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Heritage Explorer, Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound ex Blenheim Return

Cruise Heritage Explorer, Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound ex Blenheim Return
Cruise Line Heritage Expeditions
Ship Heritage Explorer
Destination South Pacific & New Zealand
Brief Description 4 Night Cruise sailing from Picton roundtrip aboard Heritage Explorer.
Type of Cruise Expedition
Departure Date 05 Dec 2024
Cruise Description 4 Night Cruise sailing from Picton roundtrip aboard Heritage Explorer.

Unseen Queen Charlotte Sound: A Walking Cruise of Queen Charlotte Sound

Day 1: Blenheim
Make your way to the designated meeting point in Blenheim for your transfer to Heritage Explorer in Picton (times and meeting point will be confirmed with your voyage documents). The captain and expedition team will be waiting to welcome you aboard Heritage Explorer and show you to your cabin. You will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself on board then join fellow travellers and your expedition team as we set sail along Queen Charlotte Sound this afternoon.

Day 2: Ship Cove & Tory Channel
We have three full days to explore the waterways, islands, walkways and tracks of scenic Queen Charlotte Sound. First sighted in 1642 by Abel Janszoon Tasman while seeking shelter for his ships Heemskerck and Zeehaen from a storm near d’Urville Island, it was Captain James Cook who would first set foot here aboard the Endeavour during his five visits to Ship Cove, his New Zealand base between 1770 and 1777, in what he would call Queen Charlotte Sound. Today we plan to explore Tory Channel where the skeletal remains of the Perano Whaling Station provides a reminder of the region’s early whaling history and perhaps follow in their footsteps up to the lookout on Arapawa Island where epic views across the channel can be enjoyed. We also plan to visit Ship Cove to explore the region and learn of its history visiting Captain Cook’s memorial inaugurated in 1913 and perhaps walking through ancient, native bush to Ship Cove Waterfall.

Day 3: Queen Charlotte Walkway
A true expedition day, today we look to explore sections of New Zealand’s famed Queen Charlotte Walkway, once a network of pioneer day bridle paths. One of the country’s most diverse coastal tracks, we will make several stops to experience its peerless coastal views, native bush, historic bays, endless skyline ridges and unsurpassed views of the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Set your own pace with opportunities for drop offs and pick ups at various bays. Enjoy shorter walks and lunch on board or collect a packed lunch and spend the day immersed in nature.

Day 4: Motuara & Blumine Islands
Conservation and exploration go hand in hand today as we explore the rarely-visited island sanctuaries of Motuara and Blumine Islands. Fascinating history abounds on Blumine Island where WWII military ruins await exploration, native species flourish and stunning views combine along the Oruawairua Track of this former Pilot and Signal Station Reserve, sheep farm and now scenic reserve. Several rare bird species including the once widespread Orange-fronted Parakeet, now New Zealand’s rarest parakeet, were translocated to the island between 2011 and 2012 which is also home to South Island Saddleback, brought back from the brink of extinction last century from just 36 birds rescued in 1964, descendants of these birds were translocated to Blumine Island in 2009. On Motuara Island journey along the scenic loop track flanked by native bush and accompanied by the soundtrack of flourishing birdlife to the island’s summit for spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding islands, Cook Strait and the North Island (on a clear day). Predator-free since the early 1990s, the island is now a haven for Saddleback, South Island Robin, Yellow-crowned parakeet and Maud Island frogs which have all been relocated here. Motuara also serves as a crèche for Rowi Kiwi.

Day 5: Blenheim
Sailing into Picton this morning we enjoy a final breakfast and farewells before you are transferred to a central Blenheim drop-off point or the airport. In case of unexpected delays, we ask you not to book any onward travel from Blenheim until after midday.
Sailing Dates
05 Dec 2024
Pricing
Please enquire for pricing
Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
5 Dec 2024 Blenheim, New Zealand Transfer to Picton
5 Dec 2024 Picton, New Zealand Embark
6 Dec 2024 Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand
7 Dec 2024 Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand
8 Dec 2024 Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand
9 Dec 2024 Picton, New Zealand Disembark Transfer to Blenheim
9 Dec 2024 Blenheim, New Zealand
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.

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