NZ & Australia, New Zealand
All of The Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience
Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising, invites you to join us on the ultimate 10-day exploration of New Zealand’s remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords of Fiordland. This treasured natural wonderland, its wildlife, conservation and history inspired our dream for responsible travel.
Established in 1952, 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.
Maori legend describes how demi-god Tu-te-raki-whanoa carved out the region’s fiords with his adze, Te Hamo, from rock walls to create the fiords we know today. Captain Cook and his crew were the first Europeans to visit, landing here aboard HMS Resolution in 1773 and subsequently spending five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook’s records of his discovery and maps would attract sealers and whalers not long after, who would go on to form the first European settlements here, historically this region is very important and shaped the future of the country.
The majority of Fiordland’s sounds are only accessible by sea, making them among the most remote areas of New Zealand’s mainland ensuring their epic beauty remains unspoiled and 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. Join us as we sail the calm waters of Fiordland in solitude exploring some of the most unique and wild parts of Fiordland on this unforgettable adventure.
Established in 1952, 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.
Maori legend describes how demi-god Tu-te-raki-whanoa carved out the region’s fiords with his adze, Te Hamo, from rock walls to create the fiords we know today. Captain Cook and his crew were the first Europeans to visit, landing here aboard HMS Resolution in 1773 and subsequently spending five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook’s records of his discovery and maps would attract sealers and whalers not long after, who would go on to form the first European settlements here, historically this region is very important and shaped the future of the country.
The majority of Fiordland’s sounds are only accessible by sea, making them among the most remote areas of New Zealand’s mainland ensuring their epic beauty remains unspoiled and 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. Join us as we sail the calm waters of Fiordland in solitude exploring some of the most unique and wild parts of Fiordland on this unforgettable adventure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
|
Book now |
Buller's
$8,195 NZD 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.
Salvin's double
$9,150 NZD 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.
Salvin's twin
$9,150 NZD 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.
Wandering
$9,620 NZD pp
Limited Availability
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.
Royal
$12,395 NZD 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.
|
Book now |
Buller's
$8,195 NZD 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.
Salvin's double
$9,150 NZD 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.
Salvin's twin
$9,150 NZD 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.
Wandering
$9,620 NZD pp
Limited Availability
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.
Royal
$12,395 NZD 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.
|
Book now |
Buller's
$8,195 NZD 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.
Salvin's double
$9,150 NZD 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.
Salvin's twin
$9,150 NZD 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.
Wandering
$9,620 NZD pp
Limited Availability
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.
Royal
$12,395 NZD 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.
|
Book now |
Buller's
$8,195 NZD 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.
Salvin's double
$9,150 NZD 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.
Salvin's twin
$9,150 NZD 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.
Wandering
$9,620 NZD 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.
Royal
$12,395 NZD 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.
|
Book now |
Buller's
$8,195 NZD 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.
Salvin's double
$9,150 NZD 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.
Salvin's twin
$9,150 NZD 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.
Wandering
$9,620 NZD 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.
Royal
$12,395 NZD 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.
|
Book now |
Buller's
$8,195 NZD 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.
Salvin's double
$9,150 NZD 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.
Salvin's twin
$9,150 NZD 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.
Wandering
$9,620 NZD 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.
Royal
$12,395 NZD 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.
|
Book now |
Buller's
$8,195 NZD 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.
Salvin's double
$9,150 NZD 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.
Salvin's twin
$9,150 NZD 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.
Wandering
$9,620 NZD 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.
Royal
$12,395 NZD 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.
|
Book now |
Buller's
$8,195 NZD 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.
Salvin's double
$9,150 NZD 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.
Salvin's twin
$9,150 NZD 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.
Wandering
$9,620 NZD 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.
Royal
$12,395 NZD 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.
|
Book now |
Buller's
$8,195 NZD 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.
Salvin's double
$9,150 NZD 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.
Salvin's twin
$9,150 NZD 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.
Wandering
$9,620 NZD 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.
Royal
$12,395 NZD 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.
|
Book now |
Buller's
$8,195 NZD 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.
Salvin's double
$9,150 NZD 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.
Salvin's twin
$9,150 NZD 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.
Wandering
$9,620 NZD 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.
Royal
$12,395 NZD 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.
Vessel Type: Expedition Yacht
Length: 30 metres
Passenger Capacity: 18
Built: 2004
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.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• Pre/Post cruise transfers
• Experienced expedition leader and team
• All meals while on board
• House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• All expedition shore excursions
• Landing fees, pre cruise helicopter transfer and post cruise coach transfer
• House drinks
Exclusions
• International and Domestic flights, both commercial and charter
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Additional beverages other than those noted
• Gratuities
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
Small Ship Cruise
10 Days from
$8,195 NZD pp
Highlights
• Preservation Inlet• Chalky Inlet & Dusky Sound
• Acheron Passage & Breaksea Sound
• Doubtful Sound
• Charles & Caswell Sound
• George Sound
• Milford Sound
Our Associates Include
