New Zealand Sounds & Stewart Island
DEPARTING FROM:QueenstownFINAL DESTINATION:Queenstown
DURATION:9 Days/ 8 NightsREGION:Australia, New Zealand & PacificSHIP:Coral Adventurer
Set sail aboard Coral Adventurer to discover the breathtaking natural wonders of New Zealand’s South Island Sounds and Fiords, departing from Bluff. On this 8-night expedition through the World Heritage expanse of Fiordland National Park, explore the majestic Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, home to striking landscapes, rare endemic fauna and numerous seal colonies along New Zealand’s secluded western coast. Experience Stirling Falls at Milford Sound, where towering cliffs plunge into glacial waters, creating one of the planet’s most remarkable natural landscapes. Wander through the forests of Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary and catch sight of some of the nation’s most iconic bird species. Discover the allure of Solander Island, known for its uninhabited volcanic islets and abundant birdlife. At days end, return to the Coral Adventurer and indulge in the delights of New Zealand’s celebrated cuisine and wine along with the convivial company of fellow passengers.
- Stroll through the quiet forests of Ulva Bird Sanctuary on Stewart Island to spot New Zealand’s iconic birds, including the Stewart Island weka, South Island saddleback, yellow-and red-crowned parakeet (kakariki) and rifleman (New Zealand’s smallest bird).
- Explore Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage site with 14 fiords carved by glaciers over thousands of years. Our voyage visits the iconic Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds where you can witness the iconic seal colonies.
- Visit the historic Astronomers Point boardwalk where James Cook set up a temporary observatory in 1773 and encounter the fur seals of Luncheon Cove.
- Cruise into Doubtful Sound, past the Nee Islets and through ‘the Gut’ and outer seal colonies where you may spot fur seals lounging on the rocks and pods of dolphins.
- Set sail to Solander Island, a trio of uninhabited volcanic islets with rare wildlife, ferns, orchids, and birds such as fernbirds, snipe, and white-fronted terns.
We have multiple departure dates for this cruise. Select a year and month to view itineraries for alternative departure dates.
Coral Adventurer
Operated by: Coral Expeditions
Considered the 'world's most technologically-advanced tropical expedition ship', Coral Adventurer accommodates a maximum of just 120 guests in 60 spacious staterooms and suites, more than half featuring a private balcony. Care has been taken with the design of the ship to preserve Coral Expeditions’ traditionally relaxed and intimate onboard atmosphere. She is Australian flagged and crewed and conforms to the highest standards of build quality, operational redundancy, environmental compliance, and safety. Design features include spacious communal areas, a light-filled lecture room, open seat dining room, open bridge policy and a flexible fleet of excursion tenders that allow access to even the most hard to reach locations.
Coral Adventurer joins the Coral Expeditions fleet exploring the Kimberley region, Cape York and Arnhem Land (The Top of Australia), Papua New Guinea, the Spice Islands, Indonesia and the South Pacific.
Key Facts
Your cruise price includes:
- Accommodation in selected room grade aboard Coral Adventurer
- All meals
- House beer and wine during lunch and dinner service
- 24 hour soft drinks, tea and barista-style coffee
- Captain’s welcome and farewell drinks
- Access to islands, marine and national parks
- Guided tours on Xplorer expedition vessel and zodiacs
- Touring as described in each itinerary
- Services of expedition staff and lecturers including briefings and knowledge-sharing sessions
- Port taxes and government charges imposed by government authorities
- Tipping not required on board
- Included access to standard Wi-Fi aboard the ship - premium package available for purchase.
Your cruise price does not include:
- Pre and post flights, transfers and hotels
- Entry visas/travel permits
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended - ask us for a quote today)
- Items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone communications and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases.
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Please note: This cruise is sold in AUD
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations visited and activities on offer. While every effort will be made to follow this itinerary the Captain and Expedition Leader do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.
By completing this booking request you acknowledge that you have read and accept Expedition Cruise Specialists' and Coral Expeditions' terms and conditions.
Single travellers are accommodated in Coral and Promenade deck staterooms upon payment of a 50% single supplement. All other staterooms require a 100% supplement.