Stewart Island Cruise

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enquire now From NZD $4,800 pp twinshare
Terms & Conditions apply

9-15 Oct, 23-29 Oct 2021

Quad cabin berths $4000 pp

Twinshare $4800 pp

King share $5100 pp

Executive King Suite $6200 pp

Day 1 Embarkation

It is recommended to stay in Invercargill or Bluff the night before and after the charter. The ferry will take you from Bluff to Oban where you will board the Fiordland Jewel in Halfmoon Bay, Oban late morning, and then return 7 days later to Halfmoon Bay, Oban. Explore Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera, a 8,900-hectare inlet with 188 kilometres of coastline, formed by post-glaciation flooding 12,000 to 16,000 years ago. The Rakeahua River flows into its South West Arm and the Freshwater River near North Arm. Please note: There are variations are subject to the weather. This is a sample itinerary of a Stewart Island expedition.Plan A is to travel the distance around Stewart Island – approx. 130 to 160 kms. Plan B is to do as much as we can given the Skipper’s judgement and weather conditions whilst you are on board. In addition to below there is also lots of cruising, fishing and kayaking or walking where time allows

Day 2 Ulva Island

Spend the morning exploring the largest island in Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera the Ulva Island bird sanctuary. In the afternoon visit the historic Norwegian whaling station in Prices Inlet and/or kayak Kaipipi Bay. Cruise to Port Adventure, a bay 10 kilometres south along the coast from The Neck the long peninsula at the mouth of Paterson Inlet, popular for fishing, diving and hunting. It was the site of a settlement of 36 Maori who arrived from The Neck in 1843.

Day 3 Port Pegasus

Port Adventure to Port Pegasus. Cruise along the coast which is largely rocky with occasional beaches. South of Lords River/Tutaekawetoweto it is exposed and mostly cliffs. Subsidence has created drowned river valleys such as Tikotatahi Bay, Tutaepawhati Bay and Big Kurii Bay. On arrival in Port Pegasus there may be time for kayaking and/or a short walk before dinner.

Day 4 & 5 Port Pegasus/Pikihatiti

Port Pegasus/Pikihatiti. Explore this large sheltered harbour on the south-east coast. Its inlets, coves and bays cover some 40 square kilometres, with many safe and sheltered anchorages. Four major passages provide access to the sea. The passages in turn open out into two main arms – North Arm and South Arm.It was first charted by William Stewart in 1809. A colonisation enterprise in the 1820s was not successful. Activities around Port Pegasus can include walks and kayaking.

Day 6 Oban

Commence the journey back to Oban along the west or east coast.

Day 7 Disembarkation

Depart the Fiordland Jewel early morning in Oban, and catch the ferry back to Bluff. This cruise around Stewart Island, may include (weather permitting) activities such as: Kayaking Tender boat excursions Walking Launching the ROV to view underwater marine life Some fishing Bluff Oyster dredging

SCENIC, HISTORY & NATURE EXPEDITIONS

Our seven-day Scenic Expeditions are designed for individuals, couples or small groups of family or friends who wish to book a cabin or cabins to join others to experience and explore the inlets, bays and rivers of Stewart Island in a kayak, or in the Fiordland Jewel’s tender boat, if the weather permits there is a chance that we can circumnavigate the island and discover remote areas of Rakiura National Park, which comprises 85% of the island’s 1,570 square kilometers.On most days there will be the opportunity to head to shore, with the chance to stretch your legs. Bush, island and beach walks include the Ulva Island bird sanctuary, historic Norwegian whaling station in Prices Inlet and Little Glory Bay.Experience Stewart Island’s abundant marine and bird life. All nine luxury cabins have sea views and a private ensuite and are fully air-conditioned and heated.Highlights

• Discover Rakiura National Park

• Travel to Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera

• Explore Norwegian whaling station in Prices Inlet

• Visit Port Adventure Bay & Port Pegasus

Inclusions

• Return transport – Bluff-Oban by ferry
• All meals prepared by our on board chef in our commercial kitchen – all dietary requirements are catered for. Our crew dive for seafood/kaimoana
• Some fishing to catch a feed if you wish to do so
• Complimentary tea & coffee
• Use of our kayaks and top-deck hot tub (weather dependent)·In each cabin: Toiletries, body wash & shampoo/conditioner (Evolu), hairdryer, linen and bath towels

Exclusions

• There is a licensed cash bar on board and alcohol is available to purchase. We have a selection of wine, beer & soft drinks (no spirits). Please note: Do not bring alcohol on board with you, as this will breach our liquor license.

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