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2026

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2027

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2028

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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
From
US $10,607 per person

New Zealand Expedition Cruise Wellington → Queenstown (2027)

11 days
From Wellington to Bluff
4.1
26 traveler reviews
From
US $
+ $1,004 Port Taxes/Fees

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Sailing
Catch the wind and set sail for new horizons
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 200
Ages 8+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Wellington

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Coral Adventurer)
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  2. Day 2

    Motuara Island

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Visit James Cook memorial at Meretoto/Ship Cove
    • Walk through wildlife sanctuary on Motuara Island
    • Shoreline walk with views of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound
    Landmarks
    James Cook Memorial at Meretoto/Ship Cove
    Motuara Island
    Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound
  3. Day 3

    Kaikōura

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Whale watching excursion by catamaran with onboard hydrophones
    • 3.5 kilometre peninsular track walk with scenic views
    • Marine wildlife observation (dolphins, seals, albatrosses)

    Optional Activities

    • Free time in Kaikōura township
    Landmarks
    Kaikōura
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  4. Day 4

    Christchurch

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic drive from Akaroa to Christchurch
    • Self-guided exploration of Christchurch city centre

    Optional Activities

    • Hop-on hop-off tram tour of Christchurch city centre with live commentary
    Landmarks
    Christchurch Botanic Gardens
    Canterbury Museum Christchurch
  5. Day 5

    Dunedin

    Meals
    Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • City tour of Dunedin with guided highlights
    • Special welcome presentation from Marae member at Araiteuru
    • Visit to Oveiston House
    • Visit to Flemish Renaissance-style Railway Station
    • View of Dunedin University
    • View of Baldwin Street (world's steepest street)

    Optional Activities

    • Free time to explore Dunedin at own pace
    Landmarks
    Araiteuru
    Oveiston House
    Dunedin Railway Station
    Dunedin University
    Baldwin Street
  6. Day 6

    Stewart Island

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Guided exploration of Stewart Island
    • Access to ancient forests and hiking trails

    Optional Activities

    • Self-guided exploration at leisure
    • Various hikes suited to different fitness levels
    • Visit Oban coastal town
    • Visit former whaling station
    Landmarks
    Stewart Island
    Oban
  7. Day 7

    Fiordland National Park

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic viewing of Dusky Sound from ship
    • Navigation through Acheron Passage with captain commentary
    • Wildlife and scenery observation
    Landmarks
    Dusky Sound
    Acheron Passage
    Fiordland National Park
    Te Wāhipounamu
  8. Day 8

    Doubtful Sound

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic navigation through The Gut into Doubtful Sound
    • Easy short walk between Deas Cove and Neck Cove
    • Wildlife observation (bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins, unique flora and fauna)

    Optional Activities

    • Tender vessel cruise exploring Doubtful Sound coastline and local history
    Landmarks
    Doubtful Sound (Pātea)
    Thompson Sound
    Deas Cove
    Neck Cove
    Itinerary Image 1
  9. Day 9

    Milford Sound

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic viewing of Milford Sound
    • Tender vessel excursion to waterfalls and coastline

    Optional Activities

    • Explore rugged coastline searching for fur seals, dolphins and penguins
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound
  10. Day 10

    Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island)

    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic sailing past Solander Island
    • Birdlife observation from ship or tender vessel (weather permitting)
    Landmarks
    Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island)
  11. Day 11

    Bluff to Queenstown

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Landmarks
    Bluff
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

APT

4.1
(26 reviews)

Number of tours

231

Age Range

8 to 99 years old

Response time

within 3 days

Response rate

67%

A family-owned company since its conception in the 1920s. APT had its...

Read more

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Reviews from other tours by APT

  • John
    February 6th, 2023
    4.0
    The tour started on a wrong note because we were not met at the airport in Auckland. After some time and effort...
    Show more
  • David
    March 23rd, 2020
    5.0
    Our tour director, Daniel, did a really good job and made our 6 days very enjoyable. The bus driver was also very...
    Show more
  • Anonymous
    January 28th, 2012
    4.0
    We went on the Southern Sensation premier plus tour. It was absolutely amazing!! We live in the North Island and i...
    Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 22 Apr, 2026
  • From Monday
    4 Jan, 2027
    To Thursday
    14 Jan, 2027
    Not available in your region
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More benefits
Can’t find the answer to your question?
From
US $
+ $1,004 Port Taxes/Fees

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 314546

  • Currency
    $
    New Zealand Dollar
    New Zealand
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.

    Type I
    New Zealand
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 15th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 15th, 2026, a minimum payment of $750 is required to confirm your booking with APT. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 120 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • The following cards are accepted for "APT" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec