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Grand Tour New Zealand Cruise

Grand Tour New Zealand Cruise

From $ 9,700 AUD

Description

Experience more… spend 9-nights aboard the Fiordland Jewel

With 1.2 million hectares of UNESCO World Heritage-listed National Park to be explored, our 9-night Grand Tour provides the full Fiordland experience. Relax aboard the Fiordland Jewel and take in the incredible coastlines and fiords of Te Wahipounamu as we delve deep into this unique landscape, journeying from Milford Sound to Doubtful and Dusky Sounds plus Chalky and Preservation Inlets, visiting inlets, basins, beaches and islands along the way.

The plan is to visit all 14 fiords carved by glaciers some 20,000 years ago. Each day will bring new, breathtaking views, from cascading waterfalls and deep coves to wildlife and bird watching. The enriching experiences available over our journey include short wilderness walks and opportunities to take to the water aboard one of our kayaks, or even pull in a feed of fresh fish.

Sleep easy in one of our nine climate-controlled cabins, all of which have sea views and private ensuites. Meals are prepared to an exceptional standard by our on-board chef. On a clear night, relax in the top-deck hot tub and experience the night sky unblemished by light pollution.

Trip Name
Grand Tour New Zealand Cruise
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Catamaran Length: 24 metres Passenger Capacity: 18-20 The Fiordland Jewel is a 24m, three-deck catamaran with a high quality 5-star marine fit-out. Our Milford Sound Overnight Cruise sleeps 20 passengers a night and on our Fiordland and Stewart Island private charters and our small group scenic boat expeditions we cater to a maximum of 18 passengers in nine climate-controlled cabins, each with their own ensuite bathroom. Features: Helicopter pad. Top-deck hot tub. Cabin information: 1 x Governor Cabin. At the top of the boat all by itself with its own full width forward window and large side windows. Super-King double bed, the ensuite has a separate shower and toilet. 4 x Captain Cook Cabins. All on the main deck all with sea views. Super-King double bed, each ensuite has a separate shower and toilet. 2 x Endeavour Cabins. Both on the main deck both with sea views. King single beds, each ensuite has a separate shower and toilet. 2 x Resolution Cabins. Both on the main deck both with sea views. 2 single bunks single beds, each ensuite has a combined shower and toilet.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1
Your adventure will start in Manapouri in the morning with a leisurely scenic van transfer into Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, with short stops along the way for photo opportunities and to take in the views. You will board the Fiordland Jewel in Milford Sound in the afternoon.After meeting the crew and settling into your cabins you can relax and absorb the magnificent beauty of this fiord as we explore this steep and narrow, glacially-carved valley which runs 16 kilometres to the Tasman Sea. View famous cascading waterfalls which rival some of the world’s tallest and are at their most spectacular on rainy days.Cruise past Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, the world-renowned Mitre Peak, Mt Pembroke, Bridal Veil Falls plus Fairy Falls then we venture up the north side of the fiord past Dale Point, the Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, Seal Rock, Stirling Falls, The Lion and the Cascade Range. After cruising, we will anchor at Deepwater Basin for the night.
Day 2 - DAY 2-8
At some stage, depending on the weather, we head down the coast and spend the next few days exploring Bligh, George, Caswell and Thompson Sounds before arriving in Doubtful Sound to discover the untouched wilderness of its winding sea inlets.At some stage, again depending on the weather, we head south further down the coast to Dusky Sound where we will cruise amongst the various islands, coves and passages, visiting many historically significant sites such as: Luncheon Cove, Anchor Point, Pigeon Island and Resolution Island.From here we will cruise further south to Chalky and Preservation Inlet where we will cruise and take in spectacular land features such as Cascade basin, a magnificent waterfall that plunges into Long Sound. There may be the opportunity to get ashore for a beach walk to stretch your legs or to visit more historical sites and perhaps walk to Puysegur Point, the most isolated lighthouse in New Zealand.We may do activities such as:Viewing incredible wildlife - keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals, on rare occasions we may encounter whalesSpot birds such as the rare and captivating Fiordland crested penguin, New Zealand falcons, white-faced herons, white herons, cattle egrets, a variety of shags and the common black-backed gull. On our short sea passages we frequently see Albatross including the Royal Albatross which has the longest wingspan in the world.Short walks in Dusky Sound, Chalky and Preservation InletsSome fishing to catch a feed, if you wish to do soKayaking and tender boat excursionsStargazing on clear evenings as the unpolluted sky is full of stars and our top deck is the perfect viewing platform, perhaps one night you will be able to do this whilst relaxing in our top-deck hot tub!
Day 3 - DAY 9
Watch the sunrise over a continental breakfast while waiting for your helicopter to arrive on board for your scenic transfer back to Te Anau in the morning.Of course, the weather is central to a Fiordland experience, so the itinerary of your cruise may differ depending on the conditions on the day. The above sample itinerary is from Milford Sound ending in Dusky Sound/Preservation Inlet and Dusky Sound/Preservation Inlet to Milford Sound is in reverse.
Day 4 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Viewing incredible wildlife
    • keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins and fur seals, on rare occasions we may encounter whales
    • Spot birds such as the rare and captivating Fiordland crested penguin, New Zealand falcons, white-faced herons, white herons, cattle egrets, a variety of shags and the common black-backed gull. On our short sea passages we frequently see Albatross including the Royal Albatross which has the longest wingspan in the world.
    • Short walks in Dusky Sound, Chalky and Preservation Inlets
    • Some fishing to catch a feed, if you wish to do so
    • Kayaking and tender boat excursions
    • Stargazing on clear evenings as the unpolluted sky is full of stars and our top deck is the perfect viewing platform, perhaps one night you will be able to do this whilst relaxing in our top-deck hot tub!

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