Marlborough Sounds Cruise

Make your way to the designated meeting point in Blenheim for your transfer to the ship in Picton (times and meeting point will be confirmed with your voyage documents). The captain and expedition team will be waiting to welcome you aboard and show you to your cabin. You will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself on board then join fellow travelers and your expedition team as you set sail along Queen Charlotte Sound this afternoon.

Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in reverse.

Queen Charlotte Sound was 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.

Spend 2 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. Also plan to visit Ship Cove and learn of its history, exploring the region and visiting Captain Cook’s memorial inaugurated in 1913.

Another conservation success story, Blumine Island has seen the translocation of several rare bird species including the once widespread orange-fronted parakeet, now New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, which were translocated to the island between 2011 and 2012. Also thriving on the island are South Island Saddleback, brought back from the brink of extinction last century from just 36 birds rescued in 1964, descendants of these birds were translocated to Blumine Island in 2009.

Today, sail through the iconic French Pass and the wake of French Explorer Dumont d’Urville, and then explore the island named in his honor. The outermost island in the Marlborough Sounds, d’Urville Island 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.

The largest in the Marlborough Sounds, Pelorus Sound’s main channel winds some picturesque 34 miles (55km) south between steep verdant hills from Cook Strait to Havelock. Boasting 236 miles (380km) of shoreline, the endless bays and sheltered coves of Pelorus Sound are perfect for exploration. Venturing into Pelorus Sound, 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 you explore Nydia Bay. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner and celebrate your adventures.

Arrive into the inner reaches of Pelorous Sound this morning. After a final breakfast and farewells, a Zodiac tender takes you ashore at Havelock where a transfer to a central Blenheim drop-off point or the airport awaits.

Make your way to the designated meeting point in Nelson for your transfer to the ship (times and meeting point will be confirmed with your voyage documents). The captain and expedition team will be waiting to welcome you aboard and show you to your cabin. You will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself on board, then join the captain on the bridge or fellow travelers on deck as you set sail along Abel Tasman National Park this afternoon.

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 you 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.

The park is named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, officially recognized as the first European to discover New Zealand in 1642.  He anchored at Whariwharangi Bay, near Wainui Inlet to the north of what is now Abel Tasman National Park. 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 2,625-foot (800m) 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.

Depending on the weather and tides, you 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.

The largest in the Marlborough Sounds, Pelorus Sound’s main channel winds some picturesque 34 miles (55km) south between steep verdant hills from Cook Strait to Havelock. Boasting 236 miles (380km) of shoreline, the endless bays and sheltered coves of Pelorus Sound are perfect for exploration. Venturing into Pelorus Sound, 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 you explore Nydia Bay.

Queen Charlotte Sound was 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.

Spend 2 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. Also plan to visit Ship Cove and learn of its history, exploring the region and visiting Captain Cook’s memorial inaugurated in 1913.

Sailing into Picton this morning, enjoy a final breakfast and farewells before you are transferred to a central Blenheim drop-off point or the airport.

Make your way to the designated meeting point in Blenheim for your transfer to the ship in Picton (times and meeting point will be confirmed with your voyage documents). The captain and expedition team will be waiting to welcome you aboard the ship and show you to your cabin. You will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself on board then join fellow travelers and your expedition team as you set sail along Queen Charlotte Sound this afternoon.

You have 3 full days to explore the waterways, islands, walkways and tracks of scenic Queen Charlotte Sound. Queen Charlotte Sound was 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.

Today plan to explore Tory Channel, where the skeletal remains of the Perano Whaling Station provides a reminder of the region’s early whaling history. Perhaps follow in the footsteps of early whalers, up to the lookout on Arapawa Island where epic views across the channel can be enjoyed. Also plan to visit Ship Cove to explore the region and learn of its history, visiting Captain Cook’s memorial inaugurated in 1913 and perhaps walking through ancient, native bush to Ship Cove Waterfall.

A true expedition day, today look to explore sections of New Zealand’s famed Queen Charlotte Walkway, once a network of pioneer day bridle paths. Make several stops to experience one of the country’s most diverse coastal tracks with its peerless coastal views, native bush, historic bays, endless skyline ridges and unsurpassed views of the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Set your own pace with opportunities for drop offs and pick ups at various bays. Enjoy shorter walks and lunch on board, or collect a packed lunch and spend the day immersed in nature.

Conservation and exploration go hand in hand today as you explore the rarely-visited island sanctuaries of Motuara and Blumine Islands. Fascinating history abounds on Blumine Island, where WWII military ruins await exploration, native species flourish and stunning views combine along the Oruawairua Track of this former Pilot and Signal Station Reserve, sheep farm and now scenic reserve. Several rare bird species including the once widespread orange-fronted parakeet, now New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, were translocated to the island between 2011 and 2012, which is also home to South Island saddleback, brought back from the brink of extinction last century from just 36 birds rescued in 1964. Descendants of these birds were translocated to Blumine Island in 2009.

On Motuara Island, journey along the scenic loop track flanked by native bush and accompanied by the soundtrack of flourishing birdlife, to the island’s summit for spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding islands, Cook Strait and the North Island (on a clear day). Predator-free since the early 1990s, the island is now a haven for saddleback, South Island robin, yellow-crowned parakeet and Maud Island frogs which have all been relocated here. Motuara also serves as a crèche for rowi kiwi.

Sailing into Picton this morning, enjoy a final breakfast and farewells before you are transferred to a central Blenheim drop-off point or the airport.