13 Mar 2023

Catching the highs and clear blue skies at Marlborough Sounds

The early morning skies had cleared up as guests finished breakfast and Heritage Adventurer steamed towards the Marlborough Sounds. In between lectures, we were treated to a spectacle of Bottlenose Dolphins playing in the wake of the pilot boat.

As we entered the northern end of Queen Charlotte Sound, the sun illuminated the beautiful native bush. Guests disembarked for a wander on Motuara Island, a beautiful predator-free island with a lookout and monument commemorating Captain Cook's early arrival.

Afterwards we boarded the Zodiacs across to Ship Cove to explore the Queen Charlotte's waterfall track, at the monument we learned about Captain Cook's time here. As we explored the shores of Ship Cove we also observed an inquisitive Weka engaged in a random baggage check as Oystercatchers fed along the water's edge.

Before heading back to the ship we relived the day's adventures and enjoyed a wonderfully prepared dinner at the ship's restaurant. More hot drinks were cradled on the vessel while the staff presented at recap and everyone settled in for the night as we sailed to Abel Tasman.

Image (c): F.Wardle