Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
20% off selected departures
DAYS 5 / SHIP Heritage Explorer
DEPARTURES 27 Jul 2025 / 9 Sep 2025 / 13 Sep 2025 / 29 Jan 2026 / 7 Feb 2026 / 28 Feb 2026 / 12 Mar 2026 / 1 Aug 2026 / 9 Aug 2026
PLACES VISITED
PRICES FROM $2,975 $2,380 USD (More Rates)
Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland’s iconic Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on an unforgettable 5-day exploration with Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising (note our Jan 29 departure is 6 days with an additional day exploring Dusky Sound). Established in 1952, New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is now over 1.2 million hectares in size and rightly famous for its epic, grand-scale scenery, untamed wilderness and unique wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals. However, Fiordland is also rich in natural history, geology and the location of some historical firsts and important restoration and conservation projects.
It was our early exploration of these rarely visited and remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords rich in wildlife, conservation and history which inspired our dream for responsible travel. For this special expedition, we have paired two of the most remote, hard to reach and spectacular of Fiordland’s destinations on the one voyage. Retrace the steps of Captain Cook along the shorelines of World Heritage Area Dusky Sound, one of Fiordland’s largest fiords some 40-kilometres long and studded with more than 350 islands. Equally impressive, New Zealand’s deepest fiord Doubtful Sound boasts lush rainforests, towering waterfalls and resident populations of New Zealand Fur Seals and rare Fiordland Crested Penguins.
Only accessible by sea, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds are among the most isolated areas on New Zealand’s mainland ensuring their pristine, epic beauty remains unspoiled and their historic sites undisturbed. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty
veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. Discover the calm waters of Fiordland in solitude and explore some of its most unique and wild parts on this bucket list voyage.
Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland’s iconic Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on an unforgettable 5-day exploration with Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising (note our Jan 29 departure is 6 days with an additional day exploring Dusky Sound). Established in 1952, New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is now over 1.2 million hectares in size and rightly famous for its epic, grand-scale scenery, untamed wilderness and unique wildlife including Bottlenose Dolphins, Fiordland Crested Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals. However, Fiordland is also rich in natural history, geology and the location of some historical firsts and important restoration and conservation projects.
It was our early exploration of these rarely visited and remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests and winding fiords rich in wildlife, conservation and history which inspired our dream for responsible travel. For this special expedition, we have paired two of the most remote, hard to reach and spectacular of Fiordland’s destinations on the one voyage. Retrace the steps of Captain Cook along the shorelines of World Heritage Area Dusky Sound, one of Fiordland’s largest fiords some 40-kilometres long and studded with more than 350 islands. Equally impressive, New Zealand’s deepest fiord Doubtful Sound boasts lush rainforests, towering waterfalls and resident populations of New Zealand Fur Seals and rare Fiordland Crested Penguins.
Only accessible by sea, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds are among the most isolated areas on New Zealand’s mainland ensuring their pristine, epic beauty remains unspoiled and their historic sites undisturbed. Waterfalls, streams, rivers and fiords are enveloped with misty
veils that come and go, revealing steep gradients of mountain peaks and sheltered valleys. Discover the calm waters of Fiordland in solitude and explore some of its most unique and wild parts on this bucket list voyage.
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ITINERARY
Fiordland Explored: Cruising Fiordland's Iconic Doubtful & Dusky Sounds
Our ship: Heritage Explorer
New Zealand-built expedition yacht Heritage Explorer joins Heritage Expedition's small ship fleet creating new opportunities of discovery around the shores of New Zealand. Setting a new standard for discovery travel in New Zealand, Heritage Explorer combines the ultimate in comfort with unique itineraries and a personalised experience with a maximum of just 18 guests on board.
Heritage Explorer …
Pricing
Fiordland Explored - 27 Jul 2025 to 31 Jul 2025 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Buller's | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Waitlisted | |
|
Salvin's Twin | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Waitlisted | |
|
Salvin's Double | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Waitlisted | |
|
Wandering | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Waitlisted | |
|
Royal | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 30 March 2025 and SAVE 20% on select Fiordland winter departures
T&C's apply, new bookings only made on Heritage Explorer Fiordland voyages departing July - September in 2025 and 2026, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre cruise helicopter transfer and post cruise coach transfer, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, Queenstown packages, extensions and travel insurance.
Fiordland Explored - 9 Sep 2025 to 13 Sep 2025 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Double | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Waitlisted | |
|
|
Wandering | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Waitlisted | |
|
|
Royal | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Waitlisted |
- 10% off selected departures
Book before 30 April 2025 and SAVE 10%
T&C's apply, new bookings only made on select Fiordland voyages departing in July - September 2025, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.- Includes:
Landing fees, pre cruise helicopter transfer and post cruise coach transfer, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, Queenstown packages, extensions and travel insurance.
