South Island and Fiordlands of New Zealand - From Bluff to Wellington

Your journey begins in Queenstown, where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and expedition team at QT Queenstown (formerly Rydges Lakeside) at 10:30am for check-in and a warm welcome, with tea, coffee and morning tea. From here, we will travel south to Bluff – the southernmost settlement on New Zealand’s mainland and gateway to Stewart Island. Alternatively, bluff pickup can be arranged. Please speak to our reservations team for more information.

You’ll board Coral Adventurer in the afternoon and settle in before setting sail along the rugged southern coastline. This evening, enjoy Captain’s welcome drinks and take in views of Stirling Point, marking the start of your journey.

Today we will celebrate Christmas and Boxing Day exploring the remote wilderness of Tamatea/Dusky Sound, first sighted by Captain Cook in 1770. With sheer cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, and a dense rainforest reflected in glassy waters, this vast fiord offers spectacular scenery and a rich history. Join our expedition team for zodiac and Xplorer trips to hidden inlets and wildlife colonies, with opportunities to spot fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins, dolphins, and native birdlife. We will then land at Astronomer’s Point, where Cook’s crew once charted the stars. Take part in guided walks, waterfall viewing, kayaking, and a cold-water swim to uncover the true remoteness of this region.

On Christmas evening, we’ll come together to celebrate the beginning of our journey with a festive dinner.

Wake to the silence of Patea, where this deep, long and narrow inlet, with cliffs, has been formed by glacial erosion over millions of years. We are currently in one of New Zealand’s most pristine environments. Cruise past the outer Seal Islands and spot dolphins, fur seals, and possibly the elusive Fiordland crested penguin or join a guided hike between Deas Cove and Neck Cove and take polar plunge in the cool, clear and shallow waters.

Spend two days exploring Stewart Island/Rakiura, a haven of native bush, rare wildlife, and quiet charm.

Explore Ulva Island, where you might spot a kiwi, bush robins and saddlebacks in their natural habitat. Enjoy guided walks on the Rakiura Track – one of New Zealand’s Great Walks – or visit the remains of a Norwegian whaling station. There’s time to discover the island’s only township, Oban, with its quirky arts scene, community-run theatre, and friendly locals.

Optional Extra: Enjoy a scenic flight with an expert pilot taking in the views of Rakiura National Park, the Ruggedy Ranges and a landing on the golden sands of Mason’s Bay.

Today, we arrive in Dunedin, a city shaped by both Scottish heritage and Māori culture. With its grand stone architecture, botanical gardens, and steep hills, it offers a glimpse into New Zealand’s colonial past. Throughout the day, guests will experience Dunedin’s unique blend of culture and history on a guided tour. During free time, explore at your own pace, perhaps visit the local art gallery, grab a bite at a local cafe or simply take in the scenery.

Nestled in an ancient volcanic crater, Akaroa is New Zealand’s only French settlement, retaining its charming European character. Cottages and street names nod to its French heritage, while the harbour teems with marine life. Take a scenic harbour cruise to spot Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, sea bird colonies and potentially the endangered Little Penguin.

Framed by the snow-capped Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, the town of Kaikōura is globally renowned for its whale watching and marine encounters. Once a whaling centre, today Kaikōura is a model for eco-tourism and sustainable wildlife conservation. Join a local operator for a guided whale-watching tour, with the chance to see sperm whales, dolphins, and even blue whales. On shore, take a walk along the scenic Kaikōura Peninsula. This evening, we celebrate the journey so far with festivities on board.

We conclude our voyage in the tranquil waters of the Marlborough Sounds, a network of sunken river valleys cloaked in native bush. Anchor at historic Ship Cove (Meretoto), where Captain Cook spent more than 170 days during his Pacific voyages. Learn about the site’s significance through storyboards and interpretation on shore before choosing between two activities: a guided walk along the scenic Queen Charlotte Track from Ship Cove to Resolution Bay, or birdwatching on predator-free Motuara Island. This final day blends nature, history, and the serenity of New Zealand’s northernmost sounds.

This morning farewell Coral Adventurer, crew, and new-found friends as we disembark at 8:00am. An included post-cruise transfer to the airport or CBD will be available.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.