UNSEEN FIORDLAND, STEWART ISLAND AND THE SNARES - EXPLORING NEW ZEALAND'S REMOTE BACKYARD - Pukekohe Travel
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UNSEEN FIORDLAND,
STEWART ISLAND
AND THE SNARES
EXPLORING NEW ZEALAND’S
REMOTE BACKYARD
EXPEDITION DOSSIER
5 – 12 March 2021
© K Riedel
UNSEEN FIORDLAND, STEWART ISLAND AND THE SNARES
© S Gutowsky
© M Crouch © R Smith
wildlife hotspots from Antarctica through to, and
including, the Arctic, was realised. After departing
Bluff we set sail for Stewart Island, New Zealand’s
Milford Sound third largest island, and predator-free Ulva Island/Te
Doubtful Sound
Queenstown
Wharawhara. Rich in history and wildlife, these wild
Dusky Sound
and remote islands are home to a unique range of
Invercargill
Stewart Island
birdlife including Bellbird, Tui, Kaka, Tomtit, Rifleman,
The Snares Stewart Island Robin, Saddleback, Mohua and of
course, the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (or Southern
J
oin Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic Tokoeka). There will be opportunities to listen to
small ship expedition cruising, as we explore the native bird song and enjoy the golden sandy
New Zealand’s remote southern backyard on beaches, before taking the time to take a closer
this special 8-day voyage. Discover the time-forgot look at the history of Paterson Inlet.
rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura, Zodiac
cruise the rocky, inhospitable coast of The Snares – Rarely visited and one of New Zealand’s best kept
one of the world’s most important nature reserves, secrets, The Snares is internationally renowned as
and experience the primordial majesty of Fiordland a wildlife haven where we should see the Snares
firsthand on this unforgettable adventure. Crested Penguin, Snares Island Tomtit and Fernbird,
New Zealand Fur Seals and tree daisy forest as we
Heritage Expeditions pioneered expedition cruising Zodiac cruise its jagged coastline. As we expedition
in Fiordland more than 30 years ago. It was from cruise up the lower west side of New Zealand’s South
these first, wild Kiwi wilderness adventures the Island, we prepare for the grand scale scenery
Christchurch-based Russ family’s dream of genuine of Fiordland. Exploring these remote ice-carved
responsible tourism, which now spans some of the mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords, it is
world’s most remote and rarely visited regions and easy to see why this incredible region inspired our
W W W. H E R I TA G E - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 2 I N F O @ H E R I TA G E - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M
UNSEEN FIORDLAND, STEWART ISLAND AND THE SNARES
dream for responsible travel. In ITINERARY Days 3 – 5: Fiordland
the calm waters of Fiordland, and We have three days to explore
away from the crowds, we can Day 1: Queenstown
the incredible wilderness of fiords
expect to encounter playful New Make your way to the Hilton
in the south-west corner of the
Zealand Fur Seals, curious Dusky Queenstown Resort & Spa where
South Island. This is an area rich
Dolphins, elusive birds and enjoy we will spend the first night of
in history, majestic scenery and
endless stunning vistas. During the expedition. This evening an
abundant in wildlife. Fiordland
our time here we plan to Zodiac informal dinner at the hotel is an
was well known to local Maori
cruise glittering waterways amid excellent opportunity to meet
people, with the demi-god Tu-te-
the podocarp forest-cloaked fellow adventurers and some of
raki-whanoa being said to have
spines of Anchor and Resolution your expedition team.
