The Top of the South:

Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds

The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
20% off selected departures

DAYS 9 / SHIP Heritage Explorer

DEPARTURES 14 Apr 2025 / 22 Apr 2025 / 11 Nov 2025 / 1 May 2026 / 9 May 2026 / 4 Nov 2026 / 12 Nov 2026

PLACES VISITED

PRICES FROM $4,930 $3,944 USD (More Rates)

Explore the hidden coves, beaches, tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of the top of New Zealand’s South Island on this unforgettable 9-day expedition cruise. This unique voyage of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d’Urville Island, and Abel Tasman National Park offers an unparalleled exploration of the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife, gold sand beaches 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 predator-free wildlife sanctuaries.

Just 500 treacherous metres from the mainland, d’Urville Island was named after French admiral Jules Sebastien 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 conservation reserve, it 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 species of rare birds and geckos. This expedition also includes an exploration of the beautiful maritime landscape of Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest national park, its waters home to New Zealand Fur Seals and Little Blue Penguins.

Explore the hidden coves, beaches, tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of the top of New Zealand’s South Island on this unforgettable 9-day expedition cruise. This unique voyage of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d’Urville Island, and Abel Tasman National Park offers an unparalleled exploration of the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife, gold sand beaches 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 predator-free wildlife sanctuaries.

Just 500 treacherous metres from the mainland, d’Urville Island was named after French admiral Jules Sebastien 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 conservation reserve, it 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 species of rare birds and geckos. This expedition also includes an exploration of the beautiful maritime landscape of Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest national park, its waters home to New Zealand Fur Seals and Little Blue Penguins.

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ITINERARY
The Top of the South: Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds
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Day 1: Nelson
Make your way to the designated meeting point in Nelson for your transfer to Heritage Explorer (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 Abel Tasman National Park this afternoon. ***Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in reverse.***
Day 2: Abel Tasman National Park
New Zealand’s smallest national park, Abel Tasman National Park is a wilderness reserve where hills cloaked in regenerating native forest flanked by impressive granite formations meet sandy beaches and crystalline streams cascade through mossy valleys en route to the sea. There is much to experience and enjoy here as we expedition cruise this scenic coastline. Depending on the weather there will be opportunities to kayak secluded inlets and shores, walk among the forest, swim and explore beaches. Named after the Dutch explorer officially recognised as the first European to discover New Zealand in 1642, Abel Tasman anchored at Whariwharangi Bay, near Wainui Inlet to the north of what is now Abel Tasman National Park, on 18 December. More recently, in 2016 New Zealanders famously banded together to buy a stretch of sand now known as ‘New Zealand Beach’ at Awaroa Bay through a crowdfunding campaign, gifting the 800-metre beach to Abel Tasman National Park for all to enjoy. Several sustainability initiatives are working together to restore and revive the native plants, birds and wildlife in the park including Project Janszoon, a privately funded trust set up to restore the park’s ecosystems which takes its name from Tasman’s middle name. Project Janszoon is aiming to complete the restoration in time for the 400th anniversary of Tasman’s visit and the park’s 100th anniversary in 2042.
Days 3 & 4: d’Urville island
Depending on the weather and tides we will venture to the seldom visited northern coast of d’Urville Island, either through French Pass or via Stephens Island. The outermost island in the Marlborough Sounds, d’Urville Island is named after French Explorer Dumont d’Urville and 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 surrounding the island and it was here that Pelorus Jack, the endearing Risso’s Dolphin who famously stole the nation’s heart, guided ships through these waters between 1888 and 1912.
Days 5 & 6: Pelorus Sound
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.
Days 7 & 8: Queen Charlotte Sound
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 Track 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.
Day 9: Blenheim
Sailing into Picton this morning we enjoy a final breakfast and farewells before you are transferred to a central Blenheim drop off point or the airport. In case of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any onward travel from Blenheim until after midday. Note: Some itineraries operate 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. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.

Our ship: Heritage Explorer

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 …

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Pricing

14 Apr 2025 22 Apr 2025 11 Nov 2025 1 May 2026 9 May 2026 4 Nov 2026 12 Nov 2026

The Top of the South - 14 Apr 2025 to 22 Apr 2025 - Heritage Explorer

Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds

Picton → Nelson

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $4,695 USD 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. Available
Salvin's Twin image Salvin's Twin $5,260 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Waitlisted
Salvin's Double image Salvin's Double $5,260 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Available
Wandering image Wandering $5,535 USD 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. Available
Royal image Royal $6,495 USD 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. Waitlisted
Includes:

Landing fees, pre and post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.

The Top of the South - 22 Apr 2025 to 30 Apr 2025 - Heritage Explorer

Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds

Nelson → Picton

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $4,695 USD 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. Waitlisted
Salvin's Double image Salvin's Double $5,260 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Waitlisted
Salvin's Twin image Salvin's Twin $5,260 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Waitlisted
Wandering image Wandering $5,535 USD 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. Waitlisted
Royal image Royal $6,495 USD 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. Waitlisted
Includes:

Landing fees, pre and post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.

The Top of the South - 11 Nov 2025 to 19 Nov 2025 - Heritage Explorer

Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds

Picton → Nelson

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $4,695 USD 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. Available
Salvin's Double image Salvin's Double $5,260 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Available
Salvin's Twin image Salvin's Twin $5,260 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Available
Wandering image Wandering $5,535 USD 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. Available
Royal image Royal $6,495 USD 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. Available
Includes:

Landing fees, pre and post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.

The Top of the South - 1 May 2026 to 9 May 2026 - Heritage Explorer

Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds

Picton → Nelson

20% off selected departures

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $4,930 $3,944 USD 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. Available
Salvin's Twin image Salvin's Twin $5,525 $4,420 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Available
Salvin's Double image Salvin's Double $5,525 $4,420 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Available
Wandering image Wandering $5,795 $4,636 USD 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. Available
Royal image Royal $6,820 $5,456 USD 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. Available
20% off selected departures

Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on The Top of the South voyages departing in May 2026.

T&C's apply, new bookings, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Includes:

Landing fees, pre and post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.

The Top of the South - 9 May 2026 to 17 May 2026 - Heritage Explorer

Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds

Nelson → Picton

20% off selected departures

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $4,930 $3,944 USD 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. Available
Salvin's Double image Salvin's Double $5,525 $4,420 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Available
Salvin's Twin image Salvin's Twin $5,525 $4,420 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Available
Wandering image Wandering $5,795 $4,636 USD 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. Available
Royal image Royal $6,820 $5,456 USD 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. Available
20% off selected departures

Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on The Top of the South voyages departing in May 2026.

T&C's apply, new bookings, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Includes:

Landing fees, pre and post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.

The Top of the South - 4 Nov 2026 to 12 Nov 2026 - Heritage Explorer

Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds

Picton → Nelson

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $4,930 USD 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. Available
Salvin's Twin image Salvin's Twin $5,525 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Available
Salvin's Double image Salvin's Double $5,525 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Available
Wandering image Wandering $5,795 USD 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. Available
Royal image Royal $6,820 USD 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. Available
Includes:

Landing fees, pre and post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.

The Top of the South - 12 Nov 2026 to 20 Nov 2026 - Heritage Explorer

Explorations Beyond Marlborough Sounds

Nelson → Picton

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $4,930 USD 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. Available
Salvin's Double image Salvin's Double $5,525 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Available
Salvin's Twin image Salvin's Twin $5,525 USD Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. Available
Wandering image Wandering $5,795 USD 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. Available
Royal image Royal $6,820 USD 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. Available
Includes:

Landing fees, pre and post cruise transfers, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks and expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, extensions and travel insurance.

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