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7 Day Preservation Inlet Discovery Cruise

Days
7

Pricing From
$4750

South Island
Book Now

Overview

This adventure cruise really is the definition of discovery. The 7 Day Preservation Inlet Discovery Cruise in New Zealand takes passengers to the most remote southwest fiords of New Zealand for a truly unique experience that combines natural beauty, history, adventure and great company!

Accompany us on this amazing discovery voyage and in depth exploration of 5 of the most remote fiords of New Zealand, Preservation and Chalky Inlets along with the famously beautiful Dusky, Doubtful and Breaksea Sounds.

Both Chalky and Preservation Inlets offer visitors the change to enjoy the view of remote, unsheltered coastlines and excellent far-reaching beaches. Many years ago, this area’s natural harbours were home to miners and whalers. Today, you can see just a few reminders of their attempts to tame this region. Experience the isolation and be inspired by its beauty, wild life and interesting history.

The purpose-built Milford Wanderer provides passengers with the perfect view point as you travel the very same route that Captain Cook took back in 1773 during his historic voyage in search of the supposed Terra Australis. On this cruise, you will land on some stunning beaches and enjoy exploring the coastline via kayak and tender craft. These walks are ideal for those who would like to stretch their legs and kayaking allows you to explore the get a closer look at the coastline and enjoy your surroundings from a different perspective.

Even long after your cruise is concluded, there is no doubt that this trip will remain in your mind. Although man tried to make his mark, it was nature that prevailed in the end and we get to enjoy these sights as a result. It is the very isolation of these parts that makes them such a popular attraction for visitors.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The itinerary below is simply a general guide and they may be done in reverse. Based on crew judgement and weather conditions, these itineraries are also subject to change. In addition to the route described below, there are also a number of cruising, additional kayaking and walking as and when time permits.

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

7 Day Preservation Inlet Cruise

Preservation Inlet, Fiordland National Park

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1From Manapouri to Breaksea Sound

Your journey will begin with a cruise across the lovely Lake Manapouri before taking a coach to Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound via Wilmot Pass. On this part of your trip you can really enjoy some of the land sights before embarking on your cruise adventure. You will then board the Milford Wanderer and take a cruise out of Doubtful Sound. This trip to Breaksea Sound takes 3 hours. This will give you more than enough time to enjoy the natural sights along the way along with the wonderful fresh air.

Day 2From Breaksea Sound to Dusky Sound

You will make your way to Dusky Sound by traveling through Acheron passage. Here you will visit the Sportsman Cove and the Shag Islands. This afternoon will include a visit to Luncheon Cove which was the site of the very first settlement of Europeans and sealers in New Zealand. You have the option of enjoying a 2.5km guided walk over Anchor Island.

Day 3Exploring Dusky Sound

The day will begin with a trip to Pigeon Island, where conservationist Richard Henry’s house site. You will then cruise around Facile harbour which is the location of the very first known Euopean ship wreck in New Zealand. You will then cruise through Earshell Cove and through Resolution Island’s narrow channels and on to The Basin where you can enjoy some kayaking or take a walk around.

Day 4From Dusky Sound to Chalky Inlet

This day begins with a visit to Pickersgill Harbour as well as Astronomers Point which were named and used by Captain Cook back in 1773 when he spent five weeks here. The passage to Chalky Inlet takes three hours. At South Port you will then enjoy a walk on the beach and visit the interesting old saw mill site. We will Anchor at the North Pear close to the rusting remains of “Stella” a once great 1800s government steam ship.

Day 5From Chalky Inlet to Preservation Inlet

On this morning we will make our way to the Cromarty town site and the mining relics found in Te Oneroa. There is an optional 5km return walk in the afternoon to the Puysegur Point Light house.

Day 6Exploring Preservation Inlet

Today’s adventures begin with a visit to the reclining brick chimney of Tarawera smelter. This was the site of New Zealand’s very first operational whaling station at Cuttle Cove. Enjoy the sights of Spit Island and, in particular, the gorgeous golden beaches. This will be your final night of the trip so now really is the time to make the most of your surroundings and relax as much as possible before the time comes to return to reality.