used his adze, Te Hamo, to carve
Islands and the tiny islands of out the region’s fiords. Captain
Dusky Sound where orchids, Day 2: Milford Sound Cook and his crew landed here
flame-tipped Rata and clusters Today we enjoy breakfast in on HMS Resolution in 1773, they
of alpine tree daisies put on an the hotel restaurant after which were the first Europeans to visit
impressive floral display. you will be transferred to Milford Fiordland, subsequently spending
Sounds stopping at Mirror Lakes, five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook’s
On predator-free Anchor Knobs Flat and Homer Tunnel records of his discovery and maps
Island, home to half the world’s before enjoying a spectacular attracted sealers and whalers not
population of Kākāpō as well 3-hour nature cruise of Milford long after who then formed the
as Little Spotted Kiwi, we’ll walk Sound under the shadow of first European settlements of New
around Lake Kirirua, its surface mighty Mitre Peak and a visit to Zealand, historically this region is
reflecting the surrounding the Milford Sound Underwater very important and shaped the
forest, before arriving at historic Observatory. After this we will future of the country.
Luncheon Cove - a location transfer you to the ship.
of New Zealand firsts including Fiordland’s coast is only
first sealing gang, first European The captain and expedition team accessible by sea, making it
settlement and first ship built in will be waiting for your arrival at the most remote region of New
the country. Discover hidden the ship to greet you and show Zealand’s mainland. Waterfalls,
inlets, coves and beaches as we you to your cabin. You will have streams, rivers and fiords are
Zodiac cruise Sportsman Cove the opportunity to familiarise enveloped with misty veils that
and explore Cooper Island and yourself on board and there will come and go, revealing steep
experience Fiordland from above be formal introductions to the gradients of mountain peaks
with an optional helicopter team followed by safety briefings. and sheltered valleys. A rugged
extension. Discover unseen Join the captain on the bridge or terrain, the thickly forested floors
New Zealand on this iconic Kiwi fellow travellers on deck as we set are covered with ferns, lichens
adventure to rarely visited shores. sail for Doubtful and Dusky Sounds. and mosses. Bottlenose Dolphins,
© C Hill
W W W. H E R I TA G E - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 3 I N F O @ H E R I TA G E - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M
UNSEEN FIORDLAND, STEWART ISLAND AND THE SNARES
Fiordland Crested Penguins and
Little Penguins are all residents of
the fiords; during our time here
we will look out for them. Our
schedule gives us the flexibility to
visit as much as possible, areas
we plan to visit during our time
in Fiordland include Doubtful
Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron
Passage, Astronomer’s Point and
Pickersgill Harbour. During our
time in Dusky Sound there will be
the opportunity to experience
an unforgettable helicopter flight
through the Sound swooping
down alongside Cooper Island
and Cook Channel with a landing
on Mt Pender where spectacular
vistas of islands stretching into the
horizon and dotting the winding © L Gwynn
fiords can be enjoyed.
Day 7: Stewart Island to see while walking its tracks and
Day 6: The Snares — Ulva Island exploring Boulder and West End
— North East Island New Zealand’s third island is well Beaches, Post Office Bay and
Today we plan to Zodiac cruise off the usual beaten tourist track. Sydney Cove include Stewart
the craggy coastline of these It is a wonderfully tranquil place Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka,
ancient granite islands on an and with 85 per cent of the island South Island Kaka, Kereru (wood
unforgettable wildlife safari. You’ll designated national park, the pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead),
soon discover why these pristine scenery of untouched bushland is Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail,
nature reserves have been stunning. Despite its small stature Bellbird and Tui. There are many
afforded both UNESCO World on most maps, Stewart Island more species that may also
Heritage status and the highest has 700-kilometres of coastline be seen, our knowledgeable
level of government protection so there is much to explore and expedition guides will be listening
as we explore sea caves and experience here. for bird calls and keeping a close
observe wildlife in spectacular watch in overhead canopies and
numbers. Highlights include Snares Enjoy the impressive bird song the surrounding shrubs to identify
Crested Penguins navigating as we explore Ulva Island, rich further species.
the treacherous ‘Penguin Slide’, in history and wildlife, which has
New Zealand Fur Seals lazing on been predator-free since 1997. In Paterson Inlet visit the historic
jagged rocks, inquisitive Hooker’s/ Some of the wildlife you may get Norwegian whaling station in
New Zealand Sea Lions which
may approach our Zodiacs
and looking for endemic Snares
Fernbirds and Tomtits among the
large tree daisy forests. Sooty
Shearwaters are often seen in
incredible numbers rafting on the
water and Buller’s Albatross have
also been observed nesting and
soaring above these priceless
ecosystems.