Fiordland Explored - 13 Sep 2025 to 17 Sep 2025 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Waitlisted | |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Double | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Wandering | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Waitlisted | |
|
|
Royal | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Waitlisted |
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 30 March 2025 and SAVE 20% on select Fiordland winter departures
T&C's apply, new bookings only made on Heritage Explorer Fiordland voyages departing July - September in 2025 and 2026, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre cruise helicopter transfer and post cruise coach transfer, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, Queenstown packages, extensions and travel insurance.
Fiordland Explored - 29 Jan 2026 to 3 Feb 2026 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | $3,750 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | $4,195 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
|
Salvin's Double | $4,195 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
|
Wandering | $4,405 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
|
Royal | $5,035 USD | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre cruise helicopter transfer and post cruise coach transfer, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, Queenstown packages, extensions and travel insurance.
Fiordland Explored - 7 Feb 2026 to 11 Feb 2026 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | $3,125 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
|
Salvin's Double | $3,495 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | $3,495 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
|
Wandering | $3,670 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
|
Royal | $4,195 USD | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Waitlisted |
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre cruise helicopter transfer and post cruise coach transfer, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, Queenstown packages, extensions and travel insurance.
Fiordland Explored - 28 Feb 2026 to 4 Mar 2026 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | $3,125 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | $3,495 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
|
Salvin's Double | $3,495 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
|
Wandering | $3,670 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
|
Royal | $4,195 USD | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Waitlisted |
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre cruise helicopter transfer and post cruise coach transfer, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, Queenstown packages, extensions and travel insurance.
Fiordland Explored - 12 Mar 2026 to 16 Mar 2026 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | $3,125 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | $3,495 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Waitlisted |
|
|
Salvin's Double | $3,495 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available |
|
|
Wandering | $3,670 USD | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available |
|
|
Royal | $4,195 USD | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Waitlisted |
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre cruise helicopter transfer and post cruise coach transfer, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, Queenstown packages, extensions and travel insurance.
Fiordland Explored - 1 Aug 2026 to 5 Aug 2026 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Double | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Wandering | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Royal | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 30 March 2025 and SAVE 20% on select Fiordland winter departures
T&C's apply, new bookings only made on Heritage Explorer Fiordland voyages departing July - September in 2025 and 2026, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre cruise helicopter transfer and post cruise coach transfer, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, Queenstown packages, extensions and travel insurance.
Fiordland Explored - 9 Aug 2026 to 13 Aug 2026 - Heritage Explorer
| Cabin Category | Price Per Person | Description | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Buller's | Located on the Lower Deck, the Buller’s cabin features one bunk (one upper and one lower berth), ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Twin | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Twin cabins feature two lower berths, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Salvin's Double | Located on the Lower Deck, Salvin’s Double cabins feature a double bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a picture porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Wandering | Located on the Lower Deck, Wandering cabins feature one lower single berth, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, TV, PABX satellite telephone, private en suite and a porthole. | Available | |
|
|
Royal | Located on the Bridge Deck, our Master Suite features a spacious bedroom with a queen-sized bed, ample storage with wardrobe and drawers, mirror and washbasin, private en suite, personal climate control, TV, PABX satellite telephone, window and French doors opening out on to the covered Bridge Deck. | Available |
- 20% off selected departures
Book before 30 March 2025 and SAVE 20% on select Fiordland winter departures
T&C's apply, new bookings only made on Heritage Explorer Fiordland voyages departing July - September in 2025 and 2026, excludes landing fees and optional extras, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
- Includes:
Landing fees, pre cruise helicopter transfer and post cruise coach transfer, all on board ship accommodation with meals and all shore excursions and activities. GST, house drinks, expert on board naturalist guides.
- Excludes:
All items of a personal nature, laundry, domestic flights, Queenstown packages, extensions and travel insurance.
What a privilege to explore this remote part of Aotearoa with a fabulous crew and fellow expeditioners. Beautiful serene steep sided fiords with countless waterfalls and classic fiordland mist. Bow-riding dolphins, penguins, albatrosses and even whales were spotted. The native bush was a showcase of New Zealand's finest southern forest featuring beech, rata, rimu, miro and a lush carpet of mosses… READ MORE
K JOHNS
K JOHNS
The trip of a lifetime!
Great staff, excellent meals and good company with everything so well organised.
A competent skipper who sought out the best moorings and allowed us on the bridge.
Enthusiastic and informative guides and most impressive to see how they all worked together.
The engineer could turn his hand to any task as well as keeping the ship running.
The weather couldn’t hav… READ MORE
J
J
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