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New Zealand Fiordland National Park – Southern Cruise

New Zealand Fiordland National Park – Southern Cruise

From NZD $9,950

Description

These are incredible voyages through the New Zealand Fiordland National Park. With like-minded travellers, we share a world class scenery seldom visited that will often take your breath away. All the while enjoying fine gourmet dinners under the stars, the discovery of stunning beauty while paddling a kayak on the fiords, wander unexplored foreshores or simply relax on deck enjoying cocktails as you take in these outstanding world heritage site surroundings inside Fiordland.

Trip Name
New Zealand Fiordland National Park - Southern Cruise
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Yacht  Passenger Capacity: 18 Onboard STARDUST we silently convert salt water to make 8 tons of pure fresh water per day, endlessly recycle waste water to a level above 99% purity before harmlessly discharging this overboard away from the coast, discretely recharge numerous working batteries from an array of solar panels above the bridge, neatly compact our rubbish to minute proportions and generally do as much as we possibly can to leave a minimal footprint of our activity. Every square inch of this ship has been carefully designed to provide the utmost pleasure for our guests who are accommodated in hand crafted comfort and style. When many companies are cramming crew into smaller spaces, we continue to provide generous cabins for our crew with comfortable relaxing areas. We stand in the knowledge that our onboard team is one of our most valuable assets. Since the beginning, ship designers have turned to mother nature for technical and structural inspiration. STARDUST incorporates beautiful hull design to offer smooth sailing and also dramatically enhance your cruising experience. Axillary power comes in the form of two super quiet, highly efficient generators. Very low decibels, zero vibration together with frugal consumption ensures the correct combination for our whisper quiet onboard cruising experiences. We invite you to come along with us and enjoy the unique experience that is Island Escape Cruises. LIFE ONBOARD Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel totally exclusive, STARDUST is beautifully designed and decorated in a classical modern theme. The spacious lounge, dining room and aft deck define our ship. Bi-fold doors allow the opportunity to expand and integrate the dining and saloon area into the open wide aft-deck to create an alfresco entertaining area of an enormous almost 130 square metres. Those wishing to keep up with the world beyond our intimate destinations will appreciate wireless internet, i-pod docking stations and satellite telephones on the bridge for regional and international calls. The helicopter pad is located on the upper deck to avoid disturbance to guests during helicopter operations. There is a further panoramic viewing area on this deck complete with seating and sun beds. Two 7-metre aluminium landing craft are each equipped for 8 guests. Snorkel and fishing equipment, twin and single kayaks and standup paddle boards are carried onboard. Officers and crew are professionally trained to ensure your safety and comfort. Our housekeeping crew aim to present the ship as if you are the first guests ever to step on board. ACTIVITES  We have carefully designed a wide range of interesting activities and attractions, both in the water and on the land that are included in our cruise packages. Travellers today demand the creature comforts and service that they deserve while fully expecting a cruise experience to offer rewarding memories to last a lifetime - to be there, to touch and feel and reserve the experience that only a few can share - all being within our child-free all-inclusive dream-cruiser experience. We have selected the absolute best of the New Zealand and South Pacific activities for your enjoyment, entertainment and of course amusement. During each trip, our officers and crew are on hand to share their knowledge of the ocean and the local activities. Our landing craft are designed to provide fast and efficient guest transport to and from the ship and is well suited for exploring the local bays, islands, and lagoons. GOURMET ONBOARD Relaxation, exceptional food and award winning wines are an essential part of your cruise. Fresh sea air not only clears your mind, it makes you hungry. Select wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks, bottled water, teas and coffees are included in your cruise fare. Our chefs are dedicated to ensure that every meal be magnificent. Local seafood, maybe even some that you caught yourself, is featured daily. You’ll enjoy locally sourced specialities and even have an opportunity to accompany the chef ashore to the local markets. The best quality lamb, poultry and beef, fresh produce and award winning cheeses, all presented by our chefs with a European flair. Our on-board wine cellar is brimming with a selection of award winning wines from Europe, Australia and New Zealand. We welcome the opportunity of presenting our guests with a delicious Pacific inspired dining experience. *** Photos & deck plans will be available soon ***