© Heritage Expeditions
W W W. H E R I TA G E - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 4 I N F O @ H E R I TA G E - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M
UNSEEN FIORDLAND, STEWART ISLAND AND THE SNARES
DATES
Voyage #SOE2190
5 – 12 March 2021
PRICES
Heritage Suite NZ$8,450 pp
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double
bed and a single bed in the lounge, writing desk,
wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with
shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side
facing windows allow great views.
Mini Suite NZ$7,495 pp
Separate bedroom with a double bed and a single
bed or sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe
and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet
and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.
Superior Plus NZ$6,995 pp
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and
drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and
washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Superior NZ$6,495 pp
One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing
desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with
shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have
windows.
Main Deck NZ$5,495 pp
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and
© H Dohn
drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet
facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins.
These cabins have a porthole.
Prices Inlet and Kaipipi Bay, where Day 8: Invercargill
from 1923 and 1933 the Ross Sea We arrive at the Port of Bluff early Main Deck Triple NZ$4,495 pp
One bunk (one upper and one lower berth) and one
Whaling Company of Sandefjord, in the morning. After breakfast additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and
Norway ran a repair base where there will be a last minute drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet
facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins.
chaser boats were serviced in opportunity to bid farewell These cabins have a porthole.
preparation for the Antarctic to your expedition team as
summer. Discover quirky town you disembark and board our OPTIONAL CHARGE
centre Oban in Halfmoon Bay complimentary coach transfer Helicopter Excursion NZ$450 pp
where a drink with a view can be to either a central city point or
(All prices are per person in NZ$)
enjoyed at the historic and iconic to the airport. Our adventure
South Sea Hotel. ends but memories will last long PRICE INCLUDES
beyond this.
Our final plan will be determined Pre/post cruise transfers, one night hotel
accommodation in a twin share room
by the weather. The Captain and In case of unexpected delays (incl. dinner/breakfast), all on board
Expedition Leader will work hard due to weather and/or port ship accommodation with meals and all
to make the best use of our time operations we ask you not to expedition shore excursions (excluding
in this incredible region of New book any onward travel from Helicopter Excursion).
Zealand, including areas that few Invercargill until after midday.
New Zealanders have visited. The PRICE EXCLUDES
isolation of Fiordland has been During our voyage, All items of a personal nature, laundry,
beneficial because its beauty circumstances may make it drinks, gratuities and Helicopter
remains unspoiled and its historic necessary or desirable to deviate Excursion. International/domestic flights,
visas and travel insurance.
sites undisturbed. from the proposed itinerary.
This can include poor weather
On the evening of Day 7 we will and opportunities for making
enjoy a celebratory dinner with unplanned excursions. Your
newfound friends and reflect on a Expedition Leader will keep you
2190190121CC
wealth of new experiences from fully informed.
our adventure.
W W W. H E R I TA G E - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M 5 I N F O @ H E R I TA G E - E X P E D I T I O N S . C O M
© P Tyree
Heritage Suites: Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed and a single
bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower,
toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.
Mini Suites: Separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or sofa in the
lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and
washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.
Superior Plus Cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers.
Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
*Cabin 411 has a double bed with upper bunk.
Superior Cabins: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe
and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins
have windows.
Main Deck Cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private
washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins.
These cabins have a porthole.
Main Deck Triple: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth) and one additional lower
berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and
toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.
Freephone: 0800 945 3327 (within NZ) 1800 107 715 (within Australia)
Antarctic House, 53B Montreal Street, P.O. Box 7218, Christchurch 8240, New Zealand.
Tel +64 3 365 1355 info@wildearth-travel.com www.wildearth-travel.com
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