*Cruise Departs 4th November 2024. Bookings must be made by 27 October 2024.
Accommodation Details
Wandering Cabin (Solo Cabin)
Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, private en suite and a porthole.
Buller's Cabin (Twin Share)
Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller's cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, private en suite and a porthole.
Salvin's Cabin - Twin or Double (Twin Share)
Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin's cabins have the option of either a double bed or two lower berths. Both feature ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, private en suite and a picture porthole.
Royal Suite (Twin Share)
Located on the Bridge Deck, the Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck.
Inclusions
Landing fees
Pre/post cruise transfers
All on board ship accommodation
Gourmet meals
House drinks - house wine, beer, cider and soft drinks (Additional drinks package can be purchased at time of booking, payable direct to merchant)
All expedition shore excursions
ITINERARY
Day 1: Blenheim
Make your way to the designated meeting point in Blenheim for your transfer to Heritage Explorer in Picton (times and meeting point will be confirmed with your voyage documents). The captain and expedition team will be waiting to welcome you aboard Heritage Explorer and show you to your cabin. You will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself on board then join fellow travellers and your expedition team as you set sail along Queen Charlotte Sound this afternoon.
Day 2: Ship Cove & Tory Channel
Explore Tory Channel where the skeletal remains of the Perano Whaling Station provides a reminder of the region’s early whaling history and perhaps follow in their footsteps up to the lookout on Arapawa Island where epic views across the channel can be enjoyed. You can also plan to visit Ship Cove to explore the region and learn of its history visiting Captain Cook’s memorial inaugurated in 1913 and perhaps walking through ancient, native bush to Ship Cove Waterfall.
Day 3: Queen Charlotte Walkway
Today, look to explore sections of New Zealand’s famed Queen Charlotte Walkway, once a network of pioneer day bridle paths. One of the country’s most diverse coastal tracks, you will make several stops to experience its peerless coastal views, native bush, historic bays, endless skyline ridges and unsurpassed views of the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
Days 4: Motuara & Blumine Islands
Explore the rarely-visited island sanctuaries of Motuara and Blumine Islands. Fascinating history abounds on Blumine Island where WWII military ruins await exploration, native species flourish and stunning views combine along the Oruawairua Track of this former Pilot and Signal Station Reserve, sheep farm and now scenic reserve. On Motuara Island journey along the scenic loop track flanked by native bush and accompanied by the soundtrack of flourishing birdlife to the island’s summit for spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding islands.
Day 5: Blenheim
Sailing into Picton this morning, enjoy a final breakfast and farewells before you are transferred to a central Blenheim drop-off point or the airport.
About Heritage Expeditions:
Ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world’s best-kept secrets. For more than 35 years, Heritage Expeditions has pioneered conservation-driven small ship expedition cruises to some of the most wild, least-explored and biologically rich regions on the planet including Antarctica, Japan & SE Asian islands, South Pacific, Australia's Kimberley Coast and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, Fiordland and Stewart Island, and now Marlborough Sounds, Abel Tasman, Bay of Islands and the Hauraki Gulf. Whether you’re a birder, photographer, wildlife enthusiast, conservationist, or simply an adventurous spirit, these expeditions offer an unparalleled travel experience.