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 - QUEENSTOWN
On arrival in Queenstown please make your own way to the Heritage Hotel where we have booked your room for you. You have time enough to fall in love with this fabulous alpine village. Dinner at one of the many restaurants beside the lake is just one of the numerous options available in this beautiful town.
Day 2 - DAY 2 - TE ANAU / FIORDLAND
We collect you at 8am for a private charter coach to Lake Te Anau. You are free to explore the town before the helicopters depart for your 20-minute scenic flight that will have you landing on the ship's helideck in Doubtful Sound. We acquaint you with the crew, the ship and safety systems before starting our cruise through world-famous Doubtful Sound to our anchorage for the evening.
Day 3 - DAY 3 - DAGG SOUND
Wake to the aroma of a hearty breakfast as we get to know one another and delve into the Fiordland early history. We explore Dagg Sound and move south to arrive at Pickersgill Harbour where a history and orientation talk is given over lunch. The focus for the day is to understand the work and impact of Captain Cook with a contrasting return to the present. We accompany passengers ashore in Pickersgill for a short walk to explore of the area. Captain Cook careened the ‘Resolution’ here in 1773 and much evidence still exists of his crews work in this bay. This is also adjacent to Astronomers Point where Cook completed valuable and historical navigational work. You may wish to accompany the Mate and assist with the task of emptying, baiting and setting the crayfish pots.
Day 4 - DAY 4 - DUSKY SOUND
We depart after breakfast for Supper Cove with visits to Cascade Cove, Cook Channel, Fanny Bay and Nine Fathom Passage.
A history talk over lunch as a lead in to planned activities. This is the beginning of the Moose story that will flow through to the next day. We do a tender trip ashore with the Chief Officer to visit the Seaforth Hut and if possible push up the Seaforth River by tender or on foot.
Day 5 - DAY 5 - DUSKY SOUND
Departing after breakfast we proceed to Sportsman’s Cove for morning tea with a history talk. The focus for the day is to complete the Moose story and look at some additional Cook history. We continue on to Wet Jacket Arm with lunch served underway and arrive off Herrick creek. The vessel will then move to anchor at Oke Island for the night.
Day 6 - DAY 6 - DUSKY SOUND
Depart for Disappointment Cove after breakfast to arrive in time for lunch. The focus for this day is on conservation and the history, impact and efforts to mitigate the impact of introduced fauna on Fiordland. After lunch the vessel will continue to Sunday Cove where over afternoon tea
the focus is on the history of the venison industry in Dusky Sound. We continue on to Third Cove in Vancouver Arm where we will spend the night.
Day 7 - DAY 7 - DUSKY SOUND
Following breakfast we explore Vancouver and Broughton arms. For those that wish the Second Officer is available to take them fishing throughout the day. A walk ashore is also available with the Guide for those wishing to explore an intertidal area and bush at a creek on the SW corner of Broughton Arm. This evening is the Captain’s farewell dinner and you have time to reflect on your adventure with the crew and fellow guests.
Day 8 - DAY 8 - DOUBTFUL / QUEENSTOWN
We return to Doubtful Sound with breakfast underway to rendezvous with the helicopters and will have you disembarking at 1pm. We expect to be at the Heritage Hotel by 5pm where your room is booked for Saturday night. The night is free to explore Queenstown, dinner at a lakeside restaurant or a local vineyard. An option is take the steamer across the lake to Walter Peak sheep station for dinner to give you a glimpse of life in the high country.
Day 9 - DAY 9 - QUEENSTOWN
Your itinerary with us concludes after breakfast. We wish you safe onward travels and look forward to welcoming you back onboard with us again soon.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-01-201913-01-2019NZD $0MIRAGE Suite
05-01-201913-01-2019NZD $0HORIZON Suite
05-01-201913-01-2019NZD $0OWNERS Suite
26-01-201903-02-2019NZD $0MIRAGE Suite
26-01-201903-02-2019NZD $0HORIZON Suite
26-01-201903-02-2019NZD $0OWNERS Suite
02-02-201910-02-2019NZD $0MIRAGE Suite
02-02-201910-02-2019NZD $0HORIZON Suite
02-02-201910-02-2019NZD $0OWNERS Suite
23-02-201903-03-2019NZD $0HORIZON Suite
23-02-201903-03-2019NZD $0OWNERS Suite
23-02-201903-03-2019NZD $0MIRAGE Suite
02-03-201910-03-2019NZD $0MIRAGE Suite
02-03-201910-03-2019NZD $0HORIZON Suite
02-03-201910-03-2019NZD $0OWNERS Suite
23-03-201931-03-2019NZD $0MIRAGE Suite
23-03-201931-03-2019NZD $0HORIZON Suite
23-03-201931-03-2019NZD $0OWNERS Suite
30-03-201907-04-2019NZD $0MIRAGE Suite
30-03-201907-04-2019NZD $0HORIZON Suite
30-03-201907-04-2019NZD $0OWNERS Suite
20-04-201928-04-2019NZD $0MIRAGE Suite
20-04-201928-04-2019NZD $0HORIZON Suite
20-04-201928-04-2019NZD $0OWNERS Suite

Inclusions

    • Enjoy return helicopter scenic transfers between Te Anau and the ship
    • Explore Dagg Sound and move south to arrive at Pickersgill Harbour
    • Visit Cascade Cove, Cook Channel, Fanny Bay and Nine Fathom Passage

Map