Australia & New Zealand Holidays is a subsidiary of the Travelcation Group
The All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience offers a unique 10 days voyage through New Zealand’s most stunning and remote fiords. Guests will embark on a small ship expedition aboard Heritage Explorer, with expert guides providing deep insights into the area’s rich natural history and Māori culture. The journey begins in Te Anau, followed by a spectacular helicopter transfer to Preservation Inlet. From there, guests cruise through iconic fiords, such as Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound, and George Sound, offering a serene yet awe-inspiring perspective of towering mountains, misty valleys, and untouched wilderness. Along the way, encounter rare wildlife, including dolphins, penguins, and fur seals, and explore historic sites like the first European homestead and early whaling stations. This cruise provides plenty of opportunities for activities such as kayaking and Zodiac explorations, allowing for an immersive connection with the environment. With a blend of comfort and adventure, this journey is a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of Fiordland, from its majestic landscapes to its fascinating history. The final days of the voyage offer a reflective conclusion as you sail through the stunning Milford Sound and return to Te Anau, leaving with memories of an unforgettable exploration.
Begin your adventure with a scenic helicopter transfer from Te Anau to Preservation Inlet. Once aboard the Heritage Explorer, settle into your cabin and enjoy the views as you sail along Long Sound, soaking in the rugged beauty of Southern Fiordland.
Overnight in Preservation Inlet.
Explore the historic Preservation Inlet, once a bustling hub during the gold rush era. Visit the preserved ruins of Cromarty and Te Oneroa, learn about the first whaling station at Cuttle Cove, and hike the telegraph track to the old landing shed at Otago Retreat.
Overnight in Preservation Inlet.
Navigate through the limestone cliffs guarding the entrance to Chalky Inlet. Discover predator-free islands such as Chalky and Passage Islands, home to endangered bird species like the Little Spotted Kiwi and Kākāpō. Explore North and South Port, sites of historical sawmilling activities.
Overnight in Chalky Inlet.
Cruise through Dusky Sound, visiting historical sites like Luncheon Cove, where New Zealand’s first sealing gang operated. Explore Anchor Island, a sanctuary for endangered species, and learn about Richard Henry’s pioneering work in wildlife conservation.
Overnight in Dusky Sound.
Navigate the Acheron Passage, often home to playful Bottlenose Dolphins, and venture into Wet Jacket Arm, where Cook’s HMS Resolution made its survey. Discover Breaksea Sound, an important site in New Zealand conservation history with its first large island declared rat-free.
Overnight in Breaksea Sound.
Experience the grandeur of Doubtful Sound, New Zealand’s deepest fiord. Cruise through Blanket Bay, Deas Cove, and the Shelter Islands, while taking in the towering mountains and waterfalls. Watch for wildlife in the tranquil waters of this untouched wilderness.
Overnight in Doubtful Sound.
Explore the southernmost northern fiord, Charles Sound, home to the Kahukura Marine Reserve. Continue to Caswell Sound, where the last remains of the 1949 Fiordland scientific expedition are found. Enjoy a nature walk along Stillwater River towards Lake Marchant.
Overnight in Charles and Caswell Sounds.
Sail into George Sound, the longest and largest of the northern fiords. Admire Alice Falls as it cascades from Lake Alice, surrounded by lush forest. Explore the various arms of the fiord, taking in the breathtaking views.
Overnight in George Sound.
Enter the iconic Milford Sound for a leisurely final cruise. Enjoy panoramic views of the stunning fiord surrounded by towering peaks, before celebrating the journey with a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Milford Sound.
After breakfast, travel back to Te Anau, passing through the Homer Tunnel and the picturesque Eglinton Valley. Enjoy your final moments in Fiordland before bidding farewell. End of the cruise in Te Anau.
Heritage Explorer is a purpose-built expedition yacht offering an intimate and personalised way to experience New Zealand’s remote coastline, islands, and waterways. Carrying just 18 guests, this New Zealand-built vessel is designed for exploring hard-to-reach places where larger ships cannot go, creating a relaxed and immersive atmosphere ideal for curious and nature-loving travellers.
Crafted by respected naval architect Carey Clough, Heritage Explorer features four decks with ample outdoor viewing space, a welcoming dining saloon, and a cosy lounge for unwinding between excursions. With an open bridge policy, guests are invited to engage with the crew and feel part of the journey. Whether navigating the deep sounds of Fiordland or the sheltered bays of Marlborough, the ship feels both capable and comfortable.
Accommodation
Heritage Explorer offers four categories of en suite cabins, all with outward-facing views and a simple, classic design. Rooms are comfortably appointed with windows or portholes, warm bedding, and a compact private bathroom. While not overly luxurious, the accommodation is clean, quiet, and perfectly suited for an expedition-style journey. The ship’s small size creates a peaceful onboard setting where guests can easily retreat to their cabins or relax in one of the shared spaces to read, chat, or take in the scenery.
Food and Dining
Dining is casual, nourishing, and thoughtfully prepared by the onboard chef. Meals showcase local flavours and ingredients, often inspired by the regions visited along the way. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served communally in the dining area, creating a warm and social atmosphere. Snacks, tea, and coffee are always available, and dietary needs can be catered for with notice.
The Experience
Heritage Explorer is ideal for those who value connection with nature, genuine hospitality, and small group travel. It’s a perfect match for travellers who want to experience Aotearoa’s hidden corners with minimal fuss and maximum depth. Each journey feels more like a shared adventure than a cruise, with the ever-changing landscapes always just outside your window.
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 currencies, 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.