New Zealand Coastal Odyssey

Guests should make their way 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.

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 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 Māori, 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. 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 Blue Penguins are all residents of the fiords; during our time here we will look for them.

Our schedule gives us the flexibility to visit as much as possible, areas we plan to explore include 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 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 a few New Zealanders have visited.

New Zealand’s third island is well off the usual beaten tourist track. It is a wonderfully tranquil place; the scenery of untouched bushland is stunning. We will enjoy a morning exploring Ulva Island which is rich in history and wildlife, being a predator-free island since 1997 the bird song and wildlife is some of the best. In Paterson Inlet you will have time to explore the sandy beaches of Boulder Bay and West End Beach or just enjoy some time around Post Office Bay and Sydney Cove. Some of the wildlife you may get to see while walking the tracks on Ulva Island include Stewart Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, South Island Kaka, Kereru (Wood Pigeon), Mohua (Yellowhead), Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird and Tui. There are many more species that may also be seen, 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. During our time in Paterson Inlet there will also be the opportunity to explore the quirky town centre Oban in Halfmoon Bay where a drink with a view can be enjoyed at the iconic South Sea Hotel and there are some beautiful walks in the surrounding forests.

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

Heritage Adventurer will make her way through the Akaroa heads and anchor in the sheltered waters off 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 to this day with a certain je ne sais quoi imbibing the township of Akaroa. This afternoon visit the Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory and French Farm Vineyard at the head of the harbour as well as enjoy the opportunity to explore Akaroa or take one of the local nature walks.

New Zealand’s ‘coolest little capital’, Wellington, is 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 cable car, explore the world renowned Zealandia nature reserve, discover the Botanic Gardens and visit Te Papa New Zealand’s national museum.

The spiritual home of Heritage Expeditions and one of the best, yet seldom-visited ports of New Zealand, join your naturalists to discover the incredibly beautiful coastal scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park or take the opportunity to discover the regions culinary delights, artisan crafts and world-class wines. Please note the 2026 voyage departing 3 March does not visit Nelson.

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 island nature reserves.

The Art Deco capital of New Zealand, and possibly the world, the post-quake city of Napier
lies at the heart of the thriving Hawkes Bay. Immerse yourself in the Art Deco world of central Napier with its quaint shops and unrivalled architecture before venturing to the world-renowned wineries of the Hawkes Bay famed for their exceptional Syrah and Chardonnay vintages. Alternatively, join your naturalists on a visit to the exceptional Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony. Please note the 2026 voyage departing 3 March does not visit Napier.

Sailing up the scenic North Island, 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.

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.