NZ & Australia, New Zealand
Discover Marlborough Sounds
Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds on an unforgettable 7-day Kiwi adventure exploring Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d’Urville Island.
Famed for the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines these regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country’s most important conservation efforts.
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 and several predatorfree wildlife sanctuaries.
Just 500 treacherous metres from the mainland, d’Urville Island was named after French admiral Jules Sebastian Cesar Dumont d’Urville and his ill fated passage of the infamous French Pass in January 1827.
After several near misses while seeking passage inside the island, he came close to losing his ship Astrolabe after hitting the reef. Now a possum, rat and weasel-free conservation reserve, d’Urville Island is one of the last strongholds of the critically endangered Long-tailed Bat and provides a respite for the world’s rarest shag – the King Shag – and several other species of rare birds and geckos.
A voyage of adventure and discovery awaits in the Marlborough Sounds.
Famed for the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines these regions are also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country’s most important conservation efforts.
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 and several predatorfree wildlife sanctuaries.
Just 500 treacherous metres from the mainland, d’Urville Island was named after French admiral Jules Sebastian Cesar Dumont d’Urville and his ill fated passage of the infamous French Pass in January 1827.
After several near misses while seeking passage inside the island, he came close to losing his ship Astrolabe after hitting the reef. Now a possum, rat and weasel-free conservation reserve, d’Urville Island is one of the last strongholds of the critically endangered Long-tailed Bat and provides a respite for the world’s rarest shag – the King Shag – and several other species of rare birds and geckos.
A voyage of adventure and discovery awaits in the Marlborough Sounds.
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 the captain on
the bridge or fellow travellers on deck as we set sail
along Queen Charlotte Sound this afternoon.
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.
We spend two full days exploring the waterways
and islands of scenic Queen Charlotte Sound with
opportunities to head ashore and walk a section of
the Queen Charlotte Walkway as well as search for
birdlife on the predator free islands. A visit to Tory
Channel brings the whaling history of the Perano
Whalers to life. We also plan to visit Ship Cove and
learn of its history, exploring the region and visiting
Captain Cook’s memorial inaugurated in 1913.
Another conservation success story, Blumine Island
has seen the translocation of several rare bird
species including the once widespread Orangefronted Parakeet, now New Zealand’s rarest
parakeet, which were translocated to the island
between 2011 and 2012. Also thriving on the island
are 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.
Today we sail through the iconic French Pass and
the wake of French Explorer Dumont d’Urville
and then explore the island named in his honour.
The outermost island in the Marlborough Sounds,
d’Urville Island features imposing sea cliffs along its
west coast, a high mountainous backbone and the
fastest moving tidal flows in New Zealand between
the French Pass tempered by some of the country’s
finest peninsula scenery.
Dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals are frequently
seen in the waters surround the island and it was
here that Pelorus Jack, the endearing Risso’s Dolphin
who famously stole the nation’s heart, guided ships
across the dangerous waters of Cook Strait between
1888 and 1912.
The largest in the Marlborough Sounds, Pelorus
Sound’s main channel winds some picturesque 55
kilometres south between steep verdant hills from
Cook Strait to Havelock. Boasting 380 kilometres of
shoreline, the endless bays and sheltered coves of
Pelorus Sound are perfect for exploration.
Venturing into Pelorus Sound we head to
Ngawhakawhiti Bay where nature surrounds us and
it’s possible to get a glimpse of what the sounds would
have been like before the native forest was cleared.
The more active are able to enjoy the walking part of
the Nydia Track before we explore Nydia Bay. On the
final night we will enjoy a farwell dinner
We arrive into the inner reaches of Pelorous Sound
this morning. After a final breakfast and farewells, a
Zodiac tender takes you ashore at Havelock where
a transfer to a central Blenheim drop off point or the
airport waits. In case of unexpected delays we ask
you not to book any onward travel from Blenheim until
after midday today.
Some voyages will operate the itinerary in
reverse. 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.
| 20 November, 2022 to 26 November, 2022 | Book now |
Buller's
$4,950 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
$5,550 NZD pp
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
$5,850 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
$6,900 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.
| 11 December, 2022 to 17 December, 2022 | Book now |
Buller's
$4,950 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
$5,550 NZD pp
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
$5,850 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
$6,900 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.
| 05 April, 2023 to 11 April, 2023 | Book now |
Buller's
$5,275 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.
Royal
$5,275 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.
Salvin's
$5,875 NZD pp
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
$6,195 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.
| 17 April, 2023 to 23 April, 2023 | Book now |
Royal
$5,275 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.
Buller's
$5,275 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
$5,875 NZD pp
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
$6,195 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.
| 27 November, 2023 to 03 December, 2023 | Book now |
Buller's
$5,275 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
$5,875 NZD pp
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
$6,195 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
$7,295 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.
| 18 December, 2023 to 24 December, 2023 | Book now |
Buller's
$5,275 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.
Royal
$5,275 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.
Salvin's
$5,875 NZD pp
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
$6,195 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.
Heritage Explorer
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 cateogy
• Pre/Post cruise transfers
• Experienced expedition leader and team
• All meals while on board
• All expedition shore excusions
• Landing fees, pre/post cruise transfers
• House drinks
Exclusions
• International and Domestic flights, both commercial and charter
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Beverages on board
• Gratuities
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
Small Ship Cruise
7 Days from
$4,950 NZD pp
Highlights
• Discover Queen Charlotte Sound• Visit d’Urville island
• Explore Pelorus Sound
• Visit Blenheim
Our Associates Include
