Undiscovered Dusky Sound
Undiscovered Dusky Sound
$3295
Undiscovered Dusky Sound
5 Days Starting and ending in Te Anau, New Zealand
Visiting: Te Anau, Supper Cove, Dusky Sound, Astronomer's Point, Anchor Island, Pigeon Island, Acheron Passage, Wet Jacket Arm, Breaksea Sound, Breaksea Island
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
Heritage ExplorerGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
Age range:
18-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Undiscovered Dusky Sound" expedition, a 5-day voyage through New Zealand's breathtaking Fiordland. Begin your journey with a stunning helicopter transfer from Te Anau to Supper Cove, where you'll board the Heritage Explorer. Cruise through the majestic Acheron Passage, exploring the rich history and wildlife of Dusky Sound. Walk in the footsteps of Captain Cook at Astronomer's Point and visit predator-free Anchor Island, home to rare Kakapo and Little Spotted Kiwi. Discover the conservation success of Breaksea Island and enjoy the chance to spot Bottlenose Dolphins. With expert naturalist guides, comfortable on-board accommodation, and all meals included, this expedition offers an immersive experience into one of the world's most pristine natural environments.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Te Anau/Supper Cove
Location: Te Anau, Supper Cove, Dusky Sound
Accommodation Name: Heritage Explorer
Meet with your fellow expeditioners in Te Anau then take in the grand views and awe-inspiring scenery as you enjoy a spectacular helicopter transfer to Supper Cove at the very head of Dusky Sound (times and meeting point will be confirmed with your voyage documents). Your Captain and Expedition Leader will be waiting to welcome you aboard Heritage Explorer and show you to your cabin. Settle into life on board before we set sail alongside Cooper, Long and Indian Islands before finding a suitable anchorage to enjoy your first evening aboard.
Day 2 & 3: Dusky Sound
Location: Dusky Sound, Astronomer's Point, Anchor Island, Pigeon Island
Accommodation Name: Heritage Explorer
After a quiet night aboard surrounded by the nature and wilderness of Fiordland we continue our explorations among some of the most majestic scenery in New Zealand. We have two days to explore, discover and experience the rich history, wilderness, wildlife and grand scale scenery of Fiordland’s iconic Dusky Sound. Our voyage will see us visiting and exploring some of the most significant historical and conservation sites in New Zealand as well as marvelling at the ever-changing scenery as we sail deep into the heart of Fiordland. During our time here we plan to walk in the footsteps of Captain Cook and astronomer William Wales at Astronomer’s Point, the site of a temporary observatory in Pickersgill Harbour, where New Zealand became the most accurately located place on the globe when the HMS Resolution was moored here in 1773.Our explorations also expect to include predator-free Anchor Island, home to half of the world’s population of Kākāpō and Little Spotted Kiwi, and location of historic Luncheon Cove and a number of New Zealand firsts. These include New Zealand’s first sealing gang, the building of New Zealand’s first European homestead and first European designed ship, the 16-metre Providence built here and launched in 1795. On nearby Pigeon Island, we will learn about the history of Richard Henry and his pioneering live transfer of birds to island refuges – an international first in wildlife conservation. While his attempts were unsuccessful due to stoats swimming over to the island, it is heartening to learn the island is now pest-free and a sanctuary for native birdlife, with Henry’s vision fulfilled.
Day 4: Breaksea Sound & Acheron Passage
Location: Acheron Passage, Wet Jacket Arm, Breaksea Sound, Breaksea Island
Accommodation Name: Heritage Explorer
A navigation through Acheron Passage today, which separates Resolution Island from the mainland, is sure to be one of the highlights of our time in Fiordland. This iconic scenic waterway is an area where the resident Bottlenose Dolphins are often spotted. Our explorations here may include venturing into Wet Jacket Arm where the crew of Cook’s HMS Resolution ended up with wet jackets during their survey work. It is also the sight where moose were released, and last seen, in New Zealand. The extensive sheltered waters of scenic Breaksea Sound, initially scouted for sheep farming suitability by early settlers in the 1850s is also the location of Breaksea Island, an iconic site in New Zealand conservation history as one of the first large islands declared rat-free in 1988 and now home to many endangered species. This afternoon you might like to try your luck fishing for tonight’s dinner, or take the kayaks for a shoreline exploration.
Day 5: Supper Cove/Te Anau
Location: Supper Cove, Te Anau
Accommodation Name: Heritage Explorer
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning Heritage Explorer returns to Supper Cove where we enjoy a last opportunity to bask in the majesty of the fiords during breakfast before boarding your scenic helicopter transfer back to Te Anau. In case of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any onward travel from Te Anau until after 1pm.Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include 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
Cabins
Salvin's Double
Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole.
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, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck.
Wandering
Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, 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, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole.
Salvin's Twin
Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole.
What's Included
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Landing fees
Landing fees are included in the tour package.
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Pre and post cruise helicopter transfer
Helicopter transfers to and from Supper Cove are included.
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All on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST
All on board ship accommodation with meals, shore excursions, and activities are included, along with GST.
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House drinks
House drinks are included in the tour package.
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Expert on board naturalist guides
The tour includes expert on board naturalist guides.
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Spectacular helicopter transfers
Experience spectacular helicopter transfers to and from Supper Cove.
What's Not Included
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All items of a personal nature
Personal items are not included in the tour package.
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Laundry
Laundry services are not included.
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Domestic flights
Domestic flights are not included in the package.
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Queenstown packages
Packages for Queenstown are not included.
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Extensions and travel insurance
Extensions to the trip and travel insurance are not included.
Mode of Transport
Experience spectacular helicopter transfers to and from Supper Cove, complemented by on-board cruising through the majestic Fiordland Sounds.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable on-board ship accommodation with all meals included, ensuring a relaxing and immersive experience throughout your voyage.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife might I see during the tour?
During the tour, you may see Bottlenose Dolphins in Acheron Passage, as well as Kakapo and Little Spotted Kiwi on Anchor Island. The area is also home to many endangered species, especially on Breaksea Island, which is a significant site for conservation.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to Astronomer's Point in Pickersgill Harbour, where Captain Cook and astronomer William Wales once set up a temporary observatory. You'll also visit Luncheon Cove, the site of New Zealand's first sealing gang, first European homestead, and first European-designed ship. Additionally, Pigeon Island is included, where you'll learn about Richard Henry's pioneering conservation efforts.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes on-board cruising through the Fiordland Sounds, helicopter transfers to and from Supper Cove, and shore excursions to explore historical and conservation sites. You may also have the opportunity to fish for dinner or explore the shoreline by kayak.
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What is the accommodation like on the tour?
Accommodation is provided on-board the Heritage Explorer ship, where you will enjoy comfortable lodging with all meals included, ensuring a relaxing and immersive experience throughout the voyage.
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Are there any special guides on the tour?
Yes, the tour includes expert on-board naturalist guides who will provide insights and information about the wildlife and history of the areas visited.
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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.
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What is the onboard currency?
Heritage Adventurer operates in US$ while Heritage Explorer is NZ$.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985.
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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.
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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.
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Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.