region’s early whaling history and perhaps follow in their footsteps up to the lookout on Arapawa Island where epic views across the channel can be enjoyed. We also plan to visit Ship Cove to explore the region and learn of its history visiting Captain Cook’s memorial inaugurated in 1913 and perhaps walking through ancient, native bush to Ship Cove Waterfall.

Day 3: Queen Charlotte Walkway

A true expedition day, today we look to explore sections of New Zealand’s famed Queen Charlotte Walkway, once a network of pioneer day bridle paths. One of the country’s most diverse coastal tracks, we will make several stops to experience its peerless coastal views, native bush, historic bays, endless skyline ridges and unsurpassed views of the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Set your own pace with opportunities for drop offs and pick ups at various bays. Enjoy shorter walks and lunch on board or collect a packed lunch and spend the day immersed in nature.

Day 4: Motuara & Blumine Islands

Conservation and exploration go hand in hand today as we explore the rarely-visited island sanctuaries of Motuara and Blumine Islands. Fascinating history abounds on Blumine Island where WWII military ruins await exploration, native species flourish and stunning views combine along the Oruawairua Track of this former Pilot and Signal Station Reserve, sheep farm and now scenic reserve. Several rare bird species including the once widespread Orange-fronted Parakeet, now New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, were translocated to the island between 2011 and 2012 which is also home to South Island Saddleback, brought back from the brink of extinction last century from just 36 birds rescued in 1964. Descendants of these birds were translocated to Blumine Island in 2009. On Motuara Island journey along the scenic loop track flanked by native bush and accompanied by the soundtrack of flourishing birdlife to the island’s summit for spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding islands, Cook Strait and the North Island (on a clear day). Predator-free since the early 1990s, the island is now a haven for Saddleback, South Island Robin, Yellow-crowned parakeet and Maud Island frogs which have all been relocated here. Motuara also serves as a crèche for Rowi Kiwi.

Day 5: Blenheim

Sailing into Picton this morning we enjoy a final breakfast and farewells before you are transferred to a central Blenheim drop-off point or the airport. In case of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any onward travel from Blenheim until after midday. 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.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound: A Walking Cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound reverse itinerary:

show main itinerary

Please note: *

Itineraries are subject to change.

Day 5: Blenheim *

Day 4: Motuara & Blumine Islands *

Day 3: Queen Charlotte Walkway *

Day 2: Ship Cove & Tory Channel *

Day 1: Blenheim *

* = Indicative

Map for Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound: A Walking Cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound

Heritage Explorer

Vessel Type: Expedition Yacht

Length: 30 metres

Passenger Capacity: 18

Built: 2004

Heritage Explorer, a New Zealand-built 30-metre expedition yacht launched in 2004 by Carey’s Boatyard in Picton, joins Heritage Expeditions’ fleet to offer intimate discovery experiences along New Zealand’s coastline. With a maximum of 18 guests across 10 well-appointed cabins, the vessel combines contemporary wood-finished interiors with panoramic dining and lounge areas, extensive covered outdoor spaces, and a range of expedition equipment including kayaks, fishing gear, and two tenders for deeper exploration. Guests enjoy an open bridge policy, locally sourced cuisine prepared in a commercial kitchen, and the guidance of an enthusiastic expedition team and New Zealand crew.

The yacht features state-of-the-art technology for comfort and performance, including dual 653 hp Scania engines, bow thrusters, fin stabilisers, full air-conditioning, sound-attenuated generators, and a hydraulic aft ramp. Accommodation ranges from the Master Suite on the Bridge Deck with queen bed and private deck access, to Lower Deck cabins with doubles, singles, or bunks, all with ensuite bathrooms and storage. Measuring 30 m in length, 7.8 m in breadth, with a draft of 1.93 m and 76.1 gt, Heritage Explorer cruises at 10 knots, providing an intimate yet fully equipped platform for immersive New Zealand expedition travel.

• Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds

• Your adventure includes daily Zodiac cruises, opportunities to explore by kayak and, for avid fishers, the chance to try your luck fishing

Interested? Make an enquiry ▶