Unseen Fiordland, Stewart Island and the Snares

UNSEEN FIORDLAND, STEWART ISLAND AND THE SNARES

EXPLORING NEW ZEALAND’S REMOTE BACKYARD

EXPEDITION DOSSIER 28 February – 7 March 2021

wildlife hotspots from Antarctica through to, and including, the Arctic, was realised. After departing Bluff we set sail for Stewart Island, New Zealand’s

Milford Sound third largest island, and predator-free Ulva Island/Te Doubtful Sound Wharawhara. Rich in history and wildlife, these wild Dusky Sound Queenstown and remote islands are home to a unique range of Invercargill Stewart Island birdlife including Bellbird, Tui, Kaka, Tomtit, Rifleman, The Snares Stewart Island Robin, Saddleback, Mohua and of course, the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (or Southern oin Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic Tokoeka). There will be opportunities to listen to small ship expedition cruising, as we explore the native bird song and enjoy the golden sandy J New Zealand’s remote southern backyard on beaches, before taking the time to take a closer this special 8-day voyage. Discover the time-forgot look at the history of Paterson Inlet. rawness of wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura, Zodiac cruise the rocky, inhospitable coast of The Snares – Rarely visited and one of New Zealand’s best kept one of the world’s most important nature reserves, secrets, The Snares is internationally renowned as and experience the primordial majesty of Fiordland a wildlife haven where we should see the Snares firsthand on this unforgettable adventure. Crested Penguin, Snares Island Tomtit and Fernbird, New Zealand Fur Seals and tree daisy forest as we Heritage Expeditions pioneered expedition cruising Zodiac cruise its jagged coastline. As we expedition in Fiordland more than 30 years ago. It was from cruise up the lower west side of New Zealand’s South these first, wild Kiwi wilderness adventures the Island, we prepare for the grand scale scenery Christchurch-based Russ family’s dream of genuine of Fiordland. Exploring these remote ice-carved responsible tourism, which now spans some of the mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords, it is world’s most remote and rarely visited regions and easy to see why this incredible region inspired our

WWW.WILDEARTHTRAVEL.COM 2 INFO@WILDEARTHTRAVEL.COM UNSEEN FIORDLAND, STEWART ISLAND AND THE SNARES dream for responsible travel. In ITINERARY Enjoy the impressive bird song the calm waters of Fiordland as we explore Ulva Island, rich we can expect to encounter Day 1: Invercargill in history and wildlife, which has playful New Zealand Fur Seals, Make your way to your meeting been predator-free since 1997. curious Dusky Dolphins, elusive point at the Ascot Park Hotel, Some of the wildlife you may get birds and enjoy endless stunning from here we will transfer you to to see while walking its tracks and vistas. During our time here we the Port of Bluff. (Reporting times exploring Boulder and West End plan to Zodiac cruise glittering and the departure time of the Beaches, Post Office Bay and waterways amid the podocarp transfer will be confirmed with Sydney Cove include Stewart forest-cloaked spines of Anchor your voyage documents). The Island Robin, Stewart Island Weka, and Resolution Islands and the captain and expedition team South Island Kaka, Kereru (wood tiny islands of Dusky Sound where will be waiting for your arrival at pigeon), Mohua (yellowhead), orchids, flame-tipped Rata and the ship to greet you and show Red-crowned Parakeet, Fantail, clusters of alpine tree daisies put you to your cabin. You will have Bellbird and Tui. There are many on an impressive floral display. the opportunity to familiarise more species that may also yourself on board and there will be seen, our knowledgeable On predator-free Anchor be formal introductions to the expedition guides will be listening Island, home to half the world’s team followed by safety briefings. for bird calls and keeping a close population of Kākāpō as well Join the captain on the bridge or watch in overhead canopies and as Little Spotted Kiwi, we’ll walk fellow travellers on deck as we set the surrounding shrubs to identify around Lake Kirirua, its surface sail for Stewart Island. further species. reflecting the surrounding forest, before arriving at historic Day 2: Stewart Island In Paterson Inlet visit the historic Luncheon Cove - a location — Ulva Island Norwegian whaling station in of New Zealand firsts including New Zealand’s third island is well Prices Inlet and Kaipipi Bay, where first sealing gang, first European off the usual beaten tourist track. from 1923 and 1933 the Ross Sea settlement and first ship built in It is a wonderfully tranquil place Whaling Company of Sandefjord, the country. Explore hidden inlets, and with 85 per cent of the island Norway ran a repair base where coves and beaches as we Zodiac designated national park, the chaser boats were serviced in cruise Sportsman Cove, explore scenery of untouched bushland is preparation for the Antarctic Cooper Island and experience stunning. Despite its small stature summer. Discover quirky town Fiordland from above with an on most maps, Stewart Island centre Oban in Halfmoon Bay optional helicopter extension. has 700-kilometres of coastline where a drink with a view can be Discover unseen New Zealand so there is much to explore and enjoyed at the historic and iconic on this iconic adventure to rarely experience here. South Sea Hotel. visited shores.

