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Fiordland National Park – Northern Fjords

Fiordland National Park – Northern Fjords

From $6,950 NZD

Description

This 8-night cruise package allows guests the ultimate access, in safety and comfort, to the wonders of this majestic World heritage site. This is an invitation to explore the Fiordland National Park alongside ecology guides who travel with us into the heart of the region to discover the beauty of this geological mosaic.

This World Heritage Park is full of some of the world’s most magnificent scenery. Located on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, Fiordland stretches over 120 miles (200 kilometres) from Milford Sound in the north to Preservation Inlet in the south. The Park covers some 1.25 million hectares and is the largest National Park in New Zealand. It is also one of the wettest places in the world but it is this rain that contributes to the area’s beauty. Waterfalls tumble down steep mountains to the fiords and rain nourishes rich beech forest. The extraordinary Fiordland coastline and very deep branching lakes were carved out by glaciers millions of years ago. The glaciers left behind a land internationally acclaimed for its absolutely spectacular scenery, isolation and uninhabited environment which became a designated World Heritage Area in 1986.

Trip Name
Fiordland National Park - Northern Fjords
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type:  Luxury Catamaran Length:  42 metres Passenger Capacity:  22 Built:  2007 If you have traveled with the big ship cruise lines in the past, it's time to start rethinking everything you thought you knew about cruising. Furthermore if you have been avoiding cruising because you imagined it would be like traveling in a shopping mall, it's time to think again. We offer something else altogether.The ‘Island Passage’ is our beautifully appointed small ship. Her workboat exterior camouflages a stunning interior. Weighing in at almost 500 tonnes, she’s equipped to travel to inaccessible areas while delivering the highest level of passenger comfort. On board you’ll find 10 spacious en-suite cabins, a large dining room and saloon lounge, a library and generous outdoor living spaces. In the galley, our chef works with the freshest local ingredients and delicacies to create memorable meals that reflect the day’s adventures.For entertainment and exploration, Island Passage carries purpose-built landing craft, three large tenders, sea kayaks, a five-seat helicopter, fish and snorkel equipment. Never a dull moment, although lazing in a deckchair is always an acceptable option. During each journey, our eight-person crew is on hand to share their knowledge of the ocean and local landscapes.Our expedition boats are designed to provide fast and efficient transport to and from the 'Island Passage' and are well suited for exploring the local bays, islands, and rivers that are right on your doorstep. All boats are manned with guides, two-way radios and safety equipment for your peace of mind.Our fishing has no rigid daily schedule. Different areas will be covered according to what the Captain and guides believe will be best in that specific day or week. Several levels are available during the cruises to suit the novice to the more experienced angler.Onboard LuxuryWhen the ship was designed, the instructions were to provide a luxurious layout, uncrowded and comfortable for a maximum of 24 guests. This has been well achieved. You will encounter the spacious saloon and dining area on the promenade deck, a large aft teak deck with steamers chairs and ease of access to the tenders, oversized cabins and ensuites, wide side teak decks for strolling the ship and an overwhelming feeling of being onboard a small private yacht. The SuitesThe ‘Island Passage’ is perfect for a leisurely break from a hectic lifestyle. We only have accommodation onboard for 24 passengers. The ten spacious individually designed cabins, with rich timber panelling and New Zealand Kauri furniture, fitted with DVD, audio and TV, and are all air-conditioned. Most with doors opening on to the outer deck, each cabin has its own private ensuite. Our suites are amongst the largest for any ship of it's size.Expedition CabinsLocated on the main deck, our Expedition cabins give you a choice of a queen-size bed or two singles. Suites with single beds have a pullman berth for a third guest. Individual air conditioning, TV, DVD/CD, movies. Sea view from the portholes.StateroomsOn the same level as the saloon, bar and dining room, the Staterooms have large picture windows and doors opening directly onto the promenade deck. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning, TV, DVD/CD, movies, writing desk and either queen or twin single beds.Bridge Deck SuitesOffering the best views on the ship, the two Bridge Deck Suites open directly onto the teak bridge deck. Each cabin is individually air-conditioned with SKY TV, DVD/CD, movies on demand, writing desk, easy chair, super king bed and extra-large bathroom.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Queenstown
On Saturday we meet you at Queenstown Airport and transfer you to the luxury Heritage Hotel. You have enough free time to fall in love with this beautiful alpine village. A dinner at one of the many restaurants beside the lake is just one of numerous options available in this beautiful town.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Queentown/Fiordland
