Southland Expedition

Lyttelton - Dunedin | 6 days/5 nights | Departs 01 March 2021 aboard Le Lapérouse

From NZ$4911pp share twin in a Prestige Stateroom (deck 5)
*Higher cabin grades are available, contact Our Specialists for availability & pricing

Discover sublime New Zealand landscapes with exceptional diversity on this 5 nights’ voyage from Lyttelton to Dunedin onboard Le Lapérouse. You will discover Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and the well-known Milford Sound − three fjords bordered by majestic cliffs. Enjoy a sense of secluded serenity as you sail through Doubtful Sound, referred to as the ‘Sound of Silence’ and navigate through the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound, with a spectacular backdrop that captivates even the most seasoned of travellers. Watch as the dramatic beauty of the fiords change as you sail towards Ulva Island (Stewart Island), the largest of 20 islands within Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, and explore this haven for birds and plants with well maintained tracks and walking trails.

Cruise Inclusions:
All onboard meals
Open Bar (except Premium alcohol - available on request)
Shore excursions
Onboard entertainment
Captain's farewell cocktail party
WiFi
Port charges & safety charges

Expedition Highlights:

Sail New Zealand’s best known destination, Milford Sound, with its dramatic beauty and vertiginous peaks rising from the dark waters.
Discover the rich flora and fauna of Dusky Sound, such as New Zealand Fur Seals and one of the world’s rarest penguins – The Fiordland Crested.
Navigate Doubtful Sound’s three distinct ‘arms’ and several outstanding waterfalls, from Deep Cove to the open ocean.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand.
Undertake a guided walk on the predator-free sanctuary of Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara)
Gain an insight into the history and the diversity of flora and fauna from your expert expedition team on board and whilst exploring by Zodiac®.


Southland Expedition Itinerary

Day 1. Lyttelton, New Zealand. Embarkation.
Lyttelton is a colourful town, home to a community of nearly 3,000 people, brimming with bohemian artists, cafés, quirky shops and restaurants. Lyttelton’s heritage buildings were badly damaged during the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. However, in the years following widespread demolition, this small town has re-invented itself as one of the most creative communities in the Christchurch region. Le Lapérouse will be alongside the wharf in Lyttelton where your voyage will begin.

Day 2. At Sea.

Day 3. Dusky Sound & Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.
One of the most remote fiords in the New Zealand’s South West World Heritage Area, Dusky Sound was named by Captain James Cook in 1773. Dusky Sound is rich in flora and fauna, New Zealand Fur Seals and one of the world’s rarest penguins – the Fiordland Crested Penguin – can be seen on the small islets at the entrance to the fiord. Referred to as the ‘Sound of Silence’, there is a secluded serenity that surrounds Doubtful Sound in contrast with the better-known Milford Sound. Doubtful Sound is the deepest of the fiords with a maximum depth of 421 m. It contains three distinct ‘arms’ and several outstanding waterfalls in the area from Deep Cove to the open ocean. Your ship will spend time navigating around Secretary Island through both Thompson and Doubtful. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery from the outer decks of the ship as you sail through the fiords. If weather permits, you may have the opportunity to explore the fiord on a Zodiac® excursion

Day 4. Milford Sound, New Zealand.
Arguably New Zealand’s best-known destination and described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is a place of dramatic beauty. Its vertiginous peaks rise from the dark waters of the sound creating a spectacular backdrop that captivates even the most seasoned of travellers. Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather and after rain the two permanent waterfalls of Stirling and Lady Bowen multiply with magnificent effect. Guests will have the opportunity to view the spectacular scenery from the outer decks of Le Lapérouse. If weather permits, you may have an opportunity to explore the fiord on a Zodiac® excursion.

Day 5. Ulva Island. Stewart Island, New Zealand.
Ulva Island is a haven for many species of birds and plants that are rare, or have died out, on the mainland of New Zealand. Bird species regularly encountered include; the flightless Stewart Island Weka, South Island saddleback, yellowhead and Stewart Island robin. Ulva Island is not only a bird enthusiast’s paradise, it is also one of the few offshore islands with a largely undisturbed podocarp forest. Well-maintained tracks offer easy walking for most people providing a unique opportunity to see rare birds and plants at close quarters in a safe environment.

Day 6. Dunedin, New Zealand. Disembarkation.
Dunedin is New Zealand’s oldest city and is often referred to as the Edinburgh of New Zealand. This city of the south, wears its Scottish heritage with pride and contains some of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. The Silverpeaks to the North West provides a picturesque backdrop and The Otago Peninsula, which lies within the city boundaries and has internationally renowned wildlife reserves, including the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. Le Lapérouse will be alongside the inner city wharf in Dunedin.

Ponant Conditions
This offer is based on availability and may be withdrawn at any time, without prior notice. This offer is subject to availability, cannot be applied retroactively and may be altered or withdrawn without prior notice based on the cruise availability.

Our Cruise Conditions:
Our World Booking conditions apply please ensure these have been viewed and understood. www.ourpacific.co.nz/our-pacific/our-booking-conditions.aspx.