Subantarctic and Chatham Islands (Milford - Wellington) 15D14N

Commencing in Queenstown, enjoy a complimentary pre-cruise transfer to Milford Sound.

Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board the Coral Geographer for the adventure of a lifetime. Boarding commences at 2:00pm for a 3:00pm departure.

In the afternoon, cruise the magnificent Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) beneath Mitre Peak, which rises over 1692-metres (5551ft) above sea level. Its triangular silhouette rises opposite stunning Stirling Falls, falling from the top of a 162-metre (531ft) high cliff between two towering ridges into the inky dark water. You may have a chance to feel the spray from the waterfall. According to Maori legend, it will make you ten years younger! The steep overhanging cliffs are awe-inspiring and if weather permits, you may see the late sunset lighting the peaks surrounding the sound.

Delve deep into the fantastical world of Fiordland National Park. Once described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is characterised by 14 fiords carving through just 215-kilometres (134mi) of coastline. These fiords were carved by glaciers over thousands of years, and you will see waterfalls cascading down the sheer cliffs, rainforest cloaking the steep ridges, and granite peaks reflected in the deep, shimmering waters.

In the dawn light, cruise through Thompson Sound (Te Awa-o-Tū) and Blanket Bay into Doubtful Sound (Patea), the deepest and widest fiord in the national park. The stillness and silence of this fiord is compelling and unforgettable, broken only by birdsong and the distant rumble of waterfalls.

Retrace Captain James Cook’s journey the through Acheron Passage to Breaksea Sound (Te Puaitaha). It is easy to imagine the small wooden Endeavour being dwarfed on all sides by the steep sided fiords and encircled by the blanketing silence of the fog-cloaked peaks.

In the afternoon, enter dramatic Dusky Sound (Tamatea). Inaccessible by road, Dusky Sound is the largest and most complex of the sounds. It is also a designated Important Bird Area for the Fiordland Penguins that breed here. Explore the islands and inlets by Zodiac and look out for fur seals in Luncheon Cove.

Cruise down to Stewart Island (Rakiura), New Zealand’s third largest island, situated 30-kilometres (19mi) south of the South Island, across the Foveaux Strait. Over 85% of the island is national park and a haven for brown kiwi (tokoeka), which outnumber humans on the island and are active day and night. Blue and Yellow-eyed penguins are also seen waddling among the rocks.

Venture over to nearby Ulva Island to discover a predator-free bird sanctuary. With a local guide, explore pristine beaches and forests and look out for dozens of native bird species including South Island Saddleback, Yellowhead, Rifleman and Stewart Island Robin. You might also spot a few fur seals lazing on the shore.

After the tour, there will be free time to explore the village of Oban and embark on a guided Xplorer cruise to the historic Prices Point Whaling Station. Established in 1926, the Norwegian-owned base was used as a repair site for whaling operations in Antarctica’s Ross Sea until 1932.

In the evening, look up to learn why the Māori refer to Stewart Island as ‘the land of glowing skies’. The Aurora Australis must be seen to be believed!

Sail into your first subantarctic anchorage at Snares Islands (Tini Heke). Part of the Subantarctic Island World Heritage Site, the Snares are the northernmost of New Zealand’s subantarctic islands and one of the most untouched and pristine areas in the world. Landing ashore is prohibited.

If weather permits, cruise along the sheltered eastern side of the island to observe the seabirds that breed on the forested North East Island. Here, you’ll find shearwaters, petrels and penguins including the Snares Penguin, which has more than 100 colonies on the islands. The exposed coastlines also provide breeding and resting area for New Zealand Fur Seals and Sea Lions.

Another interesting feature of the Snares is the forests. Large tree daisies are the dominant feature across about 80% of the main island, forming a canopy over 5-metres (16ft) tall in places. Among the herbs are 3 significant species: Stilbocarpa robusta, which grows in just one other place in the world; Anisotome acutifolia, which is only found on The Snares; and Lepidium oleraceum which is now a threatened plant.

Situated 360-kilometres (224mi) south of Stewart Island, the Auckland Islands is a group of around 8 rugged islands, positioned close to each other and separated by narrow sea channels. Dominated by the remains of two 12-million-year-old volcanoes, the islands are known for their steep cliffs and towering mountains.

To get to the Auckland Islands, you will cross an often-tempestuous sea. Upon arrival, drop anchor in the lee of the islands, where the weather is usually damp and overcast, without being very cold. Evidence exists of Polynesian voyagers having settled here as early as the 13th century. During the sealing era, many ships were wrecked in this region and relics of this period remain, including the ruins of huts and gravestones.

