Oceania & Pacific Islands
Southern Fiords Discovery
Experience the grand scale scenery, untamed wilderness, ice-carved mountains, forests, sounds and unique wildlife of Fiordland's Preservation and Chalky Inlets and Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on this 7-day exploration of the Southern Fiords. Rich in natural history, geology and the location of some significant historical firsts and important restoration and conservation projects, it is easy to see why this incredible region inspired our dream for responsible travel. Māori legend describes how demi-god Tu-te-raki-whanoa carved out the region's fiords with his adze, Te Hamo, from rock walls to create the fiords we know today. Captain Cook and his crew were the first Europeans to visit, landing here aboard HMS Resolution in 1773 and subsequently spending five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook's records of his discovery and maps would attract sealers and whalers not long after, who would go on to form the first European settlements here. Historically this region is very important, and shaped the future of New Zealand. Fiordland's Southern Fiords are only accessible by sea, making them some of the most remote areas of New Zealand's mainland. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. A rugged terrain, the thickly forested valley floors are covered with ferns, lichens and mosses while the calm waters are home to Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals. The isolation of the Southern Fiords has been beneficial in ensuring their epic beauty remains unspoiled and historic sites undisturbed. In these calm waters, away from the crowds, we plan to explore some of the most unique and wild parts of New Zealand as we sail through these beautiful fiords and landscapes.
Choose your departure
14 departuresAUG13
Heritage Explorer · 2026
From $4,360
AUG19
Heritage Explorer · 2026
From $4,142
AUG25
Heritage Explorer · 2026
From $4,142
SEP19
Heritage Explorer · 2026
From $4,360
SEP25
Heritage Explorer · 2026
From $4,360
FEB12
Heritage Explorer · 2027
From $4,580
FEB18
Heritage Explorer · 2027
From $4,580
APR1
Heritage Explorer · 2027
From $4,580
JUL4
Heritage Explorer · 2027
From $3,664
JUL10
Heritage Explorer · 2027
From $3,664
AUG13
Heritage Explorer · 2027
From $3,664
AUG25
Heritage Explorer · 2027
From $3,664
Route Map
Gallery
37 photos
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Voyage Overview
Experience the grand scale scenery, untamed wilderness, ice-carved mountains, forests, sounds and unique wildlife of Fiordland's Preservation and Chalky Inlets and Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on this 7-day exploration of the Southern Fiords. Rich in natural history, geology and the location of some significant historical firsts and important restoration and conservation projects, it is easy to see why this incredible region inspired our dream for responsible travel. Māori legend describes how demi-god Tu-te-raki-whanoa carved out the region's fiords with his adze, Te Hamo, from rock walls to create the fiords we know today. Captain Cook and his crew were the first Europeans to visit, landing here aboard HMS Resolution in 1773 and subsequently spending five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook's records of his discovery and maps would attract sealers and whalers not long after, who would go on to form the first European settlements here. Historically this region is very important, and shaped the future of New Zealand. Fiordland's Southern Fiords are only accessible by sea, making them some of the most remote areas of New Zealand's mainland. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. A rugged terrain, the thickly forested valley floors are covered with ferns, lichens and mosses while the calm waters are home to Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals. The isolation of the Southern Fiords has been beneficial in ensuring their epic beauty remains unspoiled and historic sites undisturbed. In these calm waters, away from the crowds, we plan to explore some of the most unique and wild parts of New Zealand as we sail through these beautiful fiords and landscapes.
