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Ultimate New Zealand Cruise, Top of the South

Ultimate New Zealand Cruise, Top of the South

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Description

Enjoy a personal cruising experience that offers so much in the way of scenery, isolation and relaxation, exploring hidden bays and coves, seeing more of the land, islands and seascape. Cruise into the late afternoon finding sheltered peaceful anchorages, adventuring to new and exciting locations each day having the opportunity to go ashore and discover the beautiful flora and fauna.

Trip Name
Ultimate New Zealand Cruise, Top of the South
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Passenger Capacity: 16 The vessel Affinity was purpose-built in Picton by Carey’s Boatyard for the type of cruising that she does. Affinity has 8 guest cabins, a comfortable lounge for dining and relaxing, and a spacious deck. Affinity Features: Accommodation is onboard the vessel in 8 cabins (twin share — bed and bunk or double bed). If you are a sole passenger and require a cabin to yourself, our single supplement is available. All cruises are fully catered and all linen is supplied. 3 bathrooms facilities on the main deck — separate ladie's and men’s — with a good supply of hot water. Air conditioning for summer and central heating for winter. Spacious vessel both inside and out, including a comfortable lounge area. Lots of interesting books to read, as well as a few board games. Easy access both on and off the vessel, with platform steps at the stern of the vessel. 4-metre inflatable tender for shore excursions and for use when divers are in the water. Use of gumboots for on deck and going ashore. First aid certificates held by crew members, plus an oxygen cylinder onboard. Vessel complies with all safety regulations and holds all appropriate licences.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 1 - 11 Cruising Top of the South
Your adventure starts from Wellington Domestic Airport with a fantastic scenic flight over the Marlborough Sounds to Golden Bay.You will go to Anatoki – a salmon farm with a difference, where you are able to catch your own salmon in their man-made ponds and eat your catch, this is a great activity for the young and the old, the fisherman and the non-fisherman. Enjoy a wonderful day excursion; to Pupu Springs – New Zealand’s largest springs, renowned for their beauty and water clarity.Join a Farewell Spit Tour with a local operator to the lighthouse, the South Islands northernmost point – home of a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance.Sit back, relax and cruise the scenic waterways of the captivating Abel Tasman National Park. This area is well known for its golden beaches, sculptured cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track.Kick your shoes off and walk along the beautiful sandy beaches of Golden Bay or take a swim in the pristine waters of this extraordinary area of New Zealand.Cruise along the inside of Farewell Spit and see it from a unique perspective. The spit is around 35km long and access is more strictly protected than a national park, so cruising this area on Affinity is an amazing way to view this secluded coastline.Cruise through all 3 Sounds – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus which makes up the Marlborough Sounds. You will experience something different when visiting each one, whether it is the species of fish, history or incredible scenery.Go ashore at d’Urville Island and indulge in a wholesome dinner at The Wilderness Resort Café.Cast your rod for Blue Cod, Snapper and other species. There’s nothing like eating fresh fish caught by your own hands.Travel through the exciting waters of French Pass and take a walk through the village up to the lighthouse which was first built in the late 1880’s.Walk sections of the award-winning Queen Charlotte Track, including a section of the track from Portage to Te Mahia, which features regenerated native bush with Giant Rimu, Nikau, Beech trees and tree ferns.We will visit a salmon farm and explain the process of salmon farming and also visit a King Shag colony. The King Shag can only be found in this remote part of NZ.Hear the story of the Russian Cruise Liner ‘Mikhail Lermontov’ and see the area where she now lies at the bottom of the sea.Visit Motuara Island – a Bird Sanctuary Island where Robins, Tuis, Kiwis, Bellbirds, Kakariki and Saddleback live. Hear the birdsong and look out for the rare South Island Saddleback as you walk along.Go ashore at Ship Cove where English explorer Captain James Cook made his home in the early 1770’s. Here you will find information panels explaining early Maori occupation and a monument to honour Captain Cook.
Day 2 - Please Note:
All walks are optional, you may wish to stay on board and relax or there may be a shorter walk option that would suit you better. Please understand you are responsible for your own safety and actions during these unguided walks.Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Enjoy a wonderful day excursion; to Pupu Springs – New Zealand’s largest springs, renowned for their beauty and water clarity.
    • Join a Farewell Spit Tour with a local operator to the lighthouse, the South Islands northernmost point – home of a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance.
    • Sit back, relax and cruise the scenic waterways of the captivating Abel Tasman National Park. This area is well known for its golden beaches, sculptured cliffs, and world-famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
    • Kick your shoes off and walk along the beautiful sandy beaches of Golden Bay or take a swim in the pristine waters of this extraordinary area of New Zealand.
    • Cruise along the inside of Farewell Spit and see it from a unique perspective. The spit is around 35km long and access is more strictly protected than a national park, so cruising this area on Affinity is an amazing way to view this secluded coastline.

Map