07 Mar 2021

Adventures in Unseen Fiordland

Having sailed overnight from Milford, we arrived at Thompson Sound at first light and in time to take the Zodiacs across the bar into Pandora Creek on the high tide.

After Zodiac cruising as far up the creek as we could, it was time to explore the luxuriantly dripping Fiordland forest, the area's conservation and the story of the rocks under our feet. Fragrant orchids bloomed on an overhanging tree, as shags and kingfishers hunted for their breakfast in the clear waters.

After our own breakfast we went ashore at The Neck and Deas Cove to explore the bush, before heading for Blanket Bay at the landward tip of Secretary Island. Two very determined guests from Auckland joined us here by helicopter, having been delayed by the Auckland lockdown. Six other passengers took a scenic helicopter flight from there, enjoying a landing on the hinterland hills.

With the weather holding out, we took the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon Zodiac cruise up the southern shore of Secretary Island in Doubtful Sound, where we stopped off for a short walk into the bush at Grono Bay. With deer eradicated from the island, the recovery of the understory was in spectacular contrast to our earlier mainland landing.

Back on board Spirit of Enderby, we carried on to the Shelter Islands where we experienced the rolling swell of the open sea, before crossing to traverse the spectacular south side of Bauza Island and make our way back to Blanket Bay.

Image from file © S.Bradley, Heritage Expeditions