Itinerary
Explore the best of New Zealand' South Island natural and cultural heritage on this 9-night luxury expedition on board Le Soléal. You will set sail from Wellington, famous for its inventive and sophisticated food scene and picturesque harbour, before reaching Kaikoura and Akaroa for you to experience extraordinary wildlife and a unique mix of Maoro, French and European cultural heritage. Continuing your route onboard Le Soleal, your expedition will reach the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, home to the majestic Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound, where you might be able to enjoy a Zodiac cruise and spot Fiordland Crested penguins, get up close to spectacular waterfalls and enjoy the vistas from the ship' outer decks. Next on your itinerary, the Snares, New Zealand' true wildlife and birdlife haven including 35,000 endemic Snares Crested Penguins and a colony of about 1,000 New Zealand fur seals. As landing is prohibited, you will have the chance to explore the shoreline accompanied with your expedition team who will interpret and share their knowledge of the place. As the last stop on your itinerary, Ulva Island in the Paterson Inlet, famous for its bird and plant sanctuaries, unique to the island - an opportunity to spot some of the rarest bird species in the world alongside our team of naturalists and destination experts, before disembarking in Dunedin along the stunning Otago Peninsula, rich wilth wildlife and picturesque hinterland.
