Cruise · APT · 10 nights

New Zealand Coastal Expedition

Cruise the stunning Milford, Dusky and Doubtful sounds.
Spot wildlife like fur seals, dolphins and penguins.
Experience the remote and serene Stewart Island.

From

$13,895 pp twin share

$23,385 pp solo share

10 nights

Enquire

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New Zealand Coastal Expedition

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Cruise Snapshot

10 Nights

Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of New Zealand's South Island on this 11-day small ship cruise, exploring Milford, Dusky and Doubtful sounds

Witness whales in Kaikoura, New Zealand's premier whale-watching destination.
Discover the natural wonders of Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore the remote Stewart Island, rich in wildlife and European heritage.

Trip Details

Departs: 19 January 2028
Returns: 29 January 2028
Operator: APT

Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of New Zealand's South Island on this 11-day small ship cruise. In Kaikoura, the country's premier whale-watching destination, keep your eyes peeled for the fluke of a whale's tail as it plunges to the depths of the ocean, while in Fiordland National Park, part of a wider UNESCO World Heritage-listed area, marvel at the jaw-dropping natural beauty of Milford, Dusky and Doubtful sounds, filled with forest-covered mountains and thundering waterfalls.

$13,895

pp twin share

$23,385

pp solo share

Enquire

Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

19 January 2028

Returns

29 January 2028

Duration

10 nights

From pp twin share

$13,895 pp

From pp solo cabin

$23,385 pp

19 Jan 2028 - 29 Jan 2028
from $13,895 pp twin share / $23,385 pp solo *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Arrive Queenstown, Bluff, Embark Ship
Arrive in Queenstown and transfer Bluff this afternoon to board the Coral Adventurer, your home for the next 10 nights. Settle into your cabin, and this evening get to know your fellow travellers at a relaxed dinner on board.
2
At Sea
Enjoy a day at sea, sailing past remote Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island), recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International due to its significance as a breeding site for Buller's albatrosses and common diving petrels. New Zealand's southernmost gannet colony also thrives on Solander Island. If conditions and time permits, your skillful captain will endeavour to offer a scenic sailing alongside the island, or perhaps even from the ship's tenders, to provide you with an up-close view of the island's incredible birdlife.
3
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Deep within Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound, arguably New Zealand’s most famous natural attraction. With its beguiling combination of towering mountain peaks, ink-dark waters and forest-covered cliffs, it mesmerises those who see it. Here, you can enjoy a thrilling excursion aboard your tender vessel to visit thundering waterfalls, or explore the rugged coastline and look for fur seals, dolphins and, perhaps, spot penguins.
4
Doubtful Sound/Patea
Find a comfortable place on deck or in the observation lounge, and watch as the captain navigates a narrow passage of the fiord known as 'The Gut' from Thompson Sound into Doubtful Sound.
'Patea' (Doubtful Sound) meaning ‘place of silence’ in Māori, spans a staggering 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the head of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. It is the deepest of New Zealand’s 14 fjords and its enormity leaves all who visit feeling humbled and in awe of its powerful presence. The fjord branches into three arms and offers impressive waterfalls that provide shelter to New Zealand’s southernmost population of bottlenose dolphins and tawaki, the Fiordland crested penguin.
An easy short walk between Deas Cove and Neck Cove offers the chance to see unique local flora and fauna. Alternatively, embark on a thrilling cruise aboard your tender vessel, exploring the coastline of the fjord and hearing tales of local history.
5
Dusky Sound/Tamatea
Bask in the splendour of Dusky Sound in the Fiordland National Park, one of New Zealand's treasured natural icons and recognised as part of the wider UNESCO World Heritage site of Te Wāhipounamu (Place of the Greenstone). It's home to glaciers, alpine ranges, and unique flora and fauna.
As you leave Tamatea, secure a place on deck and watch the captain masterfully steer the ship through Acheron Passage, where you can marvel at the breathtaking fjord scenery and wildlife.
6
Stewart Island/Rakiura
Experience a blend of guided discovery and free time to explore Stewart Island at leisure. This serene, remote island is rich in wildlife, where you can discover ancient forests, or choose from various hikes to suit your interests and level of fitness. The island's European heritage comes to life at Oban, a coastal town established by Scottish settlers in the 1840s, while a former whaling station provides links to Norwegian expeditions to Antarctica during the Golden Age of Exploration.
7
Dunedin
After a leisurely morning on board, disembark the ship after lunch for a city tour of Dunedin. Visit the local Araiteuru (a community meeting space) to receive a special welcome presentation from a Marae member. The remainder of the tour will include highlights of Dunedin including famous Ovelston House, the marvellous Flemish Renaissance-style Railway Station, Dunedin University, and Baldwin Street – the world's steepest street. Alternatively, enjoy free time to discover the delights of Dunedin at your own pace.
8
Akaroa, Christchurch
From Akaroa port, take a scenic drive to Christchurch, capital of South Island, where you'll explore the charming city at your own pace. Christchurch is New Zealand's second largest city and the city centre is a vibrant spot offering a world-class museum and the renowned Botanic Gardens that are a delight to explore. An unbeatable way to explore the centre is by tram (additional expense). The all-day hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to visit the highlights of the city centre at your leisure, and the knowledgeable drivers provide informative live commentaries along the way.
9
Kaikōura
Kaikōura is a premier destination in New Zealand's South Island for whale watching. From the stable comfort of your catamaran, you have the opportunity to see whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. It's common to see various whale species like sperm, humpback, and pilot whales. Onboard hydrophones offer the extra benefit of hearing the whales communicate with each other. You're also likely to see acrobatic dolphins, playful seals, and elegant wandering albatrosses during this thrilling excursion.
Back on land, embark on a 3.5 kilometre walk over the peninsular track with breath taking scenery throughout the entire route. Along the way, you'll encounter cattle, sheep, spot sea lions and rich bird life. A shuttle bus will meet you at the end of the walk and transfer back to the marina, where your tender vessel will shuttle you back to the ship. Alternatively, enjoy some free time in the township and be transferred back to the ship by tender vessel afterwards.
10
Ship Cove/Meretoto
Visit the James Cook memorial at Meretoto/Ship Cove, where he anchored HMS Endeavour in 1770. Continue to nearby Motuara Island for a walk through a wildlife sanctuary rich in birdlife. A gentle stroll along the shoreline offers impressive views of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound.
11
Disembark Ship, Depart Wellington
Your cruise comes to an end this morning after breakfast, where you disembark in Bluff and be transferred to Wellington airport or APT hotel.