Northern Fiords Explorer

Experience the primordial majesty of Fiordland’s Northern Fiords where clouds scud the ragged peaks of glacier-cleaved mountains streaked with waterfalls as we explore Milford Sound and the more remote Bligh, George, Caswell, Nancy, Thompson and Doubtful Sounds, accessible only by expedition ship, on this 7-day voyage aboard 18-guest expedition yacht Heritage Explorer.

Established in 1952, 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. As we explore these remote ice-carved mountains, verdant rainforests and winding fiords it is easy to see how this incredible region inspired our dream for responsible travel.

Captain Cook and his crew were the first Europeans to visit, landing here aboard HMS Resolution in 1773 and subsequently spending five weeks in Dusky Sound. Cook’s records of his discovery and maps would attract sealers and whalers not long after, who would go on to form the first European settlements of New Zealand. From the middle of the 19th Century, this interior coastline would attract the attention of those in search of hidden greenstone or New Zealand jade. Historically this region is very important in New Zealand history as it shaped the future of the country. 

The Northern Fiords isolation has been beneficial in ensuring their epic beauty remains unspoiled and historic sites undisturbed. Join us as we sail the calm waters of Fiordland in solitude exploring some of the most unique and wild parts of Fiordland on this unforgettable adventure.