Day 7From Preservation Inlet to Manapouri

On the final day of this trip, you will enjoy a fun helicopter ride to West Arm of Manapouri from Weka Island Barge. All flights start from 11am and, along with all the walking, cruising and coach ride, it really does ensure that your experience is diverse in every possible way. We will visit the underground power station before cruising across Lake Manapouri. Your journey will be concluded once you reach the Real Journeys Manapouri Visitor Centre. It is important to note that the Manapouri Underground Power Station is expected to be closed between 19 November 2014 and 31 July 2015.

Cost per Person

Apr - Sep 2024 From Manapouri
Twin NZ$4,750
Single Cabin NZ$8,788

Coach Connections from Te Anau and Queenstown at extra cost

Payment Terms:
Deposit 20% payable on booking, the balance is due 120 days before travel.

Cancellation Policy:

All cancellations must be in writing. Cancellation fees are charged on the following basis per person:

  • Outside 90 days - NZ$250.00 per person
  • 89-60 days prior to departure - Loss of deposit plus NZ$250.00 per person
  • 59-0 days prior to departure - 100% of full fare

Cancellation fees are not negotiable – we strongly recommend travel insurance for passengers.

  • Child Age: 10-15 years
  • Children under 10 years of age are NOT allowed
  • Adults over 70 years of age should consult with a doctor to ascertain physical fitness

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1From Manapouri to Breaksea Sound

Your journey will begin with a cruise across the lovely Lake Manapouri before taking a coach to Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound via Wilmot Pass. On this part of your trip you can really enjoy some of the land sights before embarking on your cruise adventure. You will then board the Milford Wanderer and take a cruise out of Doubtful Sound. This trip to Breaksea Sound takes 3 hours. This will give you more than enough time to enjoy the natural sights along the way along with the wonderful fresh air.

Day 2From Breaksea Sound to Dusky Sound

You will make your way to Dusky Sound by traveling through Acheron passage. Here you will visit the Sportsman Cove and the Shag Islands. This afternoon will include a visit to Luncheon Cove which was the site of the very first settlement of Europeans and sealers in New Zealand. You have the option of enjoying a 2.5km guided walk over Anchor Island.

Day 3Exploring Dusky Sound

The day will begin with a trip to Pigeon Island, where conservationist Richard Henry’s house site. You will then cruise around Facile harbour which is the location of the very first known Euopean ship wreck in New Zealand. You will then cruise through Earshell Cove and through Resolution Island’s narrow channels and on to The Basin where you can enjoy some kayaking or take a walk around.

Day 4From Dusky Sound to Chalky Inlet

This day begins with a visit to Pickersgill Harbour as well as Astronomers Point which were named and used by Captain Cook back in 1773 when he spent five weeks here. The passage to Chalky Inlet takes three hours. At South Port you will then enjoy a walk on the beach and visit the interesting old saw mill site. We will Anchor at the North Pear close to the rusting remains of “Stella” a once great 1800s government steam ship.

Day 5From Chalky Inlet to Preservation Inlet

On this morning we will make our way to the Cromarty town site and the mining relics found in Te Oneroa. There is an optional 5km return walk in the afternoon to the Puysegur Point Light house.

Day 6Exploring Preservation Inlet

Today’s adventures begin with a visit to the reclining brick chimney of Tarawera smelter. This was the site of New Zealand’s very first operational whaling station at Cuttle Cove. Enjoy the sights of Spit Island and, in particular, the gorgeous golden beaches. This will be your final night of the trip so now really is the time to make the most of your surroundings and relax as much as possible before the time comes to return to reality.

Day 7From Preservation Inlet to Manapouri

On the final day of this trip, you will enjoy a fun helicopter ride to West Arm of Manapouri from Weka Island Barge. All flights start from 11am and, along with all the walking, cruising and coach ride, it really does ensure that your experience is diverse in every possible way. We will visit the underground power station before cruising across Lake Manapouri. Your journey will be concluded once you reach the Real Journeys Manapouri Visitor Centre. It is important to note that the Manapouri Underground Power Station is expected to be closed between 19 November 2014 and 31 July 2015.

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