WWW.WILDEARTHTRAVEL.COM 3 INFO@WILDEARTHTRAVEL.COM UNSEEN FIORDLAND, STEWART ISLAND AND THE SNARES

Day 3: The Snares — North East Island Today we plan to Zodiac cruise the craggy coastline of these ancient granite islands on an unforgettable wildlife safari. You’ll soon discover why these pristine nature reserves have been afforded both UNESCO World Heritage status and the highest level of government protection as we explore sea caves and observe wildlife in spectacular numbers. Highlights include Snares Crested Penguins navigating the treacherous ‘Penguin Slide’, New Zealand Fur Seals lazing on jagged rocks, inquisitive Hooker’s/ New Zealand Sea Lions which may approach our Zodiacs © L Gwynn and looking for endemic Snares Fernbirds and Tomtits among the Fiordland’s coast is only in Fiordland include Doubtful large tree daisy forests. Sooty accessible by sea, making it Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron Shearwaters are often seen in the most remote region of New Passage, Astronomer’s Point and incredible numbers rafting on the Zealand’s mainland. Waterfalls, Pickersgill Harbour. During our water and Buller’s Albatross have streams, rivers and fiords are time in Dusky Sound there will be also been observed nesting and enveloped with misty veils that the opportunity to experience soaring above these priceless come and go, revealing steep an unforgettable helicopter flight ecosystems. gradients of mountain peaks through the Sound swooping and sheltered valleys. A rugged down alongside Cooper Island Days 4 – 6: Fiordland terrain, the thickly forested floors and Cook Channel with a landing are covered with ferns, lichens on Mt Pender where spectacular We have three days to explore and mosses. Bottlenose Dolphins, vistas of islands stretching into the the incredible wilderness of fiords Fiordland Crested Penguins and horizon and dotting the winding in the south-west corner of the Little Penguins are all residents of fiords can be enjoyed. On the South Island. This is an area rich the fiords; during our time here evening of Day 6 we will enjoy a in history, majestic scenery and we will look out for them. Our celebratory dinner with newfound abundant in wildlife. Fiordland schedule gives us the flexibility to friends and reflect on a wealth was well known to local Maori visit as much as possible, areas of new experiences from our people, with the demi-god Tu-te- we plan to visit during our time adventure. raki-whanoa being said to have used his adze, Te Hamo, to carve out the region’s fiords. Captain Cook and his crew landed here on HMS Resolution in 1773, they were the first Europeans to visit Fiordland, subsequently spending five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook’s records of his discovery and maps attracted sealers and whalers not long after who then formed the first European settlements of New Zealand, historically this region is very important and shaped the future of the country. © Heritage Expeditions

WWW.WILDEARTHTRAVEL.COM 4 INFO@WILDEARTHTRAVEL.COM UNSEEN FIORDLAND, STEWART ISLAND AND THE SNARES

DATES Voyage #SOE2188 28 February – 7 March 2021 PRICES Heritage Suite NZ$8,450 pp Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed and a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.

Mini Suite NZ$7,495 pp Separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.

Superior Plus NZ$6,995 pp Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Superior NZ$6,495 pp One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Main Deck NZ$5,495 pp Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and © H Dohn drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole. Day 7: Milford Sound Our final plan will be determined Enjoy a final breakfast on board by the weather. The Captain and Main Deck Triple NZ$4,495 pp One bunk (one upper and one lower berth) and one Spirit of Enderby before saying Expedition Leader will work hard additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and farewell to the expedition team to make the best use of our time drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. then enjoying a spectacular in this incredible region of New These cabins have a porthole. 3-hour nature cruise of Milford Zealand, including areas that few Sound under the shadow of New Zealanders have visited. OPTIONAL CHARGE mighty Mitre Peak, lunch and Helicopter Excursion NZ$450 pp a visit to the Milford Sound During our voyage, (All prices are per person in NZ$) Underwater Observatory circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate PRICE INCLUDES Following this we will transfer from the proposed itinerary. Pre/post cruise transfers, one night hotel you to the Hilton Queenstown This can include poor weather accommodation in a twin share room and opportunities for making Resort & Spa, stopping at Mirror (incl. dinner/breakfast), all on board Lakes, Knobs Flat and Homer unplanned excursions. Your ship accommodation with meals and all Tunnel along the way, where you Expedition Leader will keep you expedition shore excursions (excluding will spend the final night of the fully informed. Helicopter Excursion). expedition. This evening enjoy an informal dinner at the hotel with PRICE EXCLUDES your fellow adventurers. All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities and Helicopter Day 8: Queenstown Excursion. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance. Enjoy a final breakfast in the hotel restaurant with your fellow travellers before saying your farewells and embarking on your next adventure. 2188190121CC

WWW.WILDEARTHTRAVEL.COM 5 INFO@WILDEARTHTRAVEL.COM © P Tyree

Heritage Suites: Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed and a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.

Mini Suites: Separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.

Superior Plus Cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows. *Cabin 411 has a double bed with upper bunk.

Superior Cabins: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Main Deck Cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.

Main Deck Triple: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth) and one additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.

Freephone: 0800 945 3327 (within NZ) 1800 107 715 (within Australia) Antarctic House, 53B Montreal Street, P.O. Box 7218, Christchurch 8240, New Zealand. Tel +64 3 365 1355 [email protected] www.wildearth-travel.com