We will arrange a private transfer for you and other members of the expedition from your accommodation to the Strannik which will be moored in the picturesque Nelson harbour. Once you are welcomed on board, we will introduce you to our team and the vessel. You will want to be on deck as we sail out through the cut between Haulashore Island and the Boulder Bank out into Tasman Bay. We will cruise across Tasman Bay to the Astrolabe Roadstead behind Adele Island in the Abel Tasman National Park. It was here in 1827 that the French Explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville anchored and replenished his water and food supplies, and named the Island after his wife.

We continue our exploration of the Abel Tasman National Park where you will have many choices and opportunities, including short and long walks, swimming, canoeing or simply lying on the beach. We will have a couple days here before heading back across Tasman Bay to D’Urville Island where we want to spend some time visiting Port Hardy and Greville Harbour areas before transiting the iconic French Pass into Admiralty Bay. We will pause our journey at Emslie Bay to allow you to get ashore and view French Pass from the nearby lighthouse. Our goal is to spend the next few days exploring the upper reaches of Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds, searching out the history of the exploration and exploitation as well as some of the exciting conservation work that is currently being done. There will be multiple opportunities for short or long walks, or fossicking on the beaches. There is a labyrinth of water ways to explore in this ancient drowned river valley system where there are also some beautiful anchorages to enjoy. We will relocate to Queen Charlotte Sound via the outer reaches and islands of the Sounds, taking in the history and the beauty of the area. Who knows? There might be an opportunity for some fishing along the way – it all depends on the weather. Our final days of this expedition are spent in the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. There is a myriad of things to do and see here. There is Ships Cove, made famous by Captain James Cook who made multiple visits in the late 1700’s and Motuara Island, recently declared predator free and restocked with some of our countries rare native birds. There is the remains of the old whaling station near Tory Channel to explore. If you enjoy walking, there are a range of walks to choose from, including sections of the iconic Queen Charlotte track.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. We will enjoy breakfast together on board the Strannik before taking you ashore in picturesque Picton. From here you will be able to take the ferry to Wellington or the Coastal Pacific Train to Christchurch, or a coach to Blenheim airport to catch any domestic flights.