Auckland to Milford Sound Expedition Cruise
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Discover New Zealand’s stunning coastal landscape and bounty of sea life on a cruise from Auckland to Queenstown. Along the way, you’ll stop off at small seaside towns, go whale watching, cruise the fjords, and explore Milford Sound, the most beautiful spot in the country.
This 13-day New Zealand vacation takes you on a cruise from Auckland to Queenstown, taking in Milford Sound along the way. It features first-class accommodations on board a cruise vessel, shared tours, and is a great journey for nature lovers.
Your voyage begins in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. There, you’ll board the Coral Discoverer, the cruise vessel that’ll be your home over the next 12 nights. Carrying a maximum of 72 passengers, the Coral Discoverer is small enough to access the inland waterways of New Zealand, but large enough to deliver an exceptional level of comfort. Begin your journey down the east coast of the North Island. First stop is White Island/Whakaari in the Bay of Plenty, where you’ll head on a guided hike to the crater of an active volcano. Continue to Gisborne, where you’ll get in touch with New Zealand’s Maori heritage at the Kapa Haka cultural show. In Napier, you’ll explore a city defined by its Art Deco style and accessibility to the wine region of Hawke’s Bay.
Cross the Cook Strait and enter the Marlborough Sounds, the beautiful series of waterways on the north end of the South Island. You’ll spend two days cruising through these waterways to admire the green landscape and deep-blue waters. Reach Kaikoura and spend a day whale watching out on the water. Not only do you have a good chance of seeing massive sperm whales, but you’ll also likely see dolphins and fur seals on the rocky platforms in the waves. In Akaroa, you can go swimming with the rare Hector’s Dolphins and stroll through the village to learn about its English and French colonial history.
Continue to Dunedin, where you’ll anchor in Otago Harbour and explore the city, from the posh art galleries to the famous botanical gardens. You’ll also admire the Victorian and Edwardian architecture that defines the city. Continue down the coast to Stewart Island, the most southerly part of New Zealand. This island is almost completely uninhabited and has an incredible amount of wildlife, including native birds like kiwis and wekas.
On the final leg of your journey, you’ll enter Fiordland National Park to explore the world-famous waterways of New Zealand’s South Island. In Dusky Sound, pass along sheer cliff faces and inlets. Continue to Thompson Sound to discover hidden channels teeming with wildlife. You’ll then reach the apex of your journey at Milford Sound, the most beautiful fjord in New Zealand. Cruise along the fjord and gaze up at Mitre Peak, the most photographed sight in the country. After savouring the incredible natural setting, you’ll head to Queenstown to disembark and end your journey.
This cruise makes for a great addition to a longer journey through New Zealand.
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Itinerary View Trip Map
Auckland
Coral Discoverer in Auckland at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure.
| Duration | 12 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Coral Discoverer |
-
Coral Discoverer
Built for comfort and safety, the Coral Discoverer provides the luxury and convenience of larger cruise ships, yet with just 72 passengers, is small enough access sites beyond the reach of larger vessels. The Coral Discoverer features plenty of open deck space and air-conditioned lounge …
Built for comfort and safety, the Coral Discoverer provides the luxury and convenience of larger cruise ships, yet with just 72 passengers, is small enough access sites beyond the reach of larger vessels. The Coral Discoverer features plenty of open deck space and air-conditioned lounge areas for guest comfort. There are outdoor and indoor bars and single-seating dining indoors. Its 2016 refurbishment has brought on board amenities to an even higher level -- the Sun Deck is a new social space and hub of on board community, underneath of which is a covered deck area complete with round bar, a sundeck with lounges and an area for outdoor exercise equipment. Our captain welcomes you on the bridge to observe ship operations and have a friendly chat. Coral Discoverer excursions are made on board the specially-designed excursion vessel 'Xplorer', and a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs.
Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Bar
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Facilities (Surcharge)
- Library
- Lounge
- Scuba Diving
- Spa/Jacuzzi
- Sundeck
- WiFi
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
White Island
Enjoy a guided walk to the crater of this active volcano, and see the build-up of gas and steam escaping from the earth.
Gisborne
Gisborne was the first European landing place in New Zealand. At a small marae, experience a Maori welcome, and Kapa Haka cultural show.
Napier
View the famous art deco architecture of this east coast city.
Marlborough Sounds
Spend two days exploring the spectacular waterways including the fjord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Enjoy a multitude of interpreted explorations.
Marlborough Sounds
Spend two days exploring the spectacular waterways including the fjord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Enjoy a multitude of interpreted explorations.
Kaikoura
Join a special whale-watching cruise to view the giant Sperm Whale in its natural environment, along with fur seals and dolphins.
Akaroa
Discover the French history of this scenic village. Optional activities include swimming with the rare Hector's Dolphin (optional extra).
Dunedin
Cruise Otago Harbour, before visiting Dunedin. Spend the day exploring all that the city has to offer, including its beautiful architecture, art galleries, and botanical gardens.
Stewart Island
Stewart Island is almost totally wilderness, and home to vast numbers of seals, birds and other wildlife. A guided walk discovers native birds such as the weka, tui, and kiwi.
Dusky Sound
We enter Fiordland National Park at the dramatic Dusky Sound. Cruise among the sheer cliffs and explore the inlets.
Doubtful Sound to Thompson Sound
Explore Fiordland's most spectacular waterway, as we cruise through a maze of hidden channels, home to myriad wildlife.
Milford Sound to Quenstown
Cruise the length of Milford Sound and view iconic Mitre Peak, towering some 1600 feet.
Disembark at 8:00am before coach transfers to Queenstown.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: Jan7; Dec 23
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 12 nights' on board accommodation
- Captain's Welcome and Farewell Drinks
- Showcase wines, selected beers, juices and soft drinks with lunch and dinner service
- Daily lectures and briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities
- Guided adventure touring and walks
- Group transfers during the cruise
- All meals, morning and afternoon teas
- Guided tours on purpose built expedition vessel "Xplorer"
- Use of snorkelling equipment, inc masks, snorkel and fins
- 24 hour tea/coffee station
- Coach transfer from Milford Sound to Queenstown or Queenstown to Milford Sound (to join flights/ship)
- Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not specifcally indicated
- Items of a personal nature
- Arrival and departure transfers
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
23 Dec 2023
