Since the incredible experience of our first group venture into Fiordland aboard the vessel Heritage Explorer in 2022, we have been wanting to experience the Marlborough Sounds with them. Anyone who has been on one of our weeks in the deep south on Heritage Explorer will tell you how memorable it is.
In early December 2025 we will be exploring the Marlborough Sounds in-depth. Famed for the breath-taking beauty of its winding cobalt waterways, iconic landscapes, lush native forests, wildlife and remote coastlines, the region is also rich in early New Zealand history and the location of some of the country’s most important conservation efforts. The opportunity to reach parts like d’Urville Island, French Pass, Tawhitinui Reach and both Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds is rare, and our 7 Day expedition aboard Heritage Explorer with her expert crew will allow us the time to really get beneath the surface of these fascinating spots. Here’s a summary of what you can look forward to;
Day 1: Our adventure begins when we meet our fellow voyagers at Hawke’s Bay Airport. We fly to Blenheim where we’ll transfer to our hotel, the wonderful Chateau Marlborough, for the night in readiness for tomorrow.
Day 2: After a hearty breakfast our journey begins in earnest as we’re collected from the hotel and we transfer by road to Havelock at the head of Pelorus Sound. Here the Captain and Expedition Team will be waiting to welcome you aboard Heritage Explorer and show you to your cabin. You’ll have the opportunity to familiarise yourself onboard before joining your fellow travellers and your Expedition Team as we set sail along Pelorus Sound this afternoon and into Kenepuru Sound where we’ll anchor for the night.
Days 3 & 4: After exploring Kenepuru Sound this morning, including our first use of the Zodiac tender craft, we’ll return to Pelorus Sound and into Nydia Bay and the more active amongst us can enjoy walking part of the Nydia Track. There’s lots of bays to explore as we make our way towards Tawhitinui Reach and one of the many picturesque anchorage spots for the night. The morning sees us continuing northward along Pelorus Sound, the largest in Marlborough. With 380kms of remote coastline, Pelorus sits in silent splendour and ready for careful exploration. Nature envelopes us at Ngawhakawhiti Bay where it’s possible to get a feel for what the Sounds would have been like before the native forest was cleared. Tonight, we drop anchor before we reach open water at the mouth of the sound.
Day 5: Today we sail through notorious French Pass, which features the fastest moving tidal flows in New Zealand, in the wake of French explorer Dumont d’Urville and then explore the island named in his honour. The outermost island in the Marlborough Sounds, d’Urville features imposing sea cliffs along its west coast, a high mountainous backbone and some of the country’s finest peninsula scenery. Dolphins and Fur Seals are common in the waters surrounding the island and it’s from here that Pelorus Jack, the endearing Risso’s Dolphin who famously stole the nation’s heart, guided ships across the dangerous waters of the Cook Strait between 1888 and 1912.
Days 6 & 7: First sighted by Abel Tasman in 1642, it was Captain James Cook aboard Endeavour, who would first set foot in Queen Charlotte Sound and make Ship’s Cove his base during his five visits between 1770 and 1777. We’ll spend two days exploring the waterways and islands of this spectacular sound with opportunities to head ashore and walk a section of the Queen Charlotte Walkway as well as visiting the birdlife on predator-free islands. A visit to Tory Channel brings the history of the Perano Whalers to life. We’ll also spend time in Ship’s Cove itself and learn its history, exploring the Cove and visiting the remote Captain Cook Memorial inaugurated in 1913. Blumine Island is another conservation success story with rare birds like the Orange-fronted Parakeet and South Island Saddleback both now thriving on the island after being translocated. On our final night together, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner and look back on the highlights of the last week.
Day 8: We arrive into the inner reaches or Queen Charlotte Sound and after a final breakfast and farewells we disembark at Picton & transfer to Blenheim Airport for our flights home to Hawke’s Bay.
Heritage Explorer will be our floating home for the 7 days we explore. It’s a 30-metre, 4-deck New Zealand flagged vessel built in 2004 and features a contemporary wood-finished interior, 10 well-appointed ensuite cabins across three decks, a dining room boasting spectacular 180-degree panoramas and theatre capabilities; lounge and bar featuring a flight of inclusive regional New Zealand wines, beers and spirits; and a well-stocked local library. Outside, guests can enjoy plenty of covered space on the Bridge Deck or relax on the Sun Deck perfect for wildlife spotting, sunrises and sunsets, or simply enjoying watching your Heritage Explorer voyage unfold. Kayaks and fishing equipment are available for use during the voyage, while two tender craft allow for deeper exploration and the unforgettable wildlife encounters synonymous with all Heritage Expeditions adventures. Heritage Explorer has an open bridge policy and a full commercial kitchen helmed by a talented chef focused on highlighting local produce and any guest catches of the day, as well as an enthusiastic and passionate expedition team, and will be staffed by a New Zealand captain and crew.
The expedition vessel features state-of-the-art technology to provide a comfortable cruising experience with high performance dual Scania 653 engines, bow thrusters, fin stabilisers, full air-conditioning, sound attenuated twin generators and a hydraulic aft ramp, while a comprehensive navigation package ensures the ultimate Kiwi adventure awaits all guests.
The Marlborough Sounds is an area many New Zealanders have travelled through on their way to somewhere else. But few have the opportunity to spend time exploring this magnificent, diverse, historic maritime marvel. Come and enjoy the tranquility of Marlborough’s glittering waterways, under the warmth of December sun, and be part of an extraordinary adventure which will change the way you view this unique part of New Zealand.
Places are strictly limited, so don’t delay!
