Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds
20% off selected departures
DAYS 7 / SHIP Heritage Explorer
DEPARTURES 1 May 2025 / 7 May 2025 / 17 May 2025 / 21 Nov 2025 / 27 Nov 2025 / 3 Dec 2025 / 19 Apr 2026 / 25 Apr 2026 / 17 May 2026 / 23 May 2026 / 20 Nov 2026 / 26 Nov 2026 / 2 Dec 2026 / 8 Dec 2026
PLACES VISITED
PRICES FROM $3,650 $2,920 USD (More Rates)
Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds on an unforgettable 7-day Kiwi adventure exploring Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d’Urville Island.
Famed for the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife 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 Sebastian 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 possum, rat and weasel-free conservation reserve, d’Urville Island 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 other species of rare birds and geckos.
A voyage of adventure and discovery awaits in Marlborough Sounds.
Discover the tranquil waterways, wildlife and rich history of New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds on an unforgettable 7-day Kiwi adventure exploring Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d’Urville Island.
Famed for the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife 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 Sebastian 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 possum, rat and weasel-free conservation reserve, d’Urville Island 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 other species of rare birds and geckos.
A voyage of adventure and discovery awaits in Marlborough Sounds.
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Our ship: Heritage Explorer
Pricing
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 1 May 2025 to 7 May 2025 - Heritage Explorer
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Discover Marlborough Sounds voyages departing in April & May in 2025 & 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 7 May 2025 to 13 May 2025 - Heritage Explorer
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Discover Marlborough Sounds voyages departing in April & May in 2025 & 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 17 May 2025 to 23 May 2025 - Heritage Explorer
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Discover Marlborough Sounds voyages departing in April & May in 2025 & 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 21 Nov 2025 to 27 Nov 2025 - Heritage Explorer
- 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 27 Nov 2025 to 3 Dec 2025 - Heritage Explorer
- 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 3 Dec 2025 to 9 Dec 2025 - Heritage Explorer
- 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 19 Apr 2026 to 25 Apr 2026 - Heritage Explorer
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Discover Marlborough Sounds voyages departing in April & May in 2025 & 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 25 Apr 2026 to 1 May 2026 - Heritage Explorer
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Discover Marlborough Sounds voyages departing in April & May in 2025 & 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 17 May 2026 to 23 May 2026 - Heritage Explorer
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Discover Marlborough Sounds voyages departing in April & May in 2025 & 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 23 May 2026 to 29 May 2026 - Heritage Explorer
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 28 February 2025 and SAVE 20% on all berths on Discover Marlborough Sounds voyages departing in April & May in 2025 & 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 20 Nov 2026 to 26 Nov 2026 - Heritage Explorer
- 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 26 Nov 2026 to 2 Dec 2026 - Heritage Explorer
- 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 2 Dec 2026 to 8 Dec 2026 - Heritage Explorer
- 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.
Discover Marlborough Sounds - 8 Dec 2026 to 14 Dec 2026 - Heritage Explorer
- 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.