On Sunday, after a leisurely breakfast, Evan Patterson will collect you at 10 am with his private coach. You travel through this beautiful countryside, stopping at a cafe along the way, before arriving at Lake Te Anau. After dropping our bags feel free to explore, or relax at the nearby Moose Cafe. The helicopters depart from 2pm for a sensational 20 minute scenic flight that has you landing on the ‘Island Passage’ heli-pad in these stunning fiords. After settling into your cabin and meeting the crew you can go ashore with our guides or simply relax as you take in these sensational surroundings. Dinner is served from 7pm in the interior dining room.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Nancy/Charles Sound
Wake to the tranquility of this World Heritage National Park. After a hearty breakfast we begin the adventure with trips ashore by our onboard guide. There is so much to see and the day is as full as you desire. There are several trips ashore along with a crayfish gathering that is led by the ship's engineer. During the day we will move the ship from Nancy to Charles Sound where we will spend the evening at anchor.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Caswell Sound
We explore further in Caswell Sound where we trace the remnants of the 1905 and 1949 US-NZ Scientific Expeditions when some 18 Wapiti deer, half of which were a gift from US President Theodore Roosevelt, were released into the area to breed with NZ deer as game. Some fishing and shore excursions are planned for this afternoon with our guide to explore this sensational region in intimate detail.
Day 5 - Day 5 - George Sound
Tracking north we enter George Sound where we have access to the beautiful Alice waterfalls. Then there is the option of a hike up to the lakes above for those who are keen for the walk. Anchorage Cove is another favourite with hot water springs and try a trip up the George river. We spend the night at the head of this fiord. On clear evenings the unpolluted sky is full of stars and the top deck is your perfect viewing platform.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Bligh Sound
We leave the wonders of George Sound and head north to Bligh Sound. This gorgeous fiord is located in the heart of the wilderness region. A very steep sided fiord with a lovely anchorage at the head of the sound is where we spend the night. We have several trips ashore today with our guide to explore this wilderness.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Milford Sound
We cruise north up the coast, calling at Sutherland Sound and Poison Bay if the weather is suitable. On our short sea passages you will see many of our sea birds including albatross and there could be the possibility to see dolphins and on rare occasions whales. We enter the magnificent Milford Sound and leisurely cruise the entire length, stopping at waterfalls along the way. At our anchorage in Deepwater Basin you have the opportunity to walk the first stage of the Milford Track. We spend the last night with the most spectacular views of Milford Sound from the ship. The Captain’s farewell dinner is tonight and you have time to reflect on your adventure with fellow guests and crew.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Te Anau / Queenstown
After a hearty breakfast, we have you disembarking at 10am on Saturday. Our coach will take you on one of the best scenic routes in the world, Milford Sound to Te Anau. We make a couple of rest stops before arriving at Manapouri Airport. Here our aircraft is waiting for the scenic 25 minute flight back to Queenstown. We will have you back at the Heritage Hotel by mid-afternoon where your room is booked for Saturday night. The evening is free to explore Queenstown, dinner at a lakeside restaurant or a vineyard. Another option is to take the steamer across the lake to Walter Peak sheep station for dinner gives you a glimpse of life in the high country.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Queenstown
Sunday. On your final day we will transfer you to Queenstown Airport for your onward travel.
Day 10 - Please Note:
Itinerary is subject to change for operational reasons, the remote nature of the surroundings, weather or sea conditions and at the Captain's discretion.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-02-201819-02-2018NZD$9,950Bridge - Runaway Suite
11-02-201819-02-2018NZD$8,950Ocean - Hideaway Suite
11-02-201819-02-2018NZD$6,950Stateroom - Castaway Cabin
11-02-201819-02-2018NZD$8,950Castaway Solo Cabin
18-02-201826-02-2018NZD$9,950Bridge - Runaway Suite
18-02-201826-02-2018NZD$8,950Ocean - Hideaway Suite
18-02-201826-02-2018NZD$8,950Castaway Solo Cabin
18-02-201826-02-2018NZD$6,950Stateroom - Castaway Cabin

Inclusions

    • Fall in love with Queenstown
    • a beautiful alpine village
    • Enjoy a world class scenery seldom visited that will often take your breath away
    • Enjoy a gourmet dinner under the stars
    • Discover the stunning beauty whilst paddling a kayak on the fiord
    • Wander unexplored foreshores or simply relax on deck enjoying cocktails as you take in these visual and sensory pleasures that surround you in Fiordland

Map