Beyond Fiordland: New Zealand's Wildest Islands 20% Advantage

This expedition takes you to the remote south of New Zealand and combines the unspoilt landscapes of Fiordland National Park with the wildlife-rich subantarctic island groups south of the South Island. The route passes through protected natural areas, isolated coastlines and seldom-visited islands known for their significant seabird colonies, endemic species and distinctive vegetation, which may only be accessed as part of an approved expedition programme. On board a vessel purpose-built for expedition cruising, as well as during Zodiac cruises and guided landings, you will gain close insights into this region and experience its wildlife and landscapes at first hand. Accompanying lectures and briefings by the expedition team provide background information on ecology, history and the natural environment. The schedule and activities are subject to weather conditions and official regulations and may be adjusted accordingly.

Itinerary: Beyond Fiordland: New Zealand's Wildest Islands

Day 1: Invercargill or Queenstown
You arrive at the designated meeting point in either Invercargill or Queenstown and spend the first night in a hotel. In the evening there is an informal gathering where you meet your fellow travellers and members of the expedition team.


All pictures of this partner

Day 2: Port of Bluff and Embarkation
After breakfast you travel to the Port of Bluff, where you board the Heritage Adventurer. Safety and orientation briefings take place before departure. Once the ship has sailed, you may already encounter characteristic seabirds such as albatrosses, petrels, shags and penguins along the southern coast.

Day 3: At Sea towards Campbell Island
During the crossing of the Southern Ocean, the expedition team prepares you for the days ahead and introduces the flora and fauna of the region. Pelagic seabirds, including various species of albatross and petrel, may be observed en route.

Day 4: Campbell Island
Today you explore Campbell Island, New Zealand’s southernmost subantarctic island, with remnants of earlier human activity and opportunities for wildlife observation. Formerly inhabited, the island is now free of introduced mammals, allowing many bird species and the characteristic subantarctic vegetation to recover. Guided walks offer the chance to see species such as the Campbell Island Flightless Teal and breeding albatrosses.

Day 5: Auckland Islands – Carnley Harbour
You reach Carnley Harbour in the southern part of the Auckland Islands. Depending on weather conditions, you may go ashore and choose between different activities, such as a walk to South West Cape to observe a colony of shy albatrosses (mollymawks) or a Zodiac cruise along the coast of Adams Island. The area has a rich natural and human history, including shipwreck sites and the remains of former settlements.

Day 6: Auckland Islands – Enderby Island
At Enderby Island you land to observe the local fauna. Possible sightings include New Zealand sea lions (Hooker’s sea lions), various seabird species and the yellow-eyed penguin. Walks and short hikes are accompanied by the expedition team to introduce both birdlife and plant communities.

Day 7: The Snares
You arrive at The Snares, consisting of one main island and several smaller islets. Landings are not permitted; instead, the programme includes a Zodiac cruise along the sheltered eastern coast, where you may observe Snares crested penguins, Snares tomtits and other bird species.

Day 8: Stewart Island – Ulva Island & Paterson Inlet
Stewart Island, and particularly nearby Ulva Island, are known for predator-free forests that support numerous endemic birds. Landings allow you to look for species such as the Stewart Island robin, kererū (New Zealand pigeon) and the southern brown kiwi. You also visit historical sites and beaches around Paterson Inlet.

Days 9–11: Fiordland National Park
Over the next three days you explore Fiordland National Park, a large and largely undeveloped region in the south-west of the South Island. Zodiacs are used to navigate waterways, fjords and coastlines. Possible destinations include Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound, as well as other narrow inlets. From the ship or Zodiac you may observe seals, penguins and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The programme remains flexible depending on weather conditions.

Day 12: Return to Invercargill or Queenstown
In the morning the Heritage Adventurer returns to Port of Bluff. After breakfast, the expedition concludes with a coach transfer to Invercargill or Queenstown. Owing to the remote location and potential weather delays, onward travel should be planned accordingly.

Additional Information: The subantarctic islands visited during this expedition are strictly protected nature reserves where landings take place only with official permission and in accordance with management regulations. Landings on The Snares are not permitted; observations are conducted exclusively by Zodiac. Through fees, permits and operational procedures, the expedition contributes to the protection of these ecosystems and cooperates with local conservation programmes and authorities.

All meals are included on board the expedition vessel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are freshly prepared, and house beer, wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. A water, tea and coffee station is available 24 hours a day. The ship offers library and lounge areas used for lectures, wildlife observation and other informative activities during the crossings. Landings, Zodiac cruises and wildlife observation are accompanied by experienced guides who provide background information on local flora, fauna, geology and history. Activities and timings are subject to weather, safety considerations and official regulations and may be adjusted as required.
Included Services:
- Transfers before and after the cruise between hotel/airport and the port of Bluff, including a complimentary transfer to Invercargill or Queenstown airports at the end of the voyage
- One hotel night prior to embarkation in Invercargill (twin share), including dinner and breakfast
- Accommodation on board the Heritage Adventurer in the booked cabin category
- All meals on board (breakfast, lunch and dinner), freshly prepared
- House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- 24-hour water, tea and coffee station
- Guided landings and Zodiac cruises according to the expedition programme
- Expedition excursions in Fiordland National Park and on the Auckland Islands, The Snares and Campbell Island
- Services of an experienced expedition team and naturalist guides during all activities
- Lectures, briefings and educational presentations
- Safety briefings and ship orientation
- All required landing and permit fees for the areas visited
- Informal meet-and-greet with the expedition team and fellow travellers prior to departure

Not Included:
- International or domestic flights
- Travel and accident insurance
- Personal expenses
- Laundry service
- Drinks outside meal times
- Gratuities
- Optional activities such as helicopter flights
Show all dates