Undiscovered Dusky Sound:

Cruising Remote Fiordland

Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland
20% off selected departures

DAYS 5 / SHIP Heritage Explorer

DEPARTURES 16 Sep 2024 / 22 Jan 2025 / 26 Jan 2025 / 30 Jan 2025 / 28 Feb 2025 / 4 Mar 2025 / 31 Jul 2025

PLACES VISITED

PRICES FROM $3,150 $2,520 USD (More Rates)

Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland on an unforgettable voyage cruising Acheron Passage, Breaksea and Dusky Sounds with New Zealand's pioneering small ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions.

Starting and concluding with a thrilling, scenic helicopterflight between Te Anau and Supper Cove, our 5-day voyage sees us exploring the sheltered waters, hidden coves, islands and astounding scenery of World Heritage Area Dusky Sound, one of Fiordland's largest fiords some 40-kilometres long and studded with more than 350 islands. Only accessible by sea, Dusky Sound is among the most isolated areas on New Zealand's mainland.

Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. However, it is this isolation that has ensured the pristine, epic beauty remains unspoiled and historic sites undisturbed.

Rightly famous for its epic, grand scale scenery, untamed wilderness and unique wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals, Fiordland is also rich in natural history, geology and the location of several historical New Zealand firsts and important restoration and conservation projects which we plan to visit. Our luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer is perfect for navigating Fiordland's narrow waterways, fiords and island clusters off limits to larger vessels. We will also use our two tenders to explore further and make landings, visit historic sites and enjoy a range of walks. On board you will also find kayaks to explore at your leisure and fishing gear to perhaps catch the evening meal.

Discover the calm waters of Dusky Sound in solitudeand explore some of the most unique and wild parts of Fiordland on this bucket list voyage.

Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland on an unforgettable voyage cruising Acheron Passage, Breaksea and Dusky Sounds with New Zealand's pioneering small ship expedition cruise company Heritage Expeditions.

Starting and concluding with a thrilling, scenic helicopterflight between Te Anau and Supper Cove, our 5-day voyage sees us exploring the sheltered waters, hidden coves, islands and astounding scenery of World Heritage Area Dusky Sound, one of Fiordland's largest fiords some 40-kilometres long and studded with more than 350 islands. Only accessible by sea, Dusky Sound is among the most isolated areas on New Zealand's mainland.

Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. However, it is this isolation that has ensured the pristine, epic beauty remains unspoiled and historic sites undisturbed.

Rightly famous for its epic, grand scale scenery, untamed wilderness and unique wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals, Fiordland is also rich in natural history, geology and the location of several historical New Zealand firsts and important restoration and conservation projects which we plan to visit. Our luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer is perfect for navigating Fiordland's narrow waterways, fiords and island clusters off limits to larger vessels. We will also use our two tenders to explore further and make landings, visit historic sites and enjoy a range of walks. On board you will also find kayaks to explore at your leisure and fishing gear to perhaps catch the evening meal.

Discover the calm waters of Dusky Sound in solitudeand explore some of the most unique and wild parts of Fiordland on this bucket list voyage.

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ITINERARY
Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland
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Day 1: Te Anau/Supper Cove
Meet with your fellow expeditioners in Te Anau then take in the grand views and awe-inspiring scenery as you enjoy a spectacular helicopter transfer to Supper Cove at the very head of Dusky Sound (times and meeting point will be confirmed with your voyage documents). Your captain and expedition leader will be waiting to welcome you aboard Heritage Explorer and show you to your cabin. Settle into life on board before we set sail alongside Cooper, Long and Indian Islands before finding a suitable anchorage to enjoy your first evening aboard.
Day 2 & 3: Dusky Sound
After a quiet night aboard surrounded by the nature and wilderness of Fiordland we continue our explorations among some of the most majestic scenery in New Zealand. We have two days to explore, discover and experience the rich history, wilderness, wildlife and grand scale scenery of Fiordland’s iconic Dusky Sound. Our voyage will see us visiting and exploring some of the most significant historical and conservation sites in New Zealand as well as marvelling at the grand scale scenery as we sail deep into the heart of Fiordland. During our time here we plan to walk in the footsteps of Captain Cook and astronomer William Wales at Astronomer’s Point, the site of a temporary observatory in Pickersgill Harbour, where New Zealand became the most accurately located place on the globe when the Resolution was moored here in 1773. Our explorations also expect to visit predator-free Anchor Island, home to half of the world’s population of Kakapo and Little Spotted Kiwi, and location of historic Luncheon Cove and a number of New Zealand firsts including New Zealand’s first sealing gang, the building of New Zealand’s first European homestead and first European designed ship, the 16-metre Providence built here and launched in 1795. On nearby Pigeon Island we will learn about the history of Richard Henry and his pioneering live transfer of birds to island refuges – an international first in wildlife conservation. While his attempts were unsuccessful due to stoats swimming over to the island, it is heartening to learn the island is now pest-free and a sanctuary for native birdlife, with Henry’s vision fulfilled.
Day 4: Breaksea Sound & Acheron Passage
A navigation through Acheron Passage today, which separates Resolution Island from the mainland, is sure to be one of the highlights of our time in Fiordland. This iconic scenic waterway is an area where the resident Bottlenose Dolphins are often spotted. Our explorations here may include venturing into Wet Jacket Arm where the crew of Cook’s Resolution ended up with wet jackets during their survey work. It is also the sight where moose were released, and last seen, in New Zealand. The extensive sheltered waters of scenic Breaksea Sound, initially scouted for sheep farming suitability by early settlers in the 1850s is also the location of Breaksea Island, an iconic site in New Zealand conservation history as one of the first large islands declared rat-free in 1988 and now home to many endangered species. This afternoon you might like to try your luck fishing for tonight’s dinner, or take the kayaks for a shoreline exploration.
Day 5: Supper Cove/Te Anau
This morning Heritage Explorer returns to Supper Cove where we enjoy a last opportunity to bask in the majesty of the fiords during breakfast before boarding your scenic helicopter transfer back to Te Anau. In case of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any onward travel from Te Anau until after 1pm.

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

16 Sep 2024 22 Jan 2025 26 Jan 2025 30 Jan 2025 28 Feb 2025 4 Mar 2025 31 Jul 2025

Undiscovered Dusky Sound - 16 Sep 2024 to 20 Sep 2024 - Heritage Explorer

Cruising Remote Fiordland

Dusky Sound → Dusky Sound

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $3,150 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. Limited
Salvin's Twin image Salvin's Twin $3,495 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 $3,495 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 $3,675 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 $4,230 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 helicopter transfer, all on board ship accommondation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

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

Undiscovered Dusky Sound - 22 Jan 2025 to 26 Jan 2025 - Heritage Explorer

Cruising Remote Fiordland

Dusky Sound → Dusky Sound

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $3,150 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 $3,495 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 $3,495 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 $3,675 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 $4,230 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 helicopter transfer, all on board ship accommondation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

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

Undiscovered Dusky Sound - 26 Jan 2025 to 30 Jan 2025 - Heritage Explorer

Cruising Remote Fiordland

Dusky Sound → Dusky Sound

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $3,150 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 $3,495 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 $3,495 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 $3,675 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 $4,230 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 helicopter transfer, all on board ship accommondation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

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

Undiscovered Dusky Sound - 30 Jan 2025 to 3 Feb 2025 - Heritage Explorer

Cruising Remote Fiordland

Dusky Sound → Dusky Sound

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $3,150 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 $3,495 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 $3,495 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 $3,675 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 $4,230 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 helicopter transfer, all on board ship accommondation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

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

Undiscovered Dusky Sound - 28 Feb 2025 to 4 Mar 2025 - Heritage Explorer

Cruising Remote Fiordland

Dusky Sound → Dusky Sound

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $3,150 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 $3,495 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 $3,495 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 $3,675 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 $4,230 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 helicopter transfer, all on board ship accommondation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

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

Undiscovered Dusky Sound - 4 Mar 2025 to 8 Mar 2025 - Heritage Explorer

Cruising Remote Fiordland

Dusky Sound → Dusky Sound

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $3,150 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 $3,495 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 $3,495 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 $3,675 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 $4,230 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 helicopter transfer, all on board ship accommondation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.

Excludes:

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

Undiscovered Dusky Sound - 31 Jul 2025 to 4 Aug 2025 - Heritage Explorer

Cruising Remote Fiordland

Dusky Sound → Dusky Sound

20% off selected departures

Cabin Category Price Per Person Description Availability
Buller's image Buller's $3,150 $2,520 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 $3,495 $2,796 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 $3,495 $2,796 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 $3,675 $2,940 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 $4,230 $3,384 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 30 September 2024 and SAVE 20% on Fiordland winter departures

T&C's apply, new bookings only made on Heritage Explorer Fiordland voyages departing July - September 2025, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Includes:

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

Excludes:

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

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