Australia & New Zealand Holidays is a subsidiary of the Travelcation Group
The New Zealand Coastal Odyssey offers an immersive expedition cruise from Queenstown to Auckland, showcasing New Zealand’s diverse coastlines. From the alpine beauty of Queenstown to the tranquil waters of Stewart Island, the journey takes you through Marlborough Sounds, renowned for its serene waterways and lush forests, and into the remote fjords of Fiordland. Explore wildlife sanctuaries, visit historical sites, and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand’s natural wonders.
Key highlights include sailing through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds, observing native wildlife on Stewart Island, and exploring the dramatic fjords in Fiordland. Along the way, expert guides provide insightful commentary on New Zealand’s ecology, conservation efforts, and history. Onboard, enjoy gourmet meals made from local ingredients, and relax as you explore these breathtaking landscapes.
With comfortable accommodations and educational experiences, this journey offers a chance to disconnect from the everyday and immerse yourself in New Zealand’s most scenic and wild environments.
Arrive in Queenstown, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow adventurers. This is a great opportunity to meet the expedition team and get to know the other passengers. The evening will be informal, giving you time to relax and prepare for the journey ahead.
Overnight in Queenstown.
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Queenstown at your leisure before meeting for lunch. Then, travel to the Port of Bluff to embark on the Heritage Adventurer. Once aboard, get settled into your cabin and enjoy the first of many scenic moments as we sail towards Fiordland. The journey officially begins as we head for one of New Zealand’s most pristine regions.
Overnight in Bluff.
Over the next two days, immerse yourself in the grandeur of Fiordland. Explore iconic sounds such as Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound. Take in breathtaking scenery, including mist-covered peaks, dramatic cliffs, and serene inlets. Learn about the region’s history, its rich Maori heritage, and its unique wildlife. Optional helicopter flights offer a chance to see Fiordland from above, providing a spectacular perspective of this remote wilderness.
Overnight in Fiordland.
Stewart Island awaits with its untouched beauty. Start your exploration with a visit to Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary home to rare bird species like the Stewart Island Robin and South Island Kaka. In the afternoon, venture to the town of Oban, where you can stroll through the local shops or relax with a drink at the South Sea Hotel.
Overnight in Stewart Island.
Sail into Otago Harbour and enjoy an unforgettable view of the Taiaroa Head Albatross Colony. Explore Dunedin, known as the Edinburgh of the South, with its stunning architecture and rich history. Take a scenic tour of the Otago Peninsula, where you can observe sea lions and Yellow-eyed Penguins in their natural habitat.
Overnight in Dunedin.
Arrive in Akaroa, a charming town on the Banks Peninsula, where French influences are still evident today. Take a leisurely tour of the town, or visit Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory and French Farm Vineyard to sample local delights. You may also choose to enjoy a walk in the beautiful natural surroundings or explore the area at your own pace.
Overnight in Akaroa.
Dock in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, and enjoy the variety of activities the city has to offer. Take a ride on the famous cable car or visit Zealandia, a nature reserve home to many of New Zealand’s unique bird species. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens, or explore the national museum, Te Papa, to learn about New Zealand’s cultural and natural history.
Overnight in Wellington.
Sail into the Marlborough Sounds, a labyrinth of waterways surrounded by lush forest. Take a walk along a coastal trail, exploring nature reserves and watching for native birds, including Saddleback and Robins. The sounds offer a tranquil escape, allowing you to connect with the natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.
Overnight in Marlborough.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as you sail along the North Island coastline. Spend the day attending informative lectures, enjoying the onboard amenities, or reflecting on the incredible experiences from the past days. This leisurely day provides time to relax and prepare for the next stages of the journey.
Overnight at sea.
Arriving in Tauranga, we travel inland to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and rich Maori culture. Witness the incredible geothermal landscapes, including geysers, mud pools, and steam vents. Learn about the area’s Māori heritage and explore the beautiful forests and lakes that make Rotorua such a unique destination.
Overnight in Rotorua.
After breakfast, arrive in Auckland, the City of Sails, and disembark for the final time. From here, you can either catch your flight home or continue to explore more of New Zealand. If your onward travel is delayed, it is recommended not to book any flights before midday to allow for any possible changes to the schedule.
End of the cruise in Auckland.
Ship: Heritage Adventurer
Capacity: Approximately 140 guests
Year Built: 1991
Cabin Categories:
Explorer Suites: Spacious suites with private balconies and panoramic views
Superior Cabins: Comfortable cabins with large windows and en suite bathrooms
Standard Cabins: Practical cabins with shared facilities
Onboard Amenities:
Observation lounges and viewing decks
Fully licensed bar
Dining saloon offering gourmet meals
Zodiac boats for shore excursions
Educational presentations by onboard naturalists
Complimentary tea and coffee
Heritage Adventurer is a grand, ice-strengthened expedition ship offering guests a rare blend of comfort, capability, and character. Originally built in Finland for polar exploration, this 1A Super ice-class vessel has a proven record in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. Now thoughtfully refurbished and operating with a reduced capacity of just 140 guests, it provides a spacious and refined setting for extraordinary journeys from the Subantarctic Islands to the Ross Sea and beyond.
Despite its expedition strength, the atmosphere onboard remains warm and welcoming. Expansive public areas, a full wraparound deck, and multiple lounges and viewing spaces offer plenty of room to spread out and take in the scenery. Guests are welcome on the open bridge, where they can learn directly from the crew and feel truly involved in the navigation and nature of each voyage. Whether watching albatross sweep past the bow or navigating icy channels by Zodiac, Heritage Adventurer combines true adventure with understated elegance.
Accommodation
Accommodation aboard Heritage Adventurer is comfortable, quiet, and well-appointed for extended voyages. Cabins range across several categories and all include private en suites, large windows or portholes, and plenty of space to unpack and feel at home. The design feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship, and with a reduced guest capacity, the ship never feels crowded. After a day spent out on deck or on shore, cabins offer a peaceful retreat where you can rest and recharge for the next day’s explorations.
Food and Dining
Dining is an enjoyable part of the experience on board. Meals are served in the dining room or bistro, and the onboard chefs use fresh ingredients and local inspiration to craft satisfying and flavourful menus. Whether it’s a hearty breakfast to start the day or a relaxed dinner shared with fellow travellers, the meals reflect the same thoughtfulness and care seen throughout the voyage. Dietary preferences can be catered for, and tea, coffee, and snacks are always on hand between excursions.
The Experience
Heritage Adventurer is perfectly suited for travellers who want to explore off-the-map destinations without giving up comfort or connection. Its unique size and design allow access to remote coastlines and wildlife-rich regions while still offering the space, service, and atmosphere of a well-run, small luxury ship. Ideal for those seeking a deeper kind of travel, this ship offers the chance to be part of something special — where wild places, experienced guides, and a like-minded community come together in one unforgettable journey.
Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other caurrencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 130 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 120 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.