MarlboroughRediscoveringSounds

are more than 50 Department of Conservation managed reserves and several predator-free wildlife sanctuaries here, gives us hope for the future of New Zealand’s at-risk wildlife. At Blumine Island we learn of the translocation of the once widespread Orange-fronted Parakeet, now New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, and the South Island Saddleback, brought back from the brink of extinction last century from just 36 birds rescued in 1964, the descendants of which were translocated here in 2009.

Active

Retirees explore the tranquil waterways of Marlborough Sounds’ Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass and d’Urville Island aboard Heritage Expeditions luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.

Famed for the breath-taking beauty of their winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines, Marlborough Sounds is also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of our country’s most important conservation efforts.

Our 7-day adventure aboard purpose-built expedition yacht Heritage Explorer, complete with two Zodiac tenders and kayaks for more intrepid explorations, sees an intimate group of like-minded travellers exploring the famed scenic playground of some of the Marlborough Sounds most inaccessible inlets and bays. Formed by a system of submerged valleys carved out following the last ice age around 10,000 years ago, Marlborough Sounds offers an iconic, jaw-droppingly scenic Kiwi adventure on a grand scale. At Ngawhakawhiti Bay in Pelorus Sound we enjoy a glimpse of what the sounds might have looked like before the native forest was cleared, as we explore Nydia Track and the impossible blues of Nydia Bay.

Rich in history, we spend two full days exploring the waterways and islands of Queen Charlotte Sound with our guides, walking sections of its world-famous track, learning about the life of Perano Whalers at Tory Channel and visiting Captain Cook’s memorial at Ship Cove, his New Zealand base between 1770 and 1777.

Exploring the region’s conservation success stories, there www.heritage-expeditions.com

While just 500 treacherous metres from the mainland, d’Urville Island, named after French admiral Jules Sebastian Cesar Dumont d’Urville and his ill-fated passage of the infamous French Pass, is now a conservation reserve and one of the last strongholds of the critically endangered Long-tailed Bat, and home to the world’s rarest shag –the King Shag.

Sailing through the iconic French Pass, d’Urville Island is a contradiction of wild and unrestrained beauty with imposing sea cliffs, mountainous spine and the fastest moving tidal flows in New Zealand all tempered by some of the country’s finest peninsula scenery. It’s here we are joined by a pod of Dusky Dolphin escorts, reminding us of Pelorus Jack, the endearing Risso’s Dolphin who famously stole the nation’s heart guiding ships across Cook Strait between 1888 and 1912, just as our flippered friends are guiding us today.

New Zealand’s only expedition cruise company, Heritage Expeditions are pioneers in environmentally-responsible small ship expedition cruising. Family-owned and operated since 1985, we are industry leaders in sharing stunning natural wonders, incredible cultural exchanges, and unforgettable wildlife encounters and wilderness adventures with intrepid travellers. Travel is aboard our purpose-built, luxurious 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer where sophisticated accommodation and gourmet fare meets unique itineraries led by expert expedition guides as we explore some of New Zealand’s most remote shores and islands.

• Experience conservation in action on Tiritiri Matangi

• Kayak & Zodiac cruise Great Barrier Island

• Snorkel Poor Knights & Cavalli Islands

• Russell & Roberton Island

• Cape Brett & Hole in the Rock

• Includes all excursions, meals, house drinks & transfers

7–14 Jan, 19–26 Feb & 12-19 Mar 2023

$6,725pp + $500 FLIGHT CREDIT*

(Based on Salvin’s, twin share)

GREAT BARRIER ISLAND EXPLORER

• Explore Great Barrier Island by kayak, Zodiac and on foot

• Experience conservation in action on Tiritiri Matangi

• Ship cruise Little Barrier Island

• Look for Spotless Crake, Fernbird, Brown Teal, Banded Rail, North Island Kaka and more

• Includes all excursions, meals, house drinks & transfers

8–12 Feb & 4-8 Mar 2023

$3,245pp + $350 FLIGHT CREDIT*

(Based on Salvin’s, twin share)

Freephone 0800 262 8873 info@heritage-expeditions.com

DISCOVER MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS

• Two days exploring Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds

• Explore by kayak & Zodiac

• Walk parts of Queen Charlotte and Nydia Tracks

• Tory Channel, Ship Cove & French Pass

• Look for dolphins, seals & birdlife

• Includes all excursions, meals, house drinks & transfers

11–17 Dec 2022, 5–11 & 17–23 Apr 2023

From $5,550pp + $500 FLIGHT CREDIT*

(Based on Salvin’s, twin share)