_%C2%A9_m._harvey.jpg "Discover Marlborough Sounds")
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Marlborough Sounds with the "Discover Marlborough Sounds" tour. This sailing adventure takes you through the tranquil waterways of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, offering a unique opportunity to explore the picturesque landscapes and rich history of the region. Visit French Pass and d'Urville Island, and walk a section of the renowned Queen Charlotte Walkway. Experience the thrill of spotting rare bird species on Blumine Island and enjoy dolphin and New Zealand Fur Seal sightings around d'Urville Island. Learn about the area's whaling history at Tory Channel and enjoy the comfort of on-board ship accommodation with all meals included. With expert naturalist guides and house drinks provided, this tour promises a relaxing and immersive experience in one of New Zealand's most beautiful regions. Transfers to and from the cruise are included, ensuring a seamless and memorable adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Blenheim
Location: Blenheim, Picton, Queen Charlotte Sound
Accommodation Name: Heritage Explorer
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 we set sail along Queen Charlotte Sound this afternoon. ***Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in reverse.*** ...more ...less
Days 2 to 3: Queen Charlotte Sound
Location: Queen Charlotte Sound, Ship Cove, Blumine Island
Accommodation Name: Heritage Explorer
First sighted in 1642 by Abel Janszoon Tasman while seeking shelter for his ships Heemskerck and Zeehaen from a storm near d’Urville Island, it was Captain James Cook who would first set foot here aboard the Endeavour during his five visits to Ship Cove, his New Zealand base between 1770 and 1777, in what he would call Queen Charlotte Sound. We spend two full days exploring the waterways and islands of scenic Queen Charlotte Sound with opportunities to head ashore and walk a section of the Queen Charlotte Walkway as well as search for birdlife on the predator-free islands. A visit to Tory Channel brings the whaling history of the Perano Whalers to life. We also plan to visit Ship Cove and learn of its history, exploring the region and visiting Captain Cook’s memorial inaugurated in 1913.Another conservation success story, Blumine Island has seen the translocation of several rare bird species including the once widespread Orange-fronted Parakeet, now New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, which were translocated to the island between 2011 and 2012. Also thriving on the island are South Island Saddleback, brought back from the brink of extinction last century from just 36 birds rescued in 1964, descendants of these birds were translocated to Blumine Island in 2009.
Day 4: d’Urville island
Location: French Pass, d'Urville Island
Accommodation Name: Heritage Explorer
Today we sail through the iconic French Pass and the wake of French Explorer Dumont d’Urville and then explore the island named in his honour. The outermost island in the Marlborough Sounds, d’Urville Island features imposing sea cliffs along its west coast, a high mountainous backbone and the fastest moving tidal flows in New Zealand between the French Pass tempered by some of the country’s finest peninsula scenery.Dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals are frequently seen in the waters surrounding the island and it was here that Pelorus Jack, the endearing Risso’s Dolphin who famously stole the nation’s heart, guided ships through these waters between 1888 and 1912.
Days 5 to 6: Pelorus Sound
Location: Pelorus Sound, Ngawhakawhiti Bay, Nydia Bay
Accommodation Name: Heritage Explorer
Meals Included: Breakfast
The largest in the Marlborough Sounds, Pelorus Sound’s main channel winds some picturesque 55 kilometres south between steep verdant hills from Cook Strait to Havelock. Boasting 380 kilometres of shoreline, the endless bays and sheltered coves of Pelorus Sound are perfect for exploration.Venturing into Pelorus Sound we head to Ngawhakawhiti Bay where nature surrounds us and it’s possible to get a glimpse of what the sounds would have been like before the native forest was cleared. The more active can enjoy the walking part of the Nydia Track before we explore Nydia Bay. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner and celebrate our adventures.
Day 7: Blenheim
Location: Pelorus Sound, Havelock, Blenheim
We arrive into the inner reaches of Pelorous Sound this morning. After a final breakfast and farewells, a Zodiac tender takes you ashore at Havelock where a transfer to a central Blenheim drop off point or the airport waits. In case of unexpected delays we ask you not to book any onward travel from Blenheim until after midday today.
Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in reverse. During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.
Ship Details
Heritage Explorer
Ship Overview
New Zealand-built expedition yacht Heritage Explorer joins Heritage Expedition's small ship fleet creating new opportunities of discovery around the shores of New Zealand. Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience with a maximum of just 18 guests on board.
Heritage Explorer is a 30-metre, 4-deck New Zealand flagged vessel built in 2004 by the renowned wooden boat building family Carey's Boatyard in Picton. It features a contemporary wood-finished interior, 10 well-appointed cabins across three decks, dining room boasting spectacular 180-degree panoramas and theatre capabilities; lounge and bar featuring a flight of inclusive regional New Zealand wines and beers; and a well-stocked local library.
Outside, guests can enjoy plenty of covered space on the Bridge Deck, perfect for wildlife spotting, sunrises and sunsets, or simply enjoying watch your voyage unfold. Kayaks and fishing equipment are available for use during the voyage, while two tenders allow for deeper exploration and the unforgettable wildlife encounters synonymous with all Heritage Expeditions adventures.
As with our other vessels, Heritage Explorer has an open bridge policy and a full commercial kitchen helmed by a talented chef focused on highlighting local produce and any guest catches of the day, as well as an enthusiastic and passionate expedition team, and will be shipped by a New Zealand captain and crew.
The expedition yacht features state-of-the-art technology to provide a comfortable expedition with high performance dual Scania 653 horsepower engines, bow thrusters, fin stabilisers, full air-conditioning, sound attenuated twin generators and a hydraulic aft ramp, while a comprehensive navigation package ensures the ultimate Kiwi adventure awaits all guests.
Accommodation Details
Royal: Located on the Bridge Deck, our 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.
Salvin's: 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.
Wandering: 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: 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.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
Heritage Explorer
Cabins:
10
Expedition Staff & Crew:
5
Breadth:
7.8m
Cruising Speed:
10 knots
Length:
30m
Tenders:
2
Draft:
1.93m
Guests:
18
Gross Tonnage:
76.1gt
Engine:
653 horsepower
Vessel Type:
Expedition Yacht
Deck Plans
Deck Plan
Deck Plan
What's Included
-
Landing fees
Landing fees are included in the tour package.
-
Pre and post cruise transfers
Transfers before and after the cruise are included.
-
On board ship accommodation with meals and shore excursions
All on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities are included.
What's Not Included
-
Personal items
All items of a personal nature are not included.
-
Laundry
Laundry services are not included.
-
Domestic flights
Domestic flights are not included.
-
Extensions and travel insurance
Extensions and travel insurance are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transfers to and from the cruise are provided, along with on-board ship transportation as you explore the scenic waterways and islands of Marlborough Sounds.Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable on-board ship accommodation with all meals included, ensuring a relaxing and immersive experience throughout your journey.Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals, and rare bird species such as the Orange-fronted Parakeet and South Island Saddleback on Blumine Island.
-
Are meals included during the tour?
Yes, all meals are included during the tour as part of the on-board ship accommodation.
-
What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?
The tour provides comfortable on-board ship accommodation, ensuring a relaxing and immersive experience throughout the journey.
-
Will there be any guided tours or expert guides available during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the services of expert on-board naturalist guides who will provide insights and information throughout the journey.
-
What is the significance of Ship Cove in the itinerary?
Ship Cove is significant as it was Captain James Cook's New Zealand base during his visits between 1770 and 1777. The tour includes a visit to Ship Cove to explore its history and visit Captain Cook's memorial.
-
What activities are available on d’Urville Island?
On d’Urville Island, you can explore the island's scenic landscapes, including its imposing sea cliffs and mountainous backbone. The waters around the island are also known for sightings of dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals.
-
What is the historical significance of Tory Channel?
Tory Channel is historically significant for its whaling history, particularly related to the Perano Whalers. The tour includes a visit to Tory Channel to learn about this aspect of New Zealand's history.
-
What fitness level is required?
Guests are required to have a reasonable level of fitness in order to participate in landings. While not strenuous, travellers who participate on excursions must be able to climb a ship-side gangway, get in and out of Zodiacs and be able to stand unaided. Each landing and excursion caters to all fitness levels ranging from easy to challenging, ultimately each guest is able to decide how active or relaxing their voyage is.
-
Is any clothing included?
Thermally-insulated Muck Boots are provided for use on all our Southern Ocean voyages while guests travelling to the Ross Sea are supplied with an Antarctic grade jacket during their time in Antarctica.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies
-
Is there a doctor on board?
Yes, on Heritage Adventurer there is an on board doctor with a small infirmary and on many voyages a First Responder will travel with guests on excursions. Heritage Explorer does not have a doctor on board, however our crew are trained in first aid.
-
Are drinks included?
Yes, house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on all Heritage Expeditions voyages. Complimentary drinks can also be enjoyed during special events on board while bar purchases can also be charged to your stateroom.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Travelling with Heritage Expeditions is to travel responsibly. As biologists and ornithologists, we are intimately aware of the many issues that confront animals and their habitats, the world's oceans and isolated ethnic groups. We also take action: we actively contribute to the conservation of the places we visit in several ways; we 'buy local' and employ locally; we make sure that travellers are respectful of local customs and traditions; and we dispose of waste responsibly.
-
Is there a gym on board?
Yes, Heritage Adventurer has a gym, pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and Spa on Deck 7. While there is no gym on Heritage Explorer, guests have plenty of opportunity to stretch their legs on shore or take the kayaks out, weather permitting.
-
What is the onboard currency?
Heritage Adventurer operates in US$ while Heritage Explorer is NZ$.
-
Does a single supplement apply?
Heritage Adventurer has 20 dedicated single cabins (12 x Main Deck Single Staterooms on Deck 3 and 8 x Superior Single Staterooms on Deck 5). Heritage Adventurer also has the option of guests sharing in our Main Deck Triple (Deck 3) and Superior Triple (Deck 5) Staterooms. There may also be the option to share a Deck 4 or Deck 5 Superior Stateroom with another solo-travelling guest of the same gender. Heritage Explorer has 2 dedicated single cabins, Wandering, and if these are booked there may be availability to book a Salvin’s Twin/Double or Buller’s as a single at 1.8 times the published per person rate.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985.
-
Is there Wi-Fi on board?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi available on both ships. Heritage Adventurer has a connection via satellite and vouchers can be purchased from reception. Wi-Fi is included on Heritage Explorer.
-
Are all excursions included?
Yes, all standard excursions are included in the voyage cost. All you will need to pay for on board is anything of a personal nature, laundry, drinks and gratuities.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Heritage Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of heritage expeditions charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Discover Marlborough Sounds
7 Days Starting and ending in Blenheim, New Zealand
Visiting: Blenheim, Picton, Queen Charlotte Sound, Ship Cove, Blumine Island, Tory Channel, French Pass, d'Urville Island, Pelorus Sound, Ngawhakawhiti Bay, Nydia Bay, Havelock ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
Heritage ExplorerGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
Age range:
18-99
