9 Day cruises Wellington to Milford Sound (or in reverse) | Aboard: Oceanic Discoverer
Departures: 23rd and 31st January 2015 & 8th and 16th January 2016
Prices: 8 night cruise per person twin share from $5,990
12 night cruise Auckland to Milford Sound per person twin share from $8490
Discover the timeless attractions of the pristine landscapes and stunning natural features of Aotearoa the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ with its spouting geysers, bubbling thermal pools, fiords, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rivers and sweeping stretches of white sandy beaches, forever protected in 14 national parks.
Explore the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park cruising Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds and join a whale watching cruise in Kaikoura. Swim with the dolphins in Akaroa and join a guided wildlife walk on remote Stewart Island. Experienced Expedition Leaders and Guest Lecturers will share their wealth of knowledge and passion for New Zealand.
Day 1: Wellington | Embarkation and the Captain’s Welcome Drinks while sailing through Cook Strait enroute to Marlborough Sound.
Day 2: Marlborough Sound | Multiple exploration options aboard the Xplorer and inflatable Zodiacs to the spectacular waterways of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds including Ships Cove where Captain Cook careened the Endeavour with an evening cruise through the scenic Tory Channel.
Day 3: Kaikoura | Whale watching with the spectacular backdrop of the Kaikoura coastline looking out for the giant sperm whale, dusky dolphins, seabirds, fur seals and other migratory whale species- an experience never forgotten.
Day 4: Akaroa | This morning we cruise in to the secluded Akaroa Harbour which hosts a myriad of wildlife including penguins and dolphins and the opportunity to swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s or New Zealand Dolphin.
Day 5: Dunedin | Into Otago Harbour cruising past the world’s largest mainland albatross colony at Tairoa Heads and the world’s rarest penguin, the Yellowed Eyed Penguin for a full day in port to visit Dunedin with it’s Scottish heritage, Edwardian and Victorian architecture, the Otakou Maori marae, famous Speights brewery, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Settlers Museum and New Zealand’s oldest botanical gardens.
Day 6: Stewart Island | We visit Stewart Island, home to a vast number of seals, birds and other wildlife, for a day of discovery and exploration through the Paterson Inlet and surrounding areas including guided ‘Xplorer’ and/or Zodiac excursions and walks ashore to encounter native birds such as the Weka, Tui, Bellbird, Kaka, Karikari and more.
Day 7: Dusky Fiord | Experience the deep waterways of Fiordland as we enter Dusky Sound and spend the day in this spectacular and dramatic natural wilderness cruising past the sheer cliffs and tumbling waterfalls with ‘Xplorer’ or Zodiacs excursions.
Day 8: Doubtful Sound | Into Doubtful Sound, the deepest of the fiords with more ‘Xplorer’ or inflatable Zodiac excursions through the maze of spectacular waterways and in the evening enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Drinks surrounded by dramatic scenery.
Day 9: Milford Sound | Disembarkation at 8:00am with a complimentary morning coach transfer to Queenstown.
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations visited and activities offered but it may be necessary to vary it to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and other events that may affect the operation of the vessel.
Price includes:
●● All meals
●● Captains welcome and farewell drinks
●● Guided tours by expedition vessel/zodiacs
●● Access to islands, marine and national parks
●● Port taxes and government charges
●● Coach transfer Milford Sound – Queenstown
Price excludes:
●● Alcoholic beverages
●● Gratuities and all personal expenses
●● Fuel surcharge if applicable
Price per person twin share | Based on lead in cabin rising in price according to cabin level and season