Go ashore at Enderby Island, where you will have opportunities for walking and birdwatching. Birds to look out for include the Southern Royal Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Auckland Island Shag, Red-crowned Parakeet, and Yellow-eyed Penguin. At Sandy Bay, you may also spot the Hooker’s Sea Lion.

On Auckland Island, explore the remains of the Harwicke Settlement at Port Ross, which was abandoned after 3 years in the early 1800s. If weather permits, there may be an opportunity to climb the slopes to observe the shy albatross colony nesting in the tussock grass. Later, you may cruise by Zodiac or Xplorer through the sheltered inlets of Carnley Harbour, climb through rata forest to take in the views from a vantage point, or visit a historic site on the islands.

Continue your journey south to Campbell Island (Moto Ihupuku). Remote, rugged and windswept, Campbell Island is one of the cornerstones of New Zealand’s subantarctic World Heritage Site. It is the most southerly of the 5 New Zealand subantarctic groups, with a long history involving sealing, whaling and farming.

Campbell Island is best known as the home of the albatross, with 6 species in residence, including the largest albatross: the Southern Royal. These colossal birds make their homes on the towering 300-metre (984ft) cliffs that surround the island, alongside many other species including petrels, shearwaters, terns and shags. The rare Yellow-eyed and Rockhopper Penguins are also found on the island.

You will anchor in Perseverance Harbour, the location for a meteorological station, now automated. The station is in the weather path and plays a key role in measurements and monitoring. Go ashore at Beeman Base, where a hike along a marked trail enables you to get a close view of the flora and fauna of the island. You may have the opportunity to visit the “world’s loneliest tree”, a Sitka Spruce over 100-years-old, which is over 200-kilometres (124mi) from the next closest tree on Auckland Island. You may also cruise the harbours by tender to view basalt columns, kelp forests, fur seals and sea lions.

Spend time exploring some of the New Zealand Subantarctic Islands’ lesser known and least visited islands, the Antipodes (Moutere Mahue). At the start of the current millennium, the Antipodes were recognised as the being the first piece of land to see the new day, although only 2 scientists got to experience it!

As landings are not permitted, you will cruise the coastline to spot birds and admire the landscape of tussock grass, shield fern and mega herbs. Like many of the other islands in the region, the Antipodes are an Important Bird Area, with species ranging from the tiny Storm Petrel to the Antipodean Wandering Albatross breeding here. In 2018, all mice and rats were eradicated from the island.

Explore more uninhabited granite islands, the Bounty Islands. Discovered by Captain Bligh aboard the HMS Bounty in 1788, this tiny group of 13 uninhabited granite islands are sounded by the Moutere Hauriri Marine Reserve, which translates to “angry wind”.

While you are unable to go ashore here, as the islands are highly protected, you will cruise the shorelines to spot birds and other wildlife. Highlights include over 20,000 New Zealand Fur Seals, 30,000 pairs of Salvin’s Mollymawks, Erect-crested Penguins and Bounty Island Shags.

A true highlight of your expedition is time in the Chatham Islands. Located on the Chatham Rise, an undersea formation of the sunken Zealandia continent, the 10 islands have sustained human settlement for almost 1000 years. The Moriori set off from what is believed to be New Zealand’s South Island around 1400 AD and arrived on the islands, which they named Rekohu (misty skies), to establish a settlement. For over 400 years, they were isolated from the outside world and developed a unique and distinct culture of hunter-gathering, living from what the island provided, with strong religious beliefs and a ban on war and bloodshed. The islands were discovered when an English ship, Chatham, was blown off course in 1790, and in 1835 Maori from the mainland arrived and killed and enslaved the Moriori.

Over 2 days, you will explore the main island and settlement of Waitangi. This village will be your base for a busy day of discovering this unique island and provides an opportunity to meet the people who call it home. You may visit a reserve to spot endemic Chatham Island Pigeons, Chatham Island Warbler and Tui. Geological highlights include an enormous lagoon (separated from the ocean by sand dunes), towering cliffs, peat bogs, wide beaches and dense forest.

Arrive in Wellington to disembark at 8:00am. Complimentary post-cruise transfers to Wellington CBD hotels or airport included.

NOTE: The itinerary is indicative. No two expedition cruises will be the same, with each expedition crafted by the experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. 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. We suggest 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.