Exploring New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds

Make your way to the designated meeting point in Blenheim for your transfer to Heritage Explorer in Picton. The captain and expedition team will be waiting to welcome you aboard the ship and show you to your cabin. You will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself on board, then join fellow travelers and your expedition team as the ship sets sail along Queen Charlotte Sound this afternoon. (Note: Some voyages will operate the itinerary in reverse.)

Queen Charlotte Sound was first sighted in 1642 by Abel Janszoon Tasman while seeking shelter for his two ships from a storm near d'Urville Island, but 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. You'll 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. You'll also 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 in the last century from just 36 birds rescued in 1964; descendants of these birds were translocated to Blumine Island in 2009.

Sail through the iconic French Pass in the wake of French Explorer Dumont d'Urville and then explore the island named in his honor. 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 across the dangerous waters of Cook Strait between 1888 and 1912.

The largest in the Marlborough Sounds, Pelorus Sound's main channel winds some picturesque 34 miles south between steep verdant hills from Cook Strait to Havelock. Boasting more than 235 miles of shoreline, the endless bays and sheltered coves of Pelorus Sound are perfect for exploration. Venturing into Pelorus Sound, head to Ngawhakawhiti Bay where nature surrounds you 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 are able to enjoy the walking part of the Nydia Track before exploring Nydia Bay. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner and celebrate the adventure.

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.

During the 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.