Unseen Fiordland & Stewart Island

Destination:

Duration:

6 days

Travel Period:

January 2027 - January 2027

Gallery

5+ Gallery Photos

Overview

Join Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising, as we explore New Zealand’s remote southern backyard on this special voyage. Discover the time-forgot rawness of wildlife rich Stewart and Ulva Islands before exploring the primordial majesty of Fiordland where clouds scud ragged peaks of glacier-cleaved mountains only accessible by expedition ship, and the rare opportunity to combine these iconic destinations on one voyage.

Rich in history and wildlife, Stewart and Ulva Islands are home to a unique range of birdlife including Bellbird, Tui, Kaka, Tomtit, Rifleman, Stewart Island Robin, Saddleback, Mohua and of course, the Southern Brown/Stewart Island Brown Kiwi. There will be opportunities to listen to the native bird song and enjoy the golden sandy beaches, before taking the time to take a closer look at the history of Paterson Inlet.

As we expedition cruise up the lower west side of New Zealand's South Island, we prepare for the grand scale scenery of Fiordland. Exploring these remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords, it is easy to see why this incredible region inspired our dream for responsible travel. In the calm waters of Fiordland, and away from the crowds, we can expect to encounter playful New Zealand Fur Seals, curious Bottlenose Dolphins, elusive birds and enjoy endless stunning vistas.

During our time here we plan to Zodiac cruise glittering waterways amid the podocarp forest-cloaked spines of Anchor and Resolution Islands and the tiny islands of Dusky Sound where orchids, flame-tipped Rata and clusters of alpine tree daisies put on an impressive floral display.

On predator-free Anchor Island, home to half the world's population of Kakapo as well as Little Spotted Kiwi, we'll cross tannin-stained streams and walk around Lake Kirirua, its calm surface reflecting the forest-fringed edge, before arriving at historic Luncheon Cove - a location of New Zealand firsts including first sealing gang, first European settlement and first ship to be built in the country. Discover hidden inlets, coves and beaches as we make our way around Sportsman Cove and Zodiac cruise to explore the lush wilderness of Cooper Island.

Our passion for helping protect and sharing New Zealand's special wilderness remains as strong as it was back in 1985. Join us and tick this once-in-a-lifetime experience off your travel bucket list and explore remote parts of New Zealand's Southern region, an area known for its diverse range of wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery where you will discover the real Fiordland and Stewart Island. Join award-winning wildlife photographer and conservationist Doug Gimesy, regular contributor to National Geographic, on our 2 January 2027 voyage for some pro tips from this accomplished wildlife photographer.

Excludes

All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities, helicopter excursion. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.

What's Included

Local payment, one night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast), ship transfer, all on board ship accommodation with meals, house beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and all expedition shore excursions. Programme of lectures by noted naturalists and transfer to airport.

Start:Queenstown,
Finish:Queenstown,

Type:Group tour (max 140)

Tripcode:

E7838092967BF7CE1E34

Options and details

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Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Invercargill/Queenstown

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Day 2 - Port of Bluff/ Stewart Island

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Days 3 to 5 - Fiordland

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We have three days to explore the incredible wilderness of fiords in the south-west corner of the South Island. This is an area rich in history, majestic scenery and abundant in wildlife. Fiordland was well known to local Maori people, with the demi-god Tu-teraki-whanoa being 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, they 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 not long after who then formed the first European settlements of New Zealand, historically this region is very important and shaped the future of the country. 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, the thickly forested floors are covered with ferns, lichens and mosses. Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and Little Penguins are all residents of the fiords; during our time here we will look out for them. Our schedule gives us the flexibility to visit as much as possible, areas we plan to visit during our time in Fiordland include Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron Passage, Astronomer’s Point and Pickersgill Harbour. During our time in Dusky Sound there will be the opportunity to experience an unforgettable helicopter flight through the Sound swooping down alongside Cooper Island and Cook Channel with a landing on Mt Pender where spectacular vistas across constellations of islands stretching into the horizon and dotting the winding fiords can be enjoyed. 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 even few New Zealanders have visited. The isolation of Fiordland has been beneficial because its beauty remains unspoiled and its historic sites undisturbed. On the evening of Day 5 we will enjoy a celebratory dinner with newfound friends and reflect on a wealth of new experiences from our adventure.

Day 6 - Invercargill/Queenstown

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Travel Partner

Heritage Expeditions is a pioneering expedition cruise company specializing in conservation-driven small ship voyages. For over 40 years, they have explored some of the world's most remote and biologically rich regions, including Antarctica, Russia's Far East, and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands

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Important Information

Terms and conditions

*Hunter Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 86 089 025 696) serves as an agent, selling various travel-related products and services on behalf of many providers like airlines, coach, rail, and cruise line operators, as well as wholesalers and tour operators. As your agent, Hunter Travel Group provide booking and advisory services including making travel bookings on your behalf and arranging contracts between you and the travel service providers. Any bookings made either in-store or online will be subject to Hunter Travel Group's privacy policy, terms of use and booking conditions in addition to any third-party booking conditions and privacy policies. Prices are based on per person twin share unless otherwise stated. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. Contact a Travel Advisor to find our more information and conditions for this specific offer.

Unseen Fiordland & Stewart Island

Destination:

Duration:

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