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Peregrine Travel Centre

New Zealand South Island Expedition with Ponant

New Zealand South Island Expedition with Ponant

From AUD $5,192

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Description

Set sail aboard Le Soléal for an 8-day brand-new expedition cruise to discover the South Island of New Zealand between enchanting landscapes and observation of extraordinary wildlife, in one of the best-preserved environments on the planet.

Le Soléal will first set sail sail to the South West region of the South Island to discover magnificent Fiordland National Park, which is an integral part of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound or the better-known Milford Sound: you will discover these fiords shaped by successive glaciations, bordered by majestic cliffs.

Le Soléal will then set sail for the Snares Islands, one of the archipelagos of New Zealand’s Sub Antarctic Islands. These remote island outposts are collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a myriad of wildlife with many species endemic to the region and even to individual islands.

In these islands often described as the “Galapagos of the Southern Ocean”, this amazing nature can provide great experiences.

Then you will sail towards Ulva Island, one of the few predator-free sanctuaries of New Zealand and a haven for many rare species of birds and plants that are rare, or have died out, on the mainland of New Zealand.

You will then reach Dunedin, your port of disembarkation.

Trip Name
New Zealand South Island Expedition with Ponant
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 Built: 2013 Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and suites, with balconies, joined in 2013. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white. A refined ambience is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat's hull, while the central scuplture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea.  In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonomous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 DUNEDIN
Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.
Day 2 - Day 2 AT SEA
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Day 3 DUSKY SOUND
Dusky Sound is one of the most isolated fjords in Fiordland National Park. This huge, protected natural zone situated in the south-west quarter of New Zealand’s South Island is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. The sheer cliffs, waterfalls, shimmering lakes and primitive forests here are each more beautiful than the next. These spectacular landscapes sculpted by successive glaciations are a source of endless wonder. In 1773, the British navigator James Cook spent a few weeks at Dusky Sound, as demonstrated by a plaque that can be seen at Astronomer’s Point. During your sailing, observe the richness of the local wildlife: cormorants, seagulls, New Zealand fur seals, but also Fiordland crested penguins, a rare and endemic species. Weather and time permitting you may explore the Sound from our fleet of Zodiac®.
Day 4 - Day 4 DOUBTFUL SOUND
Referred to as the "Sound of Silence", there is a secluded serenity that surrounds Doubtful Sound in contrast with the better-known Milford Sound. Both are part of the Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lieutenant James Cook named 'Doubtful Harbour' in 1770 as he was uncertain if it was navigable under sail. Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords with a maximum depth of 421 m. It contains three distinct 'arms' and several outstanding waterfalls in the area from Deep Cove to the open ocean. Your ship will spend time navigating around Secretary Island through both Thompson and Doubtful Sounds. You will enjoy the spectacular scenery from the outer decks.
Day 5 - Day 5 MILFORD SOUND
Milford Sound fiord is among one of the most beautiful natural sites in New Zealand. So much beauty will quite simply take your breath away. Located on the south-west coast of South Island, in the Fiorldland National Park, this sumptuous inlet carved out by glaciers advances over at least 15 kilometres inland, in the Southern Alps. Majestic cliffs seem to surge out of the dark waters, rising several hundred metres high: an abrupt relief from where impressive waterfalls cascade.
Day 6 - Day 6 THE SNARES
Amongst the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand, the Snares have the distinction of being the only forested group without introduced mammals, not even mice. Consequently, it is a remarkable haven for wildlife. The island boasts more nesting seabirds than the entire realm of the British Isles. Over 2 million Sooty Shearwaters breed here in the summer months. Four species of Albatross are listed as breeding on the Snares along with 35,000 endemic Snares crested penguins. There are also approximately 1,000 New Zealand fur seals and 500 New Zealand sea lions. Landing on the Snares is prohibited. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the prolific wildlife from our fleet of Zodiac®.
Day 7 - Day 7 ULVA ISLAND
Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara) is the largest of 20 islands within Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, with an area of approx. 270 hectares. The island has never been logged and was declared pest free in 1997, becoming one of the few predator-free sanctuaries in New Zealand. The island is now a haven for many species of birds and plants that are rare, or have died out, on the mainland of New Zealand. Bird species regularly encountered include: the flightless Stewart Island Weka, South Island saddleback, yellowhead and Stewart Island robin. Ulva Island is not only a bird enthusiast’s paradise, it is also one of the few offshore islands with a largely undisturbed podocarp forest. Well-maintained tracks offer easy walking for most people providing a unique opportunity to see rare birds and plants at close quarters in a safe environment.
Day 8 - Day 8 DUNEDIN
Dunedin is New Zealand's oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The city contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks hinterland to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries, has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-01-202213-01-2022AUD $5,192Superior Stateroom
06-01-202213-01-2022AUD $5,670DeLuxe Stateroom
06-01-202213-01-2022AUD $6,348Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
06-01-202213-01-2022AUD $6,687Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
06-01-202213-01-2022AUD $7,096Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
06-01-202213-01-2022AUD $10,105Deluxe Suite
06-01-202213-01-2022AUD $13,861Prestige Suite - Deck 5
06-01-202213-01-2022AUD $14,609Prestige Suite - Deck 6
06-01-202213-01-2022AUD $16,861Owner’s Suite

Inclusions

    • Zodiac® outings & shore visits with your expedition team.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Fiordland National Park, Snares Islands (New Zealand's Sub Antarctic Islands).
    • Visit the ‘Sound of Silence’ and marvel at the secluded serenity.
    • Discover the Snares, a tiny group of Islands only 3.5km2 in size that boasts more nesting seabirds than the entire realm of the British Isles.
    • Landscapes: glacial fiords 100,000 years in the making, primary forests, Sub-Antarctic Islands.
    • View some of New Zealand’s rarest birdlife in their natural environment including, Albatross, Shearwaters and Snares Crested Penguins.
    • View some Marine Mammals including Fur Seals and Sea lions.
    • Gain an insight into the History, culture and the diversity of flora and fauna from your expert expedition team